The correct answer is: a) Less than 5%.
Punjab has a forest cover of 3.12%, which is much lower than the national average of 21.67%. The state’s forest cover has been declining in recent years due to deforestation, urbanization, and industrialization.
Option b) is incorrect because the forest cover in Punjab is actually less than 10%.
Option c) is incorrect because the forest cover in Punjab is actually less than 20%.
Option d) is incorrect because the forest cover in Punjab is actually less than 30%.
Deforestation is the main reason for the decline in forest cover in Punjab. Deforestation is the permanent removal of trees to make room for something besides forest. This can include clearing the land for agriculture or grazing, or using the timber for fuel, construction, or manufacturing.
Urbanization is another reason for the decline in forest cover in Punjab. Urbanization is the process of converting rural areas into urban areas. This can include the construction of new roads, buildings, and other infrastructure. Urbanization can lead to the loss of forests as land is cleared for development.
Industrialization is also a reason for the decline in forest cover in Punjab. Industrialization is the process of converting raw materials into finished products. This can include the construction of factories and other industrial facilities. Industrialization can lead to the loss of forests as land is cleared for development.
The decline in forest cover in Punjab has a number of negative consequences. Forests play an important role in the environment by providing habitat for wildlife, regulating the climate, and preventing soil erosion. The loss of forests can lead to a decline in biodiversity, an increase in greenhouse gas emissions, and an increase in flooding and landslides.
The government of Punjab has taken a number of steps to address the issue of deforestation. These include the establishment of forest reserves, the promotion of afforestation, and the enforcement of forest laws. However, more needs to be done to protect the forests of Punjab.