Chainsaw becoming symbol of rapid deforestation

May 13, 2024 27 Views No Comment

P Achumse Yingbithongru
Kiphire | May 13

Before Chainsaws was invented and made available in market, loggers relied on crosscut for cutting tree and for logging purposes which had limited effects in destruction of forests as compared to the former in terms of its scale and size.

Chainsaw, while an invaluable tool for forestry and land management, have also become synonymous with rapid deforestation and environmental degradation.

The ease and efficiency with which these machines can fell trees without much cost have led to their widespread use by loggers often at the cost of forest ecosystem.

Talking to The Morung Express, Throngtsangju, former VDB’s Secretary, Tethuyo Village, said, “Use of chainsaw and its easy availability have significantly accelerated the pace of deforestation, as it is capable of destroying huge area of forest in a matter of days for logging business resulting in rapid deforestation with far reaching implications, including habitat loss, biodiversity depletion, and increase carbon emission.”

Isaac Tsalumpi Sangtam, former President, Kiphire Area Students’ Union (KASU) said, “The indiscriminate use of chainsaw has led to destruction of forest at an alarming rate because of which we are losing valuable ecosystems, and the biodiversity they support, faster than ever before.”

It’s crucial that we find sustainable alternative to protect our forest and environment, he added.

Equating erratic change in climate, environment and drying up of natural streams and rivers to rapid deforestation of forests, Chumusu, a local progressive farmer, commented that while we cannot totally do away with the use of chainsaw, their misuse can have negative consequences which we are experiencing so It’s important to use these tools responsibly, following sustainable practices that allow forests to regenerate and thrive.

“We have all seen firsthand the impact of chainsaw use on our local forests where entire areas are being cleared in a matter of days, leaving barren landscapes thus we need to find a balance between our need for resources and the preservation of our natural environment,” stated Yanglicho, Agriculture (Solanaceous crop) teacher at Agape Hr. Secondary School, Kiphire.

He added the negative impact of chainsaw use on our environment cannot be overlooked and it is imperative that we adopt sustainable forestry practices and reduce over reliance on chainsaw and at the same time inculcate the habit of planting trees to replenish what we have destroyed.