January 5 – GS3/Environment and Ecology: 2026 | UPSC Daily Answer Writing Practice PDF Download

Q: Discuss the impact of deforestation on biodiversity and climate change in India, highlighting the government initiatives undertaken to mitigate these effects. (150 words)

Introduction

Deforestation, which involves the large-scale removal of forests, has serious consequences for biodiversity and climate change in India. It leads to the loss of habitats, disrupts ecosystems, and contributes to increased carbon emissions. In response to this pressing issue, the Indian government has initiated several programs aimed at curbing deforestation and promoting conservation efforts.

Impact on Biodiversity and Climate Change

• Loss of Biodiversity: India has witnessed a significant increase in deforestation, rising from 384,000 hectares between 1990 and 2000 to 668,400 hectares from 2015 to 2020, making it the highest increase globally. This surge has resulted in extensive habitat loss, posing a severe threat to the country’s rich biodiversity.
• India, home to 8% of global biodiversity, is experiencing a sharp decline in iconic species such as the Bengal tiger and the Indian rhinoceros. The Sundarbans mangroves, crucial for the endangered Sundarbans tiger, are rapidly disappearing due to deforestation and rising sea levels.
• Soil Erosion and Desertification: Forests play a vital role in stabilizing soil and preventing erosion. In regions like Rajasthan and Gujarat, where forests are being cleared for agriculture and urbanization, soil erosion has increased significantly. For example, the Aravalli Range, once covered with dense forests, is now vulnerable to desertification, leading to the degradation of agricultural land.
• Contribution to Climate Change: Forests are essential carbon sinks, absorbing large amounts of CO₂ and helping to mitigate global warming. According to the Forest Survey of India (FSI), the country’s forests absorbed 9.12 billion tonnes of CO₂ in 2019. However, deforestation has been releasing vast amounts of stored carbon into the atmosphere, exacerbating climate change. In the Western Ghats, a biodiversity hotspot, significant deforestation has resulted in emissions of around 222,000 tonnes of CO₂.
• Disruption of the Water Cycle: Deforestation in the Western Ghats has led to a reduction in monsoon rainfall and increased flood risks due to diminished water retention capacity. In the Himalayan foothills, forest loss is impacting snowmelt, which contributes about 10% to the Ganga's flow. The persistence of snow in this region has declined, now 17% below average, threatening water availability and affecting agriculture and hydropower.

Government Initiatives Related to Forest Conservation

• Green India Mission: Launched under the National Action Plan on Climate Change, this mission aims to increase forest cover, restore degraded ecosystems, and enhance carbon sinks.
• National Afforestation Programme (NAP): NAP focuses on afforestation and reforestation efforts to restore forests in degraded areas and reduce the impact of deforestation.
• Forest Conservation Act (1980): This Act aims to regulate deforestation and ensure sustainable forest management. It mandates prior approval from the central government for diverting forest land for non-forest purposes.
• Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA): CAMPA was established to manage funds raised through compensatory afforestation, supporting reforestation efforts and forest protection.
• Joint Forest Management (JFM): This initiative encourages local communities to manage and protect forests, ensuring the sustainable use of forest resources while preventing illegal deforestation.

Conclusion

Deforestation in India has a detrimental impact on biodiversity and climate change. While the government has made significant progress in addressing deforestation through initiatives like the Green India Mission and CAMPA, further efforts are necessary to improve forest management, enhance afforestation, and strengthen community participation in conservation efforts.