Deforestation

By : Neha Dhyani

Updated : Apr 19, 2022, 6:04

Our planet Earth is one of a kind because it is teeming with life. There is life in the form of animals, birds, humans, and trees. Trees are extremely important to our planet. They not only add to the beauty of our planet, but they also absorb large amounts of harmful gases such as carbon dioxide. Forests are also known as our planet's lungs. On the other hand, humans have been continuously exploiting natural resources for their own gain. Deforestation is the deliberate removal of trees from forest land.

Deforestation - Overview

India has several regions covered with dense forests. However, with the increase in population, deforestation has increased in several regions. According to the India State of Forest Report, 2021, the Northeast region saw the highest amount of deforestation. There were also reports of a slight increase in the green cover of many states but with a decline in the forest carbon stock.

The decline in the carbon stock in Indian forests is mainly due to deforestation. The deforestation of dense forests results in a diminished capacity for storing carbon. Reports show that between 2015 and 2018, India lost over 20,000 hectares of dense forest area to mining and building thermal power plants.

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Rise in Deforestation

Deforestation is rising due to:

  • Land Space for Agriculture

An increase in population has resulted in increased demand for food. Deforestation of forest land is majorly for agricultural activities. According to the reports from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), agriculture leads to 80 percent of deforestation in the world.

  • Cattle Rearing

Another big reason for rampant deforestation is livestock rearing. The demand for meat has been soaring over the past few years. Forests are cleared for rearing cattle.

  • Illegal Logging

Several industries thrive on the use of wood from trees. Furniture and paper industries' demands have increased in recent years resulting in illegal logging of wood from the forest.

  • Construction and Mining

Construction of roads and mining activities for natural resources from the forest reserves are common reasons for deforestation.

With continuous deforestation activities, several landscapes have changed over time. It is time for people to understand the fatal effects of deforestation. Loss of trees can lead to increased pollution, increased greenhouse gasses, climate change, soil erosion, the rampant occurrence of natural disasters, loss of habitats, and extinction of species.

Humans need to understand these consequences and take quick action to reverse climate change by conserving forests and minimizing deforestation.

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FAQs on Deforestation

Q.1. What are the common reasons for deforestation?

The common reasons for Deforestation include agriculture, cattle rearing, illegal logging, mining, and construction.

Q.2. Why should humans reduce deforestation?

Deforestation is the cutting down of trees and reduction in forest cover. Trees of the dense forests absorb and store maximum carbon. If humans do not reduce deforestation activities, then it can lead to increased pollution, diseases, climate change, and extinction of species.

Q.3. What are the rates of deforestation in India?

Recently, reports have shown a slight increase in forest cover. However, the carbon stock of Indian forests has declined. This decline in the carbon stock is due to the deforestation of dense forests.

Q.4. How much forest cover has India lost from 2015 to 2018 due to deforestation?

India has lost around 20,000 hectares of forest cover from 2015 to 2018 due to deforestation.