How have human activities affected the depletion of flora and fauna? Explain.

Human beings share this planet with millions of other living beings. We humans with all other living organisms form a complex web of ecological system in which we are only a part and very much dependent on this system for our existence. Biodiversity is important for human lives because the plants, animals and micro-organisms re-create the quality of the air we breathe’ the water we drink and the soil that produces our food without which we cannot survive. Forests too play an important role in the ecological system.
(ii) Human activities have affected the depletion of flora and fauna in many ways as given below:
(a) During the colonial period expansion of the railways, agriculture, commercial and scientific forestry and mining activities were responsible for depletion of forests. Even after independence between 1951 and 1980, 26,200 sq km of forest area ‘was converted into agricultural land.
(b) Large-scale development projects such as Narmada Sagar Project in Madhya Pradesh are responsible for the depletion of forests. Since 1951, over 5000 sq km area of forest was cleared for river valley projects.
(c) Mining is another factor for depletion of forests. The dolomite mining in West Bengal has threatened the Buxa Tiger Reserve. It has disturbed the natural habitat of many species and blocked the migration route of several others, including the great Indian elephant.
(d) Over utilisation of vegetation and wildlife has also depleted the forests.
(e) The growing demand for development of industries and mining, urbanisation and overgrazing of pastures are still the major causes for the depletion of flora and fauna in independent India.
(f) The forests and wildlife have become resource for wood, barks, leaves, rubber, medicines, dyes, food, fuel, fodder and manure. Many foresters and environmentalists hold the opinion that grazing and fuel wood collection are the greatest degrading factors for the depletion of forest resources. But there is no doubt that a substantial part of the fuel-fodder demand is met by lopping rather than by felling entire trees.