By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: Despite rampant unregulated mining, stone quarrying and deforestation, the State has witnessed a general increase of 4-5 percent in the total forest cover which now stands at approximately 77 per cent.
“Even though, the category has shifted but overall, there is a general increase in forest areas of the State,” Chief Conservator of Forest (Wildlife) YS Shullai told The Shillong Times.
The figures revealed by Chief Conservator of Forest (Wildlife) YS Shullai on Monday could give a breather to the authorities who have come under much criticism for not being able to control the apparent rampant deforestation in the State.
Attributing this welcome increase to the healthy approach adopted by the people, Shullai said the constant tree plantation drives conducted by various stakeholders is very encouraging. The senior Forest official hoped that the trend would continue in future.
While observing that various human needs like mining, illegal operation of sawmills, urbanization and agriculture put pressure on the forests, Principal Chief Conservator of Forest (PCCF) TTC Marak said a proper balance between forest conservation and development is a must to safeguard the forest cover in the State.
Elaborating more, Marak said, “It is not a question of increase or decrease in forest cover, rather, it is an issue which should be looked upon from a wider perspective. The mindset of the people towards conservation of the forest vis-a-vis development should be studied in-depth.”
Pointing out that there is a conflict between conservation and development, Marak said that the source of livelihood and income of the rural lot lies on the forest produce which if interfered with will affect them.
He, however, opined that if the message of forest conservation is embedded into the minds of the people, it would be a ‘win-win’ situation for the environment and the people of the State.
“Trees will be cut based on people’s needs but that shouldn’t stop there, the concept of forest conservation should be penetrated right down to the grassroot level by educating people on the need to plant trees,” the PCCF said.
Reminiscing old times when fruits trees decorated the surroundings of houses, Marak lamented that with time, such greenery has been replaced by concrete pavements leaving little or no space for tree plantation.
“If people make tree plantation a movement, we can preserve forest and greenery of the state better,” he added.