Community Engagement Drives Forest Conservation Efforts in Dalhousie

Community Involvement in Forest Fire Prevention

Subhash Mahajan

Understanding that public cooperation is essential for success, the Dalhousie Forest Division has launched an impressive initiative aimed at reducing forest fires through community involvement, which in turn enhances biodiversity. Frequent forest fires lead to retrogressive succession, hindering the natural progression of plant species.

To address this issue, the forest department has enlisted the help of local forest management committees to clear pine needles from afforestation sites. In the last two years, seeds of native species have been planted in areas affected by fire, and willow poles have been introduced in moisture-rich streams.

To lower fire hazards, 171 pine check dams were constructed last year, successfully collecting over 10.60 quintals of pine needles. These needles were repurposed to create jute rope check dams within the forests, effectively reducing flammable materials while stabilizing streams and preventing soil erosion, all thanks to public participation.

Economic Benefits from High-Yield Native Species

Dalhousie DFO Rajneesh Mahajan emphasized the significance of involving local communities in forest conservation through economically viable species. Nurseries have focused on high-yield species like Lasooda, which faces challenges due to seed predation by insect larvae. Nursery workers received specialized training from the Regional Horticulture Research and Training Station in Jachh. Lasooda is sold for ₹70–₹80 per kilogram, and a mature tree can yield up to 50 kilograms annually, providing a substantial income for rural families.

Additionally, other economically advantageous fruit-bearing species such as walnut, daru, harad, behda, amla, and reetha—native to the area—are set to be planted along forest edges during the monsoon. By safeguarding forests from fires, local communities will reap economic rewards while simultaneously boosting biodiversity.

Enhancing Fire-Resistant and Native Green Cover

Fire-resistant species like Kaith, Khajoor, Dadu, Faguda, Amaltash, Tor, and Tremble have been cultivated in nurseries, as these plants thrive in fire-prone pine forests. To ensure rich biodiversity, various native species have been nurtured in specialized Biodiversity Nurseries, some of which have been modernized to enhance plant growth. Root trainers filled with coco peat and vermicompost offer lightweight, moisture-retaining environments that support root development.

More than 30,000 saplings, including Peepal, Banyan, Faguda, Rumble, Tremble, and Palakh, have been grown in root trainers. These will eventually be planted along highways as part of the Ficus Forest initiative, acting as natural green lungs and providing habitats for birds.