Which of the following statements with regard to the land-use situation in India is/are correct? 1. There has been a tremendous decline in the area under forest in recent years. 2. The rate of increase in land use in recent years is the highest in the case of the area under non-agricultural use. 3. Land use such as barren and wasteland, the area under pastures, and tree crops have experienced a decline in recent years. Select the correct answer using the code given below. Correct Answer 2 and 3 only According to the India State of Forest Report (ISFR), India recorded an overall jump of 1% in the area under forest. So, the 1st statement is incorrect. The increasing involvement of the service sector and manufacturing in the Indian Economy means that the area under non-agricultural use is increasing. Further, the decrease in the barren and wastelands, and areas and under pasture and tree crops can be explained due to the pressure of agricultural land. Expansionary policies in cultivation and increasing rate of illegal encroachments on the common pasture lands and tree cropping area to feed the increasing population has led to an overall decline.