Our forests are important source of natural wealth covering one fifth of the country's land area. They supply the timber for the railways, house building and furniture making. They also supply the fuel for cooking and bamboo for paper making. Medicinal herbs also come from the forests. In the olden days our wise men and philosophers had their "Ashrams' in the forests. These Ashrams were centers of knowledge and learning. Unfortunately forests were ruthlessly cut down in the past few years. While the forests are disappearing the demand for timber is growing. We must therefore protect and develop our forests. "Vana Mahotsava" is a most important step in this direction. It is observed for a week in July every year. During this week lakhs of saplings are planted throughout the country. This is being done to restore our fast disappearing forests.

(1). What do forests supply for paper making ?

Ans: Forests supply bamboo for paper making.

(2). What was the purpose of Ashrams?

Ans: The purpose of Ashrams was to provide knowledge and learning.

(3). Why is Vana Mahotsava observed? How is it observed?

Ans: Vana Mahotsava is observed in order to protect, develop and restore our fast disappearing forests. Vana Mahotsava is observed for a week in July, when lakhs of saplings are planted throughout the country.

(4). What would you do to restore forests?

Ans: I would do following things to restore forests:

i. I would plant trees.

ii. I would motivate others to plant trees.

iii. I would take care of existing trees. Q fjhdtn