Explain afforestation with case studies.

Explanation

Afforestation is planting of trees where there was no previous tree coverage and the conversion of non-forested lands into forests by planting suitable trees to retrieve the vegetation. Example: Slopes of dams afforested to reduce water run-off, erosion and siltation. It can also provide a range of environmental services including carbon sequestration, water retention.
Tamil Nadu Afforestation Project (TAP):
(i) With an aim of ecological restoration and biological up-gradation of degraded forests and other lands, the government of Tamil Nadu launched the project in 2 phases.
(ii) Tap I (1997-2005) it aimed to uplift the quality and life of villagers abutting forest areas and to resolve the degraded forests in Tamil Nadu. This is a massive Joint Forest Management Programme.
(iii) TAP II (2005-2013) had 2 main objectives. To restore the ecological equilibrium of the forests, watersheds and adjacent villages of Tamil Nadu.
(iv) To improve the quality of the life of inhabitants through reforestation, water conservation and sustained community action.