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Key Points

A groundbreaking study by IIT Kharagpur has revealed alarming declines in India's forest health over the past decade. The research shows a 5% reduction in photosynthetic efficiency, with pristine forests in the Eastern Himalaya and Western Ghats experiencing the most significant impact. Researchers warn that global warming, wildfires, and human activities are severely compromising forest ecosystems. The study calls for urgent conservation measures and sustainable forest management to protect biodiversity and support India's climate goals.

Key Points: IIT Study Reveals Declining Forest Health Across India

  • - Forest photosynthetic efficiency dropped 5% between 2010-2019
  • Eastern Himalaya and Western Ghats most affected
  • Only 16% of forests show high ecological integrity
  • Global warming and human activities driving forest degradation
2 min read

IIT Kharagpur study shows a steady decline in the country's forest health

IIT Kharagpur researchers uncover 5% drop in forest photosynthetic efficiency, highlighting critical environmental challenges in India's ecosystems.

IIT Kharagpur study shows a steady decline in the country's forest health
"Much of the decrease in forest health is contributed to by global warming-driven reduced soil moisture and higher air temperatures. - Prof. Jayanarayanan Kuttippurath"

Kolkata, Sep 16

India's forest health is steadily declining due to reduced photosynthetic efficiency, despite the country experiencing significant greening and contributing to global terrestrial carbon sequestration, a new study by IIT Kharagpur researchers has revealed.

The study, titled "Weakening of forest carbon stocks due to declining Ecosystem Photosynthetic Efficiency under the current and future climate change scenarios in India", was led by Professor Jayanarayanan Kuttippurath and Rahul Kashyap of the Centre for Ocean, River, Atmosphere and Land Sciences at IIT Kharagpur.

The study revealed three major findings. The photosynthetic efficiency of Indian forests has declined by 5 per cent between 2010-2019 compared to the previous decade (2000-2009). The decline is most pronounced in pristine forests of the Eastern Himalaya, Western Ghats, and Indo-Gangetic Plain. At the same time, forests show low resilience to warming, drying, land and atmospheric aridity, and wildfires, with only 16 per cent exhibiting high integrity.

"Much of the decrease in forest health is contributed to by the global warming-driven reduced soil moisture and higher air temperatures. Wildfires and landslides are the other natural factors. However, deforestation, mining, and other development activities also contribute to the decline in forest health," said Prof Kuttippurath, the lead researcher.

The degradation of India's forests poses serious risks to biodiversity, timber production, the livelihoods of forest dwellers, and long-term climate resilience.

Indian forests are non-resilient to the extremes of warming, drying, land and atmospheric aridity, and wildfires.

According to the study, the degradation of forest resources is a concern for the economy, and it would impact its timber production, market, planting intensity and the lives of forest dwellers in India.

"It also threatens biodiversity and pushes them towards extinction. Degradation of forests in ecologically fragile regions can lead to more frequent climatic extremes in the future," said Kashyap, lead author of the study.

The study emphasises the urgent need for preservation of indigenous forests, sustainable forest management practice, scientific afforestation programmes, substantial reduction in carbon emissions, and advanced carbon capture technologies

These measures are crucial to achieve sustainability and India's target of net zero emissions by 2070.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
This is really concerning! Our forests are not just about carbon sequestration but also home to so much biodiversity and tribal communities. We need stricter enforcement against illegal mining and deforestation. 🌳
A
Arjun K
The government's focus on infrastructure development is important, but not at the cost of our natural heritage. We need balanced development that protects our forests for future generations.
S
Sarah B
As someone working in environmental conservation, I appreciate IIT KGP's scientific approach. The data on Eastern Himalayas and Western Ghats is particularly alarming - these are biodiversity hotspots that need urgent protection.
V
Vikram M
While the study is important, I wish it had more specific policy recommendations. We need concrete steps - better forest management, community involvement in conservation, and sustainable tourism models.
M
Michael C
The connection between forest health and climate resilience is crucial. Healthy forests help regulate local climates and prevent extreme weather events. This research should be a wake-up call for policymakers.
A
Ananya R
We need to involve local communities more in forest conservation. Tribal communities have lived in harmony with forests for centuries - their traditional knowledge could be invaluable in restoration efforts. 🙏

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