Impacts of Human Activities and Strategies for Sustainable Management
Bishal Khanal, RYN 2024 Fellow
The Chure region, also known as the Siwalik area, extends from the Tista River in Nepal, across northwestern India, and into northern Pakistan. In Nepal, it covers 37 districts and constitutes 12.78% of the country's total land area, stretching from the eastern Illam district to the western Kanchanpur district. The region is home to 14 forest ecosystem types outside protected areas, including Acacia catechu-Dalbergia sissoo forests, Albizia forests, Anogeissus latifolia forests, bamboo thickets, Hymenodictyon excelsum forests, pine forests, sal forests, Syzygium cumini forests, Terminalia forests, tropical deciduous riverine forests, tropical mixed broadleaved forests, sal-pine forests, and Shorea-Schima forests (MoFE, 2020).
Geologically young, the Chure region is composed of loose, unconsolidated materials derived from soft rocks such as mudstone, sandstone, siltstone, and shale. Its soils are coarse-textured, shallow, and formed on sedimentary rocks, which makes the region particularly fragile. The terrain consists of hills, narrow gorges, and valleys, featuring landforms like riverbeds, dissected land, and varied slopes. The Chure region acts as a vital water aquifer, feeding rivers and groundwater systems that sustain agriculture, drinking water supplies, and downstream ecosystems (Acharya, 2015). Over 53% of Nepal's population resides in the Chure and Tarai regions, making the area crucial for the nation's socio-economic fabric (CBS, 2021). However, due to its fragile geology, the region is highly vulnerable to natural hazards and extreme disasters.
Following the eradication of malaria in the 1960s, people from hilly areas began migrating to the Terai and Chure regions. The construction of the East-West Highway, which connects Mechi to Kanchanpur districts, further facilitated population growth in these areas, leading to increased pressure on natural resources. Illegal logging, urbanization, industrialization, and mining operations, including the mechanical excavation of riverbed materials, became rampant, driven by the demand for construction materials. These activities have had severe consequences on the region’s geology, causing significant degradation of the water table (Thapa, 2017). Over time, the extraction of riverbed materials evolved into a political issue, with elected officials often linked to mining operations. The introduction of federalism exacerbated the problem, as local governments in the Terai began to rely heavily on revenues from exploiting Chure's resources (Paudel et al., 2020).
The unchecked exploitation of Chure resources has destabilized ecosystems and harmed human health in both the Terai and Chure regions. The water retention capacity of the area has diminished, river courses have shifted, and flooding during the monsoon season has become more frequent, leading to increased siltation in agricultural fields and water shortages in downstream communities (Dhakal & Maskey, 2020). Agroforestry has become a common practice in the Chure region, with private landowners planting high-value crops like tomatoes, chili, citrus fruits, bananas, and papayas, replacing traditional crops such as millet, maize, barley, and pulses. However, the excessive use of chemical fertilizers has led to runoff into nearby water bodies, negatively impacting aquatic ecosystems (Gautam et al., 2019).
To build resilience in the Chure region, a comprehensive approach is needed. Large-scale reforestation projects can help restore degraded forests, improving their ability to retain water, reduce soil erosion, and enhance biodiversity. Soil conservation techniques, such as contour farming, terracing, and the use of cover crops, can minimize soil erosion and improve water infiltration, leading to better agricultural productivity. Rainwater harvesting systems, such as rooftop rainwater collection, check dams, and storage tanks, can increase water availability for domestic and agricultural use during dry periods (Chalise & Khanal, 2021). Groundwater recharge initiatives, including the construction of infiltration ponds and recharging wells, can help maintain groundwater levels and ensure a stable water supply during dry seasons. Strengthening infrastructure to withstand extreme weather events and integrating climate resilience into local and regional policies is also crucial for sustainable development in the Chure region (Sharma et al., 2022).
In addition, the restoration and maintenance of riparian buffers along riverbanks are vital for improving watershed health. These vegetated areas help filter pollutants from surface runoff, stabilize riverbanks to prevent erosion, and provide habitats for wildlife. Riparian zones also trap sediments and absorb excess nutrients before they reach rivers, thus enhancing water quality (Shrestha et al., 2018).
In conclusion, the Chure region faces severe environmental degradation due to unsustainable human activities, resulting in water scarcity, deforestation, and ecosystem deterioration. Addressing these issues requires a multi-faceted strategy involving reforestation, water conservation, and policy reforms. By promoting long-term environmental sustainability and involving local communities in conservation efforts, the ecological balance of the Chure region can be restored, ensuring the well-being of both its ecosystems and inhabitants.
About the Author: Bishal Khanal is a final-year student pursuing a B.Sc. Forestry at the Institute of Forestry, Hetauda Campus. He has a strong interest in wildlife, climate change, and GIS and remote Sensing technology. He is a founding member of AACD IOF HTD and has received recognition for his contributions to environmental research and advocacy.
References
Acharya, K. P. (2015). Chure conservation: challenges and opportunities. Kathmandu: MoFE.
Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS). (2021). Population monograph of Nepal. Kathmandu: Government of Nepal.
Chalise, D., & Khanal, N. R. (2021). Rainwater harvesting in the Chure region: A strategy for water security. Water Resources Management, 35(3), 679-692.
Dhakal, M. S., & Maskey, R. K. (2020). Flood hazards and adaptation in Chure and Terai regions of Nepal. Journal of Water and Climate Change, 11(4), 1809-1823.
Gautam, A. P., Shivakoti, G. P., & Webb, E. L. (2019). Agricultural intensification and environmental impacts in the Chure region. Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment, 133(3-4), 286-298.
MoFE (Ministry of Forests and Environment). (2020). Forest ecosystem management in the Chure region. Kathmandu: Government of Nepal.
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Thapa, N. (2017). Environmental degradation in the Chure region: Impacts of human activities. Nepal Journal of Environmental Science, 5(1), 45-53.