Dr Asangba Tzudir
The Forest Survey of India which is mandated to assess the forest and tree resources has in their biannual assessment of the status of India’s forest reported that nearly two-third of the Nagaland’s forest areas are either extremely, very highly or highly fire prone. Statistically, out of the total forest cover of 12,251 Sq. Km, an area of 8,311.34 Sq. Km which is 68.1% and which are under the aforementioned three classes of forest fire proneness.
Notwithstanding the degree of fire proneness of a particular forest cover, behind forest fire is the carelessness of humans as ‘irresponsible agents’. Apart from lightning as a natural cause of forest fire, it is mainly man made causes. The statistical report is attested by the growing number of cases of forest fires in the state. However, the question being, whether such incidences of forest fires are experiences worth learning so as to prevent it in future.
The growing number of cases of forest fires have been on an increase especially in terms of magnitude in the last couple of years, and this calls for certain preventive measures to tackle the ‘man-made’ causes. Simply put, it only calls for sensibility and by being responsible agents.
Deforestation is another serious concern that adds to the loss of forest cover. Besides agriculture, logging and coal mining have really added to the pace of deforestation. The worst being coal mining which not only destroys the forest but also the soil. It only adds to the destruction of flora and fauna, ecological imbalance and the change in environmental conditions.
Even as mother earth suffers bearing the brunt of such human activities, the lands are only becoming inhabitable due to the various human economic activities, and which is a worrying factor. While the state is yet to technologically adapt to combat these challenges, for now and for the times to come, the onus is on the people to be more careful and act wisely. To be conscientious and to act responsibly are things within human control and efficacy.
Now, considering the emerging issues of forest fires and also of deforestation, there is need for large scale tree plantation. Tree plantation as an activity should be aimed at saving mother earth and not just for the sake of ritualizing an occasion. This is the only way by which the state of Nagaland being placed at a very precarious status of forest fires and of deforestation can rebuild and regenerate its forest cover. For now tree planted is a very limited activity. Considering the damages caused to the environment the activity of tree plantation should be limitless. More so, it is also time for humans to be mindful about the future of the planet Earth which largely depends on our actions today.
(Dr Asangba Tzudir writes a weekly guest editorial for The Morung Express. Comments can be mailed to asangtz@gmail.com)
