Shillong: Meghalaya experienced a substantial loss of 84.07 square kilometers of forest cover between 2021 and 2023, according to the latest India State of Forest Report (ISFR).
Released by Union Environment Minister Bhupendra Yadav, the report underscored a worrying trend of deforestation across the northeastern states.
With the exception of Sikkim, which saw a slight increase of 2 square kilometers, all other states in the region witnessed a decline in forest cover. Nagaland led with a loss of 125.22 square kilometers, followed by Tripura (100.22 sq km), Meghalaya, and Assam (83.92 sq km).
Despite covering only 7.98% of India’s landmass, the northeast contributes a substantial 21.08% to the country’s forest and tree cover. However, this ecologically vital region is facing mounting pressures from human activities. Forest officials in Meghalaya attributed the deforestation to factors such as agricultural expansion, infrastructure development, and the encroachment of settlements.
The report also highlighted the detrimental impact of jhum cultivation, a traditional slash-and-burn farming practice, on forest cover. While culturally and economically significant for local communities, jhum cultivation has severe ecological repercussions, the ISFR noted.
On a national scale, the report displayed a positive trend, with India’s total forest and tree cover increasing by 1,445 square kilometers since 2021. However, the loss of forested areas in biodiversity-rich regions like the northeast emphasizes the urgent need for effective conservation measures.
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