Significant Environmental Changes in Karbi Anglong: A Closer Look

Karbi Anglong and West Karbi Anglong have experienced severe environmental degradation since the 1970s, with significant losses in forest cover and wildlife habitats. Recent studies reveal alarming trends, including a 12% decline in forest area and increased human-wildlife conflicts. As the population grows, illegal activities exacerbate the situation, raising concerns about sustainability. Local residents express their worries about the diminishing natural resources, reflecting on the drastic changes over generations. This article delves into the ecological challenges facing the region and the urgent need for balanced development and conservation efforts.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 27, 2026, 11:05 IST

Environmental Degradation in Karbi Anglong

These shifts can be correlated with demographic growth and alterations in land-use patterns.

DIPHU, April 27: Since the 1970s, the natural landscape of Karbi Anglong and West Karbi Anglong has faced considerable degradation, as highlighted by recent satellite assessments that detail the extent of damage to forest areas, land usage, and wildlife habitats.

Research conducted from 2001 to 2020 shows that Karbi Anglong is one of the most affected areas in Assam, with an estimated loss of 97,400 hectares of tree cover, equating to nearly a 12% reduction in total forest area. Additionally, longitudinal studies from 2013 to 2023 indicate a decline in forest cover by around 108.56 square kilometers, while agricultural land has expanded by 26.69 square kilometers, and built-up areas have increased by over 30 square kilometers.

These changes are closely linked to population growth and shifts in land use. The population in Karbi Anglong has surged from about 950,000 in 2011 to an estimated 1.1 million by 2025, leading to increased pressure on forest resources for housing and farming.

Illegal activities, particularly timber smuggling and unregulated resource extraction, have worsened the degradation of forests. Recent findings revealed that more than 8 million cubic meters of stone were extracted beyond legal limits, raising serious concerns about environmental sustainability.

Research on forest fragmentation shows a concerning shift from dense forest ecosystems to open, degraded landscapes, primarily due to encroachment and the growth of human settlements. The ecological effects of these changes are evident in wildlife populations, with habitat disruption leading to increased human-wildlife conflicts across Assam. Between 2000 and 2023, over 1,400 human fatalities and around 1,200 elephant deaths were reported, linked to the ongoing reduction of forest areas.

Environmental specialists warn that if current trends persist, the region may face long-term ecological challenges, including soil erosion, water shortages, and a decline in biodiversity. Despite ongoing conservation efforts, balancing development needs with environmental protection remains a significant challenge.

Local residents are increasingly concerned about the environmental changes. One individual noted, “In the past, our forests were dense, and rivers flowed throughout the year; now, both are considerably diminished,” reflecting the noticeable ecological shifts over generations.

The environmental transformations in Karbi Anglong and West Karbi Anglong illustrate the profound effects of continuous human activity since the 1970s on a once-vibrant natural environment.