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Human Impact

The Sundarbans and Eastern Ghats are facing severe human impacts due to activities like deforestation, overfishing, pollution, and urbanization, which threaten biodiversity and ecosystem balance. In the Sundarbans, these activities exacerbate climate vulnerability, while in the Eastern Ghats, they lead to habitat loss and soil erosion. Protecting these ecosystems is crucial for sustainable development and cultural preservation in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu.

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13 views2 pages

Human Impact

The Sundarbans and Eastern Ghats are facing severe human impacts due to activities like deforestation, overfishing, pollution, and urbanization, which threaten biodiversity and ecosystem balance. In the Sundarbans, these activities exacerbate climate vulnerability, while in the Eastern Ghats, they lead to habitat loss and soil erosion. Protecting these ecosystems is crucial for sustainable development and cultural preservation in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu.

Uploaded by

sayantanbiswas.2208
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Human Impact on the Sundarbans (West Bengal)

The Sundarbans, a fragile mangrove ecosystem, is heavily affected by human activities.


Population growth, farming, fishing, and settlement have placed great pressure on its
natural balance. While these activities provide livelihood, they also damage the forest,
reduce biodiversity, and increase vulnerability to climate change.

Major Human Impacts

1. Deforestation – Large areas of mangroves cleared for farming and settlements.


Example: Loss of Sundari trees, the dominant mangrove species.

2. Overfishing & Resource Use – Excess fishing, honey collection, and woodcutting reduce
natural wealth.
Example: Decline in fish and crab populations.

3. Pollution – Agricultural chemicals and waste harm rivers and estuaries.


Example: Pesticide use affecting aquatic life.

4. Urbanization & Population Pressure – Expansion of villages and embankments shrink


mangrove cover.
Example: Encroachment near Gosaba and other Sundarban blocks.

5. Climate Vulnerability – Human-induced changes worsen flood and cyclone damage.


Example: Cyclone Amphan’s impact worsened by degraded mangrove belts.

Human Impact on the Eastern Ghats (Tamil Nadu)

The Eastern Ghats of Tamil Nadu, though rich in forests and minerals, face serious human
pressures. Agriculture, mining, deforestation, and urban expansion are altering the natural
ecosystem. While these activities provide livelihood and development, they also cause
habitat loss, soil erosion, and decline in biodiversity.

Major Human Impacts

1. Deforestation – Forests cleared for farming, fuelwood, and settlements.


Example: Loss of dry deciduous forests in Salem and Dharmapuri.

2. Agriculture & Grazing – Overuse of land for crops and cattle grazing leads to soil erosion.
Example: Hill slopes converted to coffee and groundnut farms.

3. Mining & Quarrying – Extraction of bauxite, granite, and limestone damages hills.
Example: Bauxite mining in Salem hills.

4. Urbanization & Encroachment – Expanding towns reduce green cover.


Example: Construction around Yercaud hill region.
5. Biodiversity Loss – Human activity disturbs habitats of animals and medicinal plants.
Example: Decline of Indian pangolin and forest herbs.

Conclusion

Both West Bengal and Tamil Nadu depend heavily on their natural ecosystems for
livelihood, biodiversity, and culture. However, human activities and climate change have
created serious threats like habitat loss, migration, and biodiversity decline. Protecting the
Sundarbans mangroves in West Bengal and the Eastern Ghats in Tamil Nadu is essential for
sustainable development and future survival.

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