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Natural Vegetation in India

What is natural vegetation.

The natural vegetation is the endowments of nature. They grow naturally by following the climatic variables. The types of natural vegetation differ according to precipitation, soil, climate, and topography. The cultivated crops and fruits, orchards form part of vegetation, but not natural vegetation.

Make the best UPSC Prelims preparation, by checking the linked article.

Natural Vegetation in India (UPSC Notes):- Download PDF Here

Natural Vegetation of India

India is bestowed with a wide range of flora and fauna. Due to diverse geographical and climatic conditions, an extensive range of natural vegetation grows in India.

The natural vegetation of India and types of vegetation in India are important topics covered under both geography and ecology and environment for the IAS Exam .

Types of Natural Vegetation in India

(V egetation Types of India)

• Tropical Evergreen Rain Forests
• Deciduous or Monsoon Type of Forests
• Dry Deciduous Forests
• Mountain Forests
• Tidal or Mangrove Forests
• Semi-Desert and Desert Vegetations

Tropical Evergreen Rain forests

The Tropical Evergreen rain forests are found in the areas where precipitation is more than 200 cm. They are largely found in the Northeastern regions of Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Assam, Nagaland, the Western Ghats, the Tarai areas of the Himalayas, and the Andaman groups of Islands.  They are also found in the hills of Khasi and Jaintia. The trees in this area have intense growth. The major trees found in this area are Sandal Wood, Rosewood, Garjan, Mahogany, and bamboo. It has copious vegetation of all kinds – trees, shrubs, and creepers giving it a multilayered structure. The elephants, monkey, lemur are the common animals found in these areas.

Read more about Evergreen Forests in India in the linked article.

Deciduous or Monsoon type of forests

The Deciduous forests are found on the lower slope of the Himalayas, West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, Bihar, Orissa, Karnataka, Maharashtra Jharkhand, and the adjoining areas.  The precipitation in this area is between 100 cm and 200 cm. Teak is the dominant species seen in the area. Along with that Deodar, Blue Gum, Pal Ash, Sal, Sandalwood, Ebony, Arjun, Khair, and Bamboo are also seen.  The trees in this forest shed their leaves during dry winter and dry summer. Based on the availability of water, these forests are again divided into moist and dry deciduous.

Dry deciduous forests

These forests grow in areas where the precipitation is between 50 cm and 100 cm. These are mainly seen in the areas of the Central Deccan plateau, Punjab, Haryana, parts of Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and South-east of Rajasthan.

Read more about Deciduous Forests in India in the linked article.

Mountain Forests/ Montane Forests 

Montane forests are those found in mountains. Mountain forests differ significantly along the slopes of the mountain. On the foothills of the Himalayas until a height of 1500 meters, evergreen trees like Sal, teak, and bamboo grow copiously. On the higher slope, temperate conifer trees like pine, fir, and oak grow. At the higher elevation of the Himalayas, rhododendrons and junipers are found. Further, then these vegetation zones, alpine grasslands appear up to the snowfield.

Read more about Montane Forests in India in the linked article.

Tidal or Mangrove forests

The tidal or mangrove forests grow by the side of the coast and on the edges of the deltas e.g., the deltas of the Cauvery, Krishna, Mahanadi, Godavari, and Ganga. In West Bengal, these forests are known as ‘Sundarbans’. The ‘Sundari’ is the most major tree in these forests. The important trees of the tidal forests are Hogla, Garan, Pasur, etc. This forest is an important factor in the timber industry as they provide timber and firewood. Palm and coconut trees beautify the coastal strip.

Read more about Mangroves in the linked article.

Semi-deserts and Deserts vegetations

This area receives rainfall of less than 50 cm. Thorny bushes, acacia, and Babul are found in this vegetation region. The Indian wild date is generally found here. They have long roots and thick flesh. The plants found in this region store water in their stem to endure during the drought. These vegetation are found in parts of Gujarat’s, Punjab, and Rajasthan.

Related Previous Year Questions

1. If a tropical rain forest is removed, it does not regenerate quickly as compared to a tropical deciduous forest. This is because (UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2011)

• the soil of rain forest is deficient in nutrients
• propagules of the trees in a rain forest have poor viability
• the rain forest species are slow-growing
• exotic species invade the fertile soil of rain forest

Answer. AAlso read:

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Natural Vegetation in India

Last updated on October 10, 2023 by ClearIAS Team

Natural vegetation is defined as any plant or tree that grows on its own, unaided by humans. These are known as virgin vegetation.

Natural vegetation in India plays an important role in preserving a country’s biodiversity by providing habitat for wildlife and serving as a major source of energy for many species in an ecosystem.

The kind of native vegetation that grows in a particular area depends on a variety of factors, including relief, rainfall, temperature, climate, sunlight intensity, etc. Since different regions of the country experience different climatic conditions, the type of natural vegetation in India varies from place to place.

Table of Contents

What is Natural vegetation?

Natural vegetation refers to the plant life that grows in an area without the influence of human activity. It includes all types of plants, including trees, shrubs, grasses, and herbs, that grow naturally in a particular region or ecosystem.

Natural vegetation is shaped by the climate, geology, and other physical features of an area, as well as the presence of other organisms such as animals and insects. It is an important part of the natural environment and plays a crucial role in maintaining the balance of the ecosystem.

What are the different types?

There are many different types of natural vegetation, and they can be classified in various ways. One way to classify natural vegetation is by the dominant plant life that is found in a particular area. Some common types of natural vegetation include:

• Grasslands: These are areas with grasses as the dominant plant life. Grasslands can be divided into savannas, steppes, and prairies, depending on the climate and other environmental factors. Grasslands are areas with grasses as the dominant plant life. They can be divided into savannas, steppes, and prairies, depending on the climate and other environmental factors. Savannas are found in tropical regions and have a mix of grasses and scattered trees. Steppes are found in dry, cold regions and are characterized by short grasses and scattered shrubs. Prairies are found in temperate regions and have tall grasses and a mix of wildflowers.
• Deserts: These are arid regions with very little rainfall and sparse vegetation. The plants that do grow in deserts are adapted to survive in extreme conditions, such as high temperatures and lack of water. Deserts are arid regions with very little rainfall and sparse vegetation. They are characterized by high temperatures, low humidity, and infrequent rainfall. The plants that grow in deserts are adapted to survive in these extreme conditions, such as cacti, which have thick, fleshy stems that store water, and mesquite trees, which have deep root systems to tap into underground water sources.
• Tundra: India does not have any tundra regions. This is a cold, treeless region found in the Arctic and on high mountain slopes. Tundra is characterized by short, hardy vegetation such as mosses, lichens, and low-growing shrubs. Tundra is a cold, treeless region found in the Arctic and on high mountain slopes. It is characterized by short, hardy vegetation such as mosses, lichens, and low-growing shrubs. The soil in tundra regions is permanently frozen, so plants must be able to survive long, harsh winters.
• Wetlands: These are areas with water-logged soil, such as marshes, swamps, and bogs. Wetlands support a diverse range of plant life, including grasses, reeds, and sedges. Wetlands are areas with water-logged soil, such as marshes, swamps, and bogs. They support a diverse range of plant life, including grasses, reeds, and sedges. Wetlands are important habitats for a variety of animals, including birds, amphibians, and fish. They also play a role in water filtration and flood control.

