ISS Previous Year Paper 2021 GS Solution Question 2(e) Degradation of Forest Resources and Wildlife Due to Agriculture and Urbanization

ISS Previous Year Paper 2021 GS Solution Question 2(e) Degradation of Forest Resources and Wildlife Due to Agriculture and Urbanization. Detailed answer assessing the impact of expanding agriculture and urban growth on forests and biodiversity in India.

ISS Previous Year Paper 2021 GS Solution Question 2(e) Degradation of Forest Resources and Wildlife Due to Agriculture and Urbanization

ISS Previous Year Paper 2021 GS Solution Question

Q.2(e) “Degradation of forest resources and wildlife is a fallout of agriculture and urbanization.” Assess this statement giving examples from India.

Answer :

Agriculture and urbanization have been major drivers of economic development in India, but they have also contributed to the degradation of forest resources and wildlife habitats.

Impact of Agricultural Expansion

Growing demand for food and agricultural land has resulted in the clearing of forests in several regions. Conversion of forest areas into farmland reduces biodiversity and fragments wildlife habitats.

Examples include:

• Encroachment into forest areas in parts of Central India.

• Shifting cultivation pressures in certain northeastern states.

• Expansion of plantations and commercial agriculture affecting natural ecosystems.

  
  

Impact of Urbanization

Rapid urban growth has increased the demand for land, housing, transportation, and infrastructure. Construction activities often lead to deforestation and habitat fragmentation.

Examples include:

• Shrinking forest cover around major metropolitan regions.

• Encroachment on wetlands and green spaces.

• Infrastructure projects such as highways and railways passing through wildlife habitats.

  
  

Consequences for Wildlife

Habitat destruction forces animals to move outside protected areas, increasing human-wildlife conflicts. Species such as elephants, leopards, and tigers frequently come into contact with human settlements.

Forest degradation also reduces ecosystem services such as carbon sequestration, soil conservation, water regulation, and climate stabilization.

Need for Sustainable Development

Measures such as afforestation, wildlife corridors, sustainable land-use planning, environmental impact assessments, and community participation are essential for balancing development with conservation.

Conclusion

Agriculture and urbanization have undoubtedly contributed to economic progress, but they have also accelerated forest degradation and biodiversity loss. Sustainable development strategies are necessary to ensure that economic growth does not occur at the cost of ecological security.