The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has alerted the central government about a worrying decrease in Assam’s forest cover, as revealed by the India State of Forest Report (ISFR) 2023. The report indicates that Assam lost 86.66 square kilometers of forest between 2021 and 2023. Responding to media reports on this environmental issue, the NGT, led by Chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava and expert member Afroz Ahmad, highlighted severe environmental consequences. These include not only the loss of forest area but also a reduction in canopy density affecting an additional 1,699 square kilometers.
Other northeastern states are also experiencing declines; Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram have seen reductions of 1,084 and 987 square kilometers respectively, while Tripura faces challenges from the expansion of rubber plantations. The NGT suggests these reductions may violate the Forest Conservation Act and the Environment (Protection) Act, raising concerns about biodiversity, ecological balance, and climate change efforts.
To tackle this alarming situation, the NGT has requested detailed responses from the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, and top forestry officials from Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, and Tripura. These officials are expected to file comprehensive reports ahead of the next hearing scheduled for January 29.
Original Source: https://www.guwahatiplus.com/assam/ngt-issues-notice-over-decline-in-assams-forest-cover
Category : Assam
Tags:
Publish Date: 2025-01-25 12:21:00
