Study Tour of M.Sc. Environment Management to Mohand Forest Range

We (M. Sc Environment Management 2021-2023) were taken for a visit to a Timber Depot on 22nd April 2022. We were very keen about this tour as we never got an exposure to a Timber Depot and the tour briefing triggered our interests to higher levels. The bus arrived at 7.00 AM, and we left the campus by 7.30 AM. We were accompanied by Retd. IFS Dr. S. R. Reddy. In 1 hour we reached our 1st destination - The Mohand Forest Range, Shivalik Forest Division, Sharanpur Forest Circle, Mohand Block, Compartment 2B.

The site had vegetation of predominantly Sal, Haldu, Asna, Rohini and Jhingan Trees. At this site is felling of trees were ongoing as this region is selected to be constructed (by the National Highway Authority) a 4 lane expressway. This highway is being constructed due to increased traffics and to save the affected wildlife (more prone to regular accidents). The highway is planned to be elevated so that the wildlife animals can pass under this way and thus accidents and their right to live and their innocent lives can be given security and a safer option. We saw the total process of felling trees from marking them to their complete felling and converting it into pieces. We were told about the marking systems of the tree, how the desired tree felling direction can be achieved by ropes and wages, the escape route, the passing register, lot no., tree measurements before and after felling, the fit and unfit trees. Dr. S. R. Reddy put light on the translocation of the trees, we were unfortunate we could not witness any part of the process. We saw the felling of trees and realised deeply why emotion is so connected with trees even if you haven't seen the trees with your own eyes. Though there are many protests going on in Uttarakhand and some other parts not to fell these trees, Sir guided us with the reasons for the felling and why it is inevitable. And that's why many young trees are being translocated spending lacs of rupees.

After we observed that site we then moved to the next part of the trip by bus. We entered the Timber Depot and we were lucky to see the traditional rope making from the Bhabar grass. Sir explained to us how the name of the Shivalik (tresses of Lord Shiva) came due to the dropping of Bhabar grasses from the hills, what is the importance of the grass in the region, how pulp and ropes are made from it, and how bailing of grasses took place in the depot. Then from thereafter the lunch, we started a small trek to see the adjacent forest type and the topography. We could clearly see the ridgeline of the forest from there, the other vegetation and the total landscapes. We observed the local Gujjar community houses and their domestic animals. We also enthusiastically noticed the wildlife including Indian Golden Jackal, Chestnut-headed Bee Eater, Green Bee Eater, Indian Roller, Ret Wattled Lapwing (nesting behaviour)etc. 

We were then introduced to the concepts of volume table, the processing of timber, the marking of the timber, measurement of timbers, the auction process of timber, how price is fixed for timbers etc. We came to know how the timbers are transported off-road and on-road transportation and sometimes also by the timber chute in rivers (boom), how to get the identification of trees from their log no. (indicating the tree's site) and the felling no., and about sustainable harvesting. And we got to know about the differences between the Forest Divisions and the Forest Corporation. After all a tiring but a very well spent day, we were buzzing with information, questions, solutions and new thoughts. Though physically tired but full of energy in our mind and soul, after delivering a Thanksgiving speech to Sir and all the Forest Officials who were a shadow to our souls all day, we returned to our campus by the evening. 

By

Ms. Arunima Sengupta

M.Sc. Environment Management (II Semester)