There are many other types of natural vegetation in India, and the classification of these types can vary depending on the criteria used.

Types of forest natural vegetation in India

• Tropical Evergreen Rain Forests: These forests are found in tropical regions with high rainfall and are characterized by tall, dense trees that form a canopy. They have a high diversity of plant and animal life and are home to many endangered species.
• Deciduous or Monsoon Type of Forests: These forests are found in areas with a distinct dry season and are characterized by deciduous trees that shed their leaves during the dry season. They are found in tropical and subtropical regions and are adapted to seasonal changes in rainfall.
• Dry Deciduous Forests: These forests are found in dry, tropical regions and are characterized by deciduous trees that have adapted to the dry conditions by developing deep root systems and thick bark.
• Mountain Forests: These forests are found on mountains and are characterized by a variety of tree species that are adapted to the cool, moist climate and steep slopes. They can be found at different elevations, depending on the climate and other environmental conditions.
• Tidal or Mangrove Forests: These forests are found in tropical and subtropical coastal regions and are characterized by mangrove trees that are adapted to the salty, tidal conditions. They provide important habitats for a variety of animals and play a role in protecting coastlines from erosion.
• Semi-Desert and Desert Vegetations: These are arid regions with sparse vegetation that is adapted to dry conditions. Semi-desert regions have slightly higher rainfall than desert regions and support a wider range of plant life. Deserts are characterized by low rainfall and high temperatures, and the plants that grow there are adapted to survive in these extreme conditions.

Read more about this topic Types of forests .

Types of grassland natural vegetation in India

Grasslands are areas with grasses as the dominant plant life. There are several different types of grasslands, including:

• Savannas: Savannas are found in tropical regions and have a mix of grasses and scattered trees. They are characterized by long dry seasons and short, wet seasons, and the grasses are adapted to survive the dry periods by going dormant.
• Steppes: Steppes are found in dry, cold regions and are characterized by short grasses and scattered shrubs. They are found in parts of Asia, Europe, and South America.
• Prairies: Prairies are found in temperate regions and have tall grasses and a mix of wildflowers. They are found in parts of North America, South America, and Asia.
• Pampas: Pampas are found in South America and are characterized by tall grasses and scattered shrubs. They are found in parts of Argentina, Uruguay, and Brazil.
• Velds: Velds are found in southern Africa and are characterized by grasses and scattered trees. They are divided into different types depending on the specific grasses and trees that dominate the area.

Grasslands are important habitats for a variety of animals and support a range of human activities, such as farming and ranching. They also play a role in maintaining the balance of the ecosystem by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen.

Types of Wetlands Natural Vegetation in India

India has many different types of wetlands, including:

• Marshes: Marshes are found in areas with shallow water and soft, wet soil. They are typically found along the edges of lakes, streams, and rivers and support a variety of plant life, including grasses, reeds, and cattails.
• Swamps: Swamps are found in areas with deep water and dense vegetation. They are typically found in low-lying areas and are characterized by trees such as cypress and gum.
• Bogs: Bogs are found in areas with deep, wet soil that is rich in peat. They are typically found in cool, northern regions and are characterized by spongy, acidic soil and plants such as sphagnum moss, cranberries, and sundews.
• Fens: Fens are found in areas with alkaline soil and plants such as sedges, rushes, and wildflowers. They are typically found in cooler climates and are fed by groundwater.
• Wet meadows: Wet meadows are found in areas with wet soil grasses and wildflowers. They are typically found in cool, temperate regions and are often used for hay production.

India is home to many other types of wetlands, including mangrove forests, tidal flats , and estuaries. Wetlands are important habitats for a variety of plants and animals, and they also play a role in water filtration and flood control. They are often threatened by human activities, such as development and pollution, and many wetland areas are protected by law.

India is a country with a diverse range of natural vegetation, including forests, grasslands, deserts, wetlands, and other ecosystems. These ecosystems are shaped by the country’s climate, geology, and other physical features, and they support a wide variety of plant and animal life.

Natural vegetation in India plays a crucial role in maintaining the balance of the ecosystem and providing important ecosystem services, such as water filtration and flood control. However, many of India’s natural vegetation areas are threatened by human activities, such as development and pollution, and it is important to protect and conserve these areas for the benefit of future generations.

Article written by: Remya

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Natural Vegetation of India, Types, Map, Factors, Distribution, Need

Natural Vegetation of India: There are five types of natural vegetation in India. Main reason for change in natural vegetation is due to climate change. UPSC, Keynotes, PDF

Table of Contents

Natural Vegetation of India

Natural Vegetation of India: With a coastline spanning more than 7500 km, India has a total geographic area of over 329 million hectares. The ecological or ecosystem diversity of the nation is immense, spanning from sea level to the tallest mountain ranges in the world; hot and arid conditions in the northwest to cold, arid conditions in the trans-Himalayan region; tropical wet evergreen forests in Northeast India and the Western Ghats; mangroves in the Sundarbans; and freshwater aquatic to marine ecosystems.

India ranked 10th in the world and fourth in Asia for plant diversity, with approximately 47,000 plant species. In addition to non-flowering plants including ferns, algae, and fungi, India is home to 6% of the world’s blooming plants. India boasts a total of 80,000 animal species in its fresh and marine waters, in addition to a wide range of fish.

Naturally grown plant community without any human intervention and not disturbed by humans are known as Natural Vegetation. These are also known as Virgin Vegetation.

• Although orchards are not naturally occurring vegetation, they do contain grown fruits and vegetables.
• Endemism: indigenous plant unique to India. For instance, the plant Nepenthes Khasiana is native only to India. It is the only variety of pitcher plant native to our nation.
• Exotic species are those that have migrated from elsewhere. Example: Giant Salvinia (Salvinia molesta) and Water Hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) can be seen in the backwaters of the Kuttanad region in Kerala..

