The correct answer is: d) All of the above.
Deforestation in Meghalaya is a major concern due to a number of factors, including shifting cultivation, mining, and infrastructure development.
Shifting cultivation, also known as slash-and-burn agriculture, is a traditional agricultural practice in which farmers clear a small area of forest, burn the vegetation, and then plant crops in the ash-enriched soil. This practice can be sustainable if it is done on a small scale and if the land is allowed to regenerate after a few years. However, in Meghalaya, shifting cultivation is often done on a larger scale and the land is not allowed to regenerate, which leads to deforestation.
Mining is another major cause of deforestation in Meghalaya. The state is home to a number of coal mines, which require the clearing of large areas of forest. In addition, the construction of roads and other infrastructure projects also requires the clearing of forests.
All of these factors have contributed to the loss of a significant amount of forest cover in Meghalaya. The state’s forests are important for a number of reasons, including providing habitat for wildlife, regulating the climate, and preventing soil erosion. The loss of forest cover has had a negative impact on the environment and the people of Meghalaya.
The government of Meghalaya has taken some steps to address the problem of deforestation, such as banning shifting cultivation and imposing restrictions on mining. However, these measures have not been enough to halt the loss of forest cover. More needs to be done to protect the forests of Meghalaya.