Dr. Raj Kumar
kumarrajrgr@gmail.com
Along my daily journey to school, I witness the continuous destruction of forests. Trees are felled openly, forest land is encroached upon, and hills are damaged for construction and commercial activities. What makes this situation more disturbing is that this destruction is not occasional; it has become routine. In my fifteen years of service, travelling the same route every day, I have seen dense green forests slowly shrink and turn into barren land. The pain of forests is real, yet it appears that there is no one to see, hear, or respond to this silent suffering.
One of the most disturbing aspects of this destruction is the manner in which trees are cut. People often chop trees completely, not sparing even the top branches and leaves. This happens largely due to a lack of awareness about the process of photosynthesis, through which trees prepare food and release oxygen. Leaves and upper branches are essential for a tree’s survival, but this basic scientific fact is ignored. In many cases, when people are unable to climb a tree or reach higher branches, they simply cut the tree from the base, killing it instantly. Such actions reflect ignorance, impatience, and lack of environmental education.
Equally alarming is the complete absence of visible authority. It often feels as if the forests have no owner and no guardian, as if they are left entirely at God’s mercy. There is no forest guard, no forester, and no effective presence of the forest department on the ground. Illegal felling and misuse of forest resources continue freely, creating the impression that forests are abandoned lands rather than protected public property.
Ironically, India has a strong legal framework for forest protection. Article 48A of the Constitution of India directs the State to protect and improve the environment and safeguard forests and wildlife. Article 51A(g) places a fundamental duty on every citizen to protect the natural environment. Statutory laws such as the Indian Forest Act, 1927, the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980, and the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 prohibit illegal felling, encroachment, and diversion of forest land without proper approval.
The judiciary has also played a proactive role. In the landmark T.N. Godavarman Thirumulpad v. Union of India case, the Supreme Court expanded the definition of forests and emphasized strict enforcement of conservation laws, making it clear that development cannot be pursued at the cost of environmental destruction. Despite these safeguards, implementation on the ground remains weak.
Forests are living ecosystems. They regulate climate, conserve water, prevent soil erosion, recharge groundwater, and support biodiversity. Their destruction leads to floods, droughts, landslides, irregular rainfall, rising temperatures, and loss of wildlife habitat. Forest-dependent communities also lose their livelihoods, increasing poverty and social distress.
It is equally important to recognize that local people depend on forests for grazing cattle, collecting fodder for sheep and goats, and obtaining firewood for cooking and heating. Forest protection cannot succeed by ignoring these realities. Conservation efforts must balance environmental protection with livelihood security.
The way forward lies in awareness, participation, and practical solutions. Regular awareness camps should be organized by the forest department in consultation with prominent persons of the area such as village elders, teachers, panchayat members, and religious leaders. People must be educated about photosynthesis, sustainable use of forest resources, and long-term environmental consequences.
Alternative arrangements are equally necessary. Regulated grazing areas, controlled lopping instead of complete tree cutting, and sustainable fodder management should be introduced. Promotion of alternative energy sources such as LPG, biogas, and solar energy can reduce dependence on forest wood.
Community-based forest protection committees with support from the forest department can help monitor forest areas. However, community participation cannot replace the responsibility of the State. A visible and accountable presence of forest guards and officers is essential.
The pain of forests lies not only in the axe that cuts them down but also in the absence of guardianship, awareness, and responsibility. Laws alone cannot save forests unless they are implemented sincerely and supported by public cooperation.
Protecting forests is not merely an environmental obligation; it is a legal, moral, and social responsibility. Development must be sustainable and respectful of nature. The time has come to move beyond paper protection and ensure real conservation on the ground before it is too late.
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