India’s forest cover witnessed a concerning decline with 18,200 hectares of primary forest loss in 2024, highlighting the urgent need to address deforestation and its multifaceted impacts on ecosystems and communities.

Major Causes of Deforestation

1. Urbanization and Infrastructure Development: Rapid expansion of cities and transportation networks leading to forest clearance (e.g., Western Ghats losing 58.22 sq km since 2013).
2. Agricultural Expansion: Conversion of forest land for farming and commercial plantations, particularly affecting biodiversity hotspots in Northeast India.
3. Mining and Industrial Activities: Resource extraction causing permanent forest degradation and ecosystem fragmentation.
4. Population Pressure: Growing demands for land and resources leading to encroachment into forest areas.

Consequences of Deforestation

1. Biodiversity Loss: Destruction of natural habitats threatening countless species and disrupting ecological balance.
2. Climate Change: Reduced carbon sequestration capacity, with India losing 31 million hectares of tree cover since 2001.
3. Soil Degradation: Increased erosion and reduced soil fertility affecting agricultural productivity.
4. Water Security: Disruption of hydrological cycles and watershed functions impacting water availability.

Sustainable Forestry Solutions

1. Policy Initiatives: Implementation of National Agroforestry Policy and Green India Mission for ecosystem restoration and protection.
2. Community-Based Management: Strengthening local participation through Van Dhan Yojana for sustainable forest resource utilization.
3. Scientific Conservation: Adoption of Forest Fire Prevention & Management Scheme to protect existing forest cover.
4. Alternative Livelihoods: Promoting sustainable income sources to reduce dependency on forest resources.

The path forward requires a balanced approach between development and conservation, with initiatives like the Green India Mission leading afforestation efforts. Success stories like Mizoram’s forest cover increase demonstrate that sustainable forestry practices, combined with strong policy implementation and community participation, can effectively combat deforestation while ensuring ecological security.