Patna: The felling of trees in Bihar in the name of development has triggered serious environmental concerns, threatening local ecosystems and disrupting the lives of tribal communities. According to a media report, the state has seen large-scale deforestation, with nearly 7,000 acres of forest land cleared for infrastructure projects, including highways, industrial zones, and residential colonies.
The scale of deforestation was revealed recently in the Lok Sabha when CPI(ML) MP Raja Ram Singh raised concerns over the use of forest land for non-forestry purposes. In response, Union Minister for Environment, Forest, and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav tabled a report on March 24, stating that 1,73,396.87 hectares of forest land had been diverted across India. Bihar’s contribution to this loss is particularly alarming.
Development at the Cost of Green Cover
Key infrastructure projects have been at the heart of this deforestation. The Varanasi-Kolkata Expressway under the Bharatmala Project alone has led to the diversion of 103.22 hectares of forest land in Gaya and Aurangabad. Similarly, 5.66 hectares of land has been transferred for a new NH-19 connection to Buxar, further reducing Bihar’s green cover.
Environmentalists warn that this large-scale tree-cutting is disrupting weather cycles, increasing soil erosion, and pushing local wildlife to the brink. Many tribal communities, who rely on forest produce for their livelihood, now face economic hardship and cultural displacement.
The Cost of Progress
While the government argues that these projects are essential for economic growth and connectivity, the long-term environmental damage could be severe. The absence of forests could lead to more extreme weather conditions, reduce agricultural productivity, and accelerate land degradation.
Experts are calling for stricter environmental regulations and afforestation measures to mitigate the impact. With Bihar already vulnerable to climate change, the challenge now lies in balancing development with sustainability—before the cost becomes irreversible.
