As per the latest report by ISFR the total forest and tree cover area of India is how much of its geographical spread?

Appeared in: NCL (MP) Nursing Officer - 2020

Explanation

The question requires knowledge of the latest India State of Forest Report (ISFR).
The ISFR 2021 data is the most recent official source.
According to this report, the total forest and tree cover in India is 24.62% of its geographical area.
This value is factually less than 25%, making this the correct option.

Option A: This is incorrect. The actual figure of 24.62% is significantly higher than 20%.
Option C: This is incorrect. The actual value is 24.62%, which is slightly below the 25% mark.
Option D: This is incorrect. This figure is substantially higher than the current cover. The national goal set by the National Forest Policy (1988) is 33%, so 35% is an aspirational target, not the current reality.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain India's Forest and Tree Cover (ISFR Data) as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
From a public health perspective, forest cover is vital. Forests act as 'green lungs,' improving air quality by absorbing pollutants (like particulate matter and SO₂) and producing oxygen, which helps reduce the incidence of respiratory diseases such as asthma and COPD.
Forests play a crucial role in climate regulation, mitigating extreme heat, and preventing soil erosion and floods. This protects community health by ensuring water safety and reducing the risk of water-borne and vector-borne diseases.
What if the forest cover was to reach the national target of 33%? This would likely lead to a significant improvement in air quality, a reduction in the burden of respiratory illnesses, enhanced water security, and a lower impact of climate-related disasters on public health infrastructure.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core of the question: it asks for the percentage of India's area covered by forests and trees according to the 'latest ISFR report'.
Recall or deduce the approximate figure from general knowledge or environmental studies. The most recent data from ISFR 2021 puts this value at 24.62%.
Compare this value (24.62%) with the given options.
Option A (Less than 20%) is too low.
Option B (Less than 25%) is a perfect fit, as 24.62 is less than 25.
Options C (More than 25%) and D (More than 35%) are both too high.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Comprehensive Textbook of Community Health NursingShyamala D part 1 (pp 26-389 of 389) pp. 114-116, 113-115

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