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348 Arrow-Puffin-4_Semester-1 SocialTropical Thorn ForestsTropical Thorn forests are found in dry areas with scanty rainfall. In India, these forests are found in areas of Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. The trees and shrubs have long roots, sharp thorns and small leaves. These trees can survive without water for long periods. The plants remain leafless for most part of the year. Babul, Ber, Keekar and Neem are the main trees of these forests.Tidal ForestsTidal forests are also known as mangrove forests. They are found in the deltas of rivers or the areas flooded by sea water. These forests grow in both fresh and salt water. In India, they are found in lagoons in Kerala and in the Ganga-Brahmaputra Delta. A tree named Sundari grows in the Ganga- Brahmaputra Delta. The wood of this tree is used to make boats. This tree has given the name, Sunderbans to this area.Mountain ForestsMountain forests are also called coniferousforests. These are found in the mountain regions. In India, they are found on the slopes of the Himalayas and the Nilgiris. The trees found in these forests are tall, evergreen and have needleshaped leaves so that snow does not collect on them. The main trees in these forests are Chir, D;eodar, Fir, Pine and Chinar. In the Nilgiris, these forests are known as Sholas.Conservation of ForestsWe have read the importance of forests for us and our environment. Our government has started many afforestation programs.The urban forestry looks after the management of planting trees on road sides and parks. Rural forestry looks after agro-forestry and community forestry. The Environment Day is celebrated on 5th June every year to spread awareness among the people to save trees. The Chipko Movement was started in 1974 by the villagers of Uttarakhand to prevent deforestation. This movement was led by Sunderlal Bahuguna. The villagers prevented the cutting down of trees by putting their arms around the trees.Forests act like a sponge, absorbing rainfall and providing a filter for the water that eventually flows into rivers and lakes.FactWhat was the purpose of the Chipko Movement?Checkpoint