A large forest is cleared to build a new town. Explain how this harms the land, the water and the air of the area, and suggest two ways to bring the forest cover back.

1. 1 · Define. Deforestation is the cutting down of natural forest cover.
2. 2 · Why it happens. Forests are cleared for crops, grazing, wood, paper, housing, roads and industries.
3. 3 · Harmful effects.
   • Loss of habitat and of many species (biodiversity).
   • Soil erosion, a lower water table, less rainfall and desertification.
   • More CO₂ in the air, adding to global warming.
4. 4 · Restore forests.
   • Reforestation and afforestation, backed by strict laws against felling.
   • Silviculture, social forestry and Van Mahotsav planting.
5. 5 · Real life. The Chipko movement showed how local people can protect forests.
6. 6 · Close in one line. So every tree cut should be replaced by more trees.

Scoring tip: Write the effects as a list of three; each correct effect usually earns a mark.