Types of Natural Vegetation in India

Here’s the List of are five types of Natural Vegetation in India :

Tropical Evergreen Rain Forests

Areas with more than 200 cm of precipitation are home to tropical evergreen rain forests. The Northeastern states of Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Assam, Nagaland, the Western Ghats, the Tarai districts of the Himalayas, and the Andaman groups of Islands are where they can be found in considerable numbers. They can also be found in the Khasi and Jaintia hills. The trees in this area are growing rapidly. The predominant trees in this region include bamboo, rosewood, garjan, mahogany, and sandalwood. Its abundant vegetation, which includes trees, shrubs, and creepers of all kinds, gives it a multilayered structure. The most prevalent animals in these regions include elephants, monkeys, and lemurs.

Deciduous or Monsoon Type of Forests

The deciduous woods can be found in West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, Bihar, Orissa, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Jharkhand, and the surrounding regions, as well as on the lower slope of the Himalayas. This region receives between 100 cm and 200 cm of precipitation annually. The area’s predominant species is teak. Deodar, Blue Gum, Pal Ash, Sal, Sandalwood, Ebony, Arjun, Khair, and Bamboo can also be spotted in addition to those. Both the dry winter and dry summer cause the trees in this woodland to lose their leaves. Once more, these forests are separated into moist and dry deciduous based on the availability of water.

Dry Deciduous Forests

These forests thrive where there is 50 to 100 cm of annual precipitation. These are primarily found in the South-east of Rajasthan, the Central Deccan plateau, Punjab, Haryana, some of Uttar Pradesh, and sections of Madhya Pradesh.

Mountain Forests/Montane Forests

Mountains are home to woods known as montane. Along the mountainside, mountain forest types vary greatly. Up to a height of 1500 metres, evergreen trees like sal, teak, and bamboo flourish on the Himalayan foothills. Temperate conifer trees, including pine, fir, and oak, flourish on the steeper slope. Rhododendrons and junipers grow in the Himalayas’ higher elevations. Alpine grasslands develop after these vegetative zones, continuing till the snowfield.

• Tidal or Mangrove Forests

Mangrove or tidal forests develop along the coast and at the borders of deltas, such as those formed by the Cauvery, Krishna, Mahanadi, Godavari, and Ganga rivers. These forests are referred to as “Sundarbans” in West Bengal. The largest tree in these woodlands is called the “Sundari.” Hogla, Garan, Pasur, and other significant trees can be found in the tidal woods. Because it provides firewood and lumber, this forest is significant to the forestry industry. The seaside strip is made beautiful by palm and coconut trees.

Semi-deserts and Deserts Vegetations

Less than 50 cm of rain fall in this area per year. Babul, acacia, and thorny plants can all be found in this area of vegetation. This is typically where you may find Indian wild dates. They have meat that is dense and extensive roots. In order to survive the drought, the plants in this area store water in their stems. Certain regions of Gujarat, Punjab, and Rajasthan have this vegetation.

Natural Vegetative Propagation

Increasing the population of a particular species or cultivar of plant is done through plant propagation. Reproduction is both sexual and asexual. Over time, horticulturists have developed asexual propagation techniques that make use of vegetative plant parts. This enables the creation of plants in ways that are not possible in nature. Vegetative propagation is a method of plant reproduction in which, in the right circumstances, a vegetative portion, such as a stem, root, or set of leaves, develops into a new plant. It is also categorised as asexual reproduction because just one parent is involved.

Examples of Natural Vegetative Reproduction

• The vegetative propagation unit for plants like tulips, daffodils, onions, and hyacinths is the bulb. The stem is reduced to a disc, called the basal plate, from which roots protrude all the way around. The top surface of the stem and the bases of the leaves are connected. The node (where the leaves attach) contains axillary buds that may later develop into new bulbs.
• The interior of gladiolus and crocus “bulbs” is not at all like that of onions. These plants have corms. The corm is basically a basal plate when the leaf bases are absent. The corm’s edge and convex (bottom) surface both continue to see root growth. The shoot system’s apical and axillary buds emerge from the top surface, which is almost concave. The following year, each of them will grow a fresh corm.
• Jerusalem artichokes (Helianthus tuberosus) and potatoes (Solanum tuberosum) both contain tubers. Rhizomes, or underground stems without leaves, break through the deeper soil layers surrounding the parent plant’s base in the late summer. The rhizome tips swell in the fall, producing a bloated structure known as a tuber.
• Strawberries form an above-ground branch (shoot) with few leaves. These nearly leafless branches are called stolons. The tip’s crown develops into a little plantlet (apical bud). The end of the stolon is weighed down by this swelling crown. As a result of the horizontal position, auxin builds up as the crown bends the stolon downward and roots start to form. The roots pierce the earth when it touches it, anchoring the crown.

Conservation of Natural Vegetation in India

• Creation of biosphere reserves, wildlife sanctuaries, and national parks to preserve the area’s native flora and fauna.
• To prevent the depletion of valuable resources, it is necessary to promote the conservation of creeks, lakes, and wetlands.
• At the provincial and local levels, mindfulness initiatives like Vanamahotsava and the Social Ranger Service need to be reenergized.
• Since 1992, financial and technological help has been provided to numerous botanical gardens.
• Several initiatives have been made to preserve the nation’s wildlife, including Project Rhino and Project Great Indian Bustard.
• To support the government’s conservation efforts, 18 Biosphere reserves have been established in the nation..

Distribution of Natural Vegetation in India

In regions with high rainfall—those with an annual rainfall of above 200 cm and a brief dry season—forests are grown. Tropical Rainforests are another name for them. The Western Ghats, the island groups of Lakshadweep, Andaman, and Nicobar, the higher reaches of Assam, and the coasts of Tamil Nadu are where these woods can be found.

Factors Affecting Natural Vegetation of India

In accordance with physical, geographic, climatic, and ecological factors, there are various types of forests, including deciduous forests, which are primarily composed of deciduous tree species and have leaves throughout the year, and evergreen forests, which are primarily composed of tree species that have leaves throughout the year (mainly composed of deciduous tree species i.e. species which lose their leaves during particular months of the year). Each type of forest sustains a particular population of organisms that have adapted to live there. The kingdom of flora and fauna is incredibly diverse as a result of the following factors:

The characteristics of the land have an impact on the natural vegetation both directly and indirectly. For instance, the vegetation varies between plateaus and plains and mountainous areas. While the undulating and uneven terrains are where grassland and woodlands develop, giving a habitat for a variety of wildlife, the rich ground is typically used for agriculture.

