Vol.7, No. 1, 2001 The Eastern Ghats EPTRI - ENVIS Newsletter

Contents Foreword

• Foreword………………………...... 1 e have great pleasure in releasing • Ethnomedical Studies of Mahendragiri Range WVol. 7 No.1, which deals with the Resources & of Hills, Eastern Ghats: A Case Study of Tribals of Eastern Ghats. The articles cover information Jeerango Gram Panchayat………...... 2-4 on Ethnobotany, Tribal Economy, Tribal issues, Tribal areas & Demography of the North Coastal Andhra • A Note on the Tribal Economy of the Pradesh and Orissa and an article based on Special Eastern Ghats...... …………...... 4-5 Cover depicting prominent land marks of Yarada Hill Ranges, Eastern Ghats, which play a vital role in the • Collection and Consumption of Wild Tubers/ perspective of Eco-tourism. Rhizomes by the Various Tribes in Andhra Pradesh……...... ….... 5-7 The articles provide some of the interesting findings of the scientists and researchers. • Forests & Tribals :Recognition of their integration...... 7

• Tribal areas of Visakhapatnam district, Do Join us Andhra Pradesh, India- With Special reference to the demographic characteristics & ENVIS Centre Collects, Collates and Desseminates Medicinal Flora………………...... 8-10 all the information related to its core subject viz. “Eastern Ghats”. Hence, the library of ENVIS • Article based on Special Cover depicting invites donation of reprints, bibliographic Prominent land marks of Yarada Hill ranges, collections, news clippings, posters, photographs Eastern Ghats……………………...... …... 11 etc., from all sources. Readers are...... WELCOME to contribute articles to our Newsletter. EPTRI is not responsible for the Note Theme of our next issue is “Resources & Tribals of views expressed by the authors. Eastern Ghats”.

ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION TRAINING & RESEARCH INSTITUTE (EPTRI), HYDERABAD 1 EPTRI - ENVIS Newsletter Vol. 7, No.1, 2001

Ethnomedicinal Studies of Mahendragiri Range of Hills, Eastern Ghats: A Case Study of Jeerango Gram Panchayat

S.K. Senapati, Department of Botany, S.K.C.G. College, Gajapathi, Orissa M.K. Mishra, Department of Botany, Behrampur University, Orissa T.C. Kara, P.G. Department of Life Scieces, S.K.C.G. College, Gajapathi, Orissa

Introduction • Half burnt leaves are used on boils to suppress the same.

he relationship between man and plants is an age-old phenomenon. ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 2. Nyctanthes arbortristis L.; (Oleaceae); Man has been using plants for various purposes such as food, T Local Name-Ganga Siuli. fodder, clothing, shelter, and medicine from prehistoric times. According Small trees with ovate leaves. to Marini and Bettolo (1980), traditional medicines provide health service • to about 70 to 80% of total World’s population. But in recent years, due • Dried roots of this plant are grinded along with honey and 21 small to large scale urbanization, massive publicity of allopathic medicines and pieces of Garlic. This paste is taken orally for 3 days to cure malaria. indiscriminate cutting down of forests, the very existence of the treasure of indigenous medicines and its related knowledge is threatened. Besides, 3. Eleusine coracana L.Gaearth.; (Poaceae); Local Name - Mandia scarcity of written documents, and lack of proper communication between • An annual herb with capitate infloresence. the tribals and urbans add to the problem. This article aims in describing • The grains of this plant are boiled properly to form semi liquid the identification, characterization and description of some of the dense substance ,which is grindded along with garlic and are taken ethnomedicinal uses of plants and animals. orally to reduce high blood pressure.

Study area 4. Calotropis gigantea (L.) R.Br. (Asclepiadaceae.) Local Name - Dhala Arkha Jeerango Gram Panchayat, which is situated around 35 kms. away from • Large erect shrub, flowers contain spreading corolla tube. Paralakhemundi, the district head quarter of Gajapati has been selected • The leaves of this plant are fried in castor oil and then the fried as our area of investigation. It comes under Mahendragiri hill system of leaves are to be tied on the vagina of a pregnant for abortion. Eastern Ghats. The topography of this region is highly undulating except at valleys. This study area covers 5996 hectares comprising of 16 5. Ferula asafoetida L.(Apiaceae); Local Name - Hengu villages with a total population of 4194. Among this tribals constitute about 70.5%, (i.e. 2950) in this panchayat. • Although this plant is not available in this region, most of the herbal healers use this plant for various medicines. Methodology ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ • The dried roots of this plant are grinded and then given to the females during their menstrual period for the treatment of ovarin Field trips were arranged to cover all most all villages of the study area. problems. The base camp was selected at Raghunathpur. Then almost all herbal healers (vaidyas) of the area and headmen of villages were approached. 6. Carica papaya L. (Caricaceae ); Local Name - Amruta Vanda. Ethnomedico-biological information was collected through questionnaires • Plants with semi woody stem, mosaic phyllotaxy. and discussion. Besides, habit, habitat, flora, characteristics, distribution, • The roots of Carica papaya along with the roots of Jasminum sambac and local names were entered into the field notebook on the spot. The and Lawsonia inermis are grinded with rice washed water to prepare dried plant specimens were kept In the herbarium of Botany Department the solution which is taken orally to cure jaundice. of S.K.C.G. College. 7. Nymphaea nouchalli Burn.f. (Nymphaeaceae ); Plants were identified with the help of local flora as well as other Local Name - Ranga Kain. publications like Gamble (1915-36) Haines (1921-25) and Brahman • Aquatic rooted plant with red flowers. The leaves are greenish below and Saxena (1995). The identifications of the species were confirmed and purple above. after consulting with the available literature. Ethnomedicinal value of Rhizomes of this plant along with refined form of gur (Oriya Name 16 plants and 2 animals species are enumerated below. • - Nabata) and root of Lawsonia inermis L. is grinded in the rice A. ETHNOBOTANICAL INFORMATION washed water. The paste obtained is effectively treated for diabetes. 8. Cicca acida L. Merr. (Euphorbiaceae.); Local Name - Narkoli. 1. Aloe barbadensis Mill.; (Liliaceae); Local Name - Ghin Kuanri • Moderate sized tree with tetramerous flowers. • A succulent herb with fleshy mucilaginous leaves. • The paste made from the root of Cicca acida is used for treating • Mucilaginous jelly of fleshy leaves is mixed with sugar and applied goitre. on burn injuries. 2 EPTRI - ENVIS Newsletter Vol. 7, No.1, 2001 ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○

