Forest Of Nepal

The Importance of Forests:

Nepal’s forests cover about 23% of total geographical area of the country. Forests play a vital role
 in the economy of the country. They give fuel wood to poor people for cooking purpose.
Forests also provide material for industry. Those who build houses get timer for house building and
for various other purposes. Besides forests please the attracts rains and stops erosion of the soil.
Evergreen forests are found where the rainfall is heavy. There are such forests in the hard wood such
 as teak rose wood and bamboos. The monsoon forests are found in large areas of Deccan plateau. They
 provide teak, shal, sandalwood etc. The hill forests found at places above 500 feet above include the
best timber and other trees. In recent years, lakhs of fast growing eucalyptus trees have been planted
along the roadside to attract rain.
Nepal’s forest wealth has been reduced as a result of senseless cutting of trees. People need firewood.
 Even official agencies clear vast jungle areas for constructing dams, roads and buildings. The axe and
 bulldozer have been in common use. Grazing causes another problem in large parts of the country. So the
annual rate of the loss of forests is a serious threat to the country’s economy.
Nobody would be able to escape adverse effect of this destruction. The disappearance of forests results
in changing rainfall pattern and causing drought conditions in large areas. There is a report that about
25 per cent of all the drugs are derived from trees. Trees also yield vital industrial oils, resins and dyes.
Now we understand the importance of forests in the country’s economy. We also realize their value in
 maintaining the ecological balance. Now the government tries to save the forest land and reserve forest
 in the country. But the destruction of forests continues lakhs of fresh trees are planted every year in
Nepal but they perish, for lack of care.
We get many things from the forests. They include bamboos of different kinds. We get grasses of various
 types. Medical plants gum and lac are provided by forests. It is also widely used for medicines.
 In Nepal there are over 20000 types of medicinal plants. So forests are of great value. They deserve

much greater practical attention than they are getting now.

Why should we save forest ?

We should save forests as a protection against floods and famines. Forests prevent floods and reduce

 soil erosion by regulating the flow of water.
Adequate forest cover also ensures a sustainable and safe environment. Forest helps in increasing
the humidity of the air and cause greater rainfall.
They also help in increasing the soil fertility. They protect the adjoining crops by reducing the
velocity of the storms.

How to save forest?

We can Save forests stopping the cutting of trees (stop deforestation), establishing new forests
 (afforestation) and reestablishing old forests (reforestation).

We can save the forests through a balanced comprehensive and well-thought out plan.

Fresh trees should be planted and in this way the trees that are cut should be replaced.
Planting of trees should be a constant progress.
Besides, trees that are planted must be of the right type. They should be such that can prevent
 soil erosion, check floods, and air pollution.
They should also be such that grow and mature rapidly and whose wood can be used for the purpose
of construction and for making furniture, etc.
New varieties of trees should be developed to achieve these ends.
Grass and fodder should be grown near the fields in which the people work so that they may use them
 easily according to their need.

Planned afforestation should be undertaken in needed areas.