A natural eco-system can be modified to suit human needs, but it should be done in adherence to certain principles, keeping in view the environmental factors.
When we are thinking of modification of any ecological system, it does not mean devastating the system, which has been built by hundreds of thousands of years of ecological process. It is therefore necessary to be very cautious when we have a plan to alter an ecological system. By no means, should it disturb the system.
Hence, when the State Government is planning to establish ports and harbours in the river mouths of Mahanadi, Brahmani, Subarnareka, Baitarani, Rushikulya and Budhabalang etc, it should ensure that no harm is caused to their eco-systems.
The Mahanadi, Brahmani and Rushikulya plains are known as the granary of Odisha. Crops like rice, wheat, pulses cereal and sugarcane, among others, are grown in huge quantity in the belt. Some times, certain species which are not indigenous, do harms to the soil and as well as to the climate, when grown.
For getting good yields, the farmers cultivate unsuitable crops in a certain agro-climatic zone. This may give benefit for a temporary period but its long term effect on the soil and environment of the region is always disastrous.
For sure, the ecology of a region can not be sacrificed just for short term economic benefits.
Recently, the writer visited the riverine ecosystem of Ganga at Rishikesh and Haridwar. The writer visited the places earlier too, when he was a student at the Northern Forest Ranger College at Dehradun during 1963-65. He had visited the Rajaji National Park and stayed at a guest house inside the park. However, between then and now, a lot of changes have taken place. The township of Dehradun, Haridwar and Rishikesh are inalienably linked with the riverine ecological systems of Ganga.
Geographically, the areas have been drastically reduced and the ecosystem of the river has undergone many changes. Instead of the lush green vegetation present in the zone, now eucalyptus forests have been created. But these forests are not efficient to control the soil erosion. Many indigenous species have been wiped out. Soil erosion is on at an alarming rate.
Eucalyptus is an Australian species, which was introduced in the Indian climate during the fifties, because it yields better paper pulp. But this species does not allow any undergrowth of vegetations within its colonization area for several seasons.
Its ecology strength is very poor to protect the soil. Generally, the riverine eco belt is very loose soil and hence is amenable to erosion during flood. So nature has provided certain species of plants and scrubs which protect the soil from being eroded.Arbitrary plantation of eucalyptus and other monoculture species within an established biosphere is an ecological blunder. The forest department should have restrained the State Government from undertaking the drive.
A national park is always significant. The authorities should always be careful to maintain its biodiversity and provide safe habitat to its herbivorous population. But a rich heritage like the Rajaji National Park is not safe. leave alone Ganga, and the Rajaji National Park, many rivers and their adjoining area in Odisha are now victim of growing townships and human settlement.
Our coastal, estuary and riverine national park like the Bhitarkanika is also under threat of expanding human settlements which disturb the ecological balance of nature. So, the civilized man should be judicious while handling these fragile ecosystems.
The modification of a fragile ecosystem for economic benefits should focus on agronomy, forestry, soil management, horticulture and floriculture.
The modification of natural ecosystem into various monoculture fields of human needs should be done without restraining assimilations process of the plant community. Trees and plants, whether small or big, do a precious job for us by controlling pollution through assimilation of carbons. A banyan or mango tree is as much important as bushes and shrubs.
Therefore, no land should be left barren and at the same time, while undertaking afforestaion activities, always the authorities should examine the plants’ adaptability to the ecology and spoil factor of the area.
(The writer is a former senior forest officer and an environmentalist)