9. Calotropis procera R.Br. (Asclepiadaceae); • Widely distributed glabrous under shrub. Local Name - Kala Dudura. • The paste prepared from the root of Rauvolfia serpentina and • Large erect shrub with oblong leaves, presence of erect corolla Calotropis procera is given orally for snake bite. lobes. • Mustard oil is applied on the tender leaves of Calotropis and is shown over the flame and the same is kept on the boils, which leads B. ETHNOZOOLOGICAL INFORMATION: to its bursting within the 4 to 5 hours. 1. Hystrix indica. Englishname-Purkupine, LocaIName-Jhinka. 10. Laportea iterrupta L. Chew. (Urticaceae); Local Name - Bichuati. Class - Mammalia, Order - Rodentia. • A week stemmed herb with pubescent leaves. • Largest spiny mammal, A noctrunal animal usually lives in • Powder of these seeds is boiled with goat milk and is taken orally for burrows, eats bulbs, roots, barks, fallen leaves and flowers. weakness and paste prepared from the dried seeds is applied on the • The intestinal parts of Hystrix and roots of Rauvolfia serpentina is head to inhibit hairfall. made into paste which is taken orally for the cure of stomachache. 11. Hemidesmus indicus L. (Asclepiadaceae); Local Name - Sugandhi. 2. Bos indicus English name - Cow, Local Name - Gai • Slender puescent twiner with aromatic root stock and variable leaf Class - Mammalia, Order - Artiodactyla. shapes. • Herbivorous domestic animal. • Roots of this plant are grinded along with the roots of Lawsonia • A drop of blood taken from the ear of a Cow is to be licked by the inermls and coconut water to prepare a semisolid paste which is patient for curing epilepsy. taken orally for treating diseases like jaundice. Discussion 12. Plumbago zeylanica L. (Plumbaginaceae); Identification Local Name - Sweta chitaparu. and Detailed study on the ethnomedincinal aspects of the • Under shrub with white flowers. Petiole base is Mahendragiri range of hills, has not yet been made. This amplexicaul. Description is a work of its own kind in this region. • Semisolid paste prepared from the dried roots of this of some plant, bark of Plumeria acuminata and sulphur are Ethnomedicinal A comparision of the above findings with that of available administered for abortion. uses of literature reveals that the use of plants and animals by Plants and the tribes as described above, is almost endemic to this region. 13. Pergularia daemia (Forssk) Choir (Asclepiadaceae); Animals Local Name - Uturuli. Though the tribals have been using these medicines for • Slender pubescent climber with cordate leaves. quite a long time, it is very difficult to judge the

• The roots of Hemidesmus indicus and bark of Plumeria ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ effectiveness of the traditional medicines. However, acuminata is made into paste in for different base liquids for different further research on these traditional medicines will provide an insight to diseases. Goat urine, human urine and cow urine are taken as separate improve the quality and effectiveness of the same. base materials for the preparation of three different pastes to cure epilesy, tuberculosis and tetanus respectively. The purpose of this article is not to prescribe any remedy against diseases but to prepare a preliminary report which should be screened and tested 14. Lawsonia inermis L. (Lythraceae.); Local Name - Manjuati. by pharmacologists before they are used as medicines. • Branched shrub with lanceolate leaves and brightly coloured fragrant flowers. Acknowledgement • Root paste of Lawsonia inermis, Jasminum sambac and Carica papaya is prepared in rice washed water and that is taken orally at the dose The authors are grateful to Prof. K.C. Mishra Principal S.K.C.G. College, of thrice a day for curing jaundice. Paralakhemundi for his kind permission to present the paper and inspiration to carry out the research work. We extend our hearty thanks 15. Moringa oleifera Lam. (Moringaceae); Local Name - Muninga. to the tribal people in general and the three tribal healers named Gurubaria • Small deciduous tree with white flowers. Bada Raita, Gurubaria Raita and Pati bada Raita, in particular foi their immense help in providing informations and all round cooperations • The flower and bark of this plant is fried in mustard oil and then during this study. The authors are also thankful to Dr. P.N. Gouda, Sri made into powder. This powder is taken orally for the treatment of Lect. in Chemistry, S.K.C.G. College & Officials of the forest department, abdominal pain of women during menstruation. Gajapati district for accompanying us during the field visit. 16. Rauvolfia serpentina Benth. ex. Kurz (Apocynaceae); Local Name - Patal Garuda.

