What are the factors contributing to the imperiled state of forests in the Northeast region of India
Explained | How the amended Forest (Conservation) Act imperils the Northeast
The imperiled state of forests in the Northeast region of India can be attributed to several factors. Here are the key points explaining the factors:
- Illegal logging and encroachment: Rampant illegal logging and encroachment of forest lands for agriculture, infrastructure development, and human settlements have significantly contributed to deforestation in the region.
- Poaching and wildlife trade: The Northeast is known for its rich biodiversity, making it a target for illegal hunting and wildlife trade, leading to ecosystem imbalance and habitat destruction.
- Jhum or shifting cultivation: Traditional slash-and-burn agricultural practices, known as jhum cultivation, have adverse effects on forests, causing soil erosion and a decrease in forest cover.
- Infrastructure development: The development of roads, dams, and other infrastructure projects often results in the fragmentation of forests, affecting wildlife populations and disrupting ecological processes.
- Climate change: Changing weather patterns, increased temperatures, and erratic rainfall have affected forest health, leading to the spread of pests and diseases and altered forest dynamics.
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