Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve under threat
| Date :30-Jun-2019 |
By Ashish Rajput;
Natural biodiversity of Achanakmar-Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve is under threat due to deteriorating vegetation in the dense forest. Diminishing soil fertility of Sal forest in the biosphere is a matter of grave concern for the Government and other concerned agencies for sustainability of rich forest and maintaining the existence of rivers Narmada, Son and Johila. Increasing biotic interferences, mainly the human interference in forest fringes of Amarkantak, is badly hampering the flora and reproduction system. Deliberate forest fire and overexploitation of forest resources are the main reasons behind degradation of Sal forest and medicinal aromatic vegetation.
Stopping soil erosion due to deteriorating fertility is also emerging an uphill task for the authorities. Dr Tarun Kumar Thakur, Associate Professor at Department of Environmental Science, Indira Gandhi National Tribal University, while talking to ‘The Hitavada’, informed that, deliberate forest fire and overgrazing in reserve forest area by the farmers and villagers are the main causes behind degradation of soil fertility in the Biosphere. Litter fall from trees is essential for maintaining the soil fertility on forest land. Soil fertility is required for vegetation of seeds.
Villagers are used to set the litter afire for easy collection of Mahua. In a research, it has been found that, uncontrolled forest fire is damaging the soil nutrients like calcium, nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus, carbon, which are essential elements for regeneration of fauna. Dr Thakur added that, regeneration of Sal tree needs moisture in soil, which is rapidly declining due to fire. Sal seeds fall in May last week, which need moisture and nutrients to regenerate. Increasing dryness of soil is the main reason behind deteriorating Sal forest in Amarkantak.
Along with Sal, forest cover of ten other indigenous plants like Mahua, Dhaura, Bija, Saja is rapidly shrinking and these species are losing their existence. Similarly, several shrubs and herbs are losing their existence due to depleting soil profile in Amarkantak forest. Taking cognizance of the research, Ministry of Environment and Climate Change sought the findings of research work to make necessary amendments in strategic policy for state governments in their respective soil and water conservation projects.