3 EPTRI - ENVIS Newsletter Vol. 7, No.1, 2001 ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ References:

1. Marini - Bettolo, G.B. (1980), Present aspects of the use of plants in 5. Jain, S.K. (1971): Some Magico-religious belief about plants among traditional medicine, J.Ethnopharma. 2: 5-7 pp. Adivasi of Orissa. Adivasi, 15:39 - 44pp.

2. Panigrahi G., Gandhamardan Parbat, (1963): A potential source of 6. Mishra, M.K., Mohanty M.K. and Das P.K. (1993): Studies on important indigenous drugs. R.R.L. Bulletin. 1: 111-116 pp. the medico-ethnobotany of Calotropis gigantea and C. 3. Saxena H.O. Brahmam M. and Dutta P.K. (1981): “Glimpses of Procera. Ancient Science of life 13:40 - 56pp. Indian Ethnobotany” (Ed. S.K. Jain) 232 - 244pp. Oxford & IBH publications, Calcutta 7. Das, P.K. and Mishra M.K. (1988): Some Ethnomedicinal plants ○○○○○○○○○ of Koraput District, Orissa, Ancient Science of Life 8(l) : 60-67pp. 4. Chopra R.N., Chopra I.C. and Verma B.S. (1969): Supplement to Glossary of Indian Medicinal plants, Publication and Information 8. Das, P.K. and Mishra, M.K. (1988): Some medicinal plants among Directorate, New Delhi. Kondhas around Chandrapur (Koraput), J.Econ, Tax. Bot. 12 : 103 - 109pp.

A Note on the Tribal Economy of the Eastern Ghats

Mr. A. Srinivasa○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ Rao, EPTRI-ENVIS Centre, EPTRI, Hyderabad.

One of the important regions of the country, which has immense natural The forests in the Eastern Ghats are relatively underdeveloped and they resources potential, but with a low rate of development in comparison to have rich natural resources. The tribals who are gatherers of Non Timber adjacent areas is the Eastern Ghats. The Eastern Ghats region lies in the Forest Produce depend exclusively on sale of forest produce for their States of Andhra Pradesh , Madhya Pradesh, Orissa, Tamil Nadu and livelihood. Lack of scientific approach in harnessing of the forest resources Karnataka. has led to excessive tapping thereby leading to high mortality of trees and gradual depletion of natural resources. The prosperity of In Andhra Pradesh, the Eastern Ghats cover the districts of these regions lies in the economic utilisation of the natural Srikakulam, Vizianagaram, Visakhapatnam, East Godavari, resources for the benefit of the tribal communities through West Godavari, Krishna, Guntur, Prakasam, Nellore, Encourage protection of existing flora and its rejuvenation in course of Chittoor, Kurnool, Anantapur and Cuddapah. settled time. cultivation Development of the Tribal Economy of the Eastern Ghats amongst The cropping pattern followed in the Eastern Ghats of has gained increasing recognition during the last two decades. Tribals Andhra Pradesh reveals that cerals occupy a important share The three broad categories of traditional tribal economies are in the gross crop production. They raise crops in both and seasons ie Kharif and Rabi. Nearly 50% of the gross cropped · Primitive agriculture through Slash and Burn Technique develop area in these districts is under paddy cultivation. The tribals on hill slopes or Podu or shifting cultivation infrastructure living in the Eastern Ghats generally grow paddy, jowar, ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ · Gathering of Non Timber Forest Produce and selling maize and other kinds of small millets and pulses. Monsoons in the open market are the only source for raising crops. Often they suffer due · Farming on terraces or in valleys both under irrigated to inundation of agricultural fields by excessive rain. and rain fed conditions However, the tribals have developed the irrigation facility in these areas by diverting the water in to the terraces on hill slopes. They Therefore, this region has a distinct set of economic characteristics which have to utilise these hill streams, which flow in these areas that constitute differ widely from that of the economy of plains adjoining this area and a potential source of irrigation in a more systematic way to convert them differences could be observed in respect of the climate, soil, rainfall, as assured irrigation sources. habitat, flora and fauna also. Cultivation is the main occupation for nearly half of the working population. Indiscriminate slash and burn The rate of growth of urban population and rate of economic development cultivation techniques adopted by the tribals have resulted in barren is remarkable in the plains of Eastern Ghats and has almost doubled in a lands, due to increase in soil erosion which is a serious factor leading to decade but not in the rural populations in the hilly regions. Therefore, environmental degradation of the region. This gives rise to a need to an integrated development process needs to be adopted to transform the introduce modern technology alternative cropping say agriculture, which underdeveloped and primitive economies of the Eastern Ghats in to a would improve the environmental condition of the area as well as economic more surplus economy. The government could implement developmental condition of the inhabitants, land use pattern, occupational distribution programmes and improve market facilities. and opportunities for over all development in Eastern Ghats.

4 EPTRI - ENVIS Newsletter Vol. 7, No.1, 2001 ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ROLE OF ITDA AND GCC developing the region. The developmental programmes should aim at the following objectives: Due to Government intervention through the Integrated Tribal Development Agency (ITDA), Girijan Cooperative Corporation(GCC) · The Government could educate and train the tribals in adopting and the Forest Department, the following developmental changes have Scientific Agricultural Techniques by providing high yielding seed taken place varieties and modern agriculture implements and techniques.

