Depletion of Forest in Arunachal Pradesh

The Northeastern region is a paradise of natural resources with varied flora and fauna, verdant plains which roll towards alpine heights with an average rainfall of 200 cms to 1000 cms with about 48% of the total flora of India represented in this region itself.

However, the scenario of Arunachal Pradesh is one of eco – degradation due to rapid depletion of forest cover. It is alarming that only during the last two decades, the rate of depletion of forests in the Northeastern states has been about 2600 sq kms per annum due to the practice of ‘jhum’ cultivation in the hill areas by the local tribal people. As a result, a substantial percentage of the forest has been lost. In Arunachal Pradesh, out of approximately 25000 sq. km of wasteland, about 16000 sq kms is accounted for by ‘jhum’ cultivation.

It is accepted that in comparison to other states of the Northeastern region, scientific management of forests began in Arunachal Pradesh much earlier covering 33% for the plains and 60% for the hill areas. As a result, a gainful result has been obtained during the last two decades and the total forest area cover of 51,438 sq kms in 1975 has gone up to 54,342 sq kms in 1994, a raise from 61.42% to 64.89% respectively which is a ray of hope and promise of eco – protection in the future in the state.

On the other hand, the mushrooming growth of saw and veneer mills in the bordering areas of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh has led to deforestation and destruction of nature’s bounty by exploiters out to make quick money. It is relevant to mention here that only Tirap and Changlang districts bordering...........