Quarterly Journal / March 2012 MyFor est My Forest Karnataka Forest Department

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Front Cover : Garcinia Indica SSO Plot of 1998 Photo by at Mudugere Res. Station. B.R. Ananthramu Range Forest Officer Back Cover : Gumless Jack Co Plot of 1998 Mandya Res. Range at Mudugere Res. Station Mandya.

Vol. 48 March-2012 No. 01 CONTENTS

SI. No. Particulars Authors Page No.

Provinance Trial of Garcinia Indica in 01 Mudugere Nursery and its Results Ritu Kakkar. I.F.S. 01-05

Shivaputra N.B. Studies on Moisture Conservation Measures Dasar G.V. 02 and Nutrient Management of Eucalyptus Police Patil V.M. 07-12 Pellita Plantation Manjunath G.O. Genetic Resources in Rubber 03 (Hevea Brasiliensis) T.V. Mohandas 13-18

04 Livlihood Practices & Development Choices : Dr. R. Indira 19-40 Strategies for Achieving A convergence in Forest Communities

05 Evaluation of some insecticides and a neem formulation against flower gall inducer, R. Devaraj asphondylia pongamiae mani (Diptera : R. Sundararaj 41-44 Cecidomyhdae) in Plantation of Pongamia Pinnata (L.) Pierre

06 Carbon Stocks and Flux for Forests in Jagmohan Sharma IFS Karnataka (India) 45-63

07 Western Ghat Heritage Sites Dr. Kodira A. Kushalappa 65-67 IFS 08 Experiences & Suggestions of B.K. Singh, IFS Mr. B.K.Singh 69-78 Published by : THE KARNATAKA FOREST DEPARTMENT Printed at : SHAKTHI PRINTECH - No. 552/1, 7th Cross, 3rd Main, Ayyappa Temple Road, Prakashnagar, Bangalore - 560 021. INDIA. My Forest, March, 2012 Vol.48(1) Page No. 01-05 PROVINANCE TRIAL OF GARCINIA INDICA IN MUDIGERE NURSERY AND ITS RESULTS

RITU KAKKAR, IFS*

ABSTRACT

Garcinia indica which is indigenous to the Western Ghats area of India was brought and planted in Mudigere in the year 1998-99 which is a dry tract with tropical climate and only 750 mm of rainfall. This small scale provinance trial has been very successful with 81% survival. Fruiting is also observed.

Aim of the Experiment: India located along the western coast of The aim of the experiment was to the country. Of the 35 species found in study adaptability of Garcinia indica which India, 17 are endemic. Of these, seven are is a species of Malnad (high rainfall area) endemic to the Western Ghats, six in the in a dry tract like Mudigere. Andaman and Nicobar Islands and four in About the Species: the northeastern region of India. Garcinia indica, belongs to Garcinia indica is found in forest Clusiasea family and is commonly known lands, river sides and waste lands. These as Kokum. It is a fruit-bearing tree having plants prefer evergreen forests. It is also culinary, pharmaceutical, and industrial cultivated on a small scale. It does not uses. require irrigation, spraying of pesticides or fertilizers. Garcinia is a dioecious plant with male and female flowers on different Garcinia indica is known by plants. Hence, it is adviceable to plant various names across India, including both male and female plants in the ratio of aamsol, aamsul, bindin, biran, bhirand, 1:10 for proper fruiting. In this experiment bhrinda, brinda, bin'na, kokum (alternate care was not taken to maintain this ratio. If spellings kokam and cocum), katambi, care was taken the number of trees fruiting looikya, sour apple, panarpuli, ratamba. would have been higher. The genus Uses Garcinia includes about 200 species 1) Culinary uses: found in the old world tropics, mostly in The outer cover of fruit is dried in the sun to Asia and Africa. Garcinia indica is get aamsul or kokam. It is used as a indigenous to the Western Ghats region of slightly sour spice in recipes from

Chief Conservator of Forests, Research, Bangalore - 560 076. 01 My Forest, March - 2012

Maharashtra. Kokum yields a peculiar and fruiting is from March to June. Fruit is flavour and blackish red colour. It is a fleshy, globose, reddish white in colour. preferred substitute for tamarind in curries Ripe fruits are dark reddish. Seeds are and other dishes from the Konkan region. ovoid, brown and covered with It is also used in cuisine from Gujarat, mucilaginous material. Ripe fruits are where it is frequently used to add flavour collected by beating the branches of the and tartness to dal (lentil soup) for flavour tree. The freshly collected fruits should be balance, and parts of South India. mashed with hand to separate the seeds. 2) Kokum squash or kokum concentrate is These fresh seeds should be mixed with used in preparing a drink (sherbet) which ash within 24 hours of collection to retain is bright red in colour. Kokum sherbet their viability. The ash treated tightly improve digestion and cools the body packed in paddy straw. Thus the seed during summers. It is also in lime light for viability is maintained for six months. its medicinal property in controlling Propagation: obesity. Freshly collected seeds after 3) Further, the extract/ concentrate of this thoroughly washing in water should be fruit is called aagal in Konkani and directly dibbled in the beds provided with Marathi. It to added during the preparation shade. The seeds start germinating within of Solkadhi, along with coconut milk. 25-30 days. Seed stored for sometime 4) Industrial uses: after proper care as described above will The seed of Garcinia indica germinate slowly, because of the contatins 23% - 26% oil, which remains hardening of the seed coat. Germination solid at room temperature. It is used in the period is delayed up to 50-60 days. preparation of confectionery, medicines Germination is around 55%. Seed no’s is and cosmetics. 2400 per kg. Around 1 kg of seed is sown 5) Other uses: in a standard bed. Cleaned seeds should The tree is ornamental, with a dense be dibbled on raised bed at an canopy of green leaves and red-tinged, espacement of 5x5 cm. Top 10 cm layer of tender, young leaves. the raised bed should be formed by using Seed Collection: mixture of 60% sand and 40% top soil. Flowering is from December to March Over head shade should be provided to

02 My Forest, March - 2012 the seed bed. The seedlings attain a germinate within 30-40 days and then they height of 4 cm in 70-80 days of dibbling are removed for raising seedlings. and these seedlings should be pricked out Root System: along with the ball of earth and Six months old seedlings raised in transplanted into polybags of size 15x23 polybags of 15x23 cm size had average cm. These polybags should be kept under root length of 17 cm and shoot length of 12 shade for 60 days. Seedlings will have to cm. The primary root is very much be in the nursery for about 10-12 months. prominent and only in some seedlings at Liberal watering should be done twice a collar region four lateral roots were day. Weeding, grading and shifting should observed. Such lateral roots were very be done as and when necessary. few and they bear tertiary roots. The main

Other interesting methods of root was more or less having uniform raising seedlings from stored seeds, are thickness till the end and only the end had that the seeds are mixed with cowdung or taper. Root shape is not uniform but zig- Farm Yard manure and tightly packed in zag or wavy. The other end of the seed paddy straw in the form of a bundle. It is was also having root like appendage and it then soaked in water to make it wet, then is a typical character seen in this species. kept in a slightly made pit which is deeper The tap root is distinct. Almost of than the bundle. The pit is covered with 5- the same thickness as the shoot at collar 6 cm layer of soil and regular watering region. It grows vertically down to a once in two days is done. Here the seeds distance. The root is light yellow in colour germinate in 45 to 50 days. Similarly a pit and has smooth surface. Secondary roots of 60x60x60 cm is lined with paddy straw arise even from the collar region and grow and then with a layer of farm yard manure vertically down. They are wavy and light or dry cowdung. Stored seeds are spread brown in colour. Tertiaries come up more in this pit and again covered with straw. or less along side of the secondary roots. Several layers are made alternated with They are short, very much branched and seed and paddy straw. The top of the bed numerous. The most distinguishing is covered with a layer of straw and kept feature of the root system is the prominent pressed with a sand bag or stone. Seeds root cap on the tap and secondary roots. A

03 My Forest, March - 2012 seedling of 30 cm length (shoot length 18 monsoons. The vegetation confirms the cm and root length of 12 cm) has a root Southern Dry Mixed Decidious Forest (5 cap of 0.5 cm long 0.2 cm diameter. A/c 3 type of Champion and Seth's About the Area where Experiment was classification). The natural vegetation has conducted:- main species like Cassia auriculata, Mudugere Research Station is Cassia fistula, Chloroxylon swietenia, situated about 76 Kms from Bangalore on Pterolobium indicum, Pterocarpus the way to Mysore. marsupium, Santalum album, Terminalia The area receives rainfall both chebula and Wrightia tinctoria others. from South-West as well as North-East

TOPOGRAPHICAL DATA 1 Altitude : 800 m. M.S.L

2 Climate : Tropical

3 Rainfall : 750 mm.

4 Soil : Red Sandy loam

5 Aspect / slope : Almost flat

6 Type of forest : 5 A/c. 3 type.

METHODOLOGY: Garcinia indica which is species of Nelli were planted in alternative rows to Malnad (high rainfall area) is tried with U.P study the adaptability and performance of Nelli as a mixed species. Garcinia and UP- the Two species.

Species : Garcinia indica & UP Nelli Espacement : 6x6 Mtr Year : 1998-99 Number of Plants : 520 Plants Extent : 1.0 Ha Location : Mudugere Research Station

04 My Forest, March - 2012

OBSERVATION + RESULT: 196 together to total of 422 plants, out of Measurements of Fruits of 520 plants planted with a survival Garcinia are recorded during last year and percentatge of 81%. Good fruiting is current year.The plantation is good with observed since 3 years. survival of Garcinia 226 plants and Nelli

Fruiting pattern is observed as follows:

Sl Number of Fruits No. of Plants Fruit Measurements No. 1 More than 100 4 Sl Curcumference Weight No. 2 50 - 100 2 1 12 cm 20 gm 2 11.5 cm 20 gm 3 <50 6 3 11.0 cm 20 gm 4 11.0 cm 19 gm 4 No Fruits 214 AV 11.37 cm 19.75 gm

Survival % age = 81% Reference: Average Girth = 0.40 mtrs 1. Dr. S.N. Rai, Nursery & Planting Average Height = 4.0 mtrs Techniques of Forest Trees in Tropical South-Asia. The case study shows that survival of Garcinia indica has been very 2. Hooker J.D. (1872-1897), Flora of British India- Vol. I to VII (reprinted) International successful. However, as this is in a small book Distributors, Dehra Dun. area we can not conclusively say that the area and climate are suitable for the 3. Jensen Michael (1995) Trees Commonly species Some more trials can be done to Cultivated in South East Asia, RAPA Publication 1995/38. F.A.O. Bangkok. confirm the result.

05 MY Forest Quarterly Journal of Karnataka Forest Department

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06 My Forest, March, 2012 Vol.48(1) Page No. 07-12 STUDIES ON MOISTURE CONSERVATION MEASURES AND NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT OF EUCALYPTUS PELLITA PLANTATION

SHIVAPUTRA. N.B., DASAR, G.V., POLICE PATIL*, V.M. AND MANJUNATH, G.O.

ABSTRACT

The increased growth has been obtained in Eucalyptus. Casuarina and Teak, etc., in several areas in India by the use of fertilizer. The integrated use of organic amendments and inorganic fertilizer can stimulate mineralization and immobilization of soil and improve the overall productivity. The experiment was conducted in a farmer field at Dasanakoppa village, Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka. The moisture conservation measures had significantly influenced on the build up of nitrogen status in soil after 12 months. M1F2 recorded significantly higher nitrogen (280.16 kg/ha), P2O5 content (36.33 kg/ha) and K2O content (193.13 kg/ha) over other treatments. The minimum nitrogen availability was observed in M4F4 (188 kg/ha). The minimum P2O5 (19.21 kg/ha) and K2O (149.0 kg/ha) availability was observed in control. Trapezoidal staggered trench along with the application of 200:100:200 N, P2O5 and K2O influenced the plant height growth significantly 5.25 m at 12 MAT.

Key words : Moisture conservation measures, nutrient management, Eucalyptus Pellita, Plantation and Plant growth. Indroduction : been obtained in Eucalyptus, Casuarina Research on fertilizer application and Teak, etc., in several areas in India by showed gains from Nitrogen even to the use of fertilizer. The integrated use of visible healthy forest stand (Cromer et al., organic amendments and inorganic 1993). Schonau (1983) found in increase fertilizer can stimulate mineralization and from 25 to 98 m3/ha over a rotation of 10 immobilization of soil and improve the years as a result of fertilizer application in overall productivity (Dwivedi et al., 1991 ; Eucalyptus grandis plantation in South Pandey et al., 2001). Plantation forestry Africa. Recently with afforestation of with traditional silvicultural practices degraded forest land and waste lands caused improvisation of soil fertility and whose nutrient is very low with the hence poor tree establishment and introduction of fast growing short rotation growth. Fertilizer experiment in the forest tree crop. The application of fertilizer has plantation on the operational basis, become very much essential for growth of however begin only in 1950s. Studies on eucalyptus. The increased growth has effect on fertilizers on Eucalyptus showed

* Asst. Professor, Department of Siriculture & Agroforestory, College of Forestry, Sisri - 581 401.

07 My Forest, March - 2012 that growth of Eucalyptus grandis was Results and discussion recorded by the addition of fertilizers Before start of the experiment, (Valeria et al., 1993). Keeping these points available nitrogen in soil was 194 kg/ha. in view the study was conducted to know The moisture conservation measures had the nutrient build up in Eucalyptus pellita significantly influenced on the build up of plantation. nitrogen status in soil after 12 months. M1 Material and Methods (Trapezoidal Staggered Trench) recorded The experiment was conducted in significantly higher nitrogen in soil (271.46 a farmer field at Dasankoppa village, kg/ha) as compared to M2 and M3 and Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka in lowest was recorded in control (235.58 2010-11. The experiment consisted of 4 kg/ha). Application of fertilizers to soil had main plot treatments and 4 sub-plot a significantly influenced on the build up of treatments. Main plot treatment such as nitrogen. However, F1 level (250:125:250 M1 - Trapezoidal Staggered Trench Size : N, P2O5, K2O Kg/ha) had significantly 60 cm top width, 30 cm bottom width, 30 recorded higher nitrogen (269.48 kg/ha) cm depth and 1.5 m Length. M2 - than F1 and F3 level and the lowest was Conservation Pit : 45 x 30 x 30 cm, M3- recorded in control (233.37 kg/ha) Ring Trench : 1.5 diameter, M4-Control. Moisture conservation methods and Sub plot treatments : F1-200:100:200 of N fertilizers application interaction showed : P2O5 : K2O in kg/ha, F2-250:125:250 of that a significant effect on nitrogen N : P2O5 : K2O in Kg/ha, F3 - 125:75:75 of availability in soil. M1F2 and M1F1 are on N : P2O5 : K2O in Kg/ha + FYM (5 t/ha), F4 par with each other. However, M1F1 - Control. Design followed was split plot. recorded more available nitrogen (278.23 Fertilizers were applied in the circular kg/ha) followed by M1F34, M3F1, M3F2, ditch method. The circular ditch of 20 cm M3F3. The minimum nitrogen availability depth, 10 cm wide and 20 cm away around was observed in M4F4 (188 kg/ha). The the plant were made with the help of height of Eucalyptus plant also showed pickaxe and spade. Available Nitrogen significantly higher in M1F1 compared was determined by alkaline permana- other treatments. ganate method as described by Subbaiah The available P2O5 in soil after 12 and Asija (1956). Available Phosphorus months as influenced by moisture was determined by Brays method conservation methods and fertilizers (Jackson, 1967). Available potassium was application are depicted. The initial determined with Ammonium Acetate available P2O5 before start of the method following Jackson (1967). experiment in soil was 21.2 kg/ha. The moisture conservation measures had a

08 My Forest, March - 2012 significant influence on the build up of kg/ha) as compared to M2 and M3 and P2O5 status in soil. M1 (Trapezoidal lowest was (168.96 kg/ha) recorded in Staggered Trench) recorded significantly control. Application of fertilizer containing higher P2O5 in soil (32.86 kg/ha) N, P2O5, K2O in 250, 125 and 250 kg/ha compared to M2 and M3 and lowest was respectively in plantation showed recorded in control (23.53 kg/ha). significantly higher K2O (187.0 hg/ha) Application of fertilizers to soil had a than other fertilizer treatments. Moisture significant influence on the build up of conservation methods and fertilizer P2O5. The F2 level (250:125:250 N, application interaction exhibited a P2O5 K2O kg/ha) had recorded significant effect on K2O availability in soil. significantly higher P2O5 (32.19 kg/ha) M1F2 recorded significantly higher K2O than F1 and F3 level and the lowest was content (193.13 kg/ha) over other recorded in control (22.89 kg/ha). treatments. M1F1 recorded more K2O Moisture conservation methods and (191.80 kg/ha) availability followed by fertilizer application and their interaction M1F3, M3F1, M3F2 and M3F3. The showed a significant effect on P2O5 minimum K2O availability was observed in availability in soil. M1F2 recorded control (149.0 kg/ha). significantly higher P2O5 content (36.22 The interaction effect showed that kg/ha) over other treatments. M1F1 Trapezoidal Staggered Trench in recorded more P2O5 (35.33 kg/ha) combination with further dose of N, P2O5. followed by M1F3, M3F1, M3F2 and K2O 200:100:200 in kg/ha (M1F1) M3F3. The minimum P2O5 availability recorded significantly higher plant height was observed in control (19.21 kg/ha). 5.25 m at 12 MAT. An increase plant height The available K2O in soil after 12 could be due to higher soil moisture months as influenced by moisture available in Trapezoidal Staggered conservation methods, fertilizers Trench. Higher per cent of available soil treatments and their interaction are moisture during dry season might have depicted in. Before start of the experiment favoured the nutrient absorption by plants, the initial available K2O in soil was 145.50 which in turn resulted in higher plant kg/ha. The moisture conservation height. Soil moisture conservation measures had significant influence on the measures and nutrient management build up of K2O status in soil. M1 influence plant height growth (Kushalappa (Trapezoidal Staggered Trench) recorded 1987; Nand Kishore, 1987; Rajendradu significantly higher K2O in soil (187.67 and Naidu, 1998).