· The Forest Department under its Joint Forest Management · The Government could provide adequate financial assistance to the programme and Social forestry programme has taken up measures tribals so that they would avoid going to pawn brokers who exploit such as afforestation activities in some regions of Eastern Ghats them. affected by Podu cultivation. · Introduction of cultivation of commercial crop plantations such as · The Government could extend support to the tribals by creating turmeric, banana, tobacco, chillies, cashew, pineapple and coffee in an organised market and fix reasonable market price to the products non-reserve forests by ITDA · Scientific methods for tapping forest resources like gum or chironji · The Government could provide support for marketing the produce. which have good market. · Development of the region through vigorous efforts towards · The Government could act as a link to the tribals and industry by dissemination of knowledge of the latest agricultural techniques identifying the industries who buy and process the horticulture and use of modern fertilisers and implements and by providing and forest produce and create a market for their products and better high yielding seed varieties. price for producers. · Economic support programmes that would help the tribal farmers

Therefore, planned efforts are necessary to usher integrated development The ITDA and GCC have made planned efforts in improving the quality and provide necessary infrastructure to reach the remote areas of the and quantum of production. They have also helped the tribals in Eastern Ghats by developing the necessary transportation and identifying value added forest produce like Nirmali seeds / cleaning nut communication facilities. The Government could establish a market and (Chillaginja) which could be a powerful Bioflocculent. Another value the Information regarding the prices for various commodities must be added product is Terminalia chebula (Karakkai) which is used as a provided at all the market centres organised in the region for developing Biodegradable cleansing agent in Tanning industry and also as an trade in farm and non-farm products. Roads and other communication expectorant. facilities are to be well developed for overall development of the economy of this region. The ITDA and GCC are also making efforts for regenerating of selected ○○○○○○○○○○○○ plant species that have medicinal and commercial value. References:

GOVERNMENT ROLE IN DEVELOPMENT OF THE REGION 1. EPTRI, 1998, Proceedings of the National Seminar on conservation of Eastern Ghats. The Government needs to intervene and play an Important role in 2. Rami Reddy, S., 1984, Economy of the Eastern Ghats in “Eco coordinating and implementing developmental programmes in Development of Eastern Ghats - Status Report”

Collection and Consumption of Wild Tubers/Rhizomes by the Various Tribes in Andhra Pradesh

N. Rama Rao, Scientist-SE, Institute of Wood Science & Technology, Malleshwaram, Bangalore - 560 003 T. Ravi Shanker, M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation, Ramaraopet, Kakinada-533 004. A.N. Henry,, Emeritus Scientist, Botanical Survey of India, Southern Circle, Coimbatore-641 003. Abstract

Consumption of wild tubers/rhizomes is quite common among the tribes of Andhra Pradesh. Tribals are familiar with locations of tuberous plants spread in the forest area and often quite knowledgeable about the availability of a wide varieties of these plants. Several of these genetic resources may constitute the raw material for plant breeders and biotechnologists to produce new varieties and breeds. ○○○○ INTRODUCTION indigenous people to make use of these resources to an extent. The availability and quantity of tubers are though less for the local population, ○○○○ he natural forests of the Indian region are well known for its which are collected from the wild and semi-wild for consumption and indigenous wealth of plant genetic resources and permit the T are accepted as desirable sources of food. They are familiar with location 5 EPTRI - ENVIS Newsletter Vol. 7, No.1, 2001 ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ of tuberous plants spread out in the forest areas, Often knowledgeable DHAMMA SARU-B; NAGSARI-B. about the availability of wide varieties of these plants. Several of these Processed tubers are eaten by Koyas. genetic resources constitute the raw material that plant breeders and biotechnologists use to produce new varieties and breeds. The tribals and 3. Chlorophtytum tuberosum (Roxb.) Baker (Liliace) ethnic diversity has contributed in its selection, perpetuation, evolution Common; Moist areas of deciduous forests of all districts and conservation of this invaluable diversity (Chandel, 1996). Without (79410,85520). access to traditional land races and their wild relatives modern agriculture BHUDENDA-J, S; PEDDA GARAGANGA-C; LODANGA would be seriously endangered. But the genetic variants have to be BHAJI-GN identified and understood in nature. Tubers used as a vegetable by Savaras.

