ShodhPatra: International Journal of Science and Humanities

Impact of Modernisation on Local Ecology: A Case Study of Upper Subansiri District, Arunachal Pradesh.

Modernisation has increasingly shaped development trajectories in ecologically sensitive regions of India, particularly in the hill districts of the North-East. Upper Subansiri District of Arunachal Pradesh represents a fragile socio-ecological landscape where infrastructure expansion and changing livelihood patterns have intensified interactions between development and the natural environment. This study examines the impact of modernisation on local ecology through a primary survey-based analysis, focusing on community perceptions of environmental change. The research is based on data collected through structured questionnaires comprising both closed-ended and open-ended questions. The study explores key ecological dimensions, including forest degradation, changes in water resources, wildlife disturbance, landslides, and the transformation of traditional ecological practices. Findings indicate that a majority of respondents perceive significant environmental changes linked to modernisation, particularly due to road construction, village expansion, and increased use of non-biodegradable materials. Forest loss and fragmentation have contributed to declining availability of forest-based resources, while drying of natural springs and pollution of small streams have intensified water insecurity. Increased soil erosion and landslides during the monsoon further reflect ecological instability in the region. The study also reveals a shift in community dependence on forests, driven not by ecological recovery but by reduced access and changing consumption patterns. Respondents expressed concerns regarding the environmental sustainability of current development models and emphasized the need for community-based forest management, planned construction, and stricter environmental regulation. Overall, the findings highlight the cumulative and interconnected nature of ecological impacts resulting from modernisation and underscore the importance of integrating local knowledge and participatory approaches into development planning in ecologically fragile regions.