As different types of soil support various vegetation types, the soil component varies from location to location. Different types of plants grow in various types of soil. While mangroves and deltaic vegetation flourish in the moist, swampy soils of the delta, cactus and prickly bushes do well in the sandy soils of the desert. On steep slopes with some soil depth, conical trees flourish.

Similar to what is seen as latitude increases, the distribution of flora increases as elevation does. The basic rule is that “altitude mirrors latitude,” and there is a significant relationship between latitudinal and altitudinal climate zona as well as natural vegetation.

• Temperature

Along with air and soil humidity, precipitation, and temperature, vegetation in a region is determined by its kind and extent. Temperature has an impact on the kind, growth, and character of vegetation since colder climates result from temperature declines or height rises. The varieties of vegetation and their growth, for instance, are impacted by the drop in temperature on the Himalayan slopes and the hills of the peninsula over a height of 915 m. The vegetation ranges from tropical to subtropical temperate to alpine here on the Himalayan slope.

Photoperiod (Sunlight)

It is described as the fluctuation in the length and intensity of the sun’s rays at various locations. The latitude, altitude, season, and length of the day all contribute to this variance in sunshine. For instance, the extended duration of sunshine throughout the summer causes a high rate of plant and tree growth. The Southern Himalayas feature thicker vegetation than the Northern sides due to the longer period of sunshine.

• Precipitation

In India, the South-West monsoon, which is currently progressing, brings nearly the entire rainfall season (June to September). In comparison to other places with less rainfall, areas with strong rainfall always have greater vegetation. For instance, due to the southwest monsoon rains, monsoon rains promote a high growth of tropical evergreen forests on the western slopes of the Western Ghats, but the eastern slopes do not have dense woods.

Importance of Natural Vegetation in India

When it comes to plant diversity, which includes over 48,000 different species, India is home to the world’s mega biodiversity, which is also among the top twelve countries. The country has more than 15,000 species or about 6% of the total number of flowering plants in the world, and is ranked ninth in the world and fourth in Asia. India is home to an abundance of non-flowering plants, such as ferns, algae, and fungi. Additionally, there are 89,000 different species of animals, including aquatic ones.

Without any human intervention, the plants and trees that develop in a certain location have various advantages. In order to maintain the water cycle for people and other creatures, forests cut a variety of plants from the planet. By limiting soil erosion, forests also slow down the entire process of climatic change. As you are aware, environmental changes can seriously harm not only us humans but also animals and vegetation. More over 2 billion acres, or around 4% of the total area of the country, have been estimated to be covered by natural vegetation in India.

In contrast, just 25% of all woods in the United States are classified as “natural,” with the remaining 50% being “cultivated.” The term “vegetation” refers to all different kinds of plant communities, including artificial vegetation. Because of the numerous advantages of the vegetation, which includes the provision of basic goods like wood, fruits, vegetables, perfumes, flowers, and essential oils, the woods assist mankind in making their lives easier. The natural vegetation and soil of each location are influenced by a variety of elements, and the region’s climate has a significant impact on the vegetation in the area.

• Type of Soil
• The Photoperiod

Need of Natural Vegetation of India

• We receive both oxygen and precipitation from forests.
• The presence of woods reduces soil erosion.
• Animals and birds are both used by plants for pollination and seed dissemination.
• We can find a variety of medications in forests.
• A range of forest products are used as raw materials in many industries.
• In the natural world, they are a constant.
• These wildlife communities support the maintenance of ecological harmony.
• Some species of animals are no longer alive, and others are in danger of going extinct.
• It is important to protect creatures that are in danger.
• Animals and humans both have the right to live on our earth.

Natural Vegetation of India FAQs

Q What are the five vegetation of India?

Ans. Five Vegetation of India are :

• Tropical Evergreen Rain Forests,
• Deciduous or Monsoon Type of Forests,
• Dry Deciduous Forests and Scrubs,
• Semi Desert and Desert Vegetation,
• Mountain Forests.

Q How many types of natural vegetation are found in India?

Ans. There are five major types of natural vegetation found in India- Tropical Evergreen, Deciduous, Dry Deciduous, Desert, Tidal and Mountain Forests.

Q What is the natural vegetation?

Ans. Natural vegetation refers to a plant community, which has grown naturally without human aid and has been left undisturbed by humans for a long time. This is termed as a virgin vegetation. Thus, cultivated crops and fruits, orchards form part of vegetation but not natural vegetation

Q What are the 5 types of natural vegetation?

Ans. Vegetation regions can be divided into five major types: forest, grassland, tundra, desert, and ice sheet.

Q What is the importance of natural vegetation for India?

Ans. Vegetation releases oxygen and sequesters carbon. Vegetation affects soil development over time, generally contributing to a more productive soil. Vegetation provides wildlife habitat and food.

Other Indian Geography Topics

Other fundamental geography topics.

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What are the five vegetation of India?

• Tropical Evergreen Rain Forests, • Deciduous or Monsoon Type of Forests, • Dry Deciduous Forests and Scrubs, • Semi Desert and Desert Vegetation, • Tidal or Mangrove Forests • Mountain Forests.

How many types of natural vegetation are found in India?

There are five major types of natural vegetation found in India- Tropical Evergreen, Deciduous, Dry Deciduous, Desert, Tidal and Mountain Forests.

What is the natural vegetation?

Natural vegetation refers to a plant community, which has grown naturally without human aid and has been left undisturbed by humans for a long time. This is termed as a virgin vegetation. Thus, cultivated crops and fruits, orchards form part of vegetation but not natural vegetation

What are the 5 types of natural vegetation?

Vegetation regions can be divided into five major types: forest, grassland, tundra, desert, and ice sheet.

What is the importance of natural vegetation for India?

Vegetation releases oxygen and sequesters carbon. Vegetation affects soil development over time, generally contributing to a more productive soil. Vegetation provides wildlife habitat and food.

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Natural Vegetation in India: Types & Characteristics

Natural Vegetation: A Tapestry of Plants and Animals

Natural vegetation denotes a plant community that remains undisturbed for an extended period, allowing its individual species to adapt fully to the local climate and soil conditions. India boasts diverse natural vegetation due to variations in climate and soil. It’s recognized as one of the world’s 12 mega biodiversity countries, home to approximately 47,000 plant species, including 15,000 flowering plants ( constituting 6 percent of the world’s total). 

Additionally, India hosts numerous nonflowering plants like ferns, algae, and fungi, along with around 90,000 animal species and a rich diversity of fish in its freshwater and marine ecosystems.

