Are Meghalaya's Forests Really More Resilient to Deforestation Than Other Northeast States?

Shillong, Dec 15: Despite a 12.46% decline in forest cover from 2001 to 2021, Meghalaya’s susceptibility to deforestation is lower than in other Northeast Indian states, according to a study in the Environmental Monitoring and Assessment journal.

What is Deforestation Susceptibility?
Deforestation susceptibility refers to the likelihood of a forested area being at risk of deforestation due to environmental, climatic, and human-induced factors. Using advanced Multicriteria Decision-Making (MCDM) models like VIKOR, SAW, EDAS, and WASPAS, the study analyzed 20 key factors, including slope steepness, forest density, proximity to settlements, and distance from agricultural land.

The Study’s Findings
Led by researchers from Fakir Mohan University, Utkal University, and international collaborators, the study examined forest cover change and deforestation risk from 2001 to 2021. Regions in Assam, Nagaland, Mizoram, and Arunachal Pradesh showed significant forest cover loss, indicating a higher susceptibility to deforestation. In contrast, Meghalaya’s susceptibility ranged from low to medium across all four MCDM models used.

Drivers of Deforestation in Meghalaya

Jhum Cultivation: Traditional shifting cultivation is a major contributor. Farmers clear forest patches for farming, then abandon them as soil fertility declines, moving to new areas. While culturally significant, this practice has a profound ecological impact on Meghalaya’s forests.

Infrastructure Development: Road construction and related development projects often require large-scale land clearing in hilly terrain. The steep slopes increase the risk of landslides, exacerbating the impact of deforestation.

Community Perception & Call to Action
A survey of 1,366 households across 130 forest-fringe villages in Meghalaya carried out by another group of researchers found that 99% of respondents were aware of deforestation’s negative impact. All respondents agreed that both government and community efforts are essential to stop deforestation in the state.

What’s Next?
The study’s authors call for a comprehensive approach to tackle deforestation in Northeast India. Key recommendations include:

Sustainable Land Use Policies: Address land-use change and promote sustainable agriculture.

Data-Driven Conservation: Use MCDM models to prioritize conservation efforts and target high-risk areas.

Community-Based Forest Management: Engage local communities in conservation efforts and empower them to contribute to policy development.

Why It Matters
“By identifying high-risk areas, we can prioritize intervention strategies,” the researchers noted. This approach allows policymakers to target conservation efforts where they’re most needed, supporting Meghalaya’s efforts to balance tradition, livelihood, and forest conservation.

Also Read: Meghalaya secures 2nd place in National Energy Conservation Awards for promoting sustainability & efficiency

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