The minimum land area recommended for forest cover to maintain proper ecological balance in India is

1. The question asks for the minimum land area recommended for forest cover to maintain proper ecological balance in India. 2. The National Forest Policy, 1988, emphasizes the need for maintaining environmental stability and ecological balance. 3. The policy stipulates a national goal of having a minimum of one-third (33%) of the total land area of the country under forest or tree cover. 4. It further specifies that in the hills and mountainous regions, the aim should be to maintain two-thirds of the area under forest cover to prevent erosion and land degradation and ensure the stability of the fragile ecosystems. 5. Therefore, the recommended minimum forest cover for India overall is 33%.