By NE NOW NEWS
Guwahati: Karbi Anglong and West Karbi Anglong districts in Assam have witnessed extensive environmental degradation over the past few decades, with recent satellite-based studies highlighting a sharp decline in forest cover alongside growing human pressure on land resources.
Data from assessments conducted between 2001 and 2020 show that Karbi Anglong is among the worst-affected regions in the state, losing an estimated 97,400 hectares of tree cover, nearly 12% of its total forest area.
Further analysis between 2013 and 2023 indicates a reduction of about 108.56 sq. km in forest cover. This decline has been accompanied by a rise in agricultural land by 26.69 sq. km and an expansion of built-up areas by more than 30 sq. km, reflecting significant changes in land-use patterns.
Experts attribute these shifts partly to demographic growth. The population of Karbi Anglong has increased from around 9.5 lakh in 2011 to an estimated 11 lakh by 2025, placing additional pressure on forests for housing and cultivation.
Illegal activities have compounded the problem. Reports point to large-scale timber smuggling and unregulated extraction of natural resources, including more than 8 million cubic metres of stone mined beyond permissible limits, raising serious environmental concerns.
Studies also indicate increasing forest fragmentation, with dense forest tracts gradually giving way to degraded and open landscapes due to encroachment and expanding human settlements.
The ecological impact is visible in wildlife patterns as well. Habitat loss has intensified human-wildlife conflict across Assam. Between 2000 and 2023, more than 1,400 human deaths and around 1,200 elephant fatalities have been linked to shrinking forest areas.
Environmental experts warn that if current trends continue, the region could face long-term consequences such as soil erosion, water scarcity and declining biodiversity. Despite ongoing conservation efforts, balancing development needs with environmental protection remains a major challenge.
Local residents also point to visible environmental changes over time, noting that forests that were once dense have thinned considerably, while rivers that earlier flowed year-round have now diminished significantly, reflecting a steady ecological decline across the region.
The environmental changes in Karbi Anglong and West Karbi Anglong reflect the cumulative impact of sustained human activity since the 1970s on a once-rich ecological region.