|
Pressures
Many forest areas are encroached for cultivation. Some have been nibbled
for non-forest use in projects like irrigation or mining. Changes in life
styles of tribals who were earlier hunter-gatherers and are now taking
to selected agriculture also impinge on forests and biodiverse areas.
The chief reservoirs of biomass produce are the forests. With increasing
demands and more advanced modes of exploitation, the country's natural
resources are dwindling at an alarming rate. The reasons attributed to
this reduction are
- Growing
human and livestock population
- Increased
extraction rates, chiefly for the urban industrial markets
- A large
cattle population dependent on a grossly inadequate pasture land, leading
to over grazing and therefore shortage of fresh fodder
- Conversion
of forests and pastures into agricultural land.
The growing pressures are leading to degradation of land, water and air
and shortages of food, fodder and fuel. It is narrowing the access to the
resource base, especially for the rural poor, who are directly dependent
on these for their day to day existence.
The mandate of protecting the forest is given to the Forest Department.
With the multifarious pressures being exerted on the limited resources from
the growing demands of both human and cattle population, it is becoming
extremely difficult to fulfil this mandate. The Beat Officer (Forest Guard)
in the state on an average, has to safeguard forests over an extent of 25
sq,.km, which is the highest in the country. |