The Government of India issued its first formal National Forest Policy in which year?

Introduction / Context:
Forest policy guides how a country manages its forest resources for environmental protection, economic needs, and social welfare. India, with its diverse forest ecosystems, needed a comprehensive policy after independence to balance timber production, conservation, and community needs. This question asks for the year in which the Government of India issued its first formal National Forest Policy, a key date in environment and policy related general knowledge.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The focus is on India's first National Forest Policy after independence.
• Options include the years 1940, 1952, 1942, 1999, and 1988.
• We assume the standard classification in which 1952 and 1988 are major forest policy years.
• The question clearly asks for the first formal policy, not later revisions.

Concept / Approach:
Soon after independence, the Government of India recognised the need for a clear approach to forest management, moving away from purely commercial exploitation. In 1952, the National Forest Policy was announced, setting guidelines for forest area targets, classification of forests, and their role in environmental stability. A later policy revision took place in 1988, focusing more strongly on ecological balance and people participation. Therefore, 1952 is identified as the year of the first formal National Forest Policy in independent India.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that 1952 is frequently mentioned in environment and geography books as the year of India's first National Forest Policy. Step 2: Note that this policy recommended that one third of the total land area be under forest cover and more in hilly regions. Step 3: Recognise that 1988 marks a major revision of forest policy, not the first policy itself. Step 4: The years 1940 and 1942 relate to pre independence measures and do not refer to an all India independent national policy. Step 5: Thus, among the given options, 1952 is the correct answer.

Verification / Alternative check:
Environment and forestry related textbooks typically contain a section on Indian forest policies, where they discuss the National Forest Policy of 1952 and its later revision in 1988. The 1952 policy is described as the first post independence national level forest policy resolution by the Government of India. Students can also verify this by consulting official summaries from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, which outline the historical development of forest policy in India.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
The years 1940 and 1942 fall under British rule, and while there were forest laws, they do not correspond to the first independent national forest policy.
The year 1988 indeed marks an important forest policy revision, but the question specifically asks for the first formal policy, which was issued much earlier.
The year 1999 is not associated with the original forest policy framework; it may relate to other environmental initiatives but not to the first National Forest Policy.

Common Pitfalls:
Learners sometimes remember only the later and more environmentally sensitive 1988 policy and may mistakenly choose that year when asked about forest policy. Another pitfall is to ignore the phrase first formal National Forest Policy and instead focus on any year related to forest laws. To answer correctly, students should associate 1952 with the first policy, one third forest cover targets, and the early post independence approach to forestry in India.

Final Answer:
The Government of India issued its first formal National Forest Policy in the year 1952.