Types of Forests: Natural Vegetation Types of India

Indian forests can be categorized into distinct groups based on shared characteristics like the prevailing Natural Vegetation type and climatic regions:

• Tropical Evergreen and Semi-Evergreen Forests
• Tropical Deciduous Forests
• Tropical Thorn Forests
• Montane Forests
• Littoral and Swamp Forests

Tropical Evergreen and Semi Evergreen Forests: Flora, Fauna, and Enchanting Ecosystems

Tropical Evergreen Forest

Tropical Evergreen: Rich Flora, Diverse Fauna, and Enchanting Ecosystems

• Location: Tropical Evergreen forests are located along western slope of the Western Ghats, hills of the northeastern region and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
• Climate and Rainfall: Climate in these forests are warm and humid areas with an annual precipitation of over 200 cm,  short dry season and mean annual temperature above 22℃.
• Characteristics of Natural Vegetation: Vibrant Forests in Lower Rainfall Regions
• These forests are well-structured, featuring layers near the ground covered in shrubs and creepers, followed by short and tall trees that can reach heights of 60 meters or more.  
• The region’s warm and consistently wet climate fosters lush vegetation, including various types of trees, shrubs, and creepers, creating a multi-layered forest. 
• Leaves on the trees do not have a specific season for shedding, flowering, or fruiting, resulting in year-round greenery . 
• Flora: Notable commercially valuable trees in these forests include ebony, mahogany, rosewood, rubber, and cinchona.
• The one-horned rhinoceros is also found in Assam and West Bengal’s jungles. 
• Additionally, these forests are home to numerous birds, bats, sloths, scorpions, and snails.

Semi Evergreen Forests: Nature’s Blend of Trees in Lower Rainfall Regions

• Semi-evergreen forests are located in regions with lower rainfall. These forests contain a combination of evergreen and moist deciduous trees, and the presence of undergrowth climbers contributes to their evergreen appearance. 
• Key tree species in these forests include white cedar, hollock, and kail.

Tropical Deciduous Forests: Monsoon Wonders with Teak and Wildlife

These are the most widespread forests in India and are also called the monsoon forests.

• Location: Spread over regions which receive rainfall between 70-200 cm.
• Classification on the basis of the availability of water : Basic of Natural Vegetation
• Moist Deciduous Forests : These forests are found in regions which record rainfall between 100-200 cm ; in the northeastern states along the foothills of Himalayas, eastern slopes of the Western Ghats and Odisha.
• Flora: Teak is the most dominant species of this forest, while Bamboos, sal, shisham, sandalwood, khair, kusum, arjun and mulberry are other commercially important species.
• Dry Deciduous Forests: These forests are found in regions where rainfall ranges between 70 -100 cm.
• On the wetter margins , it has a transition to the moist deciduous forest; having a parkland landscape with open stretches in which teak and other trees interspersed with patches of grass.  
• Rainier areas of the Peninsula and regions of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh in the northern Indian plain.
• In drier margins , it has a transition to thorn forests ; having a vast grassland with naked trees all around. 
• Flora: Tendu, palas, amaltas, bel, khair, axlewood, etc. are the common trees of these forests.
•  A huge variety of birds, lizards, snakes and tortoises are also found here.

Tropical Thorn Forests: Resilient Flora and Wildlife in Arid Realms

• Location: Tropical Thorn Forests occur in the areas which receive rainfall less than 50 cm .
• In semi-arid areas of south west Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh.
• Characteristics of Natural Vegetation: Grasses, Succulents, and Wildlife in Thorn Forests
• These consist of a variety of grasses and shrubs .
• Roots: Trees are scattered and have long roots penetrating deep into the soil in order to get moisture. 
• In these forests, plants remain leafless for most part of the year and give an expression of scrub vegetation .
• Tussocky grass grows up to a height of 2 m as the undergrowth.
• Fauna: In these forests, the common animals are rats, mice, rabbits, fox, wolf, tiger, lion, wild ass, horses and camels.

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Natural Vegetation of India: Climate, Medicinal Plants, Examples

The compilation of these Natural Vegetation and Wildlife  Notes makes students exam preparation simpler and organised.

Natural Vegetation of India

Have you noticed different kinds of plants and vegetation when you travel to different states? Even around your house, you can notice various types of trees and bushes! Such is the diverse natural vegetation of India. In this chapter, we will cover some basics about the natural vegetation of India. We will also look at some interesting classifications and examples of the same.

What is Natural Vegetation?

Natural vegetation refers to a plant community which has grown naturally without human aid. They have been left undisturbed by humans for a long time. We call this virgin vegetation. Thus, cultivated crops and fruits, orchards form part of vegetation but not natural vegetation. Now, we will look at some of the factors that impact the vegetation in our country.

The Climate of the Region Temperature and humidity determine the character and extent of vegetation. The precipitation and soil also play a major role in determining the degree of vegetation. Therefore, various places in India have various vegetation patterns.

Photoperiod also affects the vegetation of a place. It is the variation in the duration of sunlight at different places due to differences in latitude, altitude, season, and duration of the day. Hence, depending on the photoperiod, you get different kinds of vegetation at different places. Now, we will look at the various types of vegetation.

Types of Vegetation

We have the following major types of vegetation in our country:

Tropical Rain Forests These forests are restricted to heavy rainfall areas of the Western Ghats and the island groups of Lakshadweep, Andaman and Nicobar, upper parts of Assam and Tamil Nadu coast. They are at their best in areas having more than 200 cm of rainfall with a short dry season. The trees reach great heights up to 60 meters or even above. Some of the commercially important trees of this forest are ebony, mahogany, rosewood, rubber, and cinchona.

Tropical Deciduous Forests These are the most widespread forests of India. They are the monsoon forests and spread over the region receiving rainfall between 200 cm and 70 cm. Trees of this forest type shed their leaves for about six to eight weeks in dry summer.

These forests exist, therefore, mostly in the eastern part of the country – northeastern states, along with the foothills of the Himalayas, Jharkhand, West Orissa, and Chhattisgarh, and on the eastern slopes of the Western Ghats. Teak is the most dominant species in this forest. Bamboos, sal, shisham, sandalwood, Khair, Kusum, Arjun, mulberry are other commercially important species.

The Thorn Forests and Scrubs In regions with less than 70 cm of rainfall, the natural vegetation of India consists of thorny trees and bushes. This type of vegetation is found in the north-western part of the country including semi-arid areas of Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh, and Haryana. Acacias, palms, euphorbias, and cacti are the main plant species. Trees are scattered and have long roots penetrating deep into the soil in order to get moisture.

