25,000 Teak Trees Dead in MP: Climate Change Hits India's Forests Hard

Over 25,000 mature teak trees have tragically died across 16,800 hectares in Madhya Pradesh West Betul forest division over the past three years, with a sharp increase noted in 2025 and 2026. Investigations ruled out pests or diseases, instead pointing to severe, prolonged drought and extreme heat as the culprits. This massive die-off is raising serious alarms about climate change growing impact on India's vital forest ecosystems and valuable timber resources. This isn't just about trees; Betul district is a major hub for teak, bringing in over Rs 100 crore annually from timber sales, making the loss of these 40-120-year-old trees a significant economic blow. The region has historically been prone to drought, and Madhya Pradesh has seen less monsoon rainfall for decades, worsening the situation. Experts warn that nearly a third of India's teak forests could become vulnerable to climate shifts, with MP's teak areas potentially becoming unsuitable by mid-century. Forest officials, like Pradeep Mishra, Deputy Conservator of Forests in Betul, are now looking at urgent steps like clearing dead trees to save remaining timber value and reduce fire risks. This event highlights the urgent need for new forest management plans that can better handle extreme weather, focusing on making forests stronger against climate change. Efforts like the Forest-PLUS 3.0 program, which uses technology to improve forest data and planning, will be crucial for protecting these precious natural assets for the future.