Which one of the following is not an administrative category of forests in Rajasthan?

The correct answer is Unreserved forests.

Key Points

• Rajasthan's forests are administratively classified into Reserved forests, Protected forests, and Unclassified forests.
• Unreserved forests is not a recognized administrative category in Rajasthan or under Indian forest management laws.
• Reserved forests are the most strictly protected category and are managed by the government for conservation and sustainable use of resources.
• Protected forests are managed with fewer restrictions compared to reserved forests, allowing for some community use while ensuring conservation.
• Unclassified forests are those that have not been specifically categorized as reserved or protected and often include community-managed or degraded forest areas.

Additional Information

• Reserved Forests:
  • Reserved forests are governed under the Indian Forest Act, 1927 and have strict protection measures.
  • Activities like hunting, grazing, and logging are prohibited without prior permission.
• Protected Forests:
  • These are less strictly regulated compared to reserved forests, allowing limited use by local communities.
  • They are also governed under the Indian Forest Act, 1927 and managed by state governments.
• Unclassified Forests:
  • These forests are not specifically designated as reserved or protected.
  • Often, they include degraded forest lands or areas used by local communities for subsistence.
• Forest Cover in Rajasthan:
  • Rajasthan has limited forest cover due to its arid and semi-arid climate.
  • Forests in Rajasthan account for approximately 9-10% of the state's geographical area.