Montane Forests In mountainous areas, the decrease in temperature with increasing altitude leads to the corresponding change in the natural vegetation of India. You can find the wet temperate type of forests between a height of 1000 and 2000 meters. Evergreen broad-leaf trees such as oaks and chestnuts predominate. Between 1500 and 3000 meters, you can find temperate forests containing coniferous trees like pine, deodar, silver fir, spruce, and cedar.

Mangrove Forests You can find the mangrove tidal forests in the areas of coasts influenced by tides. Mud and silt get accumulated on such coasts. Dense mangroves are the common varieties with roots of the plants submerged underwater. You can find these in the deltas of the Ganga, the Mahanadi, the Krishna, the Godavari, and the Kaveri.

Medicinal Plants in India

India is famous for its herbs and spices from ancient times. The World Conservation Union’s Red List has named 352 medicinal plants of which 52 are critically threatened and 49 are endangered. The commonly used plants in India are:

• Sarpagandha: We can use it to treat blood pressure. It is found only in India.
• Jamun: The juice from ripe fruit helps to prepare vinegar which is carminative and diuretic, and has digestive properties. The powder of the seed helps in controlling diabetes.
• Arjun: The fresh juice of leaves is a cure for an earache. It also regulates blood pressure.
• Babool: People use the leaves to cure eyesores. Its gum is used as a tonic.
• Neem: It has high antibiotic and antibacterial properties.
• Tulsi Plant: It helps to cure a cough and cold.
• Kachnar: This plant helps to cure asthma and ulcers. The buds and roots are good for digestive problems.

Question: Write a note on the montane forests in India. Answer: In mountainous areas, the decrease in temperature with increasing altitude leads to the corresponding change in natural vegetation. You can find the wet temperate type of forests between a height of 1000 and 2000 meters. Evergreen broad-leaf trees such as oaks and chestnuts predominate. Between 1500 and 3000 meters, you can find temperate forests containing coniferous trees like pine, deodar, silver fir, spruce, and cedar.

• Natural Vegetation and Wildlife of India and the World

Have you noticed that the plants and animals everywhere are not the same? Some are large leafy green trees, and some are thorny bushes. In the same way, even animals differ from each other depending upon their habitat and other natural factors surrounding them. They have basically adapted to their natural environment around them, so they can survive. This is basically what we mean by natural Vegetation and wildlife in India .

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Natural vegetation.

Natural vegetation refers to the plant life (flora) that grows in a region according to the climatic conditions and other such factors prevailing in that region. In general, there are about five broad varieties of natural vegetation in the world. Let us take a quick look.

Browse more Topics under Resources Of India And World

• Agriculture of India and World
• Animal Husbandry and Fishery
• Industries of India and World
• Soils of India and World
• Transport and Communication of India and World

Types of Vegetation in the World

• Forests : A forest is a dense area with a lot of trees, so much that they shade the ground below them. But not all forests are same. The trees in the forest largely depend on the climatic conditions of the region. And the forests are generally classified by the kind of trees found in them. Some examples are Evergreen Forests, Temperate Forest, Mixed Forest Rain forests etc
• Grasslands : The name here is self-explanatory. These are flat regions that extend miles, and the primary form of vegetation here is grass. Here also there are types such as temperate grasslands, savannas etc. The Savannas of Africa are the most famous ones. Grasslands are the important source of weeds and crops such as oats which are cattle fodder.
• Desert : As you can imagine due to the dry and arid conditions there is not a lot of vegetation in deserts. The soil too mostly consists of sand and gravel. So the plants that grow in these regions have adapted to such conditions. They have long roots and stems that can store water . Cactus is the most valid example of such vegetation.
• Tundra : This type of vegetation is found in the coldest regions of our planet like the Arctic region. Vegetation is limited to some shrubs and few patches of grass, but mostly moss is found in such regions. There is also permafrost in this region, which is permanently frozen soil-like substance.
• Ice Sheets : Now this is interesting because these are regions absolutely devoid of any form of vegetation. There are only two such places on earth, i.e. Antarctica and Greenland.

Learn more about  Deforestation here in detail 

Vegetation in India

India has a very diverse geography. Due to being in two separate temperature zones, and a very varied landscape it also has a large variety of its natural vegetation. Let us take a look at the different types of vegetation we can find in India and the regions where.

• Tropical Evergreen Rainforests: These grow in regions that receive an excess of 200 cm of rainfall. Here the trees never shed their leaves, hence are known as evergreen. These are dense forests found in Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Assam etc
• Deciduous Forest: These grow in regions with moderate rainfall. The trees will shed their leaves in autumn or the dry season. The trees are usually very valuable as timber. These forests are found in Maharashtra, Bihar, Orissa and some regions of the Himalayas too
• Desert Vegetation: This is the sparse vegetation found in the regions of Thar desert. It mostly consists of bushes, acacia, cacti and date trees. It is found in the arid and semi-arid regions of Rajasthan, Gujarat and some regions of Punjab.
• Mountain Forests: These are found in the foothills of the Himalayas. The vegetation keeps changing according to the altitude. At the base you will find evergreen tall trees such as bamboo and teak, As you go higher there are conifer trees like the pine. And after a point its just grasslands and moss.

Wildlife  in India

The animals that live in a specific region are what we call the wildlife of the region. Just as vegetation is the flora, wildlife is the fauna of a region. Animals can be found in every time of vegetation and are usually isolated from any human contact. It includes all the animals, birds, insects etc of the region.

The diversity of wildlife in the world is unimaginably large. There are said to be about 1 to 2 million species of animals on the planet! And India in particular boasts of an incredible wildlife presence.

(Source: Pixabay)

Our national animal the tiger is one such rare animal found in India. In fact, the Bengal tiger can be found nowhere else on earth. We also have the Asiatic Lion, the only species of lions found outside Africa. It is home to many such exotic animals such as the Indian Elephant, the rhinoceroses and the leopard.

To preserve these amazing animals and their natural habitats, we have many conservatories, national parks and wildlife sanctuaries. In recent times to bring down illegal hunting and poaching the government has passed some very strict laws as well.

Solved Examples for You

Question: What are some famous wildlife sanctuaries in India?

Solution: India boasts of some of the most beautiful and diverse wildlife sanctuaries in the world.  Among them, the oldest and by far the most famous is the Corbett National Park in Uttrakhand. It was established to protect the endangered Bengal Tigers from hunters and poachers.

