Impact of Gravel Mining and Land-use Pressure on Small Forest Patches and Biodiversity in Paschim Bardhaman: A Case Study of Recent Forest to Mining Conversion Zones

Abstract

The small forest areas in Paschim Bardhaman have faced growing stress from accelerated gravel mining and heightened land use pressure in the last ten years. This research explores the ecological impacts of newly established forest-to-mining conversion areas, emphasizing landscape fragmentation, habitat loss and biodiversity reduction. Through geospatial analysis of satellite images, field surveys and species-richness evaluations, the study reveals a notable decrease in forest cover and a rapid growth of open-pit gravel mining areas. Findings indicate that even minor mining activities cause significant ecological consequences such as loss of microhabitats, disruption of soil profiles, water stress and a notable reduction in understory plant life. Faunal diversity, especially among birds, insects and small mammals, demonstrated significant decreases in both abundance and functional diversity near operational mining locations. Informal mining, urban growth and inadequate land management are socio-economic factors that increase the strain on the remaining green areas. The research emphasizes the immediate necessity for environmentally conscious land use planning, rehabilitation of damaged forest areas and rigorous control of mining operations to avert irreversible biodiversity decline in Paschim Bardhaman