Q.Explain afforestation with case studies.

Step 1. The chapter defines afforestation as planting trees where there was no previous tree cover, converting non-forested land into forest — for example, afforesting dam slopes to reduce water run-off, erosion and siltation, and to gain carbon sequestration and water-retention benefits.

Step 2. Case Study 1 — Jadav 'Molai' Payeng: born 1963, this environmental activist single-handedly planted a forest on a barren wasteland on Majuli, the world's largest river island on the Brahmaputra, transforming it into a dense forest now home to rhinos, deer, elephants, tigers and birds, and larger in area than New York's Central Park. He was named 'Forest Man of India' in 2013 and received the Padma Shri in 2015.

Step 3. Case Study 2 — Tamil Nadu Afforestation Project (TAP): launched by the Tamil Nadu government in two phases, TAP I (1997-2005) aimed to uplift villagers living near forest areas and restore degraded forests through a large Joint Forest Management Programme; TAP II (2005-2013) aimed to restore the ecological equilibrium of forests, watersheds and adjacent villages, and to improve residents' quality of life through reforestation, water conservation (including check dams and percolation ponds) and sustained community action. …

Define afforestation from the chapter, then narrate both named case studies (Molai fores …

• Confusing afforestation with reforestation or with deforestation. …