Another important sanctuary is the Ranthambore National Park in Rajasthan. Other than tigers, leopards, hyenas and the wild boar can also be found here. And then there is the Bandipur National Park famous for the elephants that stay there.

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3 responses to “Natural Vegetation and Wildlife of India and the World”

which state has maximum forest cover area

if you ask which state has maximum forest cover area percentage then its Mizoram (86.27%). Hope this helps. PLEASE reply by email.

madhya pradesh

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Natural Vegetation: Forests and Grasslands of North-East India

• First Online: 01 January 2013

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• K. R. Dikshit 4 &
• Jutta K. Dikshit 4  

Part of the book series: Advances in Asian Human-Environmental Research ((AAHER))

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Of the total forest area of around 68 million hectares in India, the North-Eastern states account for over 17 million hectares, roughly one-fourth of the forest area of the country. All the states of North-East India, with the exception of Assam, have 50–80 % of their area under forests. High temperatures, combined with heavy to very heavy rains, have stimulated the growth of forests at lower levels. Even in the mountainous regions, there are heavy rains in summer, and lower temperatures during winter don’t cause excessive evapotranspiration and thus limit the possibility of any moisture stress in the soil. The forests in the hilly regions, despite the destruction of forests by slash and burn cultivation, have survived and are regenerated. These forests have enormous variation in their typology and floral characteristics, ranging from tropical evergreen at lower altitude in upper Brahmaputra valley to pine forests in the Himalayas and birch–rhododendron scrub at still higher levels. Dipterocarpus macrocarpus (Hollong in Assamese) and Mesua ferrea (Nahar in Assamese) are the principal type trees of Assam valley tropical evergreen forests. In the tropical moist deciduous forests, Shorea robusta is the principal species with several associates like Schima wallichii (Makna Sal). The subtropical wet hill forests, as in Meghalaya, have several varieties of oak ( Quercus spp.). Richness of flora because of the wet hills presents a climate condition, which combines the characteristics of tropical as well as temperate climate. At higher altitudes, mixed coniferous and coniferous forests occur followed by sub-alpine pastures, rhododendrons and scrubs at still higher altitudes.

North-East India is known for its biodiversity. It is one of the two biodiversity hotspots of India. Half the total number of floral species, known in India, occurs here, and the region forms the richest reservoir of genetic variability. An important aspect of the forests of the region is the profusion of orchids. The North-East region has 876 orchid species, which constitute 70 % of the total orchid flora of India. To preserve the biodiversity of the region, a number of biospheres, national parks and wildlife sanctuaries (2004) are established in the region.

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1.1 Appendix 9.1: National Parks in the North-East Region

Wildlife Sanctuaries

Though most of the national parks have wildlife, they are not the sanctuaries like the wildlife sanctuaries whose primary function is to provide sanctuary to wildlife and to protect the endangered species. While national parks are important as preserves of plant, wildlife sanctuaries are the preserves for wildlife.

1.2 Appendix 9.2: Wildlife Sanctuaries in North-East India

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Dikshit, K.R., Dikshit, J.K. (2014). Natural Vegetation: Forests and Grasslands of North-East India. In: North-East India: Land, People and Economy. Advances in Asian Human-Environmental Research. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-7055-3_9

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Study Today

Largest Compilation of Structured Essays and Exams

Informative Essay on Natural Vegetation in India

December 21, 2017 by Study Mentor Leave a Comment

Nature provided us many gifts which are priceless and one of them is natural vegetation. Plants are the form of living beings which grows naturally without any external help; this is the beauty of nature which is called natural vegetation.

The natural vegetation can be forests or farmlands. In the variation of altitude and climate they grow naturally, based on these two parameters they are classified in many types. Soil is also a very important factor in the growth of forests.

Natural vegetation is dependent on the rainfall quantity which occurs differently in different regions. As a result every part of country has different type of forests or vegetation area.

The vegetation in India broadly can be classified on the basis of climate and altitude in five types as follows-

Table of Contents

Tropical evergreen and semi-evergreen forests

These kinds of forests can be found in warm and humid locations in India, areas which have more than 200cm rainfall annually and annual temperature more than 22° c.

These are found in hilly slopes of north east states, Western Ghats, Andaman and Nicobar islands. The season for flowering, shedding is not regular or unfixed season for all fruiting.

They are evergreen, well stratified and very dense. Very tall tress of height 60 meter or more are found in tropical evergreen forests. And main species are mahogany, rosewood, bamboos, sandal wood and ebony etc. The range of these trees has dense growth

Forests which have mixture of deciduous and evergreen varieties are found in the areas where less rain fall occurs. Semi evergreen forests consist of Hollock, kail, chestnut, oak, cedar as main species.

Tropical deciduous forests

These are most widely spread in all types of forests in India . These are also called Monsoon forests. These grow in the regions where rainfall occurs between 70 cm and 200 cm. valuable timbers are supplied by these kinds of forests.

Further on basis of quantity of rainfall Tropical deciduous forests are divided in two types- 1.) Tropical dry deciduous

Tropical dry deciduous

Where rainfall of range 70-100 cm occurs these are found there. Found in plains of Bihar and U.P., peninsula. In dry season the trees of these forests shed their leaves fully and look like grassland. Main species are Tendu, Axle wood, bel, palas etc.

Tropical moist deciduous

These kinds of forests grow in areas where rainfall of range 100-200 cm occurs. Found in lower part of Himalaya and Odisha, on shores of Western Ghats. Main species are kusum, amla, teak, mahua, sisham etc.

Tropical thorn forests

Area having rainfall less than 50 cm is found to be rich of tropical thorn forests. Variety of shrubs and grasses grows in these forests.

Semi dry and dry areas of Haryana, Gujarat, M.P., U.P, Rajasthan, and Punjab are the regions where they can be found. The trees of these forests remain leafless during whole year. A special type of grass called Tussocky grows up to 2 meter in length in these forests.

Mountain forests

These type of forests found in hilly areas of India as the name implies. These forests are classified in two types as Northern montane and southern montane forests.

Northern montane forests

Grow in Himalayan region. The type changes on the altitude basis as Tropical to Tundra.

Wet temperature type of forests is found in height range 1000-2000 m. At this height broad leaf trees like oak are commonly found.

Deodar and pine trees are found in some areas at height of 1500-1750 m. Walnut and chinar trees in the Kashmiri Himalaya are found.

At altitude range of 2200-3000 m spruce and blue pine appears.

At height of 3000-4000 m pines, junipers, rhodendrones and silver firs are found. At high altitude Lichens and mosses grow.