Intensive field studies were undertaken in various agro-climatic regions 4. Costus speciosus (Koenig.) Sm.(Zingiberaceae) of Northern Circars (Srikakulam, Vizianagaram and Visakhapatnam Common; Moist localities of all districts (76984,83643) districts), Godavari Valley (Adilabad, East Godavari, Karimnagar, BERSI GADDA-L; Besika, BESUGU, BESUKA; Khammam, Warangal, and West Godavari districts) and in Nallamalais BOKACHHALU-J; KANDODU-S; KEVU KANDA-KD, KK; (Kurnool, Mahaboobnagar and Prakasam districts) of Andhra Pradesh RONGHCHE BUTTA-B, KH, P; ULTARAMAM-GN. over a period of seven years. The field tours were conducted in different Rhizome used as vegetable by all tribes. seasons of a year. The tribals inhabiting these areas are Bagatas, Chenchus, Gadabas, Gonds, Jatapus, Khonds, Kolams, Konda Doras, Konda 5. Curculigo trichocarpa (Wight ) Bennet & Raizada (Hypoxidaceae) Kummaras, Konda reddis, Koyas, Lambadis, Nakipods, Nuka doras, Common; Hilly areas of Eastern Ghats and Visakhapatnam Pardhans, Porjas, Savaras and Valmikis. Depending upon the weather districts (85563). conditions, these tribals mostly in groups of three to four persons set out THENE GURIDI-B, KR. early in the morning or during the day. They look for drying plants with Tubers/rhizomes cooked and eaten by Bagatas and Konda reddis. ripe yellow leaves to obtain good and mature tubers. They collect the tubers from the soil without disturbing/harming the roots of associated 6. Dioscorea bulbifera L. (Dioscoreaceae) plants and also leave a small portion of the tuber back in the pit and cover Common; Hilly areas of Godavari Valley and Upper Godavari it with loose soil. It was noticed that big, ripened and tastier tubers/ districts (84016, 84317). rhizomes are available between December and May and in rest of the NALLA CHANDA, NALLA GADDA-KR, K, V. periods, the tubers are not tasty or fully mature. Before consumption of Sliced tubers kept in running water for a day, then boiled and wild tubers, a long process is involved to remove the high content of water filtered out twice, cooked with tamarind juice (Tamarindus toxic components. Sliced tubers are kept in running water for a day, after indica) and eaten by tribes of Upper Godavari. thorough wash, and boiled with leaves of tamarind (Tamarindus indica). The water is decanted, then cooked and consumed by all the tribes. 7. Dioscorea glabra Roxb. (Dioscoreaceae) Common; hilly areas of Godavari Valley and Upper Godavari The following are the wild tubers/rhizomes of edible plants collected districts (84225, 843200). from these areas. Identity of these species has been fully confirmed and GINTEGA-K,KR,V;PITTA KANDA-B,KD,ND;TARAAGAI voucher specimens deposited in MH. The citation nomenclature is ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ KANDA-KH,KK,P. followed by family name in parentheses; the field numbers were given Tubers cooked and eaten by Godavari Valley and Upper after the frequency of distribution in Andhra Pradesh. The local name(s) Godavari tribes. of the plants are given in capital letters followed by abbreviated names of tribes who use them. The tribal names are as follows : B-Bagatas, C- 8. Dioscorea hispida Dennst. (Dioscoreaceae) Cenchus, G-Gadabas, GN-Gonds, J-Jatapus, KH-Khonds, KL- Common; Nallamalais, Godavari Valley and Upper Godavari Kolams,KD-Konda doras, KK-Konda Kammaras, KR-Konda reddis, K- districts (83930, 84360) Koyas, L-Lambadis, NP-Nakipods, ND-Nuka doras, PD-Pradhans, P- CHANDA GADDA,VELI CHANDA GADDA-J, KR,V; Porjas, S-Savaras and V-Valmikies. The tribal name is not indicated if the THELLA CHANDA GADDA, THELLA SANNA GADDA- local name do vary. KD, KR,K,ND;VERUVELA GADDA-C. Sliced tubers kept in running water for a day and boiled with 1. Amorphallus paeonilifolius (Dennst.) Nicoloson (Araceae) leaves of Tamarind (Tamarindus indica) the water filtered out, Common; Upper Godavari districts of Eastern Ghats (84336). then cooked and eaten by all tribes. GANDIGADDA-S; PULIDUMPA-J; PUTTAKANDA-KR. 9. Dioscorea oppositifolia L. (Dioscorecaeae) Corms boiled with leaves of tamarind (Tamarindus indica), sliced Common; hilly areas of all districts (79496, 83975). and washed in running water. The washed slices are boiled with AARE THEGA-K, KR,V,GADO,PARU-S; PALLERU fruit juice of tamarind and eaten by Jatapus, Konda Reddis and GADDA,TARAGAI KANDA,THEGA DUMPA-J,KD,KH,ND Savaras. Tubers cooked and eaten by all tribes.

2. Arisaema tortuosum (Wall.) Schott V. curvatum (Roxb.) Engler 10. Dioscorea pentaphylla L. (Dioscoreceae) (Araceae) Common; all districts (83602, 84342). Common; Upper Godavari districts; in moist shady localities P;THELLA VAYAMU THEGA-KD,KR,K, ND, V. (84224,85582) 6 EPTRI - ENVIS Newsletter Vol. 7, No.1, 2001 ○○○○○○○○○○○○

Tubers sliced and kept in running water for a day, after thorough BHUCHAKKARA GADDA-C; THALA MADU GADDA-GN. washing, cooked and eaten by all tribes. Tubers used as vegetable by Chenchus and Lambadies.

11. Dioscorea puber Blume (Dioscoreaceae) 18. Smilax zeylanica L. (Smilaceae) Occasional; Moist valleys of Upper Godavari districts (83604, Common; deciduous forests of all districts (83620,86133). 84359). KANTA SARA THEEGA-C;PAARSA THEEGA, TAMARA-KD, KASI THEEGA-J,S; SAVIDE DUMPA-K, KD, KR, ND. KR, ND;KONDA TAMARA-S. Tubers cooked and eaten by Upper Godavari tribes. ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ Tubers cooked and eaten by Koyas and Konda reddis.

12. Dioscorea tomentosa Koenig ex Spreng. (Dioscoreae) 19. Solena heterophylla Lour. (Cucurbitaceae) Common; all districts (79495, 84333) Common; deciduous forests of all districts (79491, 86618). BARO-S; NULA GADDA -C, KD, KR, ND,V; VUKKA ADAVI DHONDA-K, KR; MAARSA-S; NALLA DHONDA, THEEGA-J. PAMU DHONDA-C;THONDRI-GN. Tubers cooked and eaten by all tribes. Tubers and tender fruits used as vegetable by all tribes.

