Forest

 

 

Out of the total 6292.68 sq. km. of Government Forests in the state, 2005.39 sq. km. lies in the South Tripura District. The forests in the South Tripura District are administered through three territorial Divisions, namely Udaipur, Bagafa, Gumti and one Wildlife Sanctuary at Trishna. The Conservator of Forests based at Udaipur monitors the activities of the Divisional Forest Officers (DFOs)/ Wildlife Warden in South Tripura district and West Tripura District.

Forest types in South Tripura District belongs to Moist Tropical Forests and fall in five broad categories i.e. Moist Mixed Deciduous Forest, East Himalayan Bhabar Sal/ Alluvial plain Sal, Bamboo Brakes, Low Alluvial Savannah Woodlands and small stretches of Tropical Alluvial Forest. Majority of the natural Sal forests of the state lies in the South Tripura District. Forest in this district are endowed with a rich diversity of flora and fauna, typical of high rainfall, high temperature region. Bamboo flowering is continuing sporadically in the district with Muli Bamboo flowering in Silachari Range and Kalai bamboo flowering  in Trishna area in 2006. 

This district boasts of the only population of Indian Bison (Gaur) in Tripura, concentrating in and around Trishna Wildlife Sanctuary. Phayre’s Leaf Monkey, popularly known as Spectacled Monkey, Slow loris, Capped langur are available in this district along with a small population of Hoolock Gibbon, the only Wild Ape in India.  Clouded leopard, Barking deer, civets and varieties of birds are other species, which are available in the Forests of this district. These forests are also very rich in medicinal plant resources. Local inhabitants largely depend on forests for firewood and bamboo is playing major role in the economy of the State.

While protection of natural resources is a serious challenge in the entire state, this is highly pronounced in the district due to high density of population and easier access to Bangladesh through the porous international border. Both illicit felling and damage to forest regeneration by stray cattle is rampant. In order to tackle this problem of protection, the forest protection infrastructure has been strengthened. Construction of International Border Fencing has also checked illegal movement of timber to some extent.

Along with intensified vigil and enforcement, the state has taken up concerted efforts to involve forest communities in forest management. This endeavor in the name of Joint forest Management has been quickly gaining grounds and a great deal of enthusiasm has been created both amongst forest personnel and forest communities. They have been now working together successfully in several localities jointly with foresters for effective conservation of forests on the basis of Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) providing a share of forest products on a quid pro quo basis. More than 150 Joint Forest Committees have been constituted in the district and motivation and awareness programme to constitute more of such committees are in progress. In addition, Eco Developments Committees have been formed with forest communities around Trishna wildlife Sanctuary and involved in the management and protection of the sanctuary. It has been resolved to constitute at least one JFMC/ EDC in each village having substantial forest area within the year 2006.

The achievement during the financial year ending March 2006 in afforestation was 2600 hectares, while the target for afforestation of degraded forests in the district during 2006-07 is 2500 ha. Department has also taken up water and soil conservation efforts by constructing large number of check dams. These have helped in raising ground water table, soil conservation and increased agricultural production by way of seepage of water etc. A great deal of emphasis has been given since 2002 for revival of medicinal plant resources in natural forests and also their introduction through artificial planting both in forestlands as well as the private lands.