Four lakh trees axed in 2 years, Naxal belts see most damage….Viju B
MUMBAI: The latest state forest department survey reveals that in the two years between 2007 and 2009, nearly four lakh trees have been illegally chopped across forest zones in Maharashtra. Despite the government pledging to protect green zones, 1.9 lakh trees were hewn between 2008 and 2009 alone. Mumbai, too, is a victim of “deforestation” and has only 120 sq km of forest cover remaining.
While the city`s green cover is losing ground in the march towards development and urbanization, in the interiors of Maharashtra and green belts such as Gadchiroli—Chandrapur, the problem is a different one, that of Naxalite infiltration. One of the worst-affected areas is the Naxalite belt in the Gadchiroli—Chandrapur districts that are home to large tracts of protected forest cover. In fact, along with the Konkan belt, the Gadchiroli—Chandrapur regions are home to the only remaining virgin green cover in Maharashtra. But these eco-fragile zones are under threat thanks to illegal cutting of wood, mining and artificial forest fires. Forest officials blame this on Naxalite infiltration and illegal activities carried out by the mafia.
Of the 1.9 lakh trees that were illegally chopped last year, 34,780 were from Chandrapur district. “The cost of trees lost is Rs 2.06 crore,” said a forest official.
Officials admitted that Chandrapur region witnessed the maximum destruction because of Naxalite activity. “The mafia here is very strong. We have lost several cops in encounters with Naxalites. There is a very real fear especially at night as that`s when the smuggling takes place,” a forest official based in Gadchiroli—Chandrapur told TOI. Maharashtra has just 20.13% of forest area as against the Centre’s stipulated 33%. “Teak trees are being cut and smuggled to the bordering states. We are unable to stop it as the Naxalites have cut off access and even fortified these areas,” a senior forest official said. Lack of manpower is another deterrent. “We have three posts of district forest officers vacant in the Chandrapur division. Heavily dense forested areas like Gadchiroli—Chandrapur, Shiroda and Allapalli have many posts vacant,” he added.
D Stalin, project director of the NGO Vanashkati, said: “One cannot expect guards to use rifles against people armed with AK-47s. They will always be on defensive.” Given the situation, conservation of forest lands should come under the purview of the home ministry, said activists.