Consider the following statements: 1. The forest cover in India constitutes around 20% of its geographical area. Out of the total forest cover, dense forest constitutes around 40%. 2. The National Forestry Action Programme aims at bringing one third of the area of India under tree/forest cover. Which of the statements is/are correct?

Statement 1: The forest cover in India constitutes around 20% of its geographical area. Out of the total forest cover, dense forest constitutes around 40%. Analysis: According to the India State of Forest Report (ISFR) 2021, the total forest cover in India is 21.71% of the geographical area (and total forest and tree cover is 24.62%). So, "around 20%" is an underestimate for forest cover alone. Furthermore, "dense forest" (Very Dense Forest + Moderately Dense Forest) constitutes approximately 53% of the total forest cover, not 40%. Thus, statement 1 is incorrect.

Statement 2: The National Forestry Action Programme aims at bringing one third of the area of India under tree/forest cover. Analysis: The National Forest Policy of 1988 (which guides forestry programs in India) stipulates that one-third (33%) of the total geographical area of the country should be under forest or tree cover. The National Forestry Action Programme (NFAP) is an initiative based on this policy, aimed at achieving this target. Thus, statement 2 is correct.

Conclusion: Statement 1 is incorrect, and Statement 2 is correct. Therefore, option B is the correct answer.