13. Dioscorea wallichi Hook. (Dioscoreaceae) 20. Theriophonum minutum (Willd.) Baillon (Araceae) Occasional; Nallamalais and hills of Upper Godavari districts Occasional; moist forests of Godavari Valley and Nallamalais (84007). (84204, 84315). ADAVI CHAMPA-K. CHERANGI KANDA-KH, KK,P; NARA DUMPA-B, K, KD, Tubers boiled with leaves of Tamarind (Tamarindus indica), washed KR, ND,V; PEETA KANDA-KH. thoroughly, then cooked and eaten by Konda reddis and Koyas. Tubers boiled, thoroughly washed in water, cooked and eaten by tribes of Nallamalais and Upper Godavari districts. 21. Vanda tessellata (Roxb.) G.Don (Orchidaceae) Common; all districts (76814, 83114). 14. Lasia spinosa (L.) Thw. (Araceae) BADANIKA; BAJINIKA-KR, K. V; TENGAPOOL-KH, KK,P; Common; marshy areas and along streams of Godavari Valley and VEGA BADANIKA-J, KD, ND; BADES-S; AJANIKA-GN. Upper Godavari districts (85519). Tender velamen roots cooked and eaten by Gonds during scarcity. KATTA SARU-KH,P; SALVA DUMPA-KR. Rhizomes cooked and eaten by Konda reddis. CONCLUSIONS

15. Naravelia zeylanica (L.) DC. (Ranunuculaceae) Among tuberous plants, the genus Dioscorea possesses richest diversity in Common;deciduous forests of all districts (76845,85542). this region. Genetically diverse crop varieties enable indigenous population KONDA MUDUSU THEEGA-K, V; ROMPA THEEGA-J; to enhance the food security of their household and to exploit a range of VORRA THEEGA-KR. crop products. In addition, the medicinal components possessed by some Tubers used as vegetable by Chenchus. tubers such as Solena heterophylla and Smilax zeylanica have therapeutic value and used in traditional medicine by indigenous people which 16. Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn. (Nelumbonaceae) constitute an important resource with tremendous future prospects. Common; Perennial ponds and tanks of all districts (83745) DAMARA-C; KALUVA. Reference Rhizomes and tender petioles used as vegetable by all tribes. CHANDEL, K.P.S.,1996. Biodiversity and Strategies for Plant 17. Pueraria tuberosa (Roxb.ex Willd.)DC. (Fabaceae) germplasm conservation in India. Tropical Ecology 37 (1):21-29. Common;hilly areas of all districts (79594, 86511).

7 EPTRI - ENVIS Newsletter Vol. 7, No.1, 2001

Tribal areas of Visakhapatnam district, Andhra Pradesh,India- With Special reference to the demographic characteristics & Medicinal Flora

Rajashekar Tummala, EPTRI-ENVIS , Hyderabad

Introduction Physical Features of the district in general:

isakhapatnam District is one of the North –Eastern Coastal Districts ○○○○○○○○○○○ The district presents two distinct Geographical divisions, the strip of the Vof Andhra Pradesh and it lies between 170 –15’ and 180-32’ of land along the coast and the interior called the plains division and hilly area North latitude and 180-54’and 830-30’of Eastern longitude. It is partly of the Eastern Ghats flanking it on the North and West called Agency bounded by Vizianagaram in the north, East Godavari district in the Division. The Agency Division of the regions covered by the Eastern Ghats south and Orissa in the north-west, and by Bay of Bengal in the with an altitude of about 900m dotted by several peaks exceeding 1200 east.Visakhapatnam district comprises of eight tribal development blocks. m. These Ghats have high ridges in the Chintapalle and Gangraraju

VISAKHAPATNAM DISTRICT

Munchingputtu Araku Valley Borra Caves

Pedabayulu Dumbriguda Ananatagiri

Hukumpeta

Paderu

G.Madugula

Chintapalle G.K. Veedhi

Koyyuru Visakhapatnam

Tribal development blocks in Visakhapatnam district

8 EPTRI - ENVIS Newsletter Vol. 7, No.1, 2001 ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ Madugula mandals in the district with Sankaram topping 1615 m and Administrative Divisions: embraces the mandals of Paderu, Gangaraju.Madugula (G.Madugula), Pedabayalu, Munchingputu, Hukumpeta, Dumbriguda,Araku Valley, (Paderu revenue division in which the tribal development blocks are Ananthagiri, Chintapalli, G.K.Veedhi, and Koyyuru (Erstwhile Taluks of there.) Paderu, Araku, and Chintapalli) in entity. These hill formations comprise of Northern section of Eastern Ghats. Machkund River on re flow becomes Sl.No Tribal development blocks Area in Sq.Kms. Sileru, drains and waters the area in its flow and refolds and is tapped for power generation. The other division is the plains division with altitude no 1. Ananthagiri 741.00 where rivulets Meghadari Gedda and Gambheeram Gedda.Since no major 2. Araku 533.76 irrigation system exists any significant sub regional agronomic variations 3. Munchingiputu 440.32 exist in this division. Along the shore lies a series of salt and sandy swamps.The 4. Pedabayalu 563.00 coast line is broken by a number of establishments of Natural Harbor at 5. Paderu 704.00 Visakhapatnam, at Rishikonda the Polavaram Rock and the big Narsimha 6. Gangaraju.Madugula 568.32

