Trees do not have a Substitute

There is no substitute for a Tree….

but who is going to explain that to the Vishwaguru(sic)

Deforestation in India, particularly under the administration of Prime Minister Narendra Modi (since 2014), has often been justified under the guise of development and economic growth. Here is an overview of significant instances of deforestation linked to development projects during this period:

 1. Mining Projects

- Hasdeo Arand Forests (Chhattisgarh): This is one of the largest contiguous stretches of forests in Central India. The government has approved mining projects here despite strong opposition from environmentalists and local tribes.

-Singrauli (Madhya Pradesh): 

Massive deforestation due to coal mining projects. The region has seen significant tree loss as the government pushed for energy production to support industrial growth.

2.Infrastructure Development

-Char Dham Highway Project (Uttarakhand): The construction of this highway network, aimed at improving access to pilgrimage sites, has resulted in the clearing of thousands of trees in the ecologically sensitive Himalayan region.

-Bullet Train Project (Mumbai to Ahmedabad): This high-speed rail project led to deforestation in several areas along the route, including some regions with significant green cover.

3.Industrial Development

-Industrial Corridors: Projects like the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC) and other similar initiatives have caused deforestation in various states to create space for industries and urban infrastructure.

4.Urban Expansion

-Mumbai Metro: The construction of the metro network in Mumbai resulted in significant tree felling in the Aarey Colony, which is considered the city's green lung.

-Smart Cities Initiative: Various Smart Cities projects across the country have led to deforestation as urban landscapes are expanded and modernized.

5. Hydroelectric Projects

-Dibang Valley (Arunachal Pradesh): The government has approved hydroelectric projects that require significant deforestation in one of India's most biodiverse regions.

6.Environmental and Legal Response

Deforestation in India, particularly under the administration of Prime Minister Narendra Modi (since 2014), has often been justified under the guise of development and economic growth. Here is an overview of significant instances of deforestation linked to development projects during this period:

-Supreme Court and National Green Tribunal (NGT): Both institutions have intervened in several cases, ordering halts to projects or demanding better environmental assessments. However, many projects still proceed after adjustments to comply with legal requirements.

Government Stance

-Economic Growth:

The Modi administration frequently argues that such projects are essential for economic development, employment generation, and national progress.

Compensatory Afforestation: The government claims that for every tree cut, new trees are planted elsewhere. However, environmentalists argue that compensatory afforestation often fails to compensate for the loss of biodiversity and mature forests.

Controversy and Opposition

- Local and Indigenous Communities: Many of these projects have faced strong opposition from local communities, especially indigenous tribes who rely on forests for their livelihoods.

-Environmentalists: Activists argue that the environmental assessments for these projects are often inadequate and do not fully account for the long-term ecological impacts.

Summary

The period from 2014 to 2024 under Modi's government has seen significant deforestation linked to development projects. While these projects are justified in the name of progress and economic growth, they have sparked considerable debate and opposition due to their environmental impacts.

© Rohit Singh Negi / Reshmi Nair