In what ways does deforestation in India’s hilly regions increase the risk of flash floods?
Invasive species are plants, animals or tiny organisms that don't belong in an area causing harm to the environment, economy and native wildlife by spreading quickly out of control. Key factors contributing to Invasive Species rise - Disturbed soil and vegetation disrupt ecosystem balance, creatingRead more
Invasive species are plants, animals or tiny organisms that don’t belong in an area causing harm to the environment, economy and native wildlife by spreading quickly out of control.
Key factors contributing to Invasive Species rise –
- Disturbed soil and vegetation disrupt ecosystem balance, creating opportunities for invasive species to establish.
- Altered nutrient cycles due to human activities favor invasive species growth, outcompeting native vegetation rapidly.
- Climate and microclimate changes alter ecosystem conditions, enabling invasive species to thrive and outcompete natives.
- Human activities like trade, travel, agriculture and landscaping intentionally/unintentionally introduce invasive species, spreading rapidly.
Habitat loss and the rise of invasive species are interconnected and synergistic processes that exacerbate the degradation of altered ecosystems i.e.
- Habitat loss weakens native species competitive advantages by facilitating invasive species establishment, displacement and extinction, disrupting predator prey relationships and ecosystem resilience.
- Habitat loss reduces biodiversity, weakening ecosystem resilience, making native species more vulnerable to invasive species colonization, establishment and dominance, exacerbating ecological disruption.
- Habitat fragmentation creates isolated patches by facilitating invasive species spread via corridors while reduced connectivity hinders native species migration, exacerbating vulnerability to invasion.
Governments implement initiatives to mitigate habitat loss and invasive species by regulating trade, enforcing biosecurity, restoring habitats, monitoring ecosystems and promoting sustainable land use practices, supporting research and public awareness campaigns.
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India's exposure to floods encompasses over 40 million hectares of its 329 million-hectare landscape, marked by heightened vulnerability (NDMA). This susceptibility is notably accentuated in hilly regions, where flash floods—sudden and intense deluges as seen recently in Himachal Pradesh—intensify dRead more
India’s exposure to floods encompasses over 40 million hectares of its 329 million-hectare landscape, marked by heightened vulnerability (NDMA). This susceptibility is notably accentuated in hilly regions, where flash floods—sudden and intense deluges as seen recently in Himachal Pradesh—intensify due to various catalysts. Prominent factors include altered river courses, increased urbanization, and climate change impacts. However, out of these, deforestation looms large as a pivotal contributor, amplifying the risk substantially as explained below:
Deforestation and Increased Vulnerability to Flash Floods in Hilly Regions of India:
Amidst the complicated tapestry of nature, deforestation significantly amplifies the susceptibility of flash floods in Indian hill regions. The journey ahead calls for collective action, policy reinforcement, and a harmonious coexistence with the environment. This restorative symphony envisions a future where deforestation yields to sustainable coexistence, diminishing flash flood vulnerability.
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