Rising Temperature Due to Excessive Deforestation, No Government Control
Kakatpur – 5/7: Environmental imbalance caused by global warming is affecting the farmers of Kakatpur block, resulting in delays in this year’s farming activities. Local people allege that government departmental officials are primarily responsible for the reduction of green cover in the Kakatpur block. Illegal establishment of brick kilns in the region is encouraging deforestation under the guise of industrial growth.
Under the negligence of the Forest and Revenue Departments, old oxygen-producing trees are being cut down, which has had a noticeable impact on coastal regions like Kakatpur and Astaranga. As a result, there is extreme heat and irregular rainfall, which is directly affecting agriculture.
The livelihoods of people in this region are largely dependent on various forms of farming. Deforestation has also led to soil degradation and increased harm from wild animals like monkeys, deer, and wild boars, damaging crops. Consequently, many farmers are giving up farming and migrating to other states as laborers.
This migration has led to growing unemployment and negatively impacted the local rural economy. Concerned individuals have noted that some young people, having failed in their migration attempts, are getting involved in antisocial activities.
Despite complaints, officials from the Forest and Revenue Departments often ignore the grievances and instead focus on personal economic gain through alternative means. Since there are no brick kiln regulations (slip licenses) in the region, locals are demanding that high-ranking departmental officials, the District Collector of Puri, and the local MLA take notice and pressurize local officials to curb deforestation.
There is also a general demand that the state government, through the Block Agriculture and Horticulture Departments, implement modern agricultural techniques to encourage local youth to take interest in farming.
