Development Projects - Deforestation

The use of science and technology to support the ever- increasing needs of man is termed as development. In the recent years, the human populations have increased considerably, so have their requirements. Any country, especially the developing countries like ours would have to undergo the process of development at a much rapid rate to fulfil the requirements of its people. Likewise, in the recent years we have witnessed a number of development projects completed and several others coming up.

Development projects like the hydroelectric projects, large dams and reservoirs, laying down of railway lines and roads are not only extremely beneficial, but they also are linked with several environmental problems. Many of these projects require immense deforestation. For the various development projects, infrastructural facilities like buildings, townships, electric supply etc. require clearing the land. And also for the various development projects, the forest products like wood etc. are used in the project itself. Deforestation begins much before the actual commissioning of the project and continues even after the completion of the project. Deforestation affects not only the biota and neighbouring ecosystems, but the soil is eroded, land is degraded, ground water channels are altered, and water becomes polluted and scarce.