Report: 2100 sq kms of forest burnt every year
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, March 08, 2014: Every year 2100 sq Kms of forests is burnt for jhum cultivation in Manipur, says a report of the Forest Survey of India (FSI).

A survey conducted by FSI found that the State's forest covered area has gone down to 69 per cent of its total geographical area from 74 per cent.

According to the FSI report, the State has lost 190 sq Kms of forest land.

The FSI conducted a survey in different parts of the State between 2005 and 2012 on the practice of burning forests to make space for jhum cultivation, informed an official of the Directorate of Environment which is also the nodal department for climate change.

The survey found that 2100 Sq Kms of forest is burnt every year.

The practice of burning forest for jhum cultivation starts in February and it continues till the month of May.

Maximum forest areas are burnt in March.

In March 2009, 1000 sq Kms of forest areas were burnt.

The corresponding figures for 2010 and 2012 are 2118 sq Kms and 1119 sq Kms respectively.

2100 sq kms of forest burnt every year

Among the hill districts of Manipur, largest forest areas are burnt for jhum cultivation in Churachandpur and it alone accounted for 949 cases of burning forests in 2010. Chandel district accounted for 60 cases of burning forests in 2005, 189 in 2006, 194 in 2007, 252 in 2008, 170 in 2009, 397 in 2010, 191 in 2011 and 211 in 2012. Churachandpur district recorded 149 cases of burning forests in 2005, 602 in 2006, 408 in 2007, 427 in 2008, 449 in 2009, 949 in 2010, 336 in 2011 and 656 in 2012. Tamenglong district accounted for 8 cases of burning forests in 2005, 506 in 2006, 363 in 2007, 424 in 2008, 429 in 2009, 549 in 2010, 454 in 2011 and 318 in 2012. Senapati district recorded 11 cases of burning forests in 2005, 143 in 2006, 87 in 2007, 63 in 2008, 131 in 2009, 209 in 2010, 106 in 2011 and 122 in 2012. Ukhrul district accounted for 59 cases of burning forests in 2005, 206 in 2006, 185 in 2007, 242 in 2008, 214 in 2009, 367 in 2010, 171 in 2011 and 181 in 2012. The practice of burning forests not only destroys plants growing in the particular area but also contribute to climate change, said the official.

The official also underscored the importance of checking the practice of burning forests in addition to taking necessary preventive measures in order to avoid disasters.

The issue demands an appropriate land use policy of the State.