09 My Forest, March - 2012

References South African Forestry. South African For J., 100:27-31. Cromer,R.N. Cameron, D.M., Rance, S.J., Ryan, P.A. and Brown, M., 1993, Valeria, S.V., Agulal, I.B., Corradini. L. and R e s p o n s e t o n u t r i e n t s i n Alvarenga. S.F., 1993, The effect of Eucalyptus grandis L. Biomass phosphorus and dolomite lime on Accumulation for Ecology the production and volumetric Management, 62: 211-230. conservation factors of Eucalyptus gradis wood. South Africa For J. Dwivedi, M.., Upadhyaya, R.M. and 164 : 55-57. Dwivedi, G.K., 1991, Effect of inorganic, organic and bio fertilizer Jackson, M.L., 1967, Soil Chemical on yield and nutritional quality of Analysis, Prentice Hall of India black gram and wheat grown in Private Limited, New Delhi, p. 362. sequence. Indian J. Agric, Chem., Kushalappa, K.A., 1987, Short note on 36: 110-122. trenching in teak plantation, My Bonny, L., 1991, Growth of Eucalyptus Forerst., 23(1) : 25-27. grandis plantation following Nand Kishore, 1987, Preliminary Studies on intensive silvicultural treatments the effect of phosphate fertilizer on applied in the six years. Forest teak plantation. Indian Forester., Commission, New South Wales, 113(6) : 392-394. p. 19. Rajendradu, G. and Naidu, C.V., 1998, Pandey, N., Upadhyaya, S.K., Joshi, B.S. Effect of water stress on leaf growth and Tripathi, R.S., 2001, Integrated photosynthetic and transpiration use of organic manure and rates of Tectona grandies, Biologia inorganic N Fertilizer for the Plantarium. 40(2) : 229-234. cultivation of low land rice in Subbaiah, B.V. and Asija, G.L., 1956, A rapid vertisol. Indian J. Soil Agric. for the estimation of available Res., 35(2) : 112-114. nitrogen in soil. Curr. sci., 25 : 259- Schonau, A.P.G., 1983, Fertilization in 260.

10 My Forest, March - 2012

Table 1 : Available Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium (kg/ha) as influenced by moisture conservation measures and fertilizers in Eucalyptus pellita

Available N Available Available Treatments (kg/ha) P2O5 (kg/ha) K2O (kg/aha) Main plots (M)

Trapezoidal Staggered Trench (M1) 271.46 32.86 187.67 Conservation Pit (M2) 257.25 27.55 177.55 Ring Trench (M3) 265.50 30.58 184.02 Control (M4) 235.58 23.53 168.96 Sem + 0.66 0.10 0.73 CD (5%) 1.99 0.32 2.22 Subplot (F) 200:100:200 N P2O5 K2O kg/ha (F1) 265.72 30.52 183.79 250:125:250 N P2O5 K2O kg/ha (F2) 269.48 32.19 187.00 125:75:75 NP2O5 K2O kg/ha + FYM (5 t/ha) (F3) 261.29 28.92 180.95 Control (F4) 233.37 22.89 166.47 SEM + 0.82 0.19 0.56 CD (5%) 2.47 0.56 1.68 Interaction (M x F) M1F1 278.23 35.33 191.80 M1F2 280.16 36.33 193.13 M1F3 275.43 34.60 190.66 M1F4 257.03 27.13 181.63 M2F1 262.30 29.36 181.10 M2F2 265.30 30.70 182.60 M2F3 259.86 28.06 179.30 M2F4 252.16 24.80 174.83 M3F1 270.13 32.60 187.43 M3F2 272.33 33.40 189.30 M3F3 267.53 31.23 185.46 M3F4 255.13 26.40 176.46 M4F1 245.43 23.00 169.73 M4F2 248.90 23.90 172.53 M4F3 241.46 22.06 167.23 M4F4 188.00 19.21 149.66 Sem + 1.64 0.39 1.11 CD (5%) 4.98 1018 3.34

11 My Forest, March - 2012

Table 2 : Effect of moisture conservation measures and fertilizers on height increment (m) of Eucalyptus pellita

Treatments Plant Height increment (m) at different intervals

Main plots (M) 3 MAT 6 MAT 9 MAT 12 MAT

Trapezoidal Staggered Trench (M1) 1.07 2.07 3.29 4.65 Conservation Pit (M2) 0.80 1.51 2.73 3.85 Ring Trench (M3) 0.91 1.78 3.03 4.29 Control (M4) 0.63 1.13 2.21 3.24 Sem + 0.01 0.01 0.20 0.08 CD (5%) 0.03 0.03 0.7 0.28 Subplot (F) 200:100:200 N P2O5 K2O kg/ha (F1) 1.02 1.99 3.21 4.55 250:125:250 N P2O5 K2O kg/ha (F2) 0.94 1.78 3.05 4.28 125:75:75 NP2O5 K2O kg/ha + FYM (5 t/ha) (F3) 0.85 1.67 2.88 4.05 Control (F4) 0.60 1.05 2.11 3.16 SEM + 0.01 0.01 0.02 0.08 CD (5%) 0.03 0.04 0.06 0.24 Interaction (M x F) M1F1 1.27 2.46 3.65 5.25 M1F2 1.18 2.28 3.53 5.00 M1F3 1.05 2.11 3.31 4.66 M1F4 0.77 1.45 2.65 3.70 M2F1 0.91 1.81 3.06 4.25 M2F2 0.86 1.70 2.96 4.10 M2F3 0.83 1.62 2.85 4.01 M2F4 0.60 0.93 2.03 3.03 M3F1 1.10 2.17 3.40 4.85 M3F2 0.98 1.84 3.23 4.51 M3F3 0.93 1.85 3.16 4.40 M3F4 0.65 1.25 2.33 3.41 M4F1 0.80 1.52 3.73 3.86 M4F2 0.75 1.32 2.49 3.50 M4F3 0.60 1.10 2.21 3.13 M4F4 0.38 0.58 1.41 2.48 Sem + 0.02 0.03 0.03 0.17 CD (5%) 0.06 0.09 0.10 0.50

12 My Forest, March, 2012 Vol.48(1) Page No. 13-18 GENETIC RESOURCES IN RUBBER (Hevea brasiliensis)

T.V. MOHANDAS

ABSTRACT

'Hevea brasilienis', a tree which is indigenous to the tropical rain forest of Central and South America and the only major commercial source of Natural Rubber (NR), is one of the most recently domesticated crop species in the world. The modern age of NR actually started during 1870's when the British successfully transported Hevea seeds from Brazil for planting in the then British India.

There are over 600 latex producing species proceeds northwards from Southern Kerala, in the world, rubber being one among them. the rainfall distribution and quality of soil Rubber is described in chemistry as gradually becomes unfavourable for 'Isoprene polymers', [C5H8)n. Rubber cultivation of natural rubber but again in the (Hevea brasilinesis) is a native of the tropical North-Eastern states it grows. South America. The British Government introduced it on a commercial scale in the Rubber plantations of K.F.D.C. year 1901 in Malaysia, Rubber plantations An area of 4443.32Ha. of rubber were introduced in India in 1904. With the plantations, till then managed by the Forest invention of motor vehicles, the demand for Department was handed over to Karnataka tyre and consequently, rubber, shot up Forest Development Corporation Limited bringing extensive areas in Malaysia, with a view to manage the rubber plantations Thailand and Indonesia under rubber. more efficiently and business like by availing institutional finance. Silviculture, planting and growing technique of rubber: The rubber plantations started at Sullia in Rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis) is Dakshina Kannada District since 1961 on a medium to tall evergreen tree, found trial basis with the State funds and were later naturally growing in tropical South America. on converted into a Rehabilitation Project The Ideal growing condition is where the the with Central Government funds for Sri soil is deep and well-drained, and the rainfall Lankan Repatriates as per Indo-Sri Lanka is well distributed round the year, with a Pact. The repatriates started arriving from minimum rainfall of 50” per year. Such ideal the year 1970-1971 and since then 926 condition is met with in Kanyakumari, repatriate families have been rehabilitated in Dakshin Kannada district in Karnataka and the rubber plantations till the year 1980-81. Southern Districts of Kerala. As one

Executive Director, Karnataka Forest Development Corporation, Mangalore.

13 My Forest, March - 2012

At present, there are 4443 ha of rubber budded to the TJIR stock. plantations in K.F.D.C. consisting of high- yielding clones. The life span of rubber tree First the seedling is germinated by is 40 years. After the productive age, the sowing seeds in seedbeds. Soon after trees are felled and re-planted with high- sprouting, they are transferred to transplant yielding varieties. beds. After the seedlings reach pencil-size thickness, they are budded with the desired Planting material & nursery: clonal material. After the buds are There are several clones like RRIM successfully established, the seedling is dug 600, P.B. 235 (Prang Besar) which are out, roots trimmed, about 15” long root – developed by Rubber Research Institute of shoot part is prepared and planted in Malaysia and GT 1 (Gondang Tapen), polythene bags and made to sprout roots & TJIR(Tjirandji) developed by Indonesian leaves and grow for about 6 months. The Rubber research Institute and RRII 105 budwood graft will be ready for planting developed by Rubber Research Institute of when it bears 2 to 3 whorls. The whole India, which are known to yield many times process of getting the planting material more latex than the original wild tree. The ready takes about 18 months. stock material of rubber plantations is TJIR seeds (non-clonal). From 1969, one or more of the clones were introduced, which were

Bengamale Nursery, Aivernad Division

14 My Forest, March - 2012

Land preparation and planting: foliation are early and partial, vigour before The old rubber trees are felled and and after tapping average. Virgin bark and removed and the plantation cleared. The renewed bark thickness above average. land is terraced and pits are dug at an Yield is very good. The average yield espacement of 22 ft. x 11 ft. (7 mtres. X obtained over the first fifteen years of 3.2mtrs). Arithmetically, there will be 180 pits tapping in on-farm evaluation trails at two per acre, or 445 pits per ha. At the beginning locations by Rubber Board is 2210 Kg/ha/yr. of the monsoon, the seedlings are planted in Latex is while and DRC(dry rubber content) the pits. The important operations are: high. The clone has a fair degree of fertilizer application – twice; weeding – tolerance to abnormal leaf fall disease. thrice; spraying of fungicide and insecticide. Highly susceptible to pink disease. In high-rainfall area, the soil needs to be Incidence of powdery mildew is medium. protected from erosion. To protect and Occurrence of tapping panel dryness high enrich the soil, a perennial vegetative and therefore adherence to tapping under ground cover of Mucuna (cover crop) half spiral, once in three days system is creepers is planted, which spreads and essential. Free from serious wind damage if covers the entire area within two years. The branch development is kept balanced by advantage of Mucuna cover crop is that corrective pruning. Growers should take cattle do not browse it, it suppresses weed special care to avoid excessive or growth, retains moisture and fixes nitrogen unbalanced manuring which can accentuate in the soil. tapping panel dryness and wind damage. The tree reaches trappable size The clone is susceptible to drought in terms when the girth at breast height reaches 50 of growth; hence not advisable for planting in cms, which, according to Rubber Board drought prone areas. However if it survives norms, should happen in 7 years. When and establishes well in such areas, yield is sufficient number of trees reach tappable not much affected. size, the plantation is divided into tapping blocks of 350 trees each. Now the plantation 2.RRII 414: The parents of this is ready for tapping, and is assigned to a clone are RRII 105 & RRIC 100. Trunk is tall, tapper on a permanent basis. straight and cylindrical with open, broad, heavey canopy of dark green leaves, Clones used for planting in KFDC restricted to the top. Girth at opening is high 1.RRII 105: A clone evolved by the and girth increment on tapping average. Rubber Research Institute of India and Mean yield over 11 years of tapping in the currently enjoying maximum popularity in small scale trial is 74.02 g/tree/tap and in the the country. Parents are Tjir 1 and GT 1. large scale trial over six years of tapping is Trunk tall. Presence of more than one leader 64.29 g/tree/tap. Incidence of Oidium is is observed in many trees. Branching good high. Incidence of pink disease and with strong unions. Canopy dense, mostly abnormal leaf fall are moderate while the restricted to the top. Foliage dark green, clone is relatively tolerant to Corynespora. leaflets long and glossy. Wintering and re- 15 My Forest, March - 2012

3 RRIM 600: A high yielding clone evolved Secondary branches light. Narrow globular by the Rubber Research Institute of crown, dense dark green glossy foliage. Malaysia and extensively grown in all rubber Wintering and re-foliation late and often growing countries. Parents are Tjir 1 and PB partial . Girth at opening medium to high. 86. Tall, straight trunk, moderate to faily Girth increment on tapping medium; virgin heavy branching and branch unions rather and renewed bark thickness medium. This weak. Young plants show spindly growth clone shows rising yield trend. Summer yield and late branching with occasional leaning. fairly high. Average annual yield obtained in Narrow, broom shaped crown, foliage estates for 19 years is 1420 Kg. per ha. As sparse with small yellowish green leaves; per Rubber Board studies. Latex is white. normal wintering and refoliation. Girth at Fairly wind fast. Occurrence of tapping opening low. Girth increment after opening panel dryness and incidence of pink disease high. Virgin bark thickness low. Thickness of mild. Abnormal leaf fall mild to medium and renewed bark high; usually result in bulging powdery mildew medium to severe. above tapping cut. The clone shows rising 5PB 235: This Malaysian clone has PB 5/51 yield trend. Initial yield above average. and PB 5/78 as parents. Very vigorously Subsequent yield very high. Does not exhibit growing clone with very tall and straight yield depression prominently during stem. Branches light with spreading dense summer. Average annual yield per ha in foliage which undergoes normal wintering estates over first 20 years is 1349 Kg. Latex and re-foliation. Girth increment on tapping unsuitable for concentration. Highly average. Thickness of virgin bark average susceptible to diseases caused by and that of renewed bark low. Average Phytophthora. Incidence of pink disease annual yield obtained in estates over the first mild to severe. Requires effective control 15 years of tapping is 1501 kg/ha/year. measures when planted in areas where Summer yield average. Latex colour is plae these diseases are prevalent. Incidence of yellow. The clone experiences high wind powdery mildew is mild. damage. Incidence of panel dryness is high. 4Gt 1: A Primiary clone developed in Abnormal leaf fall and pink diseases are Indonesia and extensively planted in all meium but powdery mildew affects trees rubber growing countries. Trunk upright but severely. Stem bleeding and attack of bark slightly kinked. Variable branching habit. feeding caterpillar are noted in certain Main branches long and acute angled. localities.

16 CLONE WISE AREA DETAILS

Clone Sullia Division Aivernad Div Subramanya Div Total

Ha %age Ha %age Ha %age Ha %age

RRIM 600 359.91 47.45% 73.15 8.61% 831.18 53.91% 1264.24 40.13% My Forest,

RRII 105 389.52 51.35% 145.23 17.09% 710.74 47.09% 1245.49 39.53%

March -2012 17

TJIR & RRII 105 [MIXED] 6.35 0.84% 79.50 9.35% - - 85.85 2.73%

TJIR 2.78 0.37% 129.46 15.23% - - 132.24 4.20%

RRII 105, GT 1, RRIM 600 [MIXED] - - 173.53 20.42% - - 173.53 5.51%

TJIR & RRIM 600 [MIXED] - - 249.10 29.31% - - 249.1 7.91%

TOTAL 758.56 100% 849.97 100% 1541.92 100% 3150.45 100% My Forest, March - 2012

Average yield is about 1500kgs per hectare Rerernces in younger plantations. Mohands, T.V, 2010 : Management Plan for KFDC. P.1-60 Clonal Bank Rubber Board, 2009. Rubber growers Vegetative Multiplication Gardens of all high Companion published by Rubber Board of yielding clones are maintained in KFDC India.p.85.94 nurseries. Each VMG is one hectare in area. At present, there are 7 clones grown in the clonal bank.

18 My Forest, March - 2012 My Forest, March, 2012 Vol.48(1) Page No. 19-40 LIVELIHOOD PRACTICES & DEVELOPMENT CHOICES : STRATEGIES FOR ACHIEVING A CONVERGENCE IN FOREST COMMUNITIES Dr. R. INDIRA The Rersearch Study The project entitled, “Livelihood bringing Karnataka Forest Practices and Development Choices: Department and other civil society groups Strategies for Achieving a Conver- together in achieving sustainable forest gence in Forest Communities” under management strategies. the aegis of Karnataka Sustainable Forest Project Rationale M a n a g e m e n t a n d B i o - D i v e r s i t y The research project carried out in Conservation Project Scheme which was sanctioned to the University of Mysore, the two districts of Mysore and Ramnagar was carried out in Mysore and Ramanagar in the state of Karnataka primarily aimed districts of Karnataka. The primary at deriving an action plan, with the objective of this research study was to participation of local communities for evolve an action plan for identifying translating the main goals of the strategies for operationalising the main K a r n a t a k a S u s t a i n a b l e F o r e s t goals of the Karnataka Sustainable Forest M a n a g e m e n t a n d B i o d i v e r s i t y Management and Biodiversity Project with Conservation Project into action. the participation of local communities. Research studies on forestry programmes Objectives have shown that forest dependent The four primary objectives of this Project communities have not been able to see a were to: major change in their life situations, • Examine the livelihood practices because of the 'target' or 'beneficiary' of forest dependent communities approach adopted by these initiatives. and understand how these Experience has shown that both c o m m u n i t i e s c o p e w i t h indigenous knowledge of local d e c r e a s i n g f o r e s t communities and their perspectives must dependence. be taken cognizance of while designing • Explore immediate needs of and implementing forestry programmes. It people in the forest region and is also important that these programmes examine how these needs must evolve sustainable livelihood could be addressed by working out opportunities without completely ignoring sustainable poverty alleviation local needs and people's choices. Since strategies. the major challenge for forestry • Review the activities of VFCs and programmes is to strike a balance SHGs in addressing KSFM&BC between existing livelihood practices and Project goals. emerging development choices, it is • Assess the possibilities of important to identify the means by which

Professor, Department of Studies in Sociology, University of Mysore, Manasagangotri, Mysore - 570 006.

