Chhatarpur (Madhya Pradesh): The Bundelkhand region is witnessing a rapid decline in its forest area, raising serious environmental concerns.
According to Indian Forest Survey Report, encroachment has been detected on 12,957 hectares of forest land in the district, which spans a total forest area of 147,668 hectares. This includes 1,417 hectares of reserved forest and 146,251 hectares of protected forest.
Despite government efforts like annual Hariyali Mahotsav plantation drives, the district’s dense forests are rapidly disappearing due to illegal tree felling and encroachment.
Valuable trees like kachar, mahua, tendu and mango, once key to the local economy, are vanishing, impacting livelihoods and causing the water table to plummet. Local residents and wildlife now face water scarcity as greenery is replaced by barren lands.
Meanwhile, allegations of corruption in plantation campaigns and forest department’s inability to curb illegal activities due to political pressure and mafia influence have surfaced. Naresh Yadav, chief conservator of forests, stated, “We are taking strict measures, including day-and-night patrolling, to tackle deforestation and encroachment.” Urgent action is needed to protect Chhatarpur’s forests, which are vital for the district’s ecological and economic balance.