Southern montane forests

In south India these are in three main regions- Nilgiri hills, Hills of Western Ghats and vindhyas. Southern hills are closer to tropics with average height of 1500 m, due to these reasons show two vegetation types- temperature in higher regions at sub-tropical in lower regions.

Sholas is the name given to the temperature forests of Annamalai, Nilgiri hills. Laurel, Magnolia and wattle are main species.

Swamp and Littoral forests

Also known as wetland forests. These are in rich variety in India. Mangrove forests grow along sea coast in salty sand, estuaries and tidal creeks.

Mangrove forests are home to a variety of birds. Some salt tolerant species of plants are also present. In India Mangroves are found in Sundarbans, Andman and Nicobar Island, Mahanadi and Godavari River deltas.

Certain rules and regulations should be strictly maintained in order to minimize the environmental impact over the vegetation area.

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Guest Essay

We Can Get the Electricity We Need Without Frying the Planet (or Our Pocketbooks)

By Jonathan Mingle

Mr. Mingle is an independent journalist and the author of “Gaslight: The Atlantic Coast Pipeline and the Fight for America’s Energy Future.”

Electric utilities from Georgia to Wisconsin to Virginia are predicting a dizzying surge in power demand from new industrial facilities, electric vehicles and, most of all, the data centers that store our digital photos and will enable large-language models for artificial intelligence. For months now, they have been signaling that they won’t be able to keep up.

To keep the lights on, many utility companies are proposing to build dozens of new power plants that burn natural gas. North Carolina-based Duke Energy alone wants to add 8.9 gigawatts of new gas-fired capacity — more than the entire country added in 2023. Using their own projections of soaring energy demands as justification, these companies are also pushing back on the climate targets set by their states and the Biden administration.

If state regulators sign off on these plans, they will be gambling with our country’s future. We need to electrify everything from cars to appliances to slow climate change, but we won’t be able to reach our climate goals if we power all of those machines with dirty energy.

There is a better way. But to get there, legislators will need to overhaul the incentives driving utilities to double down on natural gas, so that they can turn a profit without cooking the planet.

Companies like Duke, Dominion Energy and Georgia Power argue that they need more gas-fired plants to reliably provide power during times of peak demand — for instance, on a hot summer weekday afternoon when home cooling systems and data servers are all humming at maximum output, and the grid strains to keep up. But those peaks tend to materialize only for a few dozen hours per year, and there are ways to deal with them that don’t require a massive amount of new methane-burning infrastructure.

The real reason the utilities want to build these plants is quite simple: The more stuff they build, the more money they make. Regulators let utilities charge their customers enough money to cover what they spend on assets like combustion turbines and wires, plus a generous rate of return (up to 10 percent) for their investors. This longstanding arrangement incentivizes power providers to build expensive things whether society needs them or not, in lieu of lower-cost, cleaner options, and to invoke their duty to keep the lights on as a post hoc rationalization.

This dynamic can push some companies to extreme lengths in pursuit of gas-generated profits. Nearly a decade ago, Dominion and Duke partnered to build a 600-mile-long pipeline across West Virginia, Virginia and North Carolina, largely to supply their own new power plants. Back then, the companies cited their own forecasts of rising energy demand and claimed more gas supply was needed to back up intermittent wind- and solar-generated power coming onto the grid. But it soon became clear that there wasn’t any need for those plants, and most were canceled. The pipeline’s core premise had proved to be a mirage. And in 2020 , faced with relentless grass-roots opposition, Dominion and Duke finally abandoned it.

It makes sense that Dominion and Duke executives would pursue these potentially lucrative investments; their job is to maximize returns for their shareholders. But utilities aren’t like other shareholder-owned companies. They are granted the right to be monopolies in exchange for providing essential services to society. And regulators’ job is to hold them accountable to the public interest. This century-old model is in dire need of an upgrade, so that utilities can be compensated for achieving goals — such as using clean, affordable energy and building a resilient grid — that are in everyone’s interest.

Although breathless forecasts of artificial intelligence gobbling up all of our power supply may or may not prove correct, there’s no question that after decades of remaining mostly flat, electricity demand is increasing. Fortunately, utilities have plenty of ways to meet this new need.

They include “ virtual power plants ” — when technologies such as home batteries, rooftop solar systems, smart water heaters and thermostats are linked together and managed via software to provide the same services as a conventional power plant. Utilities in Vermont, Colorado and Massachusetts are already using them, to quickly respond to rising demand at a much lower cost than operating natural gas combustion turbines. According to one estimate , virtual power plants could lower U.S. utilities’ costs by as much as $35 billion over the next decade.

Utilities could also accelerate efforts to replace outdated transmission lines with newer ones that can carry double the electric current and to bring more battery storage online. They can compensate customers for using less energy during times when demand is high and invest far more in energy efficiency, helping customers to adopt devices that use less electricity.

All of these solutions would save customers money and reduce carbon emissions. They could, according to a Department of Energy analysis , meet the entire projected growth in U.S. peak electricity demand over the next decade.

Sure, they wouldn’t provide utilities nearly as much money as building new gas-fired power plants. But that’s why public utility commissions must step in to require utilities to make investments that benefit the climate and their customers, without scaring off their shareholders. What’s needed is not more regulation, just smarter regulation.

There are promising signs that this shift is already underway. In Connecticut, where customers pay some of the highest electricity rates in the nation, the chairwoman of the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority has created a program to test-drive tweaks to utilities’ incentive structure, as part of a larger initiative to build an “equitable, modern electric grid.”

More than a dozen other state legislatures have directed regulators to impose or study some kind of performance-based regulation to reward utilities based on what they do , instead of on how much they spend . This move has predictably elicited pushback from some companies, which believe that their traditional business models are under threat. But others have embraced the new opportunities: Hawaii’s approach has earned the support of the state’s biggest electric utility.

We need utilities to succeed now more than ever before. But the definition of success needs to evolve. We need them not only to shore up a grid being battered by extreme weather and wildfires fueled by climate change, but also to fully embrace the work of phasing out fossil fuels.

The United States has very little chance of reining in its emissions without investor-owned utilities putting their expertise and deep resources to work. We can’t build a carbon-free energy system without them — or without regulators and lawmakers willing to compel them to accelerate, rather than postpone, the clean energy transition.

Jonathan Mingle is an independent journalist and the author of “Gaslight: The Atlantic Coast Pipeline and the Fight for America’s Energy Future.”

The Times is committed to publishing a diversity of letters to the editor. We’d like to hear what you think about this or any of our articles. Here are some tips . And here’s our email: [email protected] .

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