19 My Forest, March - 2012

Key Concepts Used in the Research Since a balance has to be struck Study between traditional livelihood bases and In the project statement we have emerging development opportunities, this used three key concepts namely 'livelihood practices', 'development concept brings out the need for evolving a choices' and 'strategies for achieving mutually acceptable development convergence'. These concepts are briefly mechanism that takes into cognizance the explained below: perceptions of development planners as Livelihood Practices well as people who are covered or The term livelihood practice refers affected by the development agenda. to the means by which forest dependent Research Area communities ensure their survival. Such This research was carried out in factors as the nature and extent of their the two districts of Mysore and Ramnagar forest dependence, the occupations that in the state of Karnataka. These districts they follow and community involvement in w e r e c h o s e n r e s p e c t i v e l y a s forest based economic activities are representative districts from Project 'A' considered part of livelihood strategies. and Project 'B' areas of the Karnataka Development Choices Sustainable Forest Management and Development is gradually Biodiversity Conservation Project. In emerging as an all encompassing term for Mysore district, the forest belt is located changes envisaged through both state predominantly in the Hunsur and HD Kote and civil society institutions. Development taluks, where as in Ramnagar there is only efforts often tend to disrupt livelihood one territorial forest division. bases of people and in that sense a Figure 1 - Map of Karnataka State conflict may emanate. However, given the showing Mysore and Ramnagar districts dire necessity to sustain livelihoods and also enhance quality of human lives, development efforts must be initiated. We have used the concept development choices to specially refer to a situation where people have a voice in choosing and running development initiatives, and not just remain recipients of programmes thrust on them from external agencies. Strategies for Achieving Convergence

20 My Forest, March - 2012

Mysore District covers 3.57 percent of Karnataka state's Situated in the southern plateau of total geographical area, and in terms of Karnataka, Mysore district lies in the population it is in the sixth place (2001 southern most part of the state. The census).Of the total geographical area of district is surrounded by Tamil Nadu in 6,76,382 hectares 62,851 hectares form south-east, Kodagu district in the west, forestland. The net cultivable land in the Mandya district in the north, Hassan district is 4, 86,410 hectares and of this district in the northwest and Bangalore 1,14,010 hectares of land is under district in the north-east. The district irrigation. Figure 2 - Map of Mysore District

Kaveri is the major river that flows namely K. R. Nagar, Mysore, Nanjangud through Mysore district. It is considered and T. Narasipur and the southern one of the prosperous districts in the state transition zone consisting of H. D. Kote, taking into consideration the development Hunsur, and Periyapatna taluks. The soil and utilization of irrigation facilities, in most part of the district is red sandy abundance of forest wealth and loam. The annual rainfall ranges from 670 sericulture production. The climatic mm. to 888.6 mm. in dry zones and from conditions of the district are favourable for about 612 mm to 1054 mm in the transition the cultivation of crops such as paddy, zone. The average annual rainfall of the jowar, ragi, pulses, sugarcane and district is 782 mm. The temperature in the tobacco. district generally ranges between 11°C to 38°C. Thus, the climate of Mysore district The district can be divided into two is temperate but there is a likelihood of the major agro-climatic zones viz. the district experiencing seasonal variations. southern dry zone comprising four taluks

21 My Forest, March - 2012

In Mysore district forest accounts The district comprises of four for 34.52 percent of the total geographical t a l u k s n a m e l y C h a n n a p a t n a , area. Of the 41, 2645 sq. kms. of forest Kanakapura, Magadi and Ramnagar. area, reserve forest constitutes 3875.6 sq. Arakavathi and Kanva rivers flow across kms. and forest 250.9 sq.kms. Mysore the district. Ramanagar has an average district is the third richest in forest wealth in elevation of 747 metres (2450 feet), and is the state of Karnataka. The forest belt in known for its huge rocky outcroppings. the district begins from the western part of Ramanagar district has one of the Hunsur taluk, spreads along the border of largest silk markets in India. The district is Kerala and Tamil Nadu into the south and also known for floriculture, milk produce, east. The thickest and richest forest areas vegetables and handicrafts. of the district are in H D Kote. The principal species of trees in the forests are teak, honne, rosewood, dindiga, and Figure - 3 Map of Ramnagar District sandalwood. It is only in the hilly tracts that there are traces of evergreen forests. In Mysore district, there are two territorial forest divisions, these being Mysore and Hunsur. The Mysore division is classified into six ranges namely HD Kote, Mysore (Rural), Mysore(Urban), Nanjangud, Sargur, and T. Narasipura .In Hunsur division, there are three ranges namely Hunsur, K.R.Nagar and Piriyapatna. Ramnagar District Ramnagar district was carved out of Bangalore Rural district in September 2007. It lies in the south eastern part of Karnataka state. Bangalore Rural and Tumkur districts lie to the north of Ramnagar district, Chamarajnagar district Ramnagar has a total forest area to its south, Mandya to the West and of 81,268 hectares. The district has only Bangalore and Dharmapuri district of one territorial forest division, i.e., Tamilnadu to the East. The geographical Ramnagar consisting of five forest ranges area of the district is 3555 square kms, namely Channapatna, Kanakpura, and the population is 10, 30,546. The rural Magadi, Ramnagar and Satanur. The and urban population of Ramnagar district district has an average annual rainfall of respectively accounts for 79 and 21 1273 mm. percent. 22 My Forest, March - 2012

Project Methodology the Project on livelihood issues of forest Since the main objective of this dependent communities were derived research was to identify livelihood from interactions with SHG members. practices and development choices, it Since the research was mainly concerned focused attention on both institutions and about obtaining people's perceptions of individuals. However, SHGs and VFCs the project, special care was taken to were considered the main units of enquiry. consult women and other vulnerable While the Project focused attention on groups. The main tool used in the VFCs and SHGs for understanding the collection of field data was an interview institutional angle, perceptions of forest schedule that was prepared keeping the dependent communities were obtained in key project objectives in view. The field personal meetings with members of VFCs support staff personally canvassed this and SHGs.In order to collect empirical schedule among the subjects, and where data we met members of Executive ever necessary detailed consultations Committees of VFCs because they were also held with them. The interview regularly attended monthly meetings and schedules were pre-tested in chosen were familiar with the day-to-day project areas for checking on authenticity, happenings. The General Body of the and the feed back obtained from the VFC meets only once a year. people was built into the final tools. While choosing subjects for Study Sample eliciting data, care was taken to give For gathering primary data we representation to women, scheduled selected a purposive sample of 25 percent castes, scheduled tribes and skilled of both VFCs and SHGs in Mysore and workers. Insights about VFCs were also Ramnagar districts. While choosing SHGs gained by meeting Range Forest Officers for data collection, we have given due (RFOs), Section Foresters and credence to such factors as the life span of coordinators of Lead NGOs functioning in a particular SHG, track record of SHGs in each forest division. Meeting with SHG loan repayment and the extent of representatives gave insights into the e x p o s u r e t o s k i l l d e v e l o p m e n t extent of utilization of poverty alleviation programmes. As for VFCs, the choice was programmes and how the goals of the determined by the type of forest and KSFM&BC Project could be achieved population composition in a given village. when the VFCs and SHGs worked There are as many as 50 Village together. Forest Committees and 203 SHGs in While the VFCs provided Mysore district, and 32 VFCs and 111 glimpses into the institutional impact of SHGs which were started under the aegis KSFM&BC Project on forest based of the KSFM&BC Project in Ramnagar activities, perspectives on the impact of district. 23 My Forest, March - 2012

Our sample includes 14 VFCs and 50 along with the names of villages where SHGs from Mysore district and 6 VFCs these institutions are located are shown in and 21 SHGs from Ramnagar district. The Table numbers 1.1, 1.2 and 1.3 division wise break up of VFCs and SHGs

Table 1.1 Villages identified for fieldwork in Hunsur division of Mysore District

Sl.No. Name of the village No. of VFCs No. of SHGs

1 Birathamanhalli 1 5

2 Nanjapura 1 6

3 Abbalathi 'A' 1 2

4 Abbalathi 'B' 1 5

5 Arakere 1 1

6 Muddanahalli -- 1

7 Hammige 1 3

8 Booditittu -- 1

9 Udayagiri 1 2

Total 7 26

24 My Forest, March - 2012

Table 1.2 Villages identified for fieldwork in Mysore Division of Mysore District

Sl No. Name of the village No. of VFCs No. of SHGs

1 Purudkatte 1 2

2 Konanur 1 5

3 Sollepura 1 1

4 Nanjanayakanhalli 1 4

5 Honaganahalli -- 2

6 Bomlapura -- 1

7 Siddapur 1 1

8 Bettahalli 'T' 1 3

9 Kalahalli -- 4

10 Kallipura 1 1

Total 7 24

Table 1.3 Villages identified for fieldwork in Ramnagar Division of Ramnagar District

Sl.No Name of the village No of VFCs No of SHGs

1 Bhuvalli 1 4

2 Pillegoudandoddi 1 2

3 Rachayyandoddi 1 3

4 Veeregoudandoddi 1 4

5 Gollerahatti 1 3

6 Poulidoddi 1 5

Total 6 21

25 My Forest, March - 2012

Project Phases: been generated through focused group discussions. Preliminary Visits to Field Area Field Visits As a first step, pilot studies on the status of JFM/FDA/KSFM&BCP activities Interviews were held with Range in the Mysore and Ramnagar districts Forest Officers, Section Foresters, Beat were carried out. We began by visiting Guards, office personnel, Lead NGO offices of the Karnataka Forest representatives and community members Department in Kanakapura, Hunsur and who are associated with KSFM&BC Mysore Territorial Forest Divisions and Project activities, and cross sections of the Aranya Bhavan, Bangalore to get access local community. We revisited many to the secondary data that helped us to villages, schools and forest plantations for create a base for identification of sample getting the necessary insights. While VFCs, subjects and key issues, which the eliciting the study data due credence was research proposed to address. given to involving local people because ultimately it is their well being that the Appointment of a Field Support Staff KSFM&BC Project proposes to ensure. In the next stage, we appointed a This research saw community Field Support Staff B Ravi, a post participation in the research process as a graduate in Sociology to conduct key to building people's capacities to extensive field work in the sample villages. understand and critically evaluate The field support staff initially engaged in a mainstream development paradigms as rapport building exercise with different well as build their capacities to participate stakeholders by visiting field locations as effectively in the process of designing and well as related offices. After pre-testing the managing alternate development interview protocols interviews were strategies. conducted in locations that were identified during the pilot study. Two separate Since the Principal Investigator of interview protocols were developed to this Project has prior experience of generate data from members of Village working on gender and forestry issues and Forest Committees and Self Help Groups. with Self Help Groups, inputs gained from the earlier research experiences have The data for the study were also been built into this work. gathered through informal interviews, personal narratives, observation cum Besides providing the context for participation strategies and perusal of the study, the first chapter explains the documentary sources. Data pertaining to Project objectives as well as the strategies Village Forest Committees were obtained that were adopted for operationalising from presidents and executive committee these goals. In Chapter two we present members, and SHG related data from the highlights of our study. members. A major portion of the data has

26 My Forest, March - 2012

MAJOR FINDINGS OF THE STUDY The inputs derived from our field Project gained during the initial meeting based enquiries are presented in the gave them an idea of this new initiative, chapter under a few major headings that but was not sufficient enough to enable have been identified keeping the KSFMB them to fully comprehend its objectives & BC Project's objectives in view. These and strategies. The perception among have been presented in the section that local residents was that the Karnataka follows. Forest Department was more interested in getting a new Project started, rather than Awareness of the Objectives of bringing about a change in the quality of KSFM&BC Project their lives. This was reflected in the lack of spontaneity in the formation of Village Karnataka Sustainable Forest Forest Committees. Both in Project 'A' and M a n a g e m e n t a n d B i o - D i v e r s i t y 'B' areas there was a general feeling Conservation Project activities were among the people that VFC formation started in the districts of Mysore (Project A mainly aimed at forest conservation and area) and Ramnagar (Project B area) in protection with their participation, and the year 2005-06. The maximum number questions of livelihood did not take the of VFCs and SHGs were formed during front seat in this initiative. this year under the aegis of this Project. Initially the Karnataka Forest Department VFC-SHG Dichotomy- A Source of organized meetings in each of the (Gram Dilemma? Sabha) Project villages with the Since the KSFM&BC Project participation of the Village Accountant, created two separate people's institutions Revenue Inspector, NGO representative (Village Forest Committees and Self Help and Gram Panchayat secretary/member. Groups) for achieving its goals there In the Gram Sabha detailed information seems to be dilemma in the minds of many about the KSFM&BC Project and its l o c a l p e o p l e a b o u t t h e r o l e s , proposed activities were given by the responsibilities and financial allocations in concerned Range Forest Officer. In a few respect of these two institutions. As per villages the DCF or ACF gave the villagers the provisions of this Project, SHGs are a brief on the Project and urged them to created in the jurisdiction of VFC areas. form VFCs and SHGs. In most cases Since there was no clear cut direction VFCs were formed almost immediately about the number and type of SHGs to be after the Gram Sabha. formed under each VFC, in villages with a During our interactions with local large population more than one SHG was people it was learnt that knowledge of the formed. It also happened that along with

27 My Forest, March - 2012 the newly formed SHGs, existing SHGs their personal and community assets that were formed either by a local NGO or would be enhanced by this Project. But under the Stree Shakti scheme were also when the meetings' agenda and included. Given the fact that only a sum of deliberations mainly concentrated on rupees one lakh was set apart for each such issues as conservation, creation of VFC, and that too to be used in three forest plantations or extinguishing forest phases, the available sum was distributed fire many among the local residents among all the affiliated SHGs, thus leaving started loosing their interest. Attendance little scope for any meaningful change. at many meetings was so thin that the This was a primary reason for many concerned KFD representative had to go members loosing their interest in the from door-to-door seeking signatures. KSFM&BC Project. This is a trend not just confined to our Project villages, but seen in many other People's Participation in the KSFM&BC parts of the state where the KSFM&BC Project Project has been implemented. For the purpose of eliciting primary data we visited all the forest The creation of new VFCs which divisions in both the districts and engaged was envisaged in the first phase of the cross sections of the local forest dwelling Project was an idea that received communities in a dialogue on the pros and enthusiastic response from local cons of the KSFM&BC Project. Initially communities. This was especially true of the response to the call for participating in villages where VFCs were being created the Project activities was very for the first time. This was not, however the encouraging because people thought that case with villages where VFCs formed the Project would give them not only new under the JFPM or FDA were continued livelihood options, but also result in the under this Project also. Since only names creation of employment and income of VFCs were changed, a few members generation opportunities. However, with replaced and a few others continued in the the passage of time they felt that their KSFM&BC Project supported VFCs, the expectations of large scale changes did move also gave way to suspicions about not materialize and so the interest started the very intentions of the VFCs. dwindling. It is also true that whenever From our own studies it became there is a new state sponsored Project, evident that in terms of involvement in the people's expectations also run high, and Project, people's participation in Project when such expectations cannot be met 'A' areas was definitely higher than that under the provisions of the Project people observed in Project 'B'areas. Since the tend to loose their interest. distance between the forest and place of To begin with, attendance rate at habitation is far greater in Ramnagar than VFC meetings used to be on the higher in Mysore district, there is a marked side, because people hoped that both preference for activities that fetched

28 My Forest, March - 2012 wages. However, in Mysore district the undertaken by the VFCs. It is also true that extent of forest dependence is more and frequency of the VFC Meetings generally hence people tend to show greater depends upon the interest evinced by the involvement in forest related issues and Section Forester. Where the Forest programmes. Department's representative displayed an attitude which was people friendly both the The economically and socially number of meetings and the extent of better placed families generally tend to people's participation were on the higher view the Project as a means of either side. securing power or expanding their already existing power bases. Effective functioning of SHGs again depends on the frequency of meetings. In By and large people's participati- Mysore district 64 per cent of SHGs met on in the KSFM&BC Project was of a once a week, 24 percent once a fortnight higher level where the representatives of and 12 percent only once a month. In Karnataka Forest Department showed an Ramnagar district, on the other hand, 48 inclination to mobilize people's support for percent SHGs met once a week, 14 the Project. percent twice a month and 38 percent Frequency of VFC-SHG Meetings once a month. Majority of SHGs that met The Section Forester who is the regularly have been formed by NGOs or member secretary of VFC is responsible under the Stree Shakti scheme, where as for organizing VFC meetings. Almost SHGs formed under the KSFM&BC every VFC depends upon the Section Project met only once a month. A 'Lead Forester for convening and conducting NGO' in the division has been given the meetings. The Village Forest Committee's responsibility of training VFC and SHG General Body meets once a year. The members and also monitor their members of the executive committee functioning, but due to the large meet at regular intervals of one or two geographical area under coverage, and months. In Mysore district 60 percent of also the fact that a single person works as VFCs meet once a month where as in a facilitator for the entire forest division, it Raamnagar 30 percent VFCs meet once a has become difficult for the NGO month. While 40 percent VFCs in Mysore representative to handle a task of such district meet once in two or threes months, enormity. in the case of Ramnagar district 70 Issues discussed at VFC-SHG percent of VFCs meet only once in two or Meetings three months. The main objectives of VFCs and SHGs Meetings are generally held in are virtually identical. However, the priorities of one VFC may differ from that school buildings, temples or community of the other, given the geographical halls. The frequency of VFC meetings v a r i a t i o n a n d s o c i o - e c o n o m i c depends on the quantum of work being composition.

29 My Forest, March - 2012

As civil society institutions VFCs The Section Forester often has to created under the KSFM&BC Project handle as many as 18-20 VFCs and this is have provided a common platform for an enormous burden which is very hard to local communities to discuss issues of cope with. Besides, a section forester also community development. Generally the has to manage routine official most often discussed subjects at VFC responsibilities. As a result it is not meetings are forest plantations, protection possible for most section foresters to of forests, encroachment, anti-poaching devote undivided attention to VFC campaigns, collection and marketing of activities. NTFP, among others. Other issues such Plantations under KSFM&BC Project as construction of roads, demand for electricity, schools, Anganwadi centres Aforestation is one of the main and training programmes for VFC and goals of this Project. It is observed that SHG members also come up for functioning of a VFC primarily depends on discussion regularly. the importance given to forest plantations in its scheme of activities. These In the SHG meetings issues plantations are not only important for discussed pertain mostly to savings and creation of new forest, but also provide loan disbursal. Opportunities available for employment opportunities to rural people. engaging in income generation activities While compared to Project 'B' area are also of interest to SHG members. As involvement of people in plantation work is for forest related issues discussed at SHG more in Project 'A' areas. This is because meetings, they are more or less on the plantations are located far away from same lines as those brought up by VFC areas of human habitation in Ramnagar. members. Also true is the fact that there are more I n v o l v e m e n t o f K F D S t a f f i n opportunities for engaging in wage labour Community based Activities in Project 'B' areas than in Project 'A' areas. The proximity of Ramnagar to It has already been mentioned Bangalore is also a factor that needs to be elsewhere that the effective functioning of given due consideration when we discuss a VFC or SHG ultimately depends on the the relatively lower level of interest in interest evinced by the Karnataka Forest forest plantations and greater pull towards Department representative. Our wage labour in this region. The fact that interactions with local communities further machines are often used in places of revealed that up to the level of the Range human labour in laying down new Forest Officer there is a one-to-one plantations in Project 'B' zone is another contact between the people and the KFD. factor that is responsible for a lower However, forest dwellers generally do not degree of people's involvement or interest get opportunities to meet or discuss in plantation work. One of the aims of the issues with higher levels of forest KSFM&BC Project was to generate bureaucracy.