Hill at Bheemunipatnam. Administratively, the District is divided in to 3 ○○○○○○○○○○○ 7. Chintapalli 2173.00 Revenue Divisions and 43 Mandals. 8. Koyyuru 181.11

Demographic Characteristics: The population of the District is 32.8 Total 3731.51 lakhs as per 1991 Census and this constituted 4.95% of the Population of the State while geographical area of the district is 11,161 Sq. Kms, which is only 4.1% of the area of the state. Out of the Area depicted in the map with tribal pockets are total population of the state 16.63 lakhs are males earmarked in the legend classification to locate the and 16.22 lakhs are females. The sex ratio is 975 Anantagiri tribal areas in the district map of Visakhapatnam females per 1000 males.The District has a density of district. The total geographical area of the district is population of 294 per sq. km. Agency area shows tribal area 11,161 Sq. kms. and the tribal development blocks lesser density and plain area higher density 39.88% signifies comprise of 3731.51 Sq. kms .The population is of the population reside in the 17 heretic urban Geological about 4.69 Lakhs. The density of population in settlements while rest of the population is distributed Tribal development block varies from 24 to 80 in 3,132 villages. Scheduled castes constitute of and Archeological per Sq.km., while the average density of population 7.82% of the population while scheduled tribes per Sq.km. is recorded in Araku Block (80) followed account for 14.28% of the population of the district. significance of by Paderu while the minimum is recorded in The district has a work force of 13.15 lakhs Eastern Ghats Chintapalli (24). Chintapalli block is the largest constituting about 40.02% the population besides one in size and has dense forest and hilly tracts. the marginal workers to a tune of 1.01 lakhs. Among The Scheduled tribes Population is heavily main workers, the cultivators constitute 36.31% ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ concentrated in Paderu. The highest concentration agricultural labourers 23.60% and the balance of of scheduled tribe population is in Paderu 40.09 % engage in primary, secondary and tertiary sectors. (93.54%). Followed by Chintapalli (82.09%). The decimal growth of population in Tribal Block Development Areas from 1941 onwards Tribal Area: Araku,Ananthagiri,Chintapalli,Gangaraju Madugul indicates a linear growth starting from 1.32% to 42.7% till 1971. (G.Madugula), Koyyuru, Pedabayalu, Muchingput and a long strip of Narsipatnam block of Narsipatnam taluk, V.Madugula, K.Kotapadu and In Ananthagiri tribal development block area comprises of Borra Caves, Ravikamatham of Chodavaram taluk. Orissa state, on the north bound one of the oldest cave formations in World stand as evidence to the this area on the north and west east by Srikakulam district, on the South geological and archeological significance of the Eastern Ghats, which –East by East Godavari district. are known for Stalactites and Stalagmite formations, which do resembling anthomorphic and zoomorphic, shapes. The caves are spread over an 2 Scheduled Tribe Population: area of two km . The Borra Caves are located in the heart of the tribal pocket of Visakhapatnam district. The tribes of this region are The tribal population of the district is as follows according to Census Kondadoras, Nookadoras,Bagatas, Kutias, Porjahs, Khonds and statistics (1998), Government of India Gazette publications. Khondakammaras. For these tribals groups, the Borra Caves are an inseparable part of their folklore and identity. 1961 Census 1.85 Lakhs. 1971 Census 3.00 Lakhs. The caves hold a religious significance to the people who believe that 1981 Census 3.54 Lakhs the Stalactites and Stalagmites are Shiva Lingas (Phallic form of Worship ○○○○○○○○○○○ 1991 Census 4.69 Lakhs of Lord Shiva). All theTribal development blocks are being placed in the Paderu revenue division due to their geographical location along the agency tracts. The main habitations of the tribals in Visakhapatnam district are in the tribal development blocks comprising of eight blocks they are Ananthagiri, Araku, Munchingiputu, Pedabayalu, Paderu, G.Madugula, ChintaPalli, Koyyuru. 9 EPTRI - ENVIS Newsletter Vol. 7, No.1, 2001 ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○

