Why Deforestation?
Deforestation refers to the permanent destruction of forests to make way for other uses, such as agriculture, urban development, or logging. Historially, this issue has roots stretching back centuries but became particularly pronounced under colonial attitudes. This section outlines several significant causes of deforestation, particularly in the Indian context:
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Agricultural Expansion: As the population grew over centuries, agricultural needs expanded. The colonial governments promoted the clearing of forests for commercial crop cultivation like jute and cotton, bolstering deforestation's pace.
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Railway Construction: The development of railways led to an increased demand for timber for sleepers and fuel, resulting in widespread tree felling.
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Plantations: Colonizers set aside extensive forest areas for tea, coffee, and rubber plantations, significantly reducing natural forest cover.
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Impact on Biodiversity and Communities: The loss of forests has impacted not only plant species, such as the vast variety found in regions like the Amazon or Western Ghats, but also indigenous communities that rely on these forests for their sustenance and livelihoods.
The text further illustrates how deforestation has systemic repercussions, including the rise in agricultural boundaries, the notion of land improvement, and the cultural detachment of local communities from their traditional forest-based practices.