30 My Forest, March - 2012 employment opportunities for local manage SHGs and VFCs effectively. communities through forest plantations, Keeping this is view, one lead NGO was but one comes across instances where appointed for every forest division for a labour is being outsourced. This has period of three years. mainly happened because many forest The presence of an NGO has no dwellers tend to get attracted by wage doubt acted as a stimulant for the Project, earning opportunities in non-forest based but given the acute staff shortage and jobs as the wages fixed by Karnataka resource constraint most NGOs face, they Forest Department are much lower than are not in a position to spare more than those paid by other agencies. one member to be on this field job. There However, an increasing number of is only one 'Facilitator' who is on field job plantations are coming up in Project 'B' for an entire forest division and this person areas. While only about 30 percent of the is always overburdened with too many VFCs in our sample villages in Project 'A' responsibilities, so much so that his/her areas have NTFP plantations, in Project performance suffers. The KFD has no 'B' area the number of VFCs with NTFP doubt provided documents such as plantations 34 percent. cashbooks, general ledgers, minutes' books etc. to VFCs, but given the As per the provisions of the workload of the facilitator, in many VFCs Project, 25 percent of income generated the training of members in the use of these from VFC plantations has to be handed documents is yet to happen. over to VFC members and another 25 percent to the Village Development Fund. It was observed that many The remaining 50 percent is to be made facilitators are not in a position to visit each available to the KFD. However, none of VFC and SHG due to extensive work the VFCs in both the project areas has burdens. In Mysore district, only 22 received any income till date either from percent SHGs had received two days the KSFM&BC Project plantations or training in basket making and vermi these created by earlier projects such as c o m p o s t i n g e v e r s i n c e t h e Forest Development Agency or Joint commencement of the Project. In both the Forest Planning and Management. This districts presidents and women members has led to severe disillusionment among of VFCs had been taken on an exposure forest dependent communities. visit to other districts where VFCs and SHGs have been functioning effectively. Participation of NGOs in KSFM&BC Project Activities Livelihood Practices and People's Needs Participation of NGOs was considered an essential component of the Since one of the primary objectives of the implementation of KSFM&BC Project. It KSFM&BC Project is also to address was felt that NGO presence would ensure issues of people's needs an attempt was that local communities were trained to made to examine livelihood bases 31 My Forest, March - 2012

of people living in Project 'A' and the fact that they lack the knowledge or 'B' areas. It was observed that forest skills required for engaging in alternate dependence was greater in Project 'A' sources of livelihood, their dependence on than 'B' region because of the sheer KFD supported job opportunities would be proximity of this region to the forest. There high. But with these opportunities is a high degree of dependence on Minor dwindling the search for wage earning Forest Produce for livelihood among the avenues, often under exploitative inhabitants of this region. Also, Project 'A' conditions seems to be on the rise. region residents tend to depend more In Project 'B' areas, there is less heavily on employment opportunities in forest dependence as compared to 'A' KFD plantations rather than their areas primarily because this is not a dense counterparts in Project 'B' areas. forest region. Forest dependence is Though in the statement of higher in those areas with a tribal objectives of the KSFM&BC Project, it has concentration, rather than areas with non- been stated that rights for collection and tribal groups. With the exception of marketing of NTFP would be vested with Magadi and Satnur ranges, there is the VFCs, in reality it has not virtually no forest dependence in happened. In fact the Project's Ramnagar district. The main occupations cherished goal of allowing VFCs to collect of the people in this region are agriculture, and utilize fines levied for poaching and animal husbandry and masonry. A large other anti-forest activities has also not number of people also work as wage been realized. In most forest areas people labour both within and outside the district. have no choice but to go back to the forest in the vicinity for survival In Project 'B' areas dependence of local communities on the forest for fuel is Given the fact that most local also less. Since they have small or residents have little or no knowledge of medium sized plots of agricultural land commercially viable and legally approved they tend to collect firewood from such collection and marketing strategies lands. In Project 'A' areas, there is a rather commercial interests have made their heavy dependence on the neighboring inroads into forest areas and are trying to forest for fuel. In fact earlier efforts at gain control over collection and marketing dissuading forest dwellers and those in of minor forest produce. As a result, forest the vicinity from carrying headloads by dependent communities in many areas giving gas cylinders or pressure cookers have lost the opportunity of strengthening did not yield fruitful results simply because their livelihood bases. there was no backup supply of gas The use of machinery for digging cylinders. In Project 'A' areas bordering trenches for creating forest plantations Kerala or Kodagu one sees large scale seems to be depriving local residents of a migration of forest dwellers seeking wage vital source of income generation. Given work as plantation labour. Some forest

32 My Forest, March - 2012 dependent families collect NTFP and sell cannot be solely attributed to the failure on them to LAMPS. the part of state initiated programmes to make a dent into these communities. The In conclusion it may be said that overall absence of those facilities required both in Project 'A' and Project 'B' villages for a meaningful socio-economic that we visited, the standard of living was development is responsible for such a not very satisfactory. This, however situation.

RESPONDING TO PEOPLE’S NEEDS: EXPECTATIONS FROM THE KSFM & BC PROJECT

Since the KSFM&BC Project was are looking for from a state sponsored introduced into the lives of forest programme? During the course of our dependent communities with promises of focused group discussions people in our better life chances and sustainable study areas put forth a number of livelihoods, peoples' expectations from demands, all of which may not the Project went beyond mere provision of necessarily come within the direct purview jobs and loans. The long felt need for of the Karnataka Forest Department's better community infrastructure and better work area but given the fact that while quality of life was reflected in people's introducing the KSFM & BC Project there expectations from this new state initiative. were frequent references to creating basic amenities that would enhance the quality Previous experience with state of their lives, forest based communities policies and programmes has shown that are still hoping that KFD would take the employment generation schemes per se lead in providing them at least some do not improve people's quality of life. The basic facilities such as primary schools, welfare approach that treats forest primary health centres, public transport, communities as recipients of the benefits drinking water sources, public distribution of state sponsored schemes has failed to system, electricity, skill acquisition and bring any meaningful change in their lives. upgradation programmes etc. Given Having suffered an acute sense of below is a brief note on people's deprivation all their lives, most forest expectations in our study areas from the dwelling communities seem to be KSFM & BC Project and the Karnataka unmoved by all the excitement that new Forest Department. programmes tend to raise. This also seems to be the situation with the Opening Primary Schools KSFM&BC Project. Nearly 32 percent of SHGs and 28% of If this is the case, what is it that people VFCs in Mysore district and 42%

33 My Forest, March - 2012 of SHGs and 33% of VFCs in Ramnagar not appear feasible. There have been d i s t r i c t w a n t e d t h a t p r i m a r y instances of men and women who have schools(Grades I-VII) be opened in those not been able to make use of opportunities villages without schools or at least in a for earning an income even from forest central place that could be easily reached based activities because of frequent bouts from a group of villages. Though there is of illness. The state of ill health is further an increase both in the number schools compounded by the unhygienic and school enrollment, even to this day circumstances, malnourishment and there are a number of villages especially in alcoholism – problems that plague many forest regions without even a lower forest communities. The presence of a primary school. The geographical health centre in the close proximity of a isolation of many forest regions compel habitat could well make a difference. children of school going age to remain in Since many people in our sample villages their habitats, either idling away their time have to walk long distances to reach the or being forced into wage labour. nearest health centre, they felt that the Generations after generations of forest Forest Department must take the initiative g e n e r a t i o n s o f f o r e s t d w e l l i n g in getting primary health centres communities have been deprived of sanctioned. Nearly 30-40 percent of both educational opportunities because of this VFC and SHG members in both the forced isolation. Though there is a districts wanted that health care facilities separate Department of Public Instruction be provided close to their dwelling spaces. under whose jurisdiction this particular This demand was more pronounced in the demand falls, the Karnataka Forest case of interior forest regions. Department could at least facilitate such Enhancing Road and Transport an initiative using its good offices with the Connectivity concerned department. Since education is also vital for promoting sustainable Forest conservation is directly related forest use and biodiversity conservation, to the type of road and transport the KFD can well give a thought to this infrastructure available to forest demand by local communities. dependent communities. Where there is better accessibility to motarable roads and Establishment of Primary Health also frequent public transport facility, Centres forest dependence is considerably Active involvement of a group in reduced. One of our subjects said 'why any development initiative depends upon would I chop a tree if I could buy gas or the state of physical and mental well being kerosene from a near by fair price shop'? of its members. For those who have to But even to set up a store or to ensure grapple with day-to-day health problems movement of goods, we need at least participating in meetings or taking the lead reasonably good roads and public for implementing change initiatives does transport.

34 My Forest, March - 2012

From the point of view of forest d e p r i v e d t h e m o f e m p l o y m e n t conservation also, easy and quick opportunities in the plantations. In the movement of vehicles and personnel is Project 'A' areas there is a demand for possible only with improved road more number of plantations so that more connectivity. jobs are created. However, in both the areas there was a demand for wage Provision of Drinking Water Facility enhancement. In fact people felt that Though forest areas experience wages as well as compensation had to be reasonably heavy to moderate rainfall, fixed keeping in view increasing prices of many villages face acute drinking water essential commodities. scarcity. Often forest dwellers have to Permitting SHGs and VFCs to Run Fair depend on unhygienic water sources to Price Shops quench their thirst. Since there is a provision under the KSFM & BC Project Both from the point of view of easy for water harvesting, people were availability of essential commodities and expecting that the KFD would make the opportunity to generate financial arrangements for implementing this resources, SHG and VFC members felt scheme in all the project areas. In fact we that they must be permitted to open fair could cite here the case of Piregali village price shops. This would not only kindle in Tinaighat range of Joida taluk in Uttara local initiative to participate enthusiasti Kannada District where under the JFPM cally in KSFM & BC Project activities, but Project, as an entry point activity drinking also ensure regular supply of basic water facility was provided. Through this necessities. the KFD was able to build a goodwill Creating More Income Generation relationship with the local communities. Avenues Increasing the Number of Forest Since most forest dependent Plantations and Enhancing Wages communities possess one traditional skill In both Project A and B areas there or the other, it was felt that opportunities is a demand for increasing the number of must be created for upgrading and fine- forest plantations as well as for enhancing tuning these skills. This would definitely wages. In the Project 'B' area people feel give them a steady and assured source of that excessive use of machinery has income.

Recomendations Based on our field experiences and inputs goals of the KSFM&BC Project. These we make the following suggestions for a suggestions are presented under a few more effective implementation of the select headings.

35 My Forest, March - 2012

Involving Lead NGO for the Full Project giving them initial orientation. Because of Period excessive workload lead NGOs have not been able to continuously monitor or guide During the course of our field work VFC and SHG members to evolve and we came across many VFCs and SHGs implement meaningful programmes. that displayed a genuine interest in working towards change. However, due to Since they were contracted to lack of proper guidance and also a clear work only for the first three years of the focus they were not able to achieve any Project, NGOs have withdrawn from field meaningful results. There is also no clear sites and in the process most SHGs and vision that is laid out for ensuring effective VFCs are left without any guidance. In functioning of VFCs and SHGs in the order to ensure the continuity of the statement of Project objectives. programmes initiated and provide constant support and guidance to Since training of VFC and SHG stakeholders it is recommended that members was seen as a key component services of the Lead NGO be continued till of effective implementation of the the end of the Project. It would also be KSFM&BC Project goals, a lead NGO for worthwhile to support the lead NGO every division was appointed for a period financially so that it can dedicate services of three years. However, experience has of atleast one staff member exclusively for shown that this is too short a period for the KSFM&BC Project. mobilizing and training SHG and VFC members who could act as a critical mass. It is also essential to ensure that It is also true that due to excessive work while choosing the Lead NGO credence is load the NGO representative cannot given to the experience of that NGO in frequently visit VFCs and SHGs. handling forestry issues. In cases where the NGO already has a base in the Project People in both the project areas area and where the goals of the Lead expressed their dissatisfaction with the NGO and the KSFM&BC Project match, NGO representatives because they were the NGO can still continue to work even often unable to visit them as per after the KSFM & BC Project support is schedules. At best the lead NGO could withdrawn. help in setting up new VFCs or SHGs and

36 My Forest, March - 2012

Identification of VFCs and SHGs to shown that street plays are the most Serve as Role Model effective medium of reaching out to people. Since the introduction of JFPM in the state of Karnataka many VFCs have Another point which needs to be been formed under different schemes and taken care of relates to the timing of such forest development programmes and orientation programmes. Rather than conservation projects. However, it is very holding such programmes at locations difficult to identify at least a few of these and timings that suit bureaucrats, it is institutions that could serve as models for appropriate to choose the time and place replication. that are most suitable to local people. With each new project a lot of Identifying Relevant Training needs human and financial resources are and Resources invested in forming new groups and training new members. Little emphasis Any skill generation or income has been placed on the sustainability generation programme must take into angle. At least now KFD could select some cognizance real life situations such as VFCs and SHGs as role models and interest and ability of the group to receive invest time and money in building their that programme and availability of capacities. In turn, members of these resources in a given area to operationalise institutions could work as facilitators to the training inputs. At this point of time, strengthen other VFCs and SHGs. many of the training programmes have not yielded any meaningful results because Building Awareness people simply do not have access to Awareness building about the resources required for using the skills objectives and strategies of the imparted to them. KSFM&BC Project and other forestry development programmes must be taken On the contrary where a training up through a constant process of programme helped local communities to interaction between SHGs and VFCs on use locally available resources the one hand, and KFD & NGOs involved remarkable results have been noticed. in the programme on the other hand. One We could cite the examples of SHGs in of the primary reasons for KSFM&BC Digalamb, Pattegali and Rundali villages Project not making the desired impact is in the Joida taluk of Uttara Kannada the lack of clear perception among local district, where a locally active NGO trained communities about 'what it can do' and women to make bamboo sticks which are 'what it cannot do'. The Karnataka Forest used as raw material for incense sticks. Department could consider using audio- Today members of these SHGs are visual measures to orient both the project earning a monthly income of Rs. 8,000- managers and users to the intended 10,000, as a result of which there is a outcomes of this project. Experience has visible change in the quality of their lives. 37 My Forest, March - 2012

Training in Forest based Activities of a important role in forest conservation and Diverse Nature wildlife protection, especially in the Project 'A' areas. Unfortunately the divide Compared to earlier times, one between the Department and people in sees a gradual decrease in forest many forest regions has been further dependence especially in regions where intensified with sponsored projects. Both opportunities for wage labour are in our field locations and in many other available. But the life situations of forest parts of the state local communities are communities who are eking out a upset about the amounts paid as livelihood by wage labour have not compensation for destruction of crops or changed significantly. If forestry killing of cattle by wild animals. Not only programmes have to enhance quality of are they unhappy about the amount, but human lives, it is essential to build on the also the delays. strengths that forest dwellers already possess. One way of doing this is by In order to maintain good will and training them in such skills as biodiversity instill confidence in forest dwellers, there mapping, identification of medicinal plants must be a realistic rise in the amounts paid and using them for research and as compensation as well as quick disposal conservation, advanced methods of bee of cases. There are instances where the keeping, vermiculture and other forest community vents its anger against the based non-farm jobs. KFD by setting patches of forest land on fire or destroying newly laid out As for using their talents for plantations. In order to realize the goals of handicrafts making, it is not enough if KFD the KSFM&BC Project it is very critical for just trains them. Sustainable market KFD to engage in a rapport building connections have to be established exercise, especially in Project 'A' areas. between the producer and buyer directly. Also, functioning solar or live fences must Where ever LAMPS are established, the be installed or trenches dug in places sale can be organized through LAMP plagued by elephant menace on a priority societies. basis. The KFD can also think of workable Tenders for collection and insurance schemes for forest dependent permissible sale of NTFP could also be communities. given to VFCs or SHGs. While ensuring It is recommended that officers of sustainable use of forest resources, this the rank of RFO, ACF and DCF visit VFCs step would help members to earn small and SHGs periodically so that it acts as a incomes. Further it acts as a morale very positive motivator for people to booster to local forest dwellers. involve themselves in the KSFM & BC Community Participation in Forest and Project. In fact during our meetings this Bio-diversity Conservation sentiment was expressed by many local Local communities play a very people.

38 My Forest, March - 2012

Community involvement could species for being planted in VFC also be strengthened by recognizing the plantations. contributions of persons, VFCs and SHGs One way of strengthening who/which have taken a special interest in people's livelihood bases is by planting addressing the Project goals. those varieties which yield more income, While referring to community such as for example fruit yielding varieties participation there is one more point that of trees. These may also serve as food needs to be given due importance. Our resources besides giving them marketing data brought out the fact that in Project 'A' opportunities. area, the participation of tribals in VFC and Another point that needs to be SHG activities is not very significant. This borne in mind relates to the capacity of the is in spite of the fact that HD Kote taluk has chosen species to protect both the habitat a large tribal presence. Given the and wildlife. Excessive use of acacia in knowledge base of tribals in sustainable forest plantations has acted as a negative forest management and biodiversity stimulant for forest flora and fauna. conservation is very strong, and also the Community Organizer fact that they are the key stakeholders in The Karnataka Forest Depart- any forest development initiative, special ment can think of identifying a local efforts must be made to involve tribal facilitator to mentor VFC and SHG groups in large numbers in Village Forest activities at least for the remaining Project Committees and Self Help Groups. period. The KFD and lead NGO must train Forest Plantations at least one facilitator for each SHG and Afforestation is one of the main VFC from the village itself so that he/she activities under the KSFM&BC Project. could take responsibility for ensuring that There are many forest plantations both in the institutions perform tasks expected of Project 'A' and Project 'B' regions. It is them. Given the fact that artisan groups, observed that mono-species forest NTFP harvesting groups and other groups plantations are being created on an envisaged under the KSFM & BC Project increasing scale. This tendency of the plan have not become functional, the local Forest Department to decide on the facilitator along with the community variety of species to be planted in these organizer could take steps to make these plantations without consulting the local groups work. population has made local people In conclusion we would like to unhappy. Many of these species are recommend that a review of the strengths commercially viable and do not really help and weaknesses of the KSFM&BC Project the local population in generating any be conducted by an independent agency income. A classic example is that of acacia with the participation of all the project which is being continuously planted in stake holders. This would probably help spite of protests from local people in many the re-designing of both the objectives and villages. It is advisable to consult local strategies of the Project in such a way that population while choosing varieties of its full potential could be realized.

39 My Forest, March - 2012

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT I sincerely thank the University of I place on record my sincere thanks to the Mysore which has always extended its Karnataka Forest Department for having support and encouragement for engaging sanctioned this research Project under the in proactive research. aegis of the Karnataka Sustainable Forest M a n a g e m e n t a n d B i o - D i v e r s i t y I would like to convey my deep Conservation Project. My thanks are due to appreciation of the support extended by officers and staff of Karnataka Forest Jayanand Derekar of Deria village, Joida Department offices at Mysore and taluk of Uttara Kannada district at different Ramanagar, Range Forest Officers, Section stages of this Project. My sincere thanks are Foresters and Guards who cooperated with due to Nagraj who took care of all the us at different stages of this Project work. To logistics. I would also like to recognize the members of local communities who shared services of invaluable information and experiences with B. Ravi, Project Support Staff and all others us we remain grateful. who helped us see through the Project.

