Subhash Mahajan
Recognizing that no initiative can succeed without public cooperation, the Dalhousie Forest Division has undertaken a commendable effort to curb forest fires through community participation, thereby improving biodiversity. Regular forest fires promote retrogressive succession, preventing plant species from progressing toward natural succession.
To combat this, the forest department has engaged members of rural forest management committees to remove pine needles from afforestation areas. Over the past two years, local species seeds have been sown in fire-affected areas, while willow species poles have been planted in moisture-rich streams.
In an effort to mitigate fire risks, last year 171 pine check dams were constructed, collecting over 10.60 quintals of pine needles. These needles were used to build jute rope check dams within the forests, reducing highly flammable material while stabilizing streams and preventing soil erosion—all through public participation.
Economic Growth Through High-Yield Native Species
Dalhousie DFO Rajneesh Mahajan highlighted the importance of engaging local communities in forest protection and conservation through economically valuable species. Nurseries have prioritized high-return species like Lasooda, which is difficult to cultivate due to seed predation by insect larvae. Special training from Regional Horticulture Research and Training Station, Jachh was provided to nursery workers. Lasooda sells for ₹70–₹80 per kilogram, and a mature tree (about 10 years old) produces up to 50 kilograms annually, making it a strong income source for rural residents.
Other economically beneficial fruit-bearing species such as walnut, daru, harad, behda, amla, and reetha—all native to the region—will be planted along forest peripheries during the monsoon season. By protecting forests from fires, locals will gain economic benefits while enhancing biodiversity.
Expanding Fire-Resistant and Native Green Cover
Fire-resistant species such as Kaith, Khajoor, Dadu, Faguda, Amaltash, Tor, and Tremble have been grown in nurseries, as these species thrive even within fire-prone pine forests. To maintain rich biodiversity, several native species have been cultivated in specialized nurseries, named Biodiversity Nurseries, with some modernized for improved plant growth. Root trainers with coco peat and vermicompost provide lightweight, high-moisture retention, aiding root development.
Over 30,000 saplings, including Peepal, Banyan, Faguda, Rumble, Tremble, and Palakh, have been grown in root trainers. These will be later planted near highways as part of the Ficus Forest initiative, serving as natural green lungs and benefiting bird habitats.
