Deforestation in India is the widespread destruction of major forests in India. It is mainly caused by environmental degradation by farmers, ranches, loggers and plantation corporations. In 2009, India ranked 10th worldwide in the amount of forest loss,[1] where world annual deforestation is estimated as 13.7 million hectares (34×106 acres) a year.[1]
History
editDeforestation started with the growth of agriculture, but was exacerbated in the nineteenth century when British commercial forestry operations destroyed forests in mountain areas of Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. The Gangetic plains have been almost completely deforested for agriculture. [2][better source needed]
Dynamics
editDeforestation has several causes including colonization, agricultural expansion, firewood collection, timber harvesting and extension of cultivation on slopes. In the Indian Himalayas debris thrown down slopes due to the reckless use of excavator machines for widening roads and making of new roads has destroyed vast areas of Forest.[citation needed] Due to colonization, trees were cut down as a primary source of fuel. Felled trees are used for cooking food and other daily needs which require fuel.
Results
editDeforestation has affected the lives of wild animals and birds including bats.[3] Birds like sparrows, pigeons and crows are becoming rarer due to deforestation. Due to deforestation, India is facing water problems in urban cities and villages.
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ a b Gore, Al (3 November 2009). "9". Our Choice: A Plan to Solve the Climate Crisis. Rod ale Books. pp. 174, 192, 184, 186, 192, 172. ISBN 978-1-59486-734-7.
- ^ "Case studies of Andaman Island, Uttara Kannada". org.uy. Archived from the original on 7 March 2016. Retrieved 20 August 2015.
- ^ "Deforestation Serious Threat to Bats in India". Indian Express. Archived from the original on August 21, 2015. Retrieved 20 August 2015.