References: India's Forests? Discourses of C o m m u n i t y a n d Ali, Nursadh ed.(2007). Natural Resource Participation, New D e l h i : S a g e Management and Sustainable Publications. Development in North-East India, New Delhi: Eastern Book Corporation. Mishra, G.P. and B.K. Bajpai (2001). Community Participation in Natural Resource Bhattacharya, P, A.K. Kandya and K.N. Krishna M a n a g e m e n t , J a i p u r : R a w a t Kumar eds. (2008), Joint Forest Publications. Management in India (2 Vols), New Delhi: Aavishkar. Pangare, Ganesh, Vasudha Pangare and Binayak Das (2006). Springs of Life: Cardoso, Catarina (2000).” Local Communities India's Water Resources, New Delhi: and Local Forests: Participation in India Academic Publications. and the USA”, Environmental Politics (Volume 9, Issue 3, Autumn,pp.151- Saxena, N.C. (1997).The Saga of Participatory 155). Forest Management in India. Indonesia: C e n t e r f o r Gupta, Hemanth Kumar (2006). Joint Forest I n t e r n a t i o n a l F o r e s t r y Management: Policy, Participation and Research. Practice in India, New Delhi: International Book District. Vernooy, Ronnie ed. (2006). Social and Gender Analysis in Natural Resource Jeffery, Roger and Nandini Sundar eds. Management: Learning Studies and (1999). A New Moral Economy for

40 My Forest, March, 2012 Vol.48(1) Page No. 41-44

EVALUATION OF SOME INSECTICIDES AND A NEEM FORMULATION AGAINST FLOWER GALL INDUCER, ASPHONDYLIA PONGAMIAE MANI (DIPTERA : CECIDOMYHDAE) IN PLANTATION OF PONGAMIA PINNATA (L.) PIERRE

R. DEVARAJ AND R. SUNDARAJ

ABSTRACT

Four insecticides viz, imidacloprid 200 SL @ 2 ml/litre, chlropyriphos 20EC at @ 2ml/litre, cypermethrin 10% @ 2ml/litre, thiomethoxam 25% WG @2gm/litre and a neem formulation econeem (azadirschtin 1% at 4ml/litre) were evaluated against Asphondylia pongamiae, the flower gall inducer of pongamia pinnata in plantions. The results revealed that the chemicals are more effective when they are sprayed at budding stage than sprayed at flowering stage with maximum reduction of gall infestation by chlorpyriphos followed by imidacloprid, azadirachtin, thiomethoxam and least with cypermethrin.

Key words : Pongamia pinnata, flower gall, Asphondylia pongamiae

Introduction directly affect the yield of seeds Among the two thousand different (Sundararaj et al., 2005). Presently types of gall inducing recorded in our P. pinnata is gaining importance and there subcontinent affecting most trees is rapid expansion of its acreage in India (Raman, 2007) gall midges, are the most as an important bio-fuel plantation important and they are found in all (Karmee and Chadha, 2005). In this biogeographical regions (Gagne 2004). context we evaluated the efficacy of some Within the gall-inducing cecidomyiids, synthetic insecticides which are members of Asphondyliini that are commonly used in crop protection (David associated with broad-leaved evergreen et al., 1990; Dubey et al., 2006 ) and a trees in the eastern Palearctic and neem formulation against the Oriental Regions have been intensively A. Pongamiae on P. pinnata and the studied and some aspects of the findings are presented in communication. biogeography and evolution of the tribe Material and methods have been well documented (Tokuda and Two sets of experiments were Yukawa, 2006). Among the indigenous conducted with 50 trees for esch set and trees, Pongamia pinnata is known to 10 trees as control during February to April affected by flower gall-inducer Aspondylia 2010 on about 10 year old plantations of pongamiae Mani (Mani 2000) and it is P.Pinnata with high infeststion of flower economically important as its galling gall inducer. Five insecticides including

Wood Biodegradation Division, Institute of Wood Science & Technology, 18th Cross, Malleswaram, Bangalore - 560 003.

41 My Forest, March - 2012 neem formulations were evaluated at two effectiveness is more when the chemicals stages viz., budding and flowering stages were sprayed at flowering stage while of P. Pinnata (table 1). At each stage, chlorpyriphos is significantly superior to stage, 50 treeswere treated with five other chemicals when sprayed at budding chemicals – Econeem 1% @ 4ml/lit, stage. The percentage reduction of gall Ultimo 200SL @ 2ml/lit, lethal 20 EC @ infestation was maximum (39.21%) in 2ml/lit and Actara 25% WG @ 2ml/lit with chlorpyriphos treatment followed by 10 trees for each treatment. Imilarly, at the imidacloprid (35.28%), azadirachtin flowering stage, 50 separate trees were (26.49%), thiomethoxam (25.00%) and treated with five chemicals with 10 trees least with cypermethrin (21.03%) at for each treatment. The chemicals were budding stage.. Milenkovic et al. (2004), sprayed by using power sprayer with a reported effectiveness of actara againt volume of 2 lit solutions per tree and care Raspberry gall Resseliella theobaldi. At was taken to cover the whole tree. In all flowering stage, the extent of reduction the trees the percentage of flower gall ranged from 11.05% to 20.17% and all infestation. The data thus obtained were treatments were at par. The less pooled and the percentage reduction of effectiveness in the flowering period might infestestation was calculated by Mulla's be due to the fact that once the gall formula (Mulla et al., 1971): induction is initiated in the chemicals may (C1 x T2) not arrest the formation of galls.. Neem % Reduction = 100------x 100 formulation (econeem) was found on par (T1 x C2) with all the tested chemicals other than chlorpyriphos which confirms the report of Where Saroja (1986) and David (1990). Hence, C1 = Level of infestation in Control Considering the ecofriendliness of plant Pretreatment based products (Shukla et al., 2000) it is C2 = Level of infestation in Control recommended spraying neem-based Pretreatment insecticides like econeem at the time of T1 = Level of infestation in Treated budding stage to contain gall infestation in Pretreatment P.Pinnata. T2 = Level of infestation in Treated Pretreatment Acknowledgements The authors are grateful to Sri. Results and discussion S.C. Joshi, the Director and B.N. Mohanty, The pretreatment level of gall the Group Coordinator (Research), Dr. infestation ranged from 78.20 to 89.40% in O . K . R e m a d e v i , H e a d , W o o d different treatments (Table 1). All the Biodegradation Division, Institute of Wood tested chemicals are effective to reduce Science and Technology, Bangalore for the gall induction and the effectiveness is the Facilities provided. Financial more when the chemical were sprayes at assistance rendered by DST, Govt. of the time of budding stage. All the India is also gratefully acknowledged. 42 My Forest, March - 2012

References Mulla M.S., Norland R.L., Fanara D.M., David P.M.M., Hanifa A.M. and Natarajan S. Darwazeh H.A. and Mokean D.W. (1990) Biology and control of blossom (1971) control of chironomi midges in midge Contarinia sp. (Diptera: recreational lakes. Journal of Cecidomyiidae) on Jasminum sambac economic Entomology, 264: 300-307. in Tamil Nadu. Entomon, 15 (3-4): 193- Raman A. (2007) Insect induced plant galls of 196. India : Un resolved questions. Dubey A., Shukla A. and Yadav H.S. (2006) Current Science 92-748-755 Efficacy of different insecticides against Saroja R. (1986) Effect of neem product foliar chilli gall midge, Asphondylia capsici s p r a y s o n r i c e p e s t s . (Barnes). Research on International R i c e R e s e a r c h Crops, 7: 860- 862. Newsletter, 11:33-34. Gabne R.J. (2004) Acatalog of The Shukla A.C., Shahi S.K. and Dikshit A. (2000) Cecidomyiidae (Diptera) of the world. Epicarp of citrus sinensis: a Memoirs of the Entomological potential source of natural Society of Washington, 25:1-408. pesticide. Indian Phytopathology, Karmee S.J. and Chadha A. (2005) Preparation 53:318-322. of bio-diesel from crude oil of pangamia Sundararaj R., Rajamuthukrishnan and pinnata. Bioresource Technology, 96: Remadevi O.K. (2005) Annotated list of 1425-1429. insect pests of pongamia pinnata (L.) Mani M.S. (2000) Plant Galls of Undia (second Pierre in India. Annals of Forestry, edition). Science Publishers Inc., 13:337-341. Enfield. 477 pp. Tokuda M. and Yukawa J. (2006) First Records of Milenkovic S., Sretenovic D. and Antonijevic M. genus Bruggmanniella (Diptera: (2004) Raspberry gall Resseliella Cecidomyiidae: Asphondyliini) from t h e o b a l d i ( B a r n e s ) ( D i p t e r a : Palaearctic and Oriental Regions, with Cecidomyidae) – harmfulness and descriptions of two new species that control. Jugoslovensko Vocarstvo, induce stem galls on Lauraceae in 38191-198. Japan. Annals of the Entomological

43 Table 1 – Efficacy of insecticides against the infestation of flower gall inducer in P. Pinnata

No Chemical name Brand name Dosage Mean infestation (%) of Galls

Budding stage of Flowering stage of treatment treatment

Before treatment After Before After treatment treatment treatment My Forest, 1 Azadirachtin Econeem 1% 4ml/lt 79.20 61.00 78.60 80.46 (26.49) (11.70)

March -2012 44 2 Imidachloprid Ultimo 200 SL 2ml/lit 89.40 65.60 81.40 68.80 (35.28) (16.91)

3 Chlorpyriyphos Lethal 20EC 2ml/lit 85.60 59.00 70.73 66.60 (39.21) (20.17)

4 Cypermethrin Makorp 10% 2ml/lit 78.20 70.00 72.00 65.26 (21.03) (19.55)

5 Thiomethoxam Actara 25% 2gm/lit 81.00 74.00 77.80 65.00 WG (25.00) (11.05)

6 Control 79.40 90.00 79.40 92.00

Values within the parentheses are percentage reduction over control Different superscript values indicating difference between two treatment means based on DMRT at 5% level of significance. My Forest, March, 2012 Vol.48(1) Page No. 45-63

CARBON STOCKS AND FLUX FOR FORESTS IN KARNATAKA (INDIA)

JAGMOHAN SHARMA, IFS

ABSTRACT

The emerging consensus on significant influence of anthropogenic activities on observed global warming has brought back the focus on carbon cycle. Forests constitute major terrestrial carbon pool, and carbon-flux from forests has implication for atmospheric concentration of carbon dioxide, which is a major greenhouse gas. International community is making efforts to contain emission of carbon from forests due to deforestation and forest degradation and to evolve incentive mechanisms to enable the developing and least developed countries in tropics to achieve it. In this background forest carbon inventories are being developed with an objective to monitor the carbon stocks in forests. The present study estimates the total forest carbon stock at 477.177 Mt (million tons) with 175.317 Mt in biomass and 301.860 Mt as soil organic carbon up to 30 cm depth in Karnataka state. The carbon fluxes have been estimated using Gain-Loss methodology as per 2006 guidelines issued by the IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel for Climate Change) for developing national greenhouse gas inventories. During the reference year 2009, forests in Karnataka sequestered 5.056 Mt C through primary productivity and lost 0.226 Mt C on account of removal of timber and firewood, forest fires and diversion of forestland for non-forest purposes. The net forest carbon balance for the year 2009 has been found to be (+) 4.830 Mt.

Key words : Carbon flux, carbon pool, forests, Gain-Loss method, primary productivity.

Introduction of photosynthate produced is much more Forests sequester inorganic than photosynthate consumed by carbon from atmosphere (atmospheric respiration resulting in net positive carbon dioxide) as organic carbon in b a l a n c e o f p h o t o s y n t h a t e t h a t biomass through photosynthesis. Some of accumulates as biomass (carbon). The this primary productivity is used up by forest-carbon pool (stock) is in dynamic forests for self-maintenance (autotrophic equilibrium with the atmospheric-carbon respiration) whereby carbon dioxide is and oceanic-carbon pools. The change in released back to the atmosphere quantum of carbon in one results in inter- completing the 'photosynthesis- pool exchanges (of carbon) till a new respiration' loop of carbon cycle. In equilibrium is reached. The size of global growing forests like plantations or sub- terrestrial vegetation-carbon pool (560 Gt climax or immature forests, the quantum C in vegetation (IPCC 2000): Gt C is

1Conservator of Forests (on study leave) at Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore. [email protected]

45 My Forest, March - 2012

Giga tons of Carbon; one Giga ton = 109 atmosphere. Kyoto Protocol has also put tons) is comparable to the atmospheric- in place market linked mechanisms carbon pool (750 Gt C) while the oceanic- through Clean Development Mechanisms carbon pool is much larger (38,000 Gt C). (CDM), Joint Implementation (JI) and However the vegetation, which is Emission Trading (ET) opportunities. predominantly contained in forest These market linked mechanisms provide ecosystems, constitutes large enough developed countries (listed in Annex 1 to carbon pool and plays an important role in Kyoto Protocol) a chance to adjust their global carbon cycle by causing major economies to lower carbon intensity while influences on both, the atmospheric and the developing countries have opportunity oceanic-carbon pools. to tread the low-carbon sustainable development path with the necessary Need for measuring carbon stocks: technological and financial cooperation Carbon dioxide is a major from developed countries. Further, during greenhouse gas (GHG) and about 60% of the 13th Conference of Parties (COP) to the observed global warming is attributed the Convention (UNFCCC) at Bali, the to increase in its concentration in the need to evolve mechanism for atmosphere (Grace 2004). The incentivising avoided deforestation and concentration of carbon dioxide in the forest degradation was agreed to. This atmosphere has increased from 280 ppm approach is referred to as REDD (parts per million) in 1750 (IPCC 2007a) to (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation about 400 ppm now largely as a result of and forest Degradation) approach. India, use of fossil fuel for energy production, along with other like-minded countries that cement production, and, deforestation have creditable tradition of forest and forest degradation. It is estimated that conservation, has proposed REDD+ globally, forestry sector contributes about approach, which includes conservation of 17.4% of the total GHG emissions (IPCC forests, sustainable management of 2007b). As a result, forests are at the forests and enhancement of carbon along centre stage of global negotiations under with avoided deforestation and forest United Nations Framework Convention on degradation. In this scenario it becomes Climate Change (UNFCCC), and the important to maintain a periodic inventory Intergovernmental Panel on Climate of carbon stocks and fluxes for forests as Change (IPCC) has recognized the time series of baseline measurements. significant opportunity that forests provide Such a practice enables bookkeeping with as 'carbon sink'. regard to incremental change in carbon The Kyoto Protocol (KP) to (by way of increment in biomass stocks in UNFCCC that has come in force on 16 well conserved forests due to annual February 2005 has set GHG emission growth, regeneration of degraded forests, reduction targets for developed and by bringing-in fresh areas under forest economies of the world to restrict the plantations) and loss of carbon (due to further build-up of GHGs in the removal of timber and firewood, forest fire 46 My Forest, March - 2012 and other reasons) from forests. The been raised over the areas which once reliable and verifiable historic data so held good forest but gradually degraded maintained is likely to greatly facilitate the due to unsustainable harvesting for timber development of projects and preferring and firewood, grazing, fire et cetera. claims for benefits under a carbon-offset Further, plantations are normally scheme like CDM or REDD+. Carbon maintained for shorter period during which inventory keeping has host of other the rate of growth is high (high growth-rate application like, in development planning phase) and therefore the accumulation of to evaluate competing sites for a biomass is at a much higher rate development project based on carbon- compared to an older-growth forest. For loss as a result of project execution, the above reasons it has been decided to grassland improvement, watershed consider plantations as separate development and land reclamation category. (Ravindranath and Ostwald 2008). Prior to 3. The Growing Stock (GS) estimating the change in carbon stocks Growing stock, also called merchantable however it is of fundamental importance to volume, is volume of all trees in an area know the total carbon stocks in forests. with more than 10 cm diameter-at-breast Accordingly in the present study, the total height (dbh) and branches up to 5 cm carbon stock and then the annual carbon diameter. In the India State of Forest fluxes have been estimated for forests in Report 2011 the total growing stock for a Karnataka for the reference year 2009. state has been arrived at by adding up the The basic statistics about forests in growing stocks for all the strata (which Karnataka is given in (Table1). were identified based on forest type and 1. Forest types in Karnataka further on three canopy density classes) falling in a state. From the above, the total As per the Champion and Seth growing stock in the year 2008-09 classification of forests, the forests in (satellite data collected during October Karnataka are divided into six type-groups 2008 to February 2009) in forests in and 19 forest types (a unit of vegetation Karnataka has been estimated at 315.156 with distinctive physiognomy and million m3. This is stocked over 3,828,400 structure: FSI, ISFR 2011). The forest hectare (FSI ISFR 2011) of recorded cover under each forest type-group is forest area (areas recorded as forests in given in (Table 2). government records) in the state with an 2. Forest plantations contribute average growing stock of 82.32 m3 per significantly towards the forest cover and hectare. The national average of growing are structurally and ecologically stock in forests is 58.46 m3 per hectare discernable from a natural forest. Also, in (FSI ISFR 2011). Karnataka, plantations have been raised in all agro-ecological zones and forest 4. The Carbon stocks and fluxes: types. A large majority of these plantations estimation approaches share a common feature that they have Carbon stocks and fluxes from forests 47 My Forest, March - 2012 have generally been estimated either on Further, the national level studies the basis of growing stock volume or forest mentioned above consider different forest area. These are commonly referred to as biomass carbon pools and adopt different volume-based and area-based approach methodologies that make them respectively. Chhabra and Dadhwal incomparable. This makes a huge (2004) have reported that the volume- shortcoming especially in view of the fact based approach is more accurate as the that these studies conducted during growing stock estimation is based on different years could had otherwise extensive field survey conducted by the provided important time series information Forest Survey of India. In comparison (to regarding role of forests in terrestrial the volume-based approach) the area- carbon cycle. The major reasons based approach results in overestimation attributable to this scenario are lack of of the carbon stocks (Brown and Lugo standard methodologies to estimate 1984; Houghton et al. 1985; Chhabra and carbon stocks and fluxes, lack of Dadhwal 2004). necessary data, and inconsistency in available data. Several authors who Several studies that estimate various attempted such estimations have also carbon pools and fluxes for Indian forests noted these limitations and unequivocally have been reported however they all are stated the uncertainties arising from national level studies and do not quantify methodologies chosen and the data used state-wise carbon stocks in all the major for quantification of forest carbon stocks pools and fluxes from them. However it is and emissions (Ravindranath et al. 1997: worthwhile to mention one such study by Haripriya 2003). The issue of lack of Chhabra and Dadhwal (2004) which also standard methodologies however has computes the state (providing above- now been largely addressed after IPCC ground and below-ground live biomass has published standard methodologies for estimates for Karnataka for the year 1993) estimating carbon fluxes (IPCC 2006). and district level forest biomass carbon estimates based on remote sensing- 5. Carbon pools considered based forest area inventories on 1:250000 The 2006 IPCC guidelines suggest three scale and growing stock volumes. This major carbon pools namely live biomass, study has not considered dead wood dead organic matter and soils for biomass pool and considered fluxes only estimating pool strength and carbon on account of land-use change and litter- fluxes in forest landscapes. Under live fall. This study also reports regional level biomass pool, carbon in above and below- (group of states) fluxes from land-use ground biomass is estimated. Above- ground biomass includes woody and changes including deforestation, herbaceous biomass above soil. However afforestation and degradation of biomass under the present study only woody in forests using Marine Biological biomass has been considered primarily Laboratory Terrestrial Carbon Model for lack of estimates for herbaceous (MBL model). biomass. 48 My Forest, March - 2012

Below-ground biomass consists of all root volume 4 (Agriculture, Forestry and other biomass excluding that is less than 2 mm Land Use) have been used to arrive at diameter as the same is practically difficult carbon stocks and carbon fluxes in the to distinguish from soil organic matter or forests in Karnataka. Based on the criteria litter. Dead organic matter includes dead given in the decision tree (Figure 1.2, wood and litter available above or below Volume 4) for land remaining in the same the ground. Dead wood includes all dead land-use category, in the guidelines, Tier 1 woody biomass above and below-ground methodology has been found to be that is above 10 cm in diameter, while litter feasible to adopt for the category forest consists of dead biomass above or below- land remaining forest land. Tier 1 level ground that is less than 10 cm and more methods are simple default methods, than 2 mm in size. Soil organic matter which are appropriate when the region consists of above-ground dead organic specific spatially fine data is not available matter that is less than litter size and and therefore use of default values for below-ground live organic matter that is different parameters is the only option. less than 2mm in size. As also suggested The default parameter values are given in in the guidelines a default depth of 30 cm the guidelines and these are based on (most fine roots are confined to this much coarser data. Karnataka specific shallow depth: Ravindranath and Ostwald parameter values are not available. 2008, p-107) has been considered in the However values for some parameters like present study to estimate the strength of below-ground biomass to above-ground soil organic carbon pool. biomass ratio and leaf litter biomass carbon are available at country level - the 6. Source of parameter information for same have been used in the present study different carbon pools to improve the level of approximation. The carbon pools considered for the present study are live biomass (above A. The carbon stocks have been ground biomass – AGB, and below ground estimated in AGB, BGB, DWB, litter biomass - BGB), dead organic matter biomass and soil organic carbon up to 30 (litter and dead wood) and soil organic cm depth. The annual carbon flux has carbon. The carbon flux for harvested been estimated by carbon-gain from wood products (HWP) has not been biomass increment in forests and carbon- considered for lack of data. The source of loss due to timber and firewood removals, information on various parameters to forest fires and diversion of forestland. estimate the above-mentioned pools of Carbon in harvested wood products carbon is given in Table 3. (HWP) has not been dealt with under the present study. The estimation has been 7. Methodology made using the Gain-Loss method (Tier 1) For the present study, the 2006 guidelines detailed in Guidelines for National issued by the IPCC for estimating Greenhouse Gas Inventories (GNGGI) greenhouse gas inventories contained in published by IPCC in 2006.

