2.1       Forest degradation

Almost entire area of forests of the state has been subjected to severe degradation. During survey of forest resources in the state by FSI in 1989, it is shown that majority of forest areas (up to 72.73%) are heavily to moderately degraded.

The forest cover in Tripura is 67.4 % of the geographical area according to the latest Assessment by the Forest Survey of India which has categorised the forests in to two major conopy density classes as : 33% dense forest (>40% density) & 34.4% as open forest (10 to 40% density). The details of forest cover classification in different years are as detailed below:  

There has been no substantial change in forest cover in the State between 1989 and the 1995 as per assessment, even though 60,970 ha (609.70Km2) of plantation was raised in the State during 1989-1995.  The 1993 Assessment recorded an increase of 9 km2 in the open forest category, along with a decrease of 6 km2 in the dense forest category. The transfer of larger area under open category signifies large-scale degradation of forests in the intervening period.  As per 1999 assessment though there has been increase on overall forest cover although an area of 206 km2 of dense forest has been transferred to open forest category, thereby partly offsetting the increase of 405 km² dense forests.  As per 2001 assessment report there has been an increase of 1320 km², showing an increase in dense forests by 1235 km² whereas open forests have increased by 85 km². Dense forests constitute 33% of the geographical area whereas 34.4% area is under open forests.  As per 2003 assessment, an area of 58 km² is ranked as very dense forest.  Moreover, there has been improvement in open forests getting converted to dense forests (497 km²).  Overall increase in forest cover has been to the tune of 2796 km². This increase has been prtly due to bringing tea gardens etc. under the classification of “Tree Cover” The figure of dense forest cover though higher than the national average of 12.68%, is comparative to the average for the North-East (34.84%).

During the past few years there have been changes in forest cover. Though the area of dense cover has first increased and then slightly decreased, yet the area under open forests has also changed reflecting some degradation and loss of forest cover. Forest Survey of India’s 2009 report attributes this loss of forest cover (79 Km^2) to shifting cultivation.

While the forests of Tripura have been under systematic management for past fifty years, this fragile resource base has been changing due to various anthropogenic disturbances resulting in degradation which is directly affecting the ecological stability, biological diversity, economic viability & environmental security of the state. The main problems /issues in this regard are as follows:

2.1.1 Influx of people from Bangladesh

There had been large influx of people in Tripura from the neighbouring country, the erstwhile East Pakistan (now Bangladesh).  The fast growth in population (density 304 per square km., 2001 census) in the State, coupled with poor infrastructure and lack of alternative livelihood options resulted in mounting pressure on forest and forestland.  This has also led to reduction in per capita forest area from 0.97 ha to a present level of 0.18 ha. and encroachments and over exploitation of forest resources.  Smuggling of forest produce through 856 km long porous border with Bangladesh has been a serious problem. Though now most of the border has been fenced, some gaps still remain. Smuggling through rivers still continues. This is a big challenge and the Perspective Plan proposes to tackle this problem head on through creation of infrastructure and other assets including capacity building and networking with active cooperation of the local people.

Shifting Cultivation

 During implementation of The Schedule Tribes and other Traditional Forest Dweller (Recognition of Forest Right) Act, 2006, 116000 families have been identified as dependent upon forest land. Over 166000 ha of forest land rights have been recognized and necessary documents have been issued to the beneficiaries.

Besides, a large number of Tribal families practice shifting cultivation (jhum).This form of primitive agricultural practice is well rooted in cultural ethos of the tribal and is major cause of deforestation, land degradation and soil impoverishment. From the survey conducted by Tribal Welfare Department (1990), it is estimated that this form of cultivation is presently practiced by around 55,049 tribal households over 35,000 — 40,000 ha annually, equivalent to 6% of the forestland in the State.  Systematic efforts are being made through different schemes for in-situ rehabilitation of these tribal along with rehabilitation of degraded forests, but the problem still persists.

2.1.4 Forest encroachments

Encroachment of forestland is a serious threat to forests and its conservation. As per record maintained by the Forest Department, the position is alarming and needs special attention to tackle this problem. The position of encroachment up to 1991 is shown below:

The category wise position of encroachment of forest land is as given below:

The latest survey conducted by Revenue Department of Tripura to assess the actual encroachment in forestland, has shown encroachment to the extent of 593.11 km². This has not only caused loss of forest area but has also created perpetual site of degradation of forest.

2.1.5    Forest Fire

Forest fires are common and frequent in the plains (around 20% of the total forest area of the State) as the villagers, at the end of winter, set fire to get flush of new grass for their cattle. Forest Survey of India (1993) has estimated that forest fire has led to heavy to moderate degradation of around 6.16% of the forests.

The forests atop all the hills in the State get burnt due to Jhum fire which spreads to nearby forest areas.  This causes immense harm catchments completely wiping out regeneration (natural as well as artificial).  It also adversely affect already threatened many a wildlife species.  The main constraints in control of forest fires are lack of communication facility for early detection of forest fire and also the lack of fire fighting equipments.

2.1.6    Grazing

According to livestock census of 1992, there were 14.683 lakhs of domestic animals (cattle, sheep and goat) in the State with 2.9% annual rate of increase. In a survey (1997) it is reported that the domestic animals are now 19.17 lakhs. It is estimated that 60% of this animal population graze in the forest area and cause soil compaction and heavy damage to the forest plantations and natural regeneration areas. The intensity of such disturbances, especially near the habitation, is far beyond the carrying capacity of the forests.

There are no grazing grounds.  The community lands for grazing purpose in villages have either been encroached upon or diverted to other land use.  Thus grazing constitutes a threat to forest conservation in the State. Enforcement of strict control or imposition of restrictions on such disturbance under present socio-economic condition is practically impossible. A well designed interface with ARDD for a rational livestock planning and augmenting fodder availability is urgently required.

2.1.7 Unrecorded removal of forest produce

The adverse effect of unrecorded removal of forest produce is steadily increasing with increase in population, without corresponding increase in forest area.

There is immense pressure on forests from fringe dwellers for basic requirements, as well as from miscreants involved in illegal felling and smuggling of forest resources across the border. This has lead to severe degradation of existing forest resources in the State. Simultaneously the forests are viewed as a source of livelihood by the millions living below poverty line.

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