Deforestation in India
Deforestation in India is the widespread destruction of major forests in India. It is mainly caused by environmental degradation by farmers, ranches, loggers and plantation corporations. In 2009, India ranked 10th worldwide in the amount of forest loss,[1] where world annual deforestation is estimated as 13.7 million hectares (34×10 6 acres) a year.[1] HistoryDeforestation started with the growth of agriculture, but was exacerbated in the nineteenth century when British commercial forestry operations destroyed forests in mountain areas of Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. The Gangetic plains have been almost completely deforested for agriculture. [2][better source needed] DynamicsDeforestation has several causes including colonization, agricultural expansion, firewood collection, timber harvesting and extension of cultivation on slopes. In the Indian Himalayas debris thrown down slopes due to the reckless use of excavator machines for widening roads and making of new roads has destroyed vast areas of Forest.[citation needed] Due to colonization, trees were cut down as a primary source of fuel. Felled trees are used for cooking food and other daily needs which require fuel. ResultsDeforestation has affected the lives of wild animals and birds including bats.[3] Birds like sparrows, pigeons and crows are becoming rarer due to deforestation. Due to deforestation, India is facing water problems in urban cities and villages. See alsoReferences
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