India loses over 46,000 sq km of forest land in a decade, Arunachal Pradesh worst affected
New Delhi: Over the past decade, India has lost nearly 46,000 sq km of forest land, with Arunachal Pradesh recording the highest loss of 6,539 sq km, according to the latest India State of Forest Report. Other states with significant losses include Madhya Pradesh (5,353 sq km) and Maharashtra (4,052 sq km).
In southern India, Andhra Pradesh (5,560 sq km), Telangana (4,926 sq km), and Karnataka (3,328 sq km) were among the most affected states.
The report highlights three categories of forest degradation:
1. Dense forests turning into open forests (10-40% canopy density).
2. Open forests degrading into scrublands (less than 10% canopy density).
3. Scrublands transforming into non-forest areas.
The combined degradation over the decade totals 92,989 sq km, with dense forests accounting for nearly 93,000 sq km of the loss. Of this, 50% has been entirely converted into non-forest areas, including croplands, settlements, water bodies, grasslands, snow-covered regions, and deserts.
Environmentalists have raised concerns about the increasing conversion of forests into non-forest lands, which could severely impact biodiversity. Debadityo Sinha, an ecologist with the Vidhi Centre for Legal Policy, remarked, “Many of these areas are home to significant engineering projects like mines, highways, and strategic developments, which have intensified following recent amendments to the Forest Conservation Act.”
The report also warns about the spread of Vilayati Kikar (Prosopis juliflora), an invasive alien species, which has emerged as one of the top five agroforestry species in 2023.
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Yadagiri court dismisses self-styled godman Mallikarjun Mutya bail plea in POCSO case
Yadagiri: The District Court on Monday rejected the anticipatory bail application filed by Mallikarjun Muthya of Mahal Roja in Shahapur taluk.
Muthya, a self-styled godman is facing charges in a POCSO case lodged at Gogi Police Station, for alleged inappropriate behavior with a minor girl.
A video of the incident allegedly went viral over social media prompting the Karnataka State Commission for Protection of Child Rights to register a suo motu complaint against him.
Muthya had filed anticipatory bail plea in the district court.
The District Sessions Court Judge Marula Siddharadhya, who heard the plea on Monday, rejected it.
According to reports, the godman is likely to approach the high court on Tuesday seeking a bail.
Mutya, who is believed to be around 26–27 years old, has gained popularity in recent years through social media platforms, on Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook.
He is widely known as “Appaji” among his followers. According to local reports, he is revered by many devotees in North Karnataka and surrounding districts, who regard him as a “walking god” or a local deity.
He has become widely known over the past four years due to his active presence on social media and has drawn attention for his sometimes controversial “miracles.”
