The lush green forests that once adorned Jharsuguda district are dwindling at an alarming rate, with industry expansion and developmental projects swallowing up acres of precious vegetation. A grim forecast by environmentalists suggests that if current trends persist, the district might be stripped of its forests by the end of the 21st century.
With a significant 35 percent forest cover in its geographical expanse, Jharsuguda district is witnessing a rapid decline in greenery. Over the past three decades, the establishment of more than 20 major industrial units and mines has contributed to the district's development but at the cost of its natural landscape. The separation from the Sambalpur Forest Division in 2013 further exacerbated the situation, leading to a drastic reduction in forest area from 20.9 percent to less than 14 percent.
The sacrifice of forest lands for various projects, including mines, industrial expansions, rail projects, and road expansions, has become a distressing norm. Thousands of acres of forest areas have been earmarked for these ventures, spelling doom for the region's biodiversity. The Jharsuguda forest division, post-separation, encompassed 434.982 sq km area, housing numerous ranges, sections, and beats. However, the relentless encroachment on reserved forest areas, such as Sagarpali, Sunari Dunguri, Rampaluga, Kusraloi, and others, paints a grim picture of the district's ecological future.
The repercussions of this ecological crisis extend beyond mere vegetation loss. Wildlife habitats are being ravaged, leading to the migration of animals like deer, tigers, and bears to other forests. The once-thriving ecosystem of Katikela forest has witnessed a decline in deer population, while animals in Belpahar Range are seeking refuge elsewhere. Moreover, the indigenous communities of Jharsuguda, Laikera, Kolabira, and Kirmira Blocks, who relied on these forests for sustenance, are now grappling with the loss of their livelihoods.
As forest areas continue to shrink, the inhabitants are left grappling with the adverse effects of industrialisation, receiving pollution as a free companion to their displacement. The urgent need for conservation measures and sustainable development practices cannot be overstated if Jharsuguda's rich ecological heritage is to be preserved for future generations. With forests disappearing at an alarming rate, the time to act is now, lest the district should not lose its green lungs forever.
