Compensatory Afforestation in Assam: A Growing Concern
Climate change is not just a looming threat; it’s happening now, impacting many regions, including Assam. One vital response to this challenge is compensatory afforestation (CA). This involves planting new trees to replace those lost due to development projects. Unfortunately, Assam is falling short in this area.
From April 1, 2021, to October 31, 2025, Assam has diverted 761.63 hectares of forest land for non-forest uses—like industry and infrastructure. To counter this, the state aimed to achieve a target of 2,383.64 hectares of CA during the financial years of 2021-2022 to 2024-2025. However, the actual achievement stands at only 1,646.7 hectares, a deficit of nearly 737 hectares. This gap raises questions about the effectiveness of the government’s efforts.
Let’s break it down further:
- 2021-22: Target was 196.1 hectares; achievement was only 114.5 hectares.
- 2022-23: No achievements against a target of 467.45 hectares.
- 2023-24: Out of 528.27 hectares targeted, only 382.26 were achieved.
- 2024-25: Targeted 1,191.82 hectares, successfully completing 1,149.64 hectares.
In comparison, nearby states are showing varied results. Arunachal Pradesh also struggled to meet its targets, while Meghalaya managed to achieve its goals over the same period.
The Assam government, through its Environment, Forest, and Climate Change Department, is responsible for CA. This raises concerns about oversight and accountability. Chandra Mohan Patowary, the current Minister, must address these challenges urgently.
The impacts of climate change are visible across Assam. Recent years have seen reduced rainfall and drought-like conditions. Last monsoon season, rainfall was notably low, which continued into the post-monsoon period, where rainfall was 13% below normal. This shift impacts key industries, most notably tea, leading to decreased production.
The importance of compensatory afforestation cannot be overstated. Its goal is to replace lost trees and land by planting new ones. This practice helps restore ecological balance, biodiversity, and key ecosystem services like carbon sequestration and water management. Through funds like CAMPA (Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority), resources for CA support not just tree planting but also wildlife protection, soil and water conservation, and habitat improvement.
In 2022, a survey by the Indian Ministry of Environment revealed that while compensatory afforestation initiatives have increased, many states, including Assam, are lagging in implementation. Experts emphasize that timely action is necessary, as every year of inaction exacerbates environmental degradation.
In conclusion, while compensatory afforestation is a step in the right direction, Assam needs to ramp up efforts to catch up. The health of the environment is at stake, and proactive measures can help mitigate ongoing climate challenges. The time to act is now; the survival of Assam’s rich biodiversity and ecosystems depends on it.
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