Over 25,000 mature teak trees have died across 16,800 hectares in Madhya Pradesh’s West Betul forest division. Investigations by forest officials and the State Forest Research Institute suggest prolonged drought and heat stress may have caused hydraulic failure, disrupting water transport within the trees.
Examinations of tested samples revealed no evidence of fungal or pest infections. Larger and older trees, estimated to be between 40 and 120 years old, were particularly affected. Satellite data from 2022–23 indicated vegetation and moisture stress prior to the widespread tree deaths.
Officials state the scale of this teak mortality is unprecedented in the region over the past two decades, raising concerns for forest management and timber resources. Betul is a significant teak-producing district, generating substantial annual revenue from timber harvesting.
Source: Down To Earth