UGC NET Questions (Paper – 1)

Afforestation involves establishing forests on lands that have not been forested for a long time or ever in recent history. It is used to increase forest area,store carbon and restore ecological functions on degraded lands. The stem clearly mentions planting trees on land not previously forested,which is the defining feature of afforestation. Therefore afforestation is the correct option.

Option A:
Deforestation is the removal of forest cover,usually for agriculture,settlement or logging. It leads to loss of biodiversity and carbon storage. Since the question describes planting trees rather than cutting them,deforestation is the opposite of what is intended.

Option B:
Reforestation refers to re planting trees on lands that were recently forested but have been cleared or degraded. It restores former forest areas but does not necessarily involve new forest establishment on non forest land. Hence it does not precisely match the stem.

Option C:
Afforestation contributes to increasing overall forest area beyond current levels and can help combat desertification and climate change. Because the stem emphasises new forest creation on non forest land,this option captures the concept accurately.

Option D:
Clear felling is a logging method in which most or all trees in an area are cut at once. It is a harvesting technique and not a planting or restoration activity,so it does not fit the description.