Main Article Content
Abstract
Assam being located in the north-eastern part of India is covered with different types of vegetation and thus becomes one of the most important biodiversity hotspot zones in the country. Like the other states of the region, Assam also supports abundance growth of forest resources owing to her congenial physical and environmental conditions. Ever since people started inhabiting in the state, people have utilized the forest resources for their daily uses which help them in sustaining their livelihood in either way. Even, various forest-based industries have grown up in the state generating employment facilities. Thus, the forests have greater economic significance in the state which helps in generating revenue both for the people and the government. However, because of greater economic benefits, the excessive use of forest resources has started in the state. On the other hand, the rapid growth of population and increase in their settlements, extensions of agricultural and other constructional activities have resulted in the rapid depletion of forest cover. Meanwhile, forest cover loss has become another serious problem causing several problems like loss of habitats of different plant and animal species, erratic rainfall, accelerates soil erosion, and global warming. This paper, therefore, attempts to study the role of forests in the economic development of the people and the state of Assam as a whole. The study is based on secondary data and information collected from various secondary sources