49 My Forest, March - 2012

Gain-Loss method, to estimate fluxes, is a annual timber and firewood harvest, area process-based approach wherein, affected by fire, and the extent of forest addition to and emission from, a carbon area diverted for other purposes is pool due to different operating processes sourced from the Annual Report of the like biomass increment from primary Karnataka Forest Department (KFD). productivity and loss of biomass due to A. To calculate the total C stocks the forest fires is considered. This is distinct following equation has been used. from stock-Difference method (stock- based approach) that measures carbon CT = CAGB + CBGB + CDWB + CL + CS stocks in a pool at two points in time. As CT = Total C per the IPCC guidelines Gain-Loss method that gives good indicative CAGB = Quantity of C in above-ground estimates, is a default method to be used biomass when measured data on all attributes are CBGB = Quantity of C in below-ground not available - however for more precise biomass estimates Stock-Difference method that requires high degree of measured data CDWB = Quantity of C in dead wood should be used (Ravindranath and biomass Ostwald 2008). CL = Quantity of C in litter biomass Under Tier 1 methodology, change in CS = Quantity of C in soil up to 30 cm depth below-ground biomass is assumed to be C = GS x BCEF x CF zero, and dead wood and litter pools are AGB S clubbed with dead organic matter. GS is volume of merchantable volume; However under the present study, BCEF is Biomass Conversion and increment in below-ground carbon stock s has been calculated, and also, the dead Expansion Factor for conversion of wood and litter have been considered as growing stock to total above-ground separate pools. For various parameters biomass - 0.8 (Table 4.5, Chapter 4, like Biomass Conversion and Expansion Volume 4, IPCC Guidelines 2006) and 0.7 Factor (BCEF), per hectare litter biomass, in humid tropics when GS is more than 3 and others, whenever country/area 200m /ha; CF is carbon density factor specific values are not available, default (country average CF of 0.4524 adopted numerical values given in the IPCC from Chhabra & Dadhwal 2004). guidelines have been used. GSBGB = 0.26 x GSAGB (BGB to AGB ratio To estimate the carbon stocks following factor of 0.26 used : Cairns et al. arrived at the volume-based approach, growing a mean of 0.26 with a range of 0.18-0.3 on stock figures reported by the Forest the basis of 160 studies from tropical, Survey of India in the India State of Forest temperate and boreal forests - it may be Report 2011 have been used. The data on p r a c t i c a l t o u s e m e a n v a l u e

50 My Forest, March - 2012 of 0.26 for arriving at root biomass: growing species like Eucalyptus and Ravindranath and Ostwald 2008, p-108). Acacia (without uprooting). The biomass expansion factor is not used in case of

CDWB = 0.11 (CAGB + CBGB) preparation of wood and firewood from the dead and fallen trees since no expansion 0.11 is IPCC default factor for tropical of volume is necessary as the matter is forests. dead and already fallen on ground, and all of its less than merchantable size portion For the C content of litter the country- is assumed to have been added to litter average of 3.271 tC per ha (Chhabra & and accounted under litter carbon pool. Dadhwal, 2004) has been used. Even in case of standing dead trees the same assumption has been adopted. B. To calculate the carbon fluxes, the Some trees that are dying but not annual increment was calculated using completely dead before harvest are the increment rate of biomass reported in exceptional cases. They have been the published literature. The total clubbed with dead and fallen category and increment in growing stock was then not treated separately for lack of data. converted to incremental carbon by using However in case of harvesting of plantations of fast growing species like BCEF and carbon factor. Annual gain of Eucalyptus and Acacia, biomass carbon has been considered only in the expansion by 10% has been used since as live biomass above and below-ground. It per the prevailing practice branches up to is primarily for lack of data that fluxes from 10 cm diameter are prepared as dead wood biomass, litter and soil carbon marketable material and therefore accounted for with the volume of firewood pool are not estimated and in respect of measured. The lops and tops that are not them steady state has been assumed i.e. measured are collected by the locals to annual C loss is equal to C added. This meet their day-to-day firewood needs. approach is acceptable under Tier 1 The removal of carbon on account of methodologies. harvest of non-timber forest products including bamboo has not been

Ci = CiAGB + CiBGB considered in the present study. For loss of carbon due to fire Ci = Annual C increment from forests in Karnataka, only the areas

CiAGB = Annual C increment in live above- impacted by wild fires and not those burnt ground biomass as pre-burning of forest areas (prevailing management practice to avoid large scale CiBGB = Annual C increment in live below- more destructive wild fires later in the ground biomass season) have been considered. For forest fires in Karnataka it is safe to assume that CiBGB = 0.26 x CiAGB all fires are ground fires. Further in the extreme case all the dead wood and litter The removal of wood and firewood is by biomass available on the forest floor is two ways. One, by removal of dead and likely to be lost. In the present study for the fallen trees on periodic basis as per the area impacted by fire, it is assumed that all forestry working plans for a forest; and the above-ground dead wood and litter two, by harvesting of plantations of fast biomass carbon is lost. 51 My Forest, March - 2012

For the forest area diverted for non- = Loss of carbon from above-ground dead forestry purpose, it is assumed that the wood biomass carbon from all the pools above-ground is L = Loss of carbon from litter lost during the year of diversion itself and Litter nothing is added to dead wood pool and III. Carbon loss due to diversion of litter pool (Tier 1 methodology). Practically forest land: however, this may not be the fact since It is assumed that all the carbon available only a portion of vegetation from such in live biomass above and below-ground, lands may be removed during the year of dead wood biomass above and below- diversion or some portion of original ground, litter and soil is lost. vegetation is never removed. C = A x (C + C + C + C + C ) The carbon fluxes calculated under DFL d AGB BGB DWB L Soil above-mentioned assumptions provide CDFL= C lost from area of forestland estimates for maximum carbon-loss diverted scenario from these removals/ A = Area diverted (ha): disturbances. d

Cx = Per hectare carbon density in pool: x I. Carbon loss due to removal of is AGB, BGB, DWB, Litter and Soil wood and firewood 8. Result and discussion L = H x BCEF x (1+R) x CF Wood-Firewood R From the literature survey it is H is volume of annual wood-firewood seen that the only reported study on removal; BCEFR is Biomass Conversion carbon stock estimation for forests of and Expansion Factor for conversion of Karnataka is by Chhabra and Dadhwal wood-firewood removal to above-ground (2004). They estimated a total phytomass biomass – 0.89 when full tree is removed (biomass) carbon at 240 Mt with 190 Mt as (Table 4.5, Chapter 4, Volume 4, IPCC above-ground and 50 Mt as below-ground Guidelines 2006) and 1.05 for natural for the year 1993. They however did not forests in humid tropics where GS is more estimate carbon fluxes. In this background than 200 m3; CF is carbon density factor; R the present study is perhaps the first is below-ground biomass to above-ground attempt to estimate both, carbon stocks, biomass ratio (R=0; Tier 1 method). In the and carbon fluxes. The estimates have present study, expansion of 10% has been been made for the reference year 2009 as used in case of Eucalyptus round wood the growing stock figures from Forest (Box 4.2, Chapter 4, Volume 4, IPCC Survey of India are available for 2009 in Guidelines 2006) and then for conversion the India State of Forest Report 2011. The to dry biomass average wood density of total carbon in the biomass pools, based 0.75 has been used. on growing stock (volume-based approach), has been estimated as II. Carbon loss due to fire: 175.317 Mt (Table 4). However, adopting

LFire = LAbove ground DWB + Llitter LAbove ground DWB

52 My Forest, March - 2012 area-based approach, and based on the plantations are raised in degraded forest data for above-ground dry biomass and areas with eroded soils. The soil organic average crown cover available from the carbon was estimated in the top 30 cm soil published literature, the total above- layer for the Karnataka forests with ground dry biomass and total biomass average density of 83.402 t/hectare. The carbon have been estimated at 564.01 Mt details of the same are given in (Table 7). (Table 5) and 368.703 Mt (Table 6) for It may be noted that this density is only for forests in Karnataka. the area of forest cover (3.6914 Mha) over the recorded forest area, and not for the From the above, it is seen that the total recorded forest area (3.8284 Mha). biomass carbon density for forests in The difference of forest cover and the total Karnataka is 45.794 t/ha and 96.307 t/ha recorded forest area is constituted by from the volume-based and area-based scrub forests that have less than 10% approaches, respectively. As also canopy density and therefore not included observed by other studies (Brown and under forest cover. The soil organic Lugo 1984; Houghton et al. 1985; carbon contained in such scrub forest Chhabra and Dadhwal 2004) the soils will have to be added to arrive at the overestimation by area-based approach is total soil organic carbon for the recorded apparent in the present study also. forest area. Chhabra and Dadhwal (2004), as part of Also, plantations are raised in areas that their country level study, adopted volume- are depleted of above-ground vegetation. based approach and estimated total biomass carbon at 240 Mt (for 1993) The root biomass however is available at distributed over 3.23 Mha of forest area. different abundance levels in different This translates to a biomass carbon plantation areas based on the density of 74.30 t/hectare. They management history of the area. The considered the forests under only three information about average soil carbon canopy cover classes namely, very dense contents for such areas is not available. In (>70 %), dense (40-70%) and open view of this the lowest of the value (44t/ha: forests (<10%); this is a coarser (Table 7) for any forest type found in the approximation and could be a reason for state has been adopted for plantation higher growing stock estimation and areas. This is however likely to result in hence the higher carbon density. soil carbon estimation at the lower end for such areas. Forest-type wise soil organic carbon in top 30 cm of soils for Indian forests reported in Productivity and annual C uptake: The the literature is available and the same annual productivity rates for different has been adopted to arrive at the total soil forests have been adopted from organic carbon. In case of plantations, low Ravindranath et al. (1997) to arrive at the soil C value of 44 t/ha reported for tropical annual sequestration of carbon. In the thorn forest has been assumed since said reference, the figures for standing 53 My Forest, March - 2012 biomass reported in the published Removal of wood-firewood, land-use literature have been compiled which have change of forest lands to non-forest been further rationalised in the present purposes like for development projects study by making use of average crown and forest fires constitute major cover percentage for arriving at the annual disturbances that result in substantial loss woody biomass accumulation. of carbon from forests in Karnataka. Grazing also causes a major disturbance Further, as per the India State of Forest to forests but does not result in substantial Report 2011 the total extent of plantations c a r b o n f l u x s i n c e r e m o v a l o f in 2009 in Karnataka was 0.2975 Mha. grasses/other palatable biomass has low The data on species wise extent of carbon residence time and it does not plantations raised in Karnataka during result in loss of accumulated carbon as last10 years suggests that plantations of happens in case of removal of woody stem short-rotation species (fast growing and branches for timber/firewood. Also, species with up to15 year rotation period) the herbaceous/grass/soft biomass pool constituted 65% and the remaining are of forests is not considered for inventory long-rotation species plantations (more estimations under the Tier 1 methodology than 15 years rotation period). For forest prescribed by IPCC. Grazing is otherwise plantations in India, Ravindranath et al. detrimental and limits long-term carbon (1992) have reported productivity sequestration by compromising the between 1.3 and 8.3 t/ha. Also the mean regeneration capacity of forests. Further, annual productivity of woody biomass has the Tier 1 methodology assumes that been estimated to be 3.2 t/ha with species there is no change in organic soil carbon like Eucalyptus achieving 6.6 t/ha stock during any particular year as the soil (Seebauer 1992 quoted in Ravindranath organic carbon is in steady state i.e. loss et al. 1997). In view of the above an of carbon by the soil during an year is average annual productivity of 3.2t/ha has equal to carbon gained by the soil during been adopted for plantations (Table 8). the same period. The annual above-ground carbon gain by Wood and firewood removal: To forests including plantations constituting augment the availability of firewood in forest cover in Karnataka has been Karnataka the forest department raises estimated as 4.013 Mt. Further adopting a plantation of fast growing species like ratio of 0.26 between below-ground and Eucalyptus, Casuarina and Acacia. above-ground biomass for productivity, Except in case of such plantations, the gain in below-ground biomass carbon firewood is prepared from dead and fallen is estimated as 1.043 Mt. The total annual woods in natural forests where green incremental carbon in live biomass in felling of trees is not taken up and the Karnataka forests adds to 5.056 Mt (Table forest Working Plans now largely 8). prescribe a periodic cycle for removal of The C losses due to disturbances: dead and fallen trees. In case of 54 My Forest, March - 2012 plantations of fast growing species fires during the peak fire season, is not normally clear felling is carried out. For available for 2008-09. For the purpose of timber and firewood is prepared from dead present study, the carbon loss calculations are based on the premise that and fallen trees in natural forests, no all above-ground dead wood and litter expansion factor has been applied and the biomass is lost due to fires from 1605.12 reason for the same is provided under hectare of forest area during the fire para 7B. However, eucalyptus and other season in 2009. The carbon loss due to short rotation tree species in plantations forest fires has been estimated as 0.012 are harvested green, therefore to obtain Mt (Table 12). total biomass, an expansion factor of 1.1 Land-use change: The information about (10%) is necessary and the same has the extent of forest area diverted for been adopted from 2006 IPCC guidelines. development projects and other purposes were sourced from the The sawn timber volume has been Karnataka Forest Department. It is seen expanded to round wood volume by that during the year 2008-09, 949.88 assuming a turn-out of 70%. An average hectare of forest land was diverted for density of 0.75 has been assumed for all non-forestry purposes. The total carbon the round woods for the purposes of this loss from such areas has been estimated at 0.123 Mt (Table 13). This is an study. Details of the timber production overestimation owing to the assumed during the year 2008-09 are given in Table premise that all carbon from all pools 9. For firewood production an average including soil pool is lost and that too in the figure has been derived from the year of diversion itself. information available for the year 2000, 2005 and 2010, which is given in Table 10. The overall carbon estimates and flux results are given in Table 14. Further, Based on the quantities of timber and much of the forests, which are under firewood harvested from forests, the total multiple-use by forest-fringe communities, carbon loss has been estimated at 0.091 have degraded due to overuse and other Mt during the year 2008-09 (Table 11). reasons. Such forests are being Forest fire: As per the records of the regenerated and protected with the Karnataka Forest Department, during the involvement of local communities by year 2008-09, fires in 187 incidents rationalisation of demand and substitution affected 1605.12 hectare of forest area. These fires that were limited to forest floor of forest products by other resources (like are called ground fires and they do not demand for fuelwood for water heating result in death of a forest stand. They could be substituted by using solar water however can potentially consume all the heater) under Joint Forest Planning and biomass fuel available on the forest floor Management scheme in Karnataka state. and adversely impact standing trees, soil- Plantations are being raised with the moisture regime and regeneration status. Estimation for the area, which was participation of communities to regenerate subjected to pre-burning as management the degraded forest areas and improve practice to avoid larger and more intense the stocking of such forests.

55 My Forest, March - 2012

This participatory management strategy estimated that while the annual carbon for degraded forests is likely to enhance gain was 5.056 Mt, the loss of carbon on the carbon stocks in such forests in future. account of wood-firewood removals, forest fire and land-use change has been 9. Conclusion: 0.226 Mt resulting in net accumulation of 4.830 Mt of carbon. With increasing The average above-ground biomass coverage of Joint Forest Planning and stocking in forests in Karnataka is 82.32 3 Management (JFPM) programme in the m /ha which is much higher than the 3 state - wherein partnership of local national average of 58.46 m /ha. Biomass communities is being sought in stock is a direct indicator of carbon content rejuvenating degraded forests and of a forest. In the present study, the total protection of other good forests - the carbon stock in forests in Karnataka has carbon stocks are likely to increase while been estimated at 477.177 Mt with loss of carbon from anthropogenic 175.317 Mt in biomass and 301.860 Mt in disturbances is expected to decrease for soil up to 30 cm depth. For the year 2009, present factors of climate. using Gain-Loss method it has been

Table 1: Basic forest statistics for Karnataka (as per *FSI ISFR 2011)

1. Geographical area of the state 19.1791

2. Total Recorded Forest Area 3.8284 (19.96%)

3. Area of forest cover 3.6194 (18.87%)

4. Area of tree cover (tree patches outside recorded forest area) 0.5733 (2.96%)

5. Total GS in Forests as per ISFR 2011 315.156

6. State average GS over Recorded Forest Area (m3/ha) 82.32

7. National average GS over Recorded Forest Area (m3/ha) 58.46

(* Forest Survey of India, India State of Report 2011)

56 My Forest, March - 2012

Table 2: Forest type-groups in Karnataka

Forest type-groups Percent of total Forest cover Area (hectare)

Tropical wet evergreen 16.70 604439.80

Tropical semi evergreen 13.56 490790.64

Tropical moist deciduous 24.20 875894.80

Tropical dry deciduous 24.34 880961.96

Tropical thorn 11.93 431794.42

Sub tropical broad leaved hill 1.03 37279.82

Plantations 8.24 298238.56

Total forest cover (hectare) 100 36,19,400

Table 3: Carbon pools and source of information

Land-use Subcategory Carbon pools Source of parameter Parameter value category information

Forest land Forest land A b o v e - g r o u n d From the total GS figure Total GS = 315.156 million r e m a i n i n g biomass (AGB) for Karnataka reported by m3 forest land FSI in SFR 2011

B e l o w - g r o u n d Default value from IPCC BGB/AGB = 0.26 biomass (BGB) guidelines

Leaf litter biomass C o u n t r y s p e c i f i c 3.271 t C/ha information

D e a d w o o d Default value from IPCC Above-ground DWB/AGB biomass (DWB) guidelines = 0.11

Soil C C o u n t r y s p e c i f i c A d o p t e d f r o m information Ravindranath et al. 1997

57 My Forest, March - 2012

Table 4: Growing Stock based estimation of total carbon content in the biomass pools for Karnataka forests.

