Ever since the beginning, change is something that has been constant and controlling the lives on this planet.  Be it ice age that led to disappearance of so many species or a meteoric impact due to which the Jurassic age just disappeared overnight, all these events only speak of a change in a time line.  And these events found a place in our history books, so have the regenerative part of the ecosystem.  Every such event from the past such as meteoric impact, have given rise to numerous other life forms and over time our planet has managed to thrive post these disasters.

 

However, since the 18^th century ever since industrialisation began leading to destruction of forests, the spring back of ecological chains have been a difficult spectacle.  For example, in the past couple of decades alone, sparrows have migrated from cities in India to remote places in search of safer heavens.  But as the wood logging continues in several parts of India in an uncontrolled manner, even forest areas are becoming crowded and only the fittest is able to survive under these conditions.  Several black bucks, rhinos, Bengal tigers have been killed for their skins and body parts that are exported to other countries. 

 

The rhino horns are in high demand in Asia as they have medicinal properties.  Similarly other species of rare wood have been indiscriminately cut leading to the loss of habitat.  There is environmental law, media coverage, activist groups that constantly engage themselves in a war with illegal traders.  But over time, the supply chain of such trades are very strong for these groups to control or even attempt to stop them.  For example, in central India, recently more than 500 logs of red sandalwood trees were cut but the local forest officials managed to take control of the wood. But what is lost is lost forever. 

 

There is no information on planting new sandalwood trees in the lost areas.  Actually the situation is worse as the empty lands become available for real estate development or industrial use thereby preventing any regrowth of forests. Even attempting to regrow forest in these areas is not possible.  Such damages permanently erode the ecosystem preventing the reversal of these bad effects. 

In addition, the pollution and improper waste disposal have profound effects on the ecosystem, which further adds to the loss of the habitat. 

 

Statistics show that only 30% of Indian land is covered by green.  The remaining lands are either plain empty landscapes, dried out riverbeds and buildings including the residential areas.  Further deterioration of forests would mean severe effects on climatic conditions all across India and at any cost this should be stopped.  The rains in the past decade alone show a very erratic pattern and this is due to the loss of habitat and change in landscapes.  

 

Young generation should be educated on the present condition and school curriculum should include lessons on present conditions of ecosystem across India. These lessons should be updated every year so that people realize the intensity of the issue and carry out some actions to prevent further deterioration of our ecosystem. 

Image 1: https://india.mongabay.com/2018/02/16/state-of-forest-report-says-that-indias-forest-and-tree-cover-has-increased-by-1-percent/

Image 2: http://www.indiawaterportal.org/articles/land-use-map-india-national-institute-hydrology