Forest Resource Degradation and Its Impact on Rural Livelihood in North Bengal

Abstract

North Bengal, encompassing the sub-Himalayan foothills and the Terai-Dooars ecological zone, harbours some of India's richest forest biodiversity. However, sustained anthropogenic pressure, compounded by policy shortfalls and climate variability, has led to progressive forest degradation over the past five decades. This study examines the multidimensional relationship between forest resource degradation and the livelihood vulnerability of rural communities across eight districts of North Bengal, West Bengal, India. Employing a mixed-methods research design, primary data were collected from 500 purposively sampled households across 25 villages using structured questionnaires, focus group discussions (FGDs), and key informant interviews (KIIs). Secondary data were sourced from the Forest Survey of India (FSI), State Forest Department records, Census of India, and NSSO reports. The findings reveal that approximately 68% of rural households remain directly dependent on forest resources for fuel, fodder, food, and supplementary income. Forest cover in the study area has declined by an estimated 24.3% over the last three decades, substantially reducing the availability of non-timber forest products (NTFPs) and increasing household income vulnerability. Forest-dependent households record annual incomes 43% lower than non-forest-dependent counterparts, with higher rates of poverty, food insecurity, child malnutrition, and lower school enrolment. The study identifies illegal felling, agricultural encroachment, and over-extraction of fuelwood as the primary drivers of degradation. Community-based forest governance, alternative livelihood promotion, and sustainable NTFP enterprise development are recommended as priority interventions for restoring forestlivelihood linkages in North Bengal.