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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Dakshina Kannada: Firecracker accident at Puttur temple fair leaves seven injured
Mangaluru (Karnataka) (PTI): Seven persons were injured during a firecracker display at a temple fair in Dakshina Kannada district, police said on Sunday.
The incident occurred on the night of April 18 during the annual festivities at the Sri Mahalingeshwara Temple in Puttur town.
According to police, a traditional fireworks display was being conducted on the temple premises when sparks and burning debris fell on a group of spectators watching from a distance.
Seven people sustained injuries in the incident and were shifted to a nearby hospital for treatment, police said.
A complaint has been lodged by one of the injured, Sumanth Shetty, at the Puttur town police station.
Police have registered a case and are investigating the circumstances that led to the accident.
