Hyderabad: A major forest rejuvenation project has commenced in Mulugu district, months after more than 36,000 trees collapsed in a rare weather phenomenon on Aug 31. Forest officials initiated a five-year plan aimed at reducing biotic interference and restoring the damaged forest ecosystem.
An area of 332 hectares was affected by the natural disaster in Tadvai reserve forest. According to Rahul Kisan Jadhav, Mulugu district forest officer, the plan includes measures such as fire management, soil erosion control, weed management and reducing biotic interference.
“The trees in the area fell or were uprooted and many lost their crowns. Although good regeneration is observed in the area, grazing by domestic cattle, human and cattle movement and the risk of fire incidences could adversely affect natural rejuvenation,” Jadhav explained.
To address these issues, it is proposed to construct a chain link fence along the boundary to control human movement and prevent encroachments, he added.
Fire poses a significant hazard to rejuvenation due to the presence of uprooted trees and dried biomass. To mitigate this risk, Jadhav proposed the creation of 5m wide firelines around the affected area and within it, covering a total length of 80km. The plan includes artificial regeneration by planting bamboo in affected areas. “Bamboo acts as a natural windbreak. It is proposed to plant bamboo wherever felled timber species are removed,” Jadhav said.
A permanently stationed quick response team will be deployed at the site. “The QRT will include 10 local tribal youth trained in forest protection, fire prevention and plantation management,” Jadhav said. Continuous scientific monitoring will be conducted with institutions such as FCRI, TSFA. A LiDAR survey is also proposed to obtain accurate statistics on forest’s status.
An area of 332 hectares was affected by the natural disaster in Tadvai reserve forest. According to Rahul Kisan Jadhav, Mulugu district forest officer, the plan includes measures such as fire management, soil erosion control, weed management and reducing biotic interference.
“The trees in the area fell or were uprooted and many lost their crowns. Although good regeneration is observed in the area, grazing by domestic cattle, human and cattle movement and the risk of fire incidences could adversely affect natural rejuvenation,” Jadhav explained.
To address these issues, it is proposed to construct a chain link fence along the boundary to control human movement and prevent encroachments, he added.
Fire poses a significant hazard to rejuvenation due to the presence of uprooted trees and dried biomass. To mitigate this risk, Jadhav proposed the creation of 5m wide firelines around the affected area and within it, covering a total length of 80km. The plan includes artificial regeneration by planting bamboo in affected areas. “Bamboo acts as a natural windbreak. It is proposed to plant bamboo wherever felled timber species are removed,” Jadhav said.
A permanently stationed quick response team will be deployed at the site. “The QRT will include 10 local tribal youth trained in forest protection, fire prevention and plantation management,” Jadhav said. Continuous scientific monitoring will be conducted with institutions such as FCRI, TSFA. A LiDAR survey is also proposed to obtain accurate statistics on forest’s status.
