FOREST OF INDIA
Forests are important national and natural resources in India. India possesses variety of forests and vegetation according to its climatic conditions and types of soil. The area under forests is about 1.5 lakhs hectares, which accounts for about 22.1 per cent of total area of the country.
Types of forests are more than one. These are
- The Topical forests
These are evergreen and semi evergreen forests where rainfall is between 200-300 centimeters. These forests are located at Western Ghats ranges. These forests are very thick. Tea, sal, sandalwood trees and tea plantation are common in these areas.
- Thorn forests
These forests are dry forests where vegetation is very poor. These forests have scattered growth of wild dates and babul trees which have long roots and sharp thorns.
- Tidal forests
These forests have grown in the deltas of rivers which are subjected to tides. The Ganga and the Mahanadi deltas are more important. In the deltas of Ganga the forests ‘Sundarban’ named after ‘Sundari trees’ which grow there and are used for tanning and fire woods. The famous Royal Bengal Tigers are inhabitant of Sundarban in large numbers.
- Forests of Himalayan region
In the Himalayan region, the forests differ with the differences of latitude or height. In the high mountain areas oak, beech, sal and teak trees are normally seen, but in the low latitude, with the above trees are also seen, trees of fruits, medicines, vegetables and food products.
Forests bliss us with rains as tree maintain environmental systems. Mountain clouds struck the mountains and causes rain. Forest provides us different types of wood, bamboos for producing papers, resin, fruits, honey and different types of medicines.
Different types of animals, birds and snakes are also available in the forest. People collect hides and skins in plenty from forests. It also provides some raw material for the development of industries as paper manufacture and furniture making.
All the national parts and sanctuaries are in the forests areas. In sanctuaries birds and animals are maintained in their natural habitat. Forests help in maintaining a good environment and ecological balance.