C.7. Afforestation
Afforestation is the intentional and systematic process of establishing forests in areas that previously lacked tree cover. This can be achieved either by planting new trees or by encouraging the natural regeneration of vegetation, with the goal of creating new forests or expanding existing ones.
In arid and semi-arid regions such as Rajasthan, Gujarat, Haryana, Punjab, and the Trans-Himalayan zones, natural vegetation is sparse. However, the local populations rely heavily on resources like firewood, timber, and fodder for daily living and livestock.
Planting trees in these desert landscapes is crucial—not only to combat desertification and improve the local climate, but also to fulfill the resource needs of the communities that inhabit these challenging environments.