Final answer:
The challenges in increasing forest cover in India include soil erosion, poor seed and sapling quality, lack of irrigation, and agricultural encroachment. Efforts to expand forest cover face numerous obstacles that must be addressed for successful reforestation and conservation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question pertains to forest cover in India and the challenges faced in increasing it to a targeted 33%. While efforts have been made to expand forest cover, several factors could be hindering the thriving of these new forests. These factors include:
- Soil erosion and soil quality: Without forest cover, soil erosion rates increase, leading to the loss of arable land and the decline in the quality of the soil, which is essential for forest growth.
- Low quality of seeds and saplings: Planting materials of inferior quality can lead to poor growth and survival rates of new forests.
- Lack of irrigation in forest areas: Insufficient water supply for newly planted trees can hinder their growth, especially in areas prone to drought.
- Cultivating food grains within forest areas: Utilizing forest land for agriculture leads to deforestation and can degrade the land, making it unsuitable for forest regeneration.
Countries such as China are addressing the challenge of deforestation with replanting programs and conservation measures, while other nations continue to grapple with the consequences of extensive deforestation. Increasing forest cover not only has environmental benefits but is also crucial for economic growth and the preservation of biodiversity.