Carbon pool Growing Stock Dry biomass Total C (million cum) (Mt) (Mt)

Above-ground Biomass (AGB) 315.156 252.125 114.060

Below-ground Biomass (BGB) ^81.940 65.552 29.656

Dead Wood Biomass (above and below-ground) *43.680 43.680 19.761

Litter - - 11.839

175.317

^ derived as 26% (default value by IPCC) of AGB: *derived as 11% (default value by IPCC) of total of AGB and BGB.

Table 5: Area based total above-ground dry biomass estimation for Karnataka forests.

Forest Type Area *Above-ground *Average Total above- (hectare) Standing crown ground biomass at cover standing 100% canopy biomass Mt cover (t/ha)

Tropical wet evergreen 604439.8 607.7 0.47 172.64

Tropical semi evergreen 490790.64 468 0.478 109.79

Tropical moist deciduous 875894.8 588.9 0.426 219.74

Tropical dry deciduous 880961.96 115.5 0.431 43.85

Tropical thorn 431794.42 40 0.399 6.89

Sub tropical broad leaved hill 37279.82 108.7 0.382 1.55

Plantations 298238.56 ^32 ^1 9.54

Total 36,19,400 564.01

58 My Forest, March - 2012

*Ravindranath et al. (1997). ^Unlike for the other forest types where the above-ground standing biomass figures are for 100% canopy cover (i.e. canopy cover =1), for plantations the average standing biomass has been estimated on the basis of average annual increment of 3.2 t/ha for plantation of age 10 years for which reason no canopy cover normalisation factor is necessary.

Table 6: Total biomass carbon estimation from area-based approach

Carbon pool Dry biomass (Mt) Total C (Mt)

Above-ground Biomass (AGB) 564.01 255.158

Below-ground Biomass (BGB) 146.64 66.341

Dead Wood Biomass (above and below-ground) 78.17 35.365

Litter - 11.839

Total biomass carbon 368.703

Table 7: Soil organic carbon in top 30 cm of soil

Forest Type Area ^Average Soil Total organic carbon content (hectare) carbon in top 30 in top 30 cm soil (Mt) cm (t/ha)

Tropical wet evergreen 550088 132.79 80.26

Tropical semi evergreen 510279 171.75 84.29

Tropical moist deciduous 870731.4 57.14 50.05

Tropical dry deciduous 913073.7 57.99 51.09

Tropical thorn 448394.1 44.00 19.00

Sub tropical broad leaved hill 28952 108.66 4.05

Plantations 297481.8 *44.00 13.12

Total forest cover 3,619,000 301.86 (hectare) (^Adopted from Ravindranath et al. 1997)(*explanation for adopting 44t/ha is provided in the text)

59 My Forest, March - 2012

Table 8: Total annual above-ground carbon gain by Karnataka forests

Table 9: Recorded production of timber (in m3) from Karnataka forests during 2008-09

Year Rose wood Teak wood Eucalyptus Other kinds Sawn timber Total

2008-09 3997.528 1974.716 3893.194 29426.59 5615.264 44907.29

Source: Karnataka Forest Department

Table 10: Recorded production of firewood from Karnataka forests

Year Firewood produced (m3)

2000 294118

2005 230455

2010 137317

Annual average 220630

Source: Economic Survey 2010-11, www.planning.kar.nic.in

60 My Forest, March - 2012

Table 11: Loss of carbon due to timber and firewood removal during 2008-09

Total round wood Average wood Biomass Total production (cum) density (Mt) carbon (Mt)

Timber 47,137.328 0.75 0.059 0.016

Firewood 220,630 0.75 0.165 0.075

Total 0.091

Table 12: Carbon loss from forest area impacted by fire in Karnataka

Year Extent of Average Total carbon Averag Total carbon Total carbon forest area dead loss due to e litter loss due to loss due to affected wood burning of carbon burning of burning of by fire (ha) biomass dead wood conten litter matter dead wood (t/ha) matter (t) t (t/ha) (t) and litter matter (Mt)

2008-09 1605.120 9.055 6575.490 3.271 5250.348 0.012

Table 13: Loss of carbon from forest land diverted for non forest purpose in 2008-09

Extent of area Density of Carbon Carbon Carbon Carbon Total diverted during above-ground loss from loss loss from loss carbon 2008-09 growing stock in growing from dead from loss (ha) recorded forest stock soil 30 wood litter (Mt) area (Mt) cm (Mt) (Mt) (cum/ha) (Mt)

949.88 82.32 0.036 0.075 0.009 0.003 0.123

61 My Forest, March - 2012

Table 14: Carbon gain-loss estimates

Quantity of Carbon (Mt)

Total biomass carbon 175.317

Total soil carbon up to 30 cm depth 301.860

Total carbon stock in Karnataka forests 477.177

Annual carbon gain by primary productivity 5.056

Annual carbon loss

a. Annual carbon loss due to wood-firewood removal 0.091

b. Annual carbon loss due to forest fire 0.012

c. Annual carbon loss due to land-use change from forests 0.123

Total annual carbon loss from disturbances 0.226

Net carbon balance for forests in Karnataka during 2009 'Sink' = 4.830

References: managing the global carbon cycle. Brown, S. and Lugo, A.E. (1984). Biomass Journal of Ecology 92: 189-202. of tropical forests: A new estimate Haripriya, G. S. (2003). Carbon budget of based on forest volumes. the Indian forest ecosystem. Science, 223: 1290-1293. Climate Change, 56, 291-319. Cairns, M.A., Brown, S., Helmer, E.H. and Houghton, R.A., Boone, R.D., Melillo, Baumgardner, G.A., (1997). Root J.M., Myers, N., Palm, C. A., biomass allocation in the world's Skole, D. L., Moore, B., and upland forests, Oecologia, 111:1- Woodwell, G.M., (1985). Net flux 11. of Carbon from Tropical Forests in Chhabra, A. & Dadhwal, V.K. (2004). 1980. Nature, 316, 617-620. Assessment of major pools and IPCC (2000) - Watson R. T., Noble I. R., fluxes of Carbon in Indian forests. Bolin B, Ravindranath N. H., Climate Change, 64: 341-360. Verardo D. J. and Dokken D. J. FSI (2011). India State of Forest Report (Eds.) Land use, Land-use 2011, Forest Survey of India, c h a n g e a n d F o r e s t r y . Dehradun. Cambridge University Press, UK. pp 375. Grace, J. (2004). Understanding and 62 My Forest, March - 2012

IPCC (2006). IPCC Guidelines for Ravindranath, N.H., Somashekar, H.I., National Greenhouse Gas Shailaja, R., Parthasarthy, C.K., Inventories 2006, Volume 4, and Jagadish, K.S. (1992). Study Agriculture, Forestry and other of tree plantation Resource in a Land Use. Semi-arid Region of Karnataka. Energy Environ Monitor 8, 71- PCC (2007a): Summary for Policymakers. 77. In: Climate Change 2007: The Physical Science Basis. Ravindranath, N.H., Somashekhar, B.S. Contribution of Working Group I to and Gadgil, M. (1997). Carbon the Fourth Assessment Report of flow in Indian forests. Climate the Intergovernmental Panel on Change, 35: 297-320. Climate Change [Solomon, S., D. Ravindranath, N.H., Sudha, P. and Qin, M. Manning, Z. Chen, M. Sandhya R. (2001). Forestry for Marquis, K.B. Averyt, M.Tignor sustainable biomass production and H.L. Miller (eds.)]. Cambridge and carbon sequestration in India. University Press, Cambridge, Mitigation Adaptation Strategy United Kingdom and New York, Global Change, 6, 233-256. NY, USA. Ravindranath, N.H. and Ostwald, M. PCC (2007b): Climate Change 2007: (2008). Approaches to estimate Synthesis Report. Contribution carbon stock changes in of Working Groups I, II and III to Advances in Global Change the Fourth Assessment Report of Research 29, Carbon Inventory the Intergovernmental Panel on Methods, pp-101, Springer Climate Change [Core Writing Publications. Team, Pachauri, R.K and Reisinger, A. (eds.)]. IPCC, Seebauer, M. (1992). Review of Social Forestry Programmes in Geneva, Switzerland, 104 pp. India, GWB Gesellschaft Fur Lal, M. and Singh, R (2000). Carbon Wa l d e r h a l t u n g u n d sequestration potential of Indian Waldbewirtschaftung GMBH, M i c h e l s t a d t , f o r e s t s . E n v i r o n m e n t a l Germany. Monitoring and Assessment, 60: 315-327.

63 64 My Forest, March, 2012 Vol.48(1) Page No. 65-67 WESTERN GHAT HERITAGE SITES

DR. KODIRA A. KUSHALAPA, IFS (RETD.)

The UNESCO has started since 1972, the campaigning. It is not that the entire WG process of identifying, protecting and area has been included but only 39 sites in preserving both natural and cultural the WG region, of which ten sites are in heritage sites all over the world, which are Karnataka. This range of hills is about of outstanding value of humanity. It is 1600 km long from Surat in Gujarat to essential since these unique sites are Kanyakumari in Tamilnadu. The total area under threat due to the rising human of WG is about 15 0000 sq. km of which population and the consequent about 8000 sq. km (5.5%) are now destruction of such valuable, universal declared as heritage sites, on the assets in the name of development. So far, recommendation of the World Heritage they have listed 962 world heritage sites of Committee. Though the WG is spread which, 745 are cultural, 188 natural and 29 over in six states, 60% of that area is in are mixed properties and are included in Karnataka. The area coverage of ten sites the World Heritage Convention. In India in Karnataka is about 1721.35 sq. km of they have listed 23 cultural sites such as, which Kodagu's five sites cover an area of Tajmahal, Hampi, Agra Fort, Red Fort, 641.99 sq.km (37%). These climatic- Ajantha and Ellora Caves, Sun Temple of climax forest types are ecologically more Konarak, etc. The six listed natural sites sensitive, being in high rainfall zone and are, Kaziranga National Park, Keoladeo on rugged terrain, with high peaks and NP(bird sanctuary), Manas wildlife deep valleys. WG is one of the ten sanctuary, Sundarbans NP, Nanda Devi biological hotspots of the world, with rich and Valley of Flowers NP, and now, the bio-diversity and many species are Western Ghats. UNESCO's World endemic. It harbours about 5000 plant Heritage Mission encourages, in species, 650 tree species, 179 species of identification and protection of sites, amphibians, 157 species of reptiles, 508 preparation of management plans, bird species and 219 species of fishes. emergency assistance, local people's There may be several species of fauna participation and any other technical and and flora which are still to be identified. It is professional assistance. They do not therefore necessary to protect and interfere in any of the on-going activities, if preserve a few pristine forest areas for they are eco-friendly. future use without any disturbances. People of Kodagu should proud and Western Ghat has been recently happy that such virgin forests are included in the list after six years of protected by them and now got the world

Former Regional CCF, MoEF, Bhopal ; 94480 58549 / 0821 2542549/ [email protected] No. 666, 3rd Cross, I Block, R.K. Nagar, Mysore - 570 022.

65 My Forest, March - 2012 recognition through UNESCO as heritage Few Jamma malais and coffee plantations sites. In fact, many countries are still are seen. eagerly waiting to get such world-wide (iv) Padinalknadu Reserve Forests : It is recognition. the largest RF with an area of 184 sq. km In Kodagu, the following forest in Kodagu and consists of hills and Valleys areas are in the world heritage list. abutting Kerala. Small portions in patches (i) Brahmagiri wildlife sanctuary : as enclosures, are still in the occupation of consists of 181.29 sq. km which was Jamma Malai and coffee-saguvali malai earlier a Reserve Forest (RF) since 1916 holders. All other rights are extinguished and later upgraded as wild life sanctuary. at the time of reservation in 1916. Many Irpu river originates from these hills and endemic plant species are listed in this forms as Lakshmanathirtha river, a evergreen forest type, better known as tributary of river Cauvery. On the top, we “Rain Forests”. The Pattighat RF adjoining find grasslands and shoal ecosystem with this site is not included due to certain variety of flora and fauna, well protected administrative reasons. under IWLP Act. (ii) Pushpagiri wildlife sanctuary : This is the second highest (v) Ketry RF : It covers an area of 79 sq. peak in Kodagu (next to Thadiyandamolu) km and with compact evergreen forests, and it is here that river Kumaradhara bordering Kerala and contiguous to originates. It is known for a variety of bird Padinalknadu RF. Some areas are leased population and scenic views of western for rubber plantations. ghats. The area is about 92.65 sq. km and Apart from the five heritage sites is known for its high rainfall. in Kodagu, another five are listed from other districts and are

(ii) Pushpagiri wildlife sanctuary : This (vi) Kudremukh RF : This mountainous is the second highest peak in Kodagu area is rich in iron ore and so a portion was (next to Thadiyandamolu) and it is here mined for about 20 years and now closed that river Kumaradhara originates. It is under the direction of Supreme Court. known for a variety of bird population and This RF is 600 sq. km, is spread out in scenic views of western ghats. The area is three districts and recently declared as about 92.65 sq. km and is known for its wildlife sanctuary. River Tunga and high rainfall. Bhadra originate here. It has the second highest peak in Karnataka and known as (iii) Talacauvery wildlife sanctuary : It Kudremukh. Rich in Floral and faunal bio- consists of typical evergreen forests and diversity with shoal forests and sub- covers an area of 105.05 sq.km. the montane grasslands, and have recorded Brahmagiri hill located here is the third the highest rainfall after Agumbe. (vii) highest peak in Kodagu and here Someshwar WL Sanctuary & (viii) originates the river Cauvery and visited Someshwar RF : These are two separate regularly by devotees. Talacauvery units with evergreen and semi-evergreen sacred grove which consists of rich floral forests, covering an area of 88.40 and bio-diversity is a part of this sanctuary. 112.92 sq. km respectively. 66 My Forest, March - 2012

The area is rich in variety of bird the matter with the government. There population. may be some encroachments which require eviction. The UNESCO is (ix) Agumbe RF : The area is 57.09 sq. concerned with only the heritage sites and km rich in biological diversity and is the it any other surrounding government home of kalinga sarpa (black cobra), forests and private lands. There is no besides being the highest rainfall zone in basis to shout that people will be the WG after Chirapunji. displaced, plantations will be abandoned, (x) Balehally RF :It is adjoining Agumbe permission for repairing the roads, lopping covering an area of 220.63 sq. km rich in of the trees etc will be denied all over medicinal plants and floral bio-diversity. Kodagu. No Destructive activities will be The forests are inhabited by Lion tailed allowed inside these ten sites only. Even macaque, an endangered species. otherwise, since these areas, are already It is seen from the above, that only notified as RF or WL sanctuary, no government reserve forests and WL developmental activity such as roads, sanctuaries are listed as heritage sies and buildings, dams, railway lines, high not any other government and private tension power lines will be allowed inside lands. The rights and privileges have these sites. What else do we want to already been extinguished before they conserve and protect our forests ? We are were notified as RF. They are the remote, now getting the appreciation and support i n a c c e s s i b l e a r e a s w i t h l e a s t fron an international body. The people of anthropological disturbances and away Kodagu are misguided by vague and from villages/towns and covered by KF imaginary ideas from the activists without Act, IWLP Act, FC Act etc. The existing any substance and document. The other leased areas of about 7000 ha to Kodava six protected areas (natural sites) families as Jamma malai and Coffee mentioned in the beginning were alreaby saguvali malai are not properly utilized by under heritage list for several years by them but in many cases, sub-leased to now and therefore it would be ideal and people of Kerala, especially in the steep necessary for few of our leaders, western and southern slopes of WG, as politicians, forest officers, NGOs and they are almost inaccessible from Kodagu others concerned to visit these sites at (eastern) side. If these leases continue, government cost, and study their present then the whole western slope will be status critically before proceeding further. barren shortly due to illegal activities. If they have any other hidden agenda Many lessees are willing to surrender their behind their agitation, then it should be privileges to government on compen exposed. Let us save our forests for our sation and their association is pursuing future generations.

