Forest Conservation Declared Only Lasting Solution to Wildlife-Village Conflicts
Madikeri: Forest conservation stands as the sole enduring solution to prevent wild animals from straying into villages located along forest fringes, according to RC Jagadish, the vice-chancellor of Keladi Shivappa Nayaka University of Agricultural and Horticultural Sciences in Shivamogga. Jagadish delivered this critical message while addressing a national symposium held at Ponnampet Forest College.
Alarming Decline in Forest Cover and Rising Human-Wildlife Encounters
Jagadish emphasized that wild animals are increasingly being sighted in villages bordering forests, a direct consequence of large-scale forest destruction. He stressed that protecting India's forests is a shared responsibility that must be shouldered by both the government and civil society. Highlighting a stark historical contrast, he noted that India's forest cover has dramatically declined from approximately 35% before Independence to just about 25% today. In comparison, neighboring Sri Lanka has successfully maintained its forest cover at around 35%.
The Western Ghats: A Biodiversity Treasure Under Severe Threat
Describing the Western Ghats as an exceptionally biodiversity-rich region, Jagadish warned that it faces severe threats from rampant development activities and agricultural expansion. These threats include extensive road and bridge construction projects. He pointed out that the environmental damage is particularly acute in Shivamogga district, though it remains relatively less severe in the Uttara Kannada region.
"Nearly 80% of India's medicinal plants are found in the Western Ghats, making it the country's richest forest region after the Brazilian Amazon," Jagadish stated. Referring to the ten identified forest zones within the state, he suggested that Ponnampet Forest College could undertake focused research and conservation initiatives in one of these critical zones.
Unified Call for Conservation from Academic and Administrative Leaders
Echoing this urgent call, Forest College dean Devagiri asserted that threats from wildlife can only be mitigated through dedicated forest conservation efforts. He stressed the imperative need to protect the health of forests and land, which are being degraded on a daily basis.
CG Kushalappa, president of the Kodagu Model Forest Trust, provided historical context, noting the trust was established back in 2005 with the primary goal of conserving Kodagu's sacred groves. He encouraged students to actively utilize the trust's support systems for their research projects in conservation.
Global Conflicts Pose Indirect Threat to Local Forests
Adding a dimension of global concern, state principal secretary for forests BP Ravi, who participated virtually, issued a stark warning. He cautioned that any potential shortage of LPG triggered by ongoing conflicts in the Gulf region could lead to large-scale tree felling for firewood within a mere three to four months. "Such signs are already becoming visible in Bengaluru, where people have started queuing at firewood depots," Ravi reported.
Multifaceted Human Pressures Degrading Forest Ecosystems
Ravi further elaborated that forests are deteriorating due to constant and increasing human pressure. This includes vehicle movement, mining operations, and general human intrusion into forested areas. He cited a specific example where teak plantations spread over 1,060 acres, originally raised for economic purposes, were ultimately cut down. Ravi concluded by emphasizing that preventing plastic pollution and promoting the growth of natural forests are collective responsibilities vital for the nation's ecological future.
The symposium served as a powerful platform where experts unanimously advocated for immediate, coordinated action to preserve India's dwindling forest ecosystems, directly linking their health to the safety of bordering communities and the nation's broader environmental security.
