ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE : NATURAL RESOURCES 17
(iii) The Assam region
This region comprises the Brahamputra and the Surma valleys and the interveing hill
ranges. The region has evergreen forests, occasional thick clumps of bamboos and tall grasses.
(iv) The Ganga plain region
This region covers the area from the Aravali rangers to Bengal and Orissa. Widely
different types are found only in small areas in the forests.
(v) The Deccan region
This region has various kinds from scrub jungles to mixed decidous forests.(vi) The Malabar region
This region is rich in forest vegetation. Besides, it produces important commerical
crops, such as cocount pepper, coffee, tea. Besides, rubber, cashewnut and eucalyptus trees.
(vii) The Andaman region
This region is rich in evergreen, semi-evergreen, mangrove, beach and diluvial forests.
To conclude, there are nearly 45,000 species of plants including shrubs in the country. The
vascular flora, which forms the conspicuous vegetation cover itself comprises 15,000 species.
OVER CONSUMPTION ON FORESTS REASONS
Population is increasing tremendously in our country. It has already crossed thousands
of millions. Meeting its ever-increasing demand has resulted in over consumption of forests.
- Fuel wood, Timber and Pulpwood
The data show that (FAO, 1981) consumption of wood in developing countries is exactly
the reverse of the developed ones. In the former, wood is used 82% for firewood and 18%
respectively, In India, firewood demand is mostly in rural areas because the alternative
source of energy, are yet to reach there. The National Commission on Agriculture (NCA) had
indicated a substantial rise in demand for wood by 200 A.D. for firewood and industry as
is evident from the table given below:
Table 2.1
Requirement of Wood (Mt.)Category Requirement in 1980 Requirement in 2000 Additional requirement
m^3 of total m^3 of total m^3 % increaseFuelwood 188.600 87.5 225.000 78 36.4 19
Timber 22.720 10.5 46.755 16 24.0 106
Pulpwood 4.175 2.0 17.695 6 13.5 323
215.495 100 289.450 100 73.9 34- Wood for Packing Purposes
Wood is needed, on a large scale, for our fruit industry, tea etc. It is estimated that for
wooden crates nearly 0.5 Mm^3 of wood is need (U.P. 01, J & K, 0.25 M, H.P. 0.15 Mm^3 ).