MEV 014: Unit 05 – Forest and Grassland as Resource

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 UNIT 5: FOREST AND GRASSLAND AS RESOURCE

5.0 Introduction

Forests and grasslands are essential natural ecosystems that provide a wide range of ecological, economic, social, and cultural services. They are vital for maintaining biodiversity, regulating the climate, preventing soil erosion, and supplying resources like timber, fuelwood, food, and medicine.

Forests cover about one-third of Earth’s surface, while grasslands are widespread across continents and serve as grazing lands, wildlife habitats, and food-growing areas. India, with its diverse geography and climate, has various forest types and significant grassland regions that support both biodiversity and livelihoods.

However, these resources are under threat due to increasing population pressure, urbanization, industrial development, and unsustainable practices like overgrazing and deforestation.

5.1 Objectives

After studying this unit, learners will be able to:

·         Define forest and grassland resources.

·         Understand the types, distribution, and importance of forests in India.

·         Identify medicinal and herbal resources found in forests.

·         Describe the use and over-exploitation of forest and grassland resources.

·         Understand deforestation—its causes and consequences.

·         Recognize challenges in forest and grassland resource conservation.

5.2 Forest Resources

Forests are large areas covered with trees and undergrowth. They are home to a wide variety of plants, animals, fungi, and microorganisms. Forests provide essential services like oxygen production, carbon storage, rainfall regulation, and habitat for wildlife.

Uses of Forests:

·         Timber, firewood, and bamboo

·         Fruits, nuts, honey, and fodder

·         Medicinal plants and herbs

·         Habitat for tribal communities

·         Protection of watersheds and prevention of soil erosion

·         Recreational and cultural benefits

5.3 Forests in India: Vegetation, Status, and Distribution

India has rich and varied forest cover due to its diverse climate, soil types, and geography.

5.3.1 Major Forest Types and Their Characteristics:

1.      Tropical Evergreen Forests

o    Found in Western Ghats, Northeast India, Andaman and Nicobar Islands

o    Dense, tall trees, heavy rainfall areas

o    Trees: Ebony, Mahogany, Rosewood

2.      Tropical Deciduous Forests

o    Most widespread type

o    Shed leaves during dry season

o    Trees: Teak, Sal, Sandalwood

3.      Thorn Forests and Scrubs

o    Found in Rajasthan, Gujarat, parts of Madhya Pradesh

o    Sparse vegetation, dry climate

o    Trees: Acacia, Cactus

4.      Montane Forests

o    Found in Himalayan regions

o    Coniferous trees in higher altitudes

o    Trees: Pine, Deodar, Fir

5.      Mangrove Forests

o    Found in coastal regions like Sundarbans (West Bengal)

o    Salt-tolerant trees

o    Trees: Sundari, Palm

5.3.2 Monitoring the Changes in Forest Area

Changes in forest area are monitored using:

·         Remote sensing and satellite imagery

·         GIS (Geographic Information Systems)

·         Forest surveys by government agencies

·         Reports by the Forest Survey of India (FSI)

The India State of Forest Report (ISFR) is published every two years to monitor forest cover, tree cover, and forest health.

5.4 Medicinal and Herbal Resources

Forests are a source of a wide range of medicinal and herbal plants used in traditional Indian medicine (Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani systems). Some of the commonly used medicinal plants include:

·         Neem – antiseptic and antibacterial

·         Tulsi (Holy Basil) – used for coughs and colds

·         Ashwagandha – stress and energy enhancer

·         Amla – rich in vitamin C

·         Turmeric – antiseptic and anti-inflammatory

·         Giloy – boosts immunity

Medicinal plants support the pharmaceutical industry and are also an important source of income for local communities and tribal populations.

5.5 Use and Over-Exploitation

Forests and grasslands are used for:

·         Timber for construction and furniture

·         Firewood and charcoal

·         Grazing and fodder for livestock

·         Collection of minor forest produce (honey, gum, resins)

·         Medicinal herbs and cultural products

Over-exploitation Issues:

·         Illegal logging and timber trade

·         Overgrazing by cattle

·         Expansion of agriculture into forest land

·         Mining and infrastructure projects

·         Forest fires, often caused by human negligence

Unsustainable use depletes resources and disrupts the ecological balance, leading to degradation and desertification.

5.6 Deforestation

Deforestation means the removal or clearing of forests, often to make way for agriculture, urbanization, or industries. It results in the loss of biodiversity, affects climate, and threatens the lives of forest-dependent people and animals.

5.6.1 Major Causes of Deforestation:

1.      Agricultural Expansion: Converting forests into farmlands.

2.      Urban Development: Clearing forests for cities and settlements.

3.      Timber Extraction: Commercial logging for wood products.

4.      Mining: Forests cleared for coal, iron, bauxite, etc.

5.      Overgrazing: Damage by excessive cattle grazing.

6.      Infrastructure Projects: Roads, dams, and railways.

7.      Forest Fires: Accidental or deliberate burning.

5.6.2 Major Consequences of Deforestation:

·         Loss of biodiversity and extinction of species

·         Climate change due to increased CO₂ levels

·         Soil erosion and desertification

·         Water cycle disruption and reduced rainfall

·         Livelihood loss for forest-dependent communities

·         Human-wildlife conflict due to habitat destruction

5.7 Issues and Challenges for Resource Supply

The sustainable supply of forest and grassland resources is challenged by:

·         Population pressure and demand for land

·         Weak forest governance and corruption

·         Conflict between conservation and development

·         Lack of community participation in resource management

·         Climate change and erratic weather patterns

·         Illegal trade in timber, herbs, and wildlife products

5.8 Let’s Sum Up

·         Forests and grasslands are vital for biodiversity, livelihood, and environmental stability.

·         India has diverse forest types, each with unique vegetation and functions.

·         Forests provide a range of products like wood, fuel, and medicinal plants.

·         Over-exploitation leads to forest degradation and deforestation.

·         Deforestation has serious environmental and social consequences.

·         Effective conservation, monitoring, and sustainable practices are essential to protect forest and grassland resources.

 

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