HPAS/Allied Mains 2022 Answer Writing Challenge Day 02: Model Answer

Question: Natural vegetation is the outcome of climate.’ Explain the statement with reference the natural vegetation of India.              8 Marks

 Answer: 

Introduction – Natural vegetation follows climate that is Temperature and rainfall. With the change in these two elements natural vegetation changes across the globe. In India and Himachal Pradesh we can witness this pattern too. India is majorly lying in the Tropical and subtropical zone therefore, having maximum area under Tropical Forest. The Himalayan ranges and few peninsular mountains are having Temperate vegetation in India.  According to the state forest of Report 2021 we have 24.56% of forests in India.

1. The areas of high temperature (25⁰ C) throughout the year and high rainfall (more than 200 cm) witness Tropical Evergreen Vegetation like in western ghats, Andaman and Nicobar, North Eastern Part of India and Lower belts of Himachal Pradesh. The vegetation here is Mahogany, Ebony, Rosewood. According to the State Forest of Report 2021 India is having such 12% of these forests.
2. The regions of High temperature through out the year but with the moderate rainfall (75-150 cm) observe Tropical deciduous forests like in the majority part of interior India. The vegetation here is Sal, Shesham, Tendu, Palas. India is having maximum concentration of these forests that is 67%.
3. Tropical Thorny Vegetation are found in the areas of low rainfall (50 cm) like Rajasthan, Gujarat, Lahaul Spiti etc. Vegetation found here are babool, Ber, and Date Palm.
4. Temperate Forests are found in the areas of low temperate of India in the Himalayan belt and in the high peaks of South India. Himachal is having maximum area under these forests. Tree found in this zone are Pine, Deodar, Fir, Juniper and rhododendrons

Conclusion – The Natural vegetation is very much required to check climate change, control pollution and over all maintaining an ecological balance and sustainable living therefore, constant endeavours are being put up to increase the quantity and quality of natural vegetation in India.