10 million trees cut down every 24 hours in India

Kapurthala, January 27, 2017: Deforestation, soil erosion, soil fertility depletion, overgrazing, loss of biodiversity, water logging, salinity besides ill planned urbanization, industrialization, socio-economic constraints and climate changes are major causes for land turning into desert. These views were expressed by Sh.G.S Dhillon Map officer from Chief Conservator of Soils, Punjab on the occasion of National Environment Campaign organized by Punjab State Council for Science & Technology jointly with Pushpa Gujral Science City.
He said that at the time of independence, 75 million hectares i.e. about 33% was under forest cover. Today this has been reduced to just over 10%. India has been losing 10 million trees every 24 hours. 25% of India's total geographical area is undergoing desertification while 32% is facing degradation that has affected its productivity, critically affecting the livelihood and food security of millions across the country.
Further he added Punjab, primarily an agrarian economy and the food bowl of country is also facing a threat of desertification. Punjab has now highest percentage of blocks categorized as over-exploited in terms of ground water exploitation. Bad agricultural practices like over use of pesticides and fertilizers besides following the same crop cycle of wheat-paddy year after year are factors contributing towards diminishing soil fertility.
Due to alarming situation of ground water levels and limited surface water resources, farmers are being encouraged to adopt drip & sprinkler irrigation systems by providing various incentives besides the promotion of underground pipeline systems in place of open channels for irrigation. He added .

On this occasion, Dr. Rajesh Grover , Director, Pushpa Gujral Science city, said that there is dire need to increase public awareness about the environmental issues and National Environment campaign can be used as a powerful catalyst by involving society in making a difference towards a healthy, prosperous and sustainable future. He asserted that if we all put our best foot forward to stop the rampant global warming, we can expect certain rewards in the future. He further added that Eco-Friendly practices can certainly to help to conserve soil for good agricultural productivity. More Than 100 sttudents from SPS School Begowal, Ashian Public School and DAV Model School participated in the campaign.