Q.2. What is deforestation? Explain the impact of mining/dam building on the environment, forests, biodiversity and tribal populations.
Ans. Introduction: Deforestation is the cutting down of trees for several purposes like building dams, mining, timber extraction etc. Deforestation has several environmental impacts on different stakeholders. It also affects the biochemical cycles in the environment.
1. Environment
(a) Degradation of soil quality: Deforestation results in reduced soil quality as the top most layer of soil with all nutrients is eroded. It leads to productivity losses and change in the quality/nature of soil.
(b) Pollution: In case of mining, the nearby water and soil is contaminated due to the acidic properties of debris which is left after mining.
(c) Health problems: Health problems can occur in the nearby areas as the water, air and soil get polluted. Water borne diseases like cholera and typhoid are common in polluted areas.
(d) Loss of water: Due to deforestation, the soil can no longer hold/retain water and this seriously impacts the water cycle.
2. Forests
(i) Submergence of forests: The building of a dam leads to the submergence of a large are of the forest, thus causing a loss to the biodiversity.
(ii) Change in biochemical cycles: A drastic change in an ecosystem cause the change in biochemical cycles like oxygen, carbon, nitrogen and other cycles.
(iii) Food web changes: Loss of flora and fauna results in a change in food web. This affects the sustainability of other species dependent on that particular food web.
3. Biodiversity
(i) Destruction of flora: Building of dams or mining activities leads to destruction of plants, shrubs and trees which have great product, aesthetic and options value.
(ii) Loss of Habitat: Animals lose their natural habitat and are forced out of forests. The food web is hampered and thus it leads to extinction of species.
4. Tribal People
(i) Dislocation: Tribal people lose their traditional place of living and are forced to relocate themselves. They find it extremely difficult to start a new living.
(ii) Low Compensation: According to old land acquisition laws, tribal people no compensation at all. This makes it very difficult for are given low them to relocate.
Case Study: Sardar Sarovar Dam
The Sardar Sarovar Dam on the Narmada river in Gujarat faced great opposition from the tribal folks as they were heavily dependent on the river for their livelihoods. The building of this dam was opposed by my activists. This raised an important question about equality and why the tribal community should bear the burden for the growth of farmers.
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