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This section examines how the development of railways in India led to extensive deforestation as vast amounts of timber were needed for railway sleepers. It highlights the colonial priorities that favored industrial growth over the preservation of forest ecosystems, resulting in environmental degradation and loss of biodiversity.
In colonial India, the expansion of railways was critical for trade and military movement, creating a high demand for timber used in sleepers—wooden planks placed across the railway tracks. By the early 19th century, England's oak forests were depleting, prompting British authorities to explore Indian forests for timber. The railway network's rapid expansion from the 1850s onward led to the felling of a massive number of trees, particularly for sleepers, which required up to 2,000 per mile of track. The indiscriminate cutting of forests around railway lines instigated severe ecological consequences, highlighting the colonial mindset that prioritized industrial growth over conservation.
Deforestation: The large-scale removal of trees leading to biodiversity loss.
Railway Sleepers: Essential infrastructure for train tracks made from timber.
Biodiversity: The variety of species affected by deforestation practices.
Sleepers hold the tracks so tight, trees cut down, lost from sight.
Once upon a time, in a land of tall, green trees, came the railways demanding timber. The animals watched as their homes disappeared, realizing the cost of progress.
Remember 'FOREST' for the impacts of logging: F for 'Felling trees', O for 'Ozone depletion', R for 'Reduction in species', E for 'Erosion increase', S for 'Soil degradation', and T for 'Threatened ecosystems'.
The destruction of sal forests in India to produce sleepers for the rapidly expanding railway network.
The significant decline in species diversity within the timber-rich regions like the Amazon and Western Ghats due to deforestation.
Term: Sleepers
Definition: Wooden planks laid across railway tracks that hold the tracks in position.
Wooden planks laid across railway tracks that hold the tracks in position.
Term: Deforestation
Definition: The permanent removal of trees for agricultural, commercial, or other uses.
The permanent removal of trees for agricultural, commercial, or other uses.
Term: Biodiversity
Definition: The variety of plant and animal life in a particular habitat.
The variety of plant and animal life in a particular habitat.
Term: Railway Network
Definition: A system of interconnected railway tracks that allow for the transportation of goods and people.
A system of interconnected railway tracks that allow for the transportation of goods and people.