Reading Comprehension Deforestation
1. Forests are an important part of civilization. They not only form a considerable
portion of the national wealth of a country, but also play an important role in
maintaining the environmental balance. Indiscriminate felling of trees to enhance
city areas is a threat to our civilization. We often forget that a peaceful, sensitive
and well balanced co-existence of man-made civilization and natural flora and fauna
is absolutely important for human existence on the earth. We forget that
deforestation for the urbanization project led to the destruction of past civilizations
such as Mohenjo-Daro.
2. Indiscriminate felling of trees not only leaves our planet with fewer trees but also
threatens the wildlife of the region. Forests and trees have an enormous impact on
the climate as they are instrumental in drawing rain to the earth. Deforestation has
resulted radical changes in our climate. The overall temperature of the planet is
increasing at an alarming rate. The duration of seasons is fluctuating all over the
world. The rate of rainfall is decreasing day by day. The ice-caps at the Poles are
melting as a result. The amount of cultivable land is reducing as a result of
deforestation and less rainfall. The future of this planet is in trouble unless
immediate attention is paid to this danger.
3. Thousands of species of plants and animals are fast disappearing from the face of
our earth as a result of human callousness. Forests in the mountains play an
important role in preventing erosion and landslides. Felling of trees in the hilly
regions endangers the lives of people that live there. However, the silver lining is
that several people are becoming aware of this danger. A number of environment
activist groups are undertaking a campaign to save forests.
4. Afforestation and preservation of wildlife can be an answer to this environmental
crisis. By planting new trees, we can slowly restore the environmental balance that
was disturbed by deforestation. Though, the process is long term, yet it is sure to
save our planet from extinction. A thorough mass awareness against deforestation
and preservation of wildlife is the call of the hour. It is only through mass
sensitization and participation that this aim can be realized in future.
Q. Answer the following questions:
1. Why are forests an important part of the civilization?
2. What was the reason behind the decline of Mohenjo-Daro civilization?
3. What role do forests and trees play?
4. Why are thousands of species of plants and animals disappearing?
Q. Choose the correct alternatives:
1. What are the people doing to overcome this dangerous situation?
1. afforestation
2. groups are undertaking campaign to save forests
3. preservation of wildlife
4. Both (1) and (3)