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Forest Destruction: The Hidden Cost of India's Industrial Ambitions

Forest land diversion in India has increased in recent years due to rapid industrial expansion with over three lakh hectares repurposed for non-forestry use. Experts argue that official figures underestimate the true extent of deforestation.

By Diksha Puri and Niharika Singh
New Update
Forest diversion

Forest Destruction: The Hidden Cost of India's Industrial Ambitions | Representative image | Photo courtesy: Special arrangement

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Forest Cover Depletion and Rapid Industrialisation

In recent years, India's rapid development and industrial expansion have come at a significant environmental cost. While economic growth is essential, it must not overshadow the dire consequences of deforestation and environmental degradation. The depletion of forest cover in India has reached alarming levels, raising serious concerns about the sustainability of our natural resources. 

Last year, the environment ministry disclosed some shocking details about the amount of forest cover that is depleting in the country. It was revealed that over three lakh hectares of forestland have been diverted for non-forestry use in India over the last 15 years under the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980.

Debi Goenka, Executive Trustee of the Conservation Action Trust, argues that this figure is a significant underestimate. “The figure quoted by the government is actually the official figure,” he states. “What this figure has not taken into account is the encroachment that has taken place where the forest has been illegally cut and used for other activities. The figure cited by the government also does not include the forest which was in the possession of the revenue department and was never handed over to the forest department as required."

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