As the State is celebrating three-month long Vanamahotsav from July 1 to September 30, the Forest Department, this time, is not only looking at improving the forest cover, but focusing on reducing animal-human conflict and improving the groundwater table. From phasing out the acacia plantation and replacing it with native fruit trees to revive water conservation, and spending Rs 280 crore for afforestation, plans have been mooted
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Revival of water conservation sections
in forest areas
In a bid to improve the groundwater table, the Forest Department has commenced revival of water conservation sections in the forest areas to reduce the runoff water and to increase groundwater table.
The department has taken up the initiative under Central Government campaign ‘Jal Shakti Abhiyan’, a campaign for water conservation and water security. The scheme focuses on renovation of water bodies, regulating industrial consumption, harvesting rainwater and reuse of wastewater. “
DCF A Jabestin said the department is working to revive the water conservation sections like check-dams, graded-bunds, trenches to reduce runoff water. He said last year, around 273 minor check-dams were constructed.
“Under the Jal Shakti Abhiyan, more such soil and water conservation sections will be undertaken in the protected areas as part of wildlife management target to increase groundwater table and reduce human-animal conflict during summer,” he explained.
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Glance at State Forest cover (as per Forest Survey of India 2017)