67 68 My Forest, March, 2012 Vol.48(1) Page No. 77-86

EXPERIENCE AND SUGGESTIONS OF Mr. B.K. SINGH, IFS

FOREST FIRES IN BANDIPUR AND NAGARHOLE NATIONAL PARKS IN FEBRUARY & MARCH 2012

During dry seasons, the fire protection Sensing Centre. He has also noted that all measures are taken up in all forest areas, these different sources of information are especially in Sanctuaries and National also likely to cumulatively under-estimate Parks. Dry flowered bamboo and litters on the extent of area damaged by fire. the floor of the forests, are the source for Further, he attributed reasons for satellite spreading the fire uncontrolled. Accidental under-estimating the fire damages fire is hardly noticed and all fires are beceuse of possible influence of cloud manmade. The extent of fires in each cover, heavy smoke, lack of satellite range of two important National Parks coverage at the time of fire, tree canopy (Bandipur and Nagarhole), degree of completely obstructing fire etc. Using habitat damages caused, reasons for fire MODIS active fire alerst, NRSC imagery outbreak, are the issues debated and during the period February 1 – March 3, speculated in the media. Many retired 2012 and ground based human sources, forest officers and conservationists have Dr.Karatnth assessed total burnt areas by expressed their views in public. combining all the estimates and deleting Dr. UllasKaranth has conducted overlap areas. He pointed finger on rapid assessment of forest fires in two managers of the parks stating that fire National Parks by analysing the satellite prevention works are better in some imageries and brought out a report on 24th ranges as compared to other and heavy March 2012 addressed to concerned flow of fund from Project Tiger, officers in state government as well as MGNREGA, CAMPA, Foundation union Environment and Forest Ministry. Revenue and State Plan Fund, shifting He has charged the forest officers, that their attention to civil works, habitat extent of fire always under – reported by management measures such as creation them for various reasons. However, this of new tanks, repeated desilting of old time he is said to have gathered ground tanks, earth work, construction, road based information from multiple local formation and maintenance, vegetation sources about the location and extent of manipulation, tourism facilities activities each forest patch burnt. Additionally, he etc. He has questioned the strategy has examined the resourcesat satellite adopted by park Managers by not images available from National Remote employing all potentially unemployed

Principal Chief Conservator of Forests & Managing Director, K.F.D.C. Ltd., and Former Chief Wildlife Warden

69 My Forest, March - 2012

living within and around the reserves in resolution pixels containing thermal the fire protection works. He has also anomaly detected by MODIS. For deriving charged the state government and park any inference from such imageries, managers in not speeding up the ground truthing is absolutely necessary. relocation of tribals from Nagarhole These imageries can be used to locate a National Park. fire to build up a rapid remedial measure system. Informing these details, After receipt of rapid assessment Dr.Karanth was asked to ascertain the of fire damaged areas in Nagarhole and pixel size of RESOURCESAT satellite Bandipur National Parks, APPCCF images and other imageries used by him (Project Tiger) Mysore organized a GPS rapid analysis. rechekhing of the burnt areas in these parks. Representatives of Dr. Karanth Regarding shift of attention of park were invited, but they could not be managers towards implementation of civil present. It was finally concluded by Park works and habitat management works, Dr. Managers that 973 ha forest area is burnt Karanth was informed that no new tanks in Bandipur National park, While 1961 ha. and roads are taken up for implementation is burnt in Nagarhole National park. In in the recent past in aforesaid National Bandipur National park, the burnt figures Parks and maintenance of watch towers, show 45% of what is found by Dr.Karanth roads, culverts, bridges and desilting of is damaged, whereas in Nagarthole it is tanks are essential for successful 50%. protection and fire surveillance and our response to curtail fire. During regular and Dr. UllasKaranth was informed by frequent field visit of senior officers, It is me in a letter on 28-3-2012 that satellite observed that fire watchers are always imagery interpretation depends upon the recruited from local inhabitants. No resolution of the imagery and ground disgruntled staff and official would ever set truthing data. He was asked whether the fire in the forests, as they and their ground truthing by multiple local sources colleagues would be held account- can be performed without taking jurisdic- able/responsible and only they have to tional ACFs and RFOs board. It been extinguish. It has been informed to Dr. v e r i f i e d f r o m N A S A w e b s i t e Karanth that relocation of tribals from (lance.nasa.gov) and found that National Parks is very important MODISNDVI imagery is not suitable for programme of the department. We have delineation of burnt area. The red boxes found that tribal NGOs oppose this only indicate the location of a thermal programme tooth and nail. When it is anomaly that was detected by MODIS opposed by tribal NGOs vehemently, using date from middle infrared and conservationists do not support us openly. thermal infrared band. The red outlines do To quotean instance from Nagarhole not represent the actual size of fire. They National Park, I had asked Dr.Karanth to indicate the perimeter of 1 kmx 1 km recollect my personal request in early

70 My Forest, March - 2012 tribal families from Dalimbekolli, where we damage in both National Parks, were used had failed. No constructive help came by him. Sri Gubbi obtained 15 meter and families are still remaining in the resolution, multispectral image date from forests. Dr.Karanth was also informed that the Advanced Space Borne Thermal Ministry of Environment and Forests, Emission and Reflection Rediometer Govt. of india, so far, has not cleared the (ASTER), the highest resolution proposal to utilize CAMPA fund for instrument on board the Earth Observing relocation. S y s t a m ( E O S ) Te r r a p l a t f o r m (http://asterweb.jpl.nasa.gov/). ASTER In response to above communica- th images from March 17, 2012 were tion Dr. UllasKaranth on 12 April 2012 th obtained and specific imges based on and 27 April 2012, in lettrs addressed to clear atmospheric condition (<10% cloud me, disagreed with the report. He also cover) were selected. ASTER images contested the claim of APCCF (Project were not available for nearly 2/3rd area of tiger) Mysore and stated that Dr. Samba Bandipur National Park and for Kumar and Sri P.M. Muthannawere sent to these areas landsat 7 imageries him in the survey of burnt forest areas, (http://landsat.gsfc.nasa.gov/), which however their assistance was not collects similar data at 30m resolution, accepted. He proposed to compare maps were used. However ASTER images were of burnt areas generated from GPS track available for entire extent of Nagarhole record with that of the maps provided by National Park. Owing to relatively poor him. He also added that full scale fire resolution of Landsat data, Sri Gubbi has analysis from NRSA using best resolution observed that the burnt area for Bandipur map, can be obtained and analysed to National Park, where ASTER imageries have clear and accurate final picture about are not available, might be over estimated. these unfortunate fires. Ground truthing was done by Sri Gubbi After my transfer from the post of and the burnt forest patches were Principal Chief Conservator of Forests delimited on map and range-wise areas in (Wildlife) and Chief Wildlife Warden, the both National Parks were worked out. joint GPS survey by Forest Department The extent of area damaged by fire, as and Dr. Karanth's team did not take place. worked out by different interpretation and However, Sri Sanjay Gubbi has conducted GPS survey, in each of Bandipur and the assessment of fire damaged areas in Nagarhole National Parks, are provided in both National Parks. User defined image the below mentioned tables. classification process, to delineate fire

71 My Forest, March - 2012

BANDIPUR NATIONAL PARK

Area damaged Area damaged Area damaged by fire as by fire as by fire as Area of the Sl. Name of the Range assessed by found in GPS assessed by Range in ha. No. Dr. Ullaskaranth Survey by Park Sri Sanjay (ha) Management Gubbi (ha) (ha)

1. A.M. Gudi 10,354 348 97 334

2. Bandipur 6,853 40 11 19

3. Goppalswamybetta 5,761 0 4 86

4. Gundre 6,197 217 14 192

5. Hediyala 11,244 225 39 61

6. Kurdkere 9,466 0 10 12

7. Maddur 11,483 1 12 146

8. Moleyur 8,741 744 152 583

9. Moolehole 11,157 692 623 557

10. N. Begur 5,967 0 2 44

11. Omkara 4,481 0 9 125

Total 91,704 2,267 973 2,158

NAGARHOLE NATIONAL PARK

12. Metikuppe 7,537 1,352 980 1,088

13. Nagarhole 9,356 1,452 460 437

14. Anechowkur 9,036 777 330 281

15. Veeranhosali 7,463 173 110 176

16. D B Kuppe 13,365 82 57 79

17. Anther Santhe 7,409 0 4 12

18. Kalhalla 10,173 76 20 7

Total 64,339 3,912 1,961 2,080

72 My Forest, March - 2012

Comparing range-wise burnt area figures, has inflicted any damage to flora and variations are noticed in three different fauna. The following is the extract from my interpretations. Total extent of burnt patch diary, when I visited burnt forest patch, in assessed by Dr.Karanth and Sri Sanjay Nagarhole Range on 29-2-2012. Gubbl in Bandipur National Park are comparable, but unexplained variations “ O n 2 9 - 2 - 2 0 1 2 r e a c h e d are noticed in ranges like Gopalswa Nagarhole and discussed with the mybetta, Hediyala, Maddur, Omkara etc. Conservator of Forests and other officers More over the total figure is twice the about the fire incidence in Compartment 4 assessment done by Park Management of Nagarhole Range. The fire was put by through GPS survey. Sri Gubbi has some tribals on the instigation of their admitted that he could not procure ASTER leaders and NGOs. It has been planned images for 2/3rd of Bandipur and has used systematically and implemented by some Landsat 7 imageries of 30m resolution; hand – picked few tribals of Gonigadde. resulting in some over-estimation in his Nagarhole Gadde and Bommadhadi. The assessment. Alganchi RF of Moleyur fire was put in 15 to 20 different places Range and some buffer areas of Omkara adjoning Kaitode. Marappa and Range are encroached and are not in Kunturhadlus in ofternoon of 26-02-2012. control of National Park Management. While determining the rights Act, there Fire in these patches would enhance the was pressing demand of survey of these extent of burnt area in National Park. hadlus for the rights of the tribals, who Nevertheless, all fires in Bandipur already left the place ten years ago and National Park are ground fire, which has were not in possession, as on cut date of hardly inflicted any damage to flora and December 2005. fauna. In Nagarhole National Park, the assessment of damage by Park Forest staff, daily wages fire Management through GPS survey and by watchers, volunteers and many tribals of Sri Gubbi, are comparable while the the hadis have worked for more than 24 assessment by Dr. Karanth is nearly hours to bring the situation under control. double. The big difference is found in Flowered bamboo have produced high Nagarhole Range, where Dr.Karanth has flames and mode the control difficult. All assessed in GPS survey and by Sri Gubbi. personnel I led by Addl. Principal Chief It was this fire in Nagarhole Range, which Conservator of Forests (Project Tiger), was highlighted in the press and invited Mysore, have done most challenging job criticism. Press statements were issued and worked tirelessly, which resulted in by retired forest officers and experts putting off the fire before the sunset on 27- accusing park management, for inaction, 02-2012. An estimated area of 509 ha is which was actually not the case. However found to have been burnt, as ascertained fire in other ranges of Nagarhole National from the coordinates of different corners Park was routine ground fire, which hardly taken from GPS.

73 My Forest, March - 2012

I have inspected the burnt site along with interests etc. It is not always possible to the Addl. Principal Chief Conservator of keep all the element of the society Forests (Project Tiger), Mysore, satisfied and prevent fires. Whenever fire Conservator of Forests, Wildlife, Hunsur incidents occur, restricting the extent of and other officers and found that the area damage will not only depend upon number dominated by lantana and eupatorium of staff engaged in fire protection but will have been burnt, dried bamboos have also depend on time taken to reach the fire been reduced to ashes. Though bamboo place, wind speed at time of incident, regeneration is damaged but the rhizome terrain, type of burning material like underground is expected to sprout. dense lantana thickets/dry bamboo etc. Conservator of Forests is requested to D u r i n g m o n s o o n s e a s o n , supplement the area with bamboo conservationists keep on pressurizing the seeding. In these circumstances, Management to proceed against tribals eupatorium and lantana are also expected who collected a kilo of embellica or a head to sprout with more vigour, which is ill load of fire wood for their bonafide need effect of the fire. The only salvage is, thick and the same conservationists want all sowing of bamboo and other grasses. Big tribals be recruited for fire prevention trees are seen scorched, but most of them w o r k s i t i s f o u n d t h a t m a n y would sprout back. However dead and conservationists give suggestions on fire fallen material of timber and firewood are related issues, without understanding the burnt. No damage to birds and mammals situation in totality of circumstances taking reported, while the young ones of correctly oriented view of the matter. amphibians, insects and reptiles and their Management always have human face in eggs must have been damaged.” dealing with the tribals, which is often interpreted against us. Fire protection in Nagarhole and Bandipur is a real challenge. Miscreants Expressions such as “disgruntled put fire in elephant dung during night, forest frontline staffs, have deliberately which remains alive and spreads during burnt forests”, are highly mischievous and day time. Also fire is put in dry bamboo, brought out with a motive to put the Park which burns like petrol even during night Management on the back foot. time. Unlike cutting a tree which takes Dr.Karanth's over-estimation of burnt area some time, putting forest fire is a matter of in Nagerhole Range, based on ground minutes. Miscreant can successfully put truthing from his multiple sources, is highly fire in many places, drive the forest staff in misleading. Fire in Nagarhole Range was one direction and easily escape in other fought for neatly 30 hours and there was direction. Forest fire is not only caused by enough scope for his representatives to people, who are not satisfied with help the management in putting off the relocation programme, but is also caused fire. Range was carried out scientifically, caused by miscreants in the form fo the burnt area would not have been smugglers, poachers, people with vested 74 My Forest, March - 2012 overestimated. If is strange to note that, holders in Sanctuaries and National Parks without confirming /verifying these understand their responsibility, make assessment figures, the same was constructive suggestion and assist the brought in public domain. I hope all stake Park Management in controlling fire.

2. RESEARCH IN TIGER RESERVES IN KARNATAKA

There have been several reports Division instead of Bandipur Tiger in the press that researches in tiger Reserve where he has already worked for reserves are banned in Karnataka. 12 years. It defies logic as to why Dr. Contrary to the impression created by Sukumar of Indian Institute of Science these reports, the Karnataka Forest cannot taken up his research about Department has at no point of time isolated population of elephants in Alur imposed a blanket ban on research in the Taluk of Hassan district, where very high Tiger Reserves in the State. In fact, a level of conflict is observed. A number of number of researchers were permitted In research projects submitted by ATREE, the past to conduct their studies within the the organization headed by Dr. Gladwin Tiger Reserves and many researchers Joseph, have already been approved by like scientists of AITREE, Dr. Ullas the Karnataka Forest Department. In Karanth and Dr. T.N.C. Vidya, have still some cases, ATREE was advised to been working in the Tiger decades. Earlier change the research sites to the adjoining in 1990s, he was permitted to radio collar forests of Kollegal Division or Cauvery few tigers, some of which have died. Sanctuary, but they did not bother to Consequently his proposal to radio collar modify their proposals. It is obvious that ten more tigers in 2009, have been the fixation of certain researchers with the rejected. The point that these reports Tiger Reserves is more due to extraneous seems to have missed, is that most of the factors that to the nature and demand of researchers prefer tiger reserves or other their subject. well known National Parks and It may be recalled that the wildlife Sanctuaries to lesser known protected biologists in general have recommended areas and other forests not because of that the Tiger Reserves should be make any sound logic but simply because it inviolate in order to ensure viability of tiger either adds glamour to their project or population. Accordingly, Section 38 V of helps them in getting funds from the the Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972 seeks to donors. There is no reason as to shy Shri achieve inviolate nature of the Tiger Anindya Sinha cannot conduct his Reserves and Forest Department is under research with Bonnet macaques in legal obligation to curb tourism activities Cauvery Sanctuary or Kollegal Forest and plan voluntary relocation of villages

75 My Forest, March - 2012 from the Tiger Reserves. It is, therefore, nature of research that many lesser ironical that a number of wildlife research- known Protected Areas and forests in ers should seek to put unnecessary Karnataka have remained neglected pressure on the Tiger Reserves in the though they do have critical issues and name of research when they have the problems that need immediate attention of option to carry out their works in other the lopsided nature of research. forest areas without, in any way, compro- We allow all useful studies in Tiger mising with the rigors of scientific reserves, which cannot be taken up in research. It is because of this lopsided other areas.

3. A REJOINDER TO THE VIEWS ON ELEPHANT CARE AND REHABILITATION

I am, B.K. Singh, Principal Chief including Bannerghatta Rehabilitation Conservator of Forests and the Chief Centre (BRC) which are equipped with the Wildlife Warden in the State of Karnataka, basic facilities to take care of captive India. My attention has been drawn elephants including any traumatized towards your writing for the Science News elephant. Thus, in our view, there is no on January 5, 2012 which refers to a need for establishing any more centre, project by Ms Carol Buckley of Elephant specifically for the government owned Aid International to set up an Elephant elephants, But Mrs. Ganguli referred to Care and Rehabilitation Centre at the poor condition of some elephants Bangalore (Karnataka) for accommodat- owned by private individuals and temples ing former zoo elephants. I am afraid the and felt that the BRC did not have enough report is mostly premature, based on land and facilities to accommodate them some erroneous notions, and has caused all. On July 9, 2011, she showed me a a lot of misunderstanding in the elephant piece of private land nearly 10 km from conservation community in India and Jigne-Anekal-Bangalore Highway where abroad. It, therefore, calls for some she proposed to set up a care centre for clarification. the privately owned elephants. On I came to know Ms Buckley January 20, 2012, she brought Ms Carol through Mrs. Suparna Ganguli of the Buckley along for a meeting with me. Mrs. Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre Ganguli apparently needed financial (WRRC), who has since long been support from the elephant Aid pressing for establishing a centre for care International, USA, to establish her of captive elephants in the state of proposed centre, and that is how Ms Karnataka. The Karnataka Forest Buckley came into the picture. Department has several elephant camps

76 My Forest, March - 2012

I find in your write up that Ms. translocation of problematic elephants. In Buckley has criticized our facilities while the circumstances, It is all the more pitching for the idea of setting up a care necessary to leave them in forests and rehabilitation centre for elephants. adjoining their camps for adequate She is quoted as saying “there’s a zoo in exercise, diverse forage and social mixing Bangalore where a family of elephants is with wild elephants. Very rarely have they exhibited on a tiny dirt yard during the day been attacked by lone wild tuskers, which where they can barely turn around,” Ms have been called “rogues” by Ms Buckley. Buckley further adds that when the zero It does not mean that we should stop closes each day, the animals are released releasing them in the forests. Movement in into the bordering forests. Her observa- forests is quite useful for the health and tions are completely misplaced. There are welfare of captive elephants. The Forest ten elephants and four calves in an Department of Karnataka has a long enclosure in the Bannerghatta Biological history of management of captive Park. The area of the enclosure is nearly 2 elephants and ensuring their welfare. Ms. acres, which also includes a water pond. I Buckley should have appreciated the time do not know how Ms Buckley can say that tested policy for management of the enclosure is a tiny dirt yard where elephants by the Forest Department. elephant can barely turn around. As a Ms Buckley has pointed out that policy, we do not confine elephants in such the camp elephants are trained and enclosures round the clock and we do maintained brutally. We are aware that leave then in the adjoining forests for some of the mahouts are harsh with tiehr better movement and where forage is elephants. We do take action against the erring mahouts. However, a large number available in plenty and also where they of mahouts are quite good with their can mix up with wild elephants. These elephants. Mahouts work under the close elephants are regularly checked by the supervision of the veterinarians and other veterinarians and any possibility of their forest officers and there is hardly any need spreading diseases among wild animals for changing the system. Ms. Buckley or carrying it back to the Biological Park is claims that she has evolved a compas- ruled out. sionate technique of elephant manage- Many of our camps are situated in ment using food and praise as positive interior forest areas, where basic reinforcement which can replace infrastructures for elephants and their traditional pain-based technique. We will trainers i.e., mahouts, are available. like Ms Buckely to make a presentation These elephants were traditionally used before the officials, mahouts and the for logging operations in the forersts. With veterinarians of the Forest Department to the deeline in logging operations, the help them better understand what her elephants are now used for patrolling in training intent is, before permitting her to forests, driving the straying wild elephants change the existing management system. back into forests and also in capture and

77 My Forest, March - 2012

Ms Buckley is yet to formulate and Government of India and the Supreme submit her proposal to us. We have also Court of India are a must before I can grant not received the list of the seven zoo my permission as the Chief Wildlife elephants referred to by Ms Buckley which Warden of the State. I have not yet would require the proposed facility. For the granted my approval for such a project. establishment of a care and rehabilitation You may like to share this clarification with centre that Ms. Buckley has in mind, prior the readers of the Science News. consent of the Central Zoo Authority of

78 My Forest, March - 2012

CORRIGENDUM

With reference to the article titled “ Study on likely impacts of Bark, Moisture & Height on the yield of wood (estimation exercise taken up in Appsandra Eucalyptus, second cut plantation in Kolar Division) in the issue December 2011, Page No. 265 table may be read as follows :

Drying is also noticed more in lower classes than upper classes. Trend is shown in the below given table as well as bar graph. It is natural that more moisture will be lost from the place where more of it is present.

Girth class (cm) No. of trees Fresh Weight (kg) Dry Weight (kg) % balance weight Dry wt/cmt

10-16 10 22 16 72.72 567.22 17-23 36 224 171 76.33 426.53 24-30 35 574 465 81.01 426.60 31-37 13 359 299 83.28 380.62 38-45 06 278 242 87.05 327.30

- Editor -

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