India is a country with vast land resources. Land use pattern in India is an important factor that determines the country’s economic and social development. Over the years, the land use patterns in India have changed significantly. This article will discuss the land use pattern in India and why the land under forest has not increased much since 1960-61.
Land Use Pattern In India
Land use in India is mainly divided into three categories: agricultural land, forestland, and non-agricultural land. The majority of land in India is used for agricultural purposes, such as growing crops and raising livestock. Forestland in India is mainly used for timber production and for conserving the natural environment. Non-agricultural land is used for industrial and urban development.
The land use pattern in India is largely influenced by the country’s population growth and changing economic conditions. As the population increases, more land is needed for agricultural production, urban development, and industrial activities. This has led to a decrease in the amount of land available for forest conservation.
Forest Land Since 1960-61
In 1960-61, the total forest area in India was estimated to be around 66.8 million hectares. Since then, the forest area has increased by only 2.7 million hectares. This is largely due to the increasing pressure on forest resources from population growth, urbanization, and industrial activities.
The increase in the forest area has been mainly due to the afforestation efforts of the government. The government has implemented various policies and programs to promote afforestation and encourage people to plant trees. These efforts have helped to increase the forest cover in India, but the rate of increase has been slow.
In conclusion, it is clear that the land use pattern in India has changed significantly over the years. The total forest area in India has not increased much since 1960-61, due to the increasing pressure on forest resources from population growth, urbanization, and industrial activities. However, the government has taken various measures to promote afforestation and increase the forest cover in the country.
