At
its root, deforestation is far more than simply "cutting/chopping down
trees". The impact on the environment of deforestation is much greater than
that which would be described by the action of cutting down trees alone. The
main reason for this is that, when deforestation removes complex forest systems
to use them for more simplified forms of land use (such as agricultural
production, mining, road building, plantations, etc., and urban expansion), the
process is removing diversity and complexity from those environments. This can
affect the storage of carbon in the ecosystem, how water moves throughout the
landscape (hydrological cycle), soil stability, local temperatures and the
ability of the landscape to support the diversity of plants and animals.
The article identifies the harmful impacts of deforestation on the
environment in a number of interconnected ways. The first pathway involves an
increase in greenhouse gases along with a reduced ability of forests to act as
carbon sinks. The second pathway includes disruption of rainfall patterns,
groundwater recharge and river sediment dynamics resulting in increased
flooding, higher risk of drought and decreasing water quality. The third
pathway (disruption to habitats/species) ultimately leads to local extinction
events; usually due to a slow decline in the population size of one or more
species rather than an abrupt collapse. The final pathway includes the
potential for more conflict between humans and wildlife and the potential for
spill over risks at the edge of forests. Next the article looks at India's
legal framework and governance structure relative to deforestation, which
includes India's diversion regime as outlined in the Forest (Conservation) Act
and the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court regarding the working definition of
"forest". The article will also consider rights and livelihoods under
the Forest Rights Act, and would also outline the preventive principles
necessary to prevent future deforestation.