The ethnic matrix of the tribes constituting the Scheduled population 3. Piper longum known as (Pippallu in Telugu language ) are extensively in Visakhapatnam District are as follows: grown in the agency tracts. Apart from the existing keystone species, other species of medicinal importance are Adina cordifolia, Bridellia 1. Bagatas retusa, Buchnania latifolia,Terminalia tomentosa, Pterocarpus 2. Konda Dora marsupium, Tamarindus indicus, Pongamia, Mangifera indica, Melia 3. Valmiki azadirachta, Albizzia amara, Dillenia pentagyna, and Bambusa 4. Konda-Kapu arundinacea, Dendrocalamus strictus,Somyida febrifuga, Anogiessus 5. Kondhs latifolia, Diospyros Spp, Ixora parviflora, Ochna squarrosa, and 6. Konda Kammara Tamarindus indicus is the chief minor forest produce. 7. Kotia-Bentho Oriya 8. Porjahs Sandal wood trees (Santalum album) are found in the K.D. Peta araea of 9. Gadaba the Paderu zone in Visakhapatnam district. 10. Mukha Dora 11. Manne Dora Bibliography: 12. Yerrukula 13. Mali 1. Andhra Pradesh Year Book(1988) : A data news features 14. Nooka Dora publication. 15. Kutias 2. Andhra Pradesh at 50(1998) : A basic Analysis edited by The tribal commune does depend upon various medicinal flora as a ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ Data News Features Hyderabad. source of revenue which are sold to Girijan Cooperation Limited. These are few of the medicinal species being grown on a commercial scale in 3. C. Siva Sankara Reddy, C. Suvarna and Rajashekar the tribal areas as Non Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) and also being Tummala(2000) : A Profile of Dye yielding species collected from the wild. issued by Research & Development Circle –Forest Department - Andhra Pradesh. List of Medicinal Species: 4. P.S. Rao, K.Venkaih and R. Padmaja(1999) : A Field Guide on 1. Bixa orellana is grown as a natural colourant/natural dye yielding Medicinal Plants, issued by Research & Development Circle, plant, commonly known as Jaffrachettu in Telugu/Annato is a Forest Department –Andhra Pradesh. Portuguese name for Bixa orellana as it is widely known across India. 5. Handbook of Statistics(1992-93), Compiled & Published by the Chief Planning Officer, Visakhapatnam. 2. Myrobalans such as Emblica officinalis, Terminalia bellerica, Terminalia chebula are grown in the agency tracts.

Forests & Tribals: Recognition of their integration

Dr. Uma Ramachandran Former ENVIS Coordinator, Environment Protection Training & Research Institute (EPTRI),91/4, Gachibowli, HYDERABAD - 500 032

volution of human life and culture has directly or indirectly been generations. This knowledge was passed on from one generation to another, E associated with nature, and influenced by the surrounding without any written documents. It is therefore important that before this environment. It is well known that the relationship rich unwritten folklore on uses of plant resources is lost between man and the environment in general has never forever, through the recent accelerated ‘civilization’ of the been static. The life, culture and traditions of tribal tribals, it must be properly documented and preserved. communities however, remained static for hundreds of Need to be years and often it is said that they are the living documented Among the several approaches to ethnobotanical archaeological museums of ancient traditions and cultural unwritten research, the most important ones are through heritage of a nation. Primitive man living closely associated Tribal knowledge archeological study, literature survey, herbarium and field surveys. The field approach plays a vital role, with nature chiefly depended on forests for survival. His before dependence on the plants around him made him acquire because of the direct contact that can be established the knowledge of economic and medicinal values of many advent with the tribals living in harmony with surrounding plants and animals by trial and error. Consequently he of vegetation, which can easily bring out the authentic became the storehouse of knowledge of many useful as ‘Modernisation’ information on the uses of plants both wild and well as harmful plants, accumulated and enriched through cultivated. 10 EPTRI - ENVIS Newsletter Vol. 7, No.1, 2001 ○○○○○○○ However, presently the tribes are rapidly being assimilated into modem • Gaining of indepth knowledge of tribals and to developing societies and the treasure of knowledge is fast disappearing. This calls appropriate scientific base for the promotion of locally oriented for urgent steps to update the study for strengthening the relationship production- technology based on easily available resources as well between tribes and forest resources. This could be done by as upgradation of local skills and their economy. ○○○○○○○○○○ • Proper documentation and preservation of folk-lore and traditions Complete understanding of the links between forest and tribals is therefore before disappearance the key to preserve their associations.

• Preparation of inventories on plants used by tribals for various purposes including conservation of plants, wild genetic resources of useful and cultivated crops, and also the uses of animals by tribes

Landmarks of Yarada Hill Ranges, Eastern Ghats, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh on a Special Philatelic Cover issued by the Department of Posts & Telegraphs on 22.4.1982.

Dolphin’s Nose: - ♦ olphin’s Nose is a famous landmark in Visakhapatnam. This rocky ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ Ross Hill: This is named after Mr. Ross, who built his house in 1864 Dpromontory in the port is 358 meters high and called as at the top of the hill and later converted into a Roman “ Yarada Konda” by the locals and is known popularly as “Dolphin’s Catholic Church and named it as “Our Lady of Sacred Heart”. Nose”, because of its shape which resembles a dolphin. Standing by the inlet into the inner harbour, it has a light house and a temple of Sagara ♦ Dargha Konda: There is a mosque and shrine of a Muslim saint Giri Kanaka Durga. This Special Cover was issued to commemorate the Ishaque Madina, who was revered for his prophesies. inauguration of the Philatelic Bureau in Visakhapatnam on 22.4.1982, with postal cancellation of light house on the Dolphin’s Nose and the ♦ Sri Venkateswara Konda: According to inscriptions, this temple was Yarada Hill at Visakhapatnam sea coast along with Ross Hill photograph, built by Captain Blackmoor in 1886 and dedicated to which are the part of the Yarada Hill ranges of Eastern Ghats extending Lord Sri Venkateswara. towards the coast along Visakhapatnam. “Dolphin’s Nose” at Visakhapatnam sea coast is a part of Yarada Hills and forms the land Acknowledgement: I thank Mr. Mathen Mathew, Deccan Travel Bureau locked natural harbour. for allowing me to utilize his archieves for this article.

A brief note on the Ross Hill & other hills: Rajashekar Tummala, EPTRI-ENVIS Centre, Hyderabad. The photograph depicts three hills close to one another with a temple, a church and a mosque on each hill. ○○○○

11 The Eastern Ghats Vol.7, No. 1, 2001 EPTRI - ENVIS News Letter

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