In an arid region of Andhra Pradesh, some of the best natural growth has been cleared to make way for plantations to offset forest loss from installation of power lines.
Case Analysis
This 40 ha plantation at Maddulapaya Reserve Forest is one of four sites totalling nearly 100 ha that have been erected as compensatory afforestation for 87 ha of diverted forest land for a power line. This 400 KV multi circuit power transition line is part of an overall 6,000 cr investment in power in Andhra Pradesh. The total cost of the project is not reported; the budget for the 40,000 saplings at this site is Rs. 44,70, 600 (111 rs/sapling).
Satellite Imagery Analysis
Satellite imagery reveals natural growth visible in 2006 and 2013, being cleared by January 2014. Plantations are visible by January 2016.
Implications
Natural growth has been cleared for plantations, violating compensatory afforestation guidelines
Surrounding area reveals a dry landscape, yet some of the best natural growth been cleared
Cost per tree is quite high
e-Green Watch Record
