The state of Karnataka is located in the southwestern part of the country.

It covers total
geographical area of 192 thousand sq. kms which is about 6.3 percent of the national
geographical area. The state is divided into 27 districts which are further sub-divided into 175
talukas. The state has about 270 towns and more than 27 thousand inhabited villages. In other
words, the state occupies a prime importance in the economy of the country. Being a hub for
IT industry in the country the state has witnessed an influx of highly qualified information
technology professionals in the recent past which has put pressure on the land and other
infrastructure in the state. Map 2.1 presents the map of Karnataka indicating location of its
various districts.

The present state of Karnataka came into being with effect from 1 November,
1956. The new state was formed as envisaged under Section 7 of the States
Reorganization Act, 1956 by integrating the old Mysore state, the former state of
Coorg, portions of the former Bombay and Madras Presidencies and some areas of
the former Hyderabad state. As major portion of the re-organized state was from the
old Mysore state, it was then named as Mysore state and was rechristened as
Karnataka in 1973. As the integrating areas of the newly formed state were under
different administrations, policies and laws for general administration of the areas
evolved differently and in continuation of the policies or practices prevalent earlier.
The same was also true of the policies and laws related to forest administration and
managemen

Demographic and Socio-economic Profile of Karnataka

The demographic features of Karnataka as per the Census 2001 are as follows: The
state has a population of 52.73 million, i.e., it accounted for about 5.1 percent of the India’s
population. The state had about 30.69 million livestock population (i.e, about 6.8 percent ) of
the livestock population of the country in 1997 (Economic Survey, 2003-04, Government of
Karnataka). The human population in the state grew by 17.25 percent over the decade of 1991
to 2001. The proportion of urban population to the total population in the state was 34 percent,
in comparison to the respective figure for India being 28 percent. The literacy rate of the state
was 67.0 percent, i.e., marginally higher than that for India.

Evolution and forest policy law and management practices after 1956

In this chapter our focus will be on the policies and practices for forest
management adopted in Karnataka after its formation in 1956. However, before
doing so, it will be relevant to have an overview of the post-1956 forestry scenario at
the national level for two reasons. First, 'economic and social planning' being a
concurrent subject (No. 20) in the Indian Constitution, state sector planning
including forestry sector planning is given a final shape in consultation with the
central government. The thrust areas of national planning, including sector-level
nd planning are reflected in the state planning. Secondly, with the 42 amendment to the
Indian Constitution in 1976, the Government of India has a much larger say in certain
aspects of forest management by the states. Many of the developments that have
taken place in Karnataka's forestry sector during this period have been impacted or
influenced by policy directives or guidelines from the central governme

National scenario

Over the years relentless pressure arising from increasing population,

diversion of forest land for not forest uses and increased demand from forest based
industries have caused serious depletion of forest resources. In the period following
Independence, the conservation needs of forests were subordinated to food and
developmental requirement of the nation. Forests were looked at as a source of direct
revenue to the national exchequer. Investment in forestry development continued to
be low and as a result large-scale forest conservation and development activities
could not be pursued. Forest lands were released for a variety of purposes. The
country lost large extents of forest land for expansion of agriculture and other uses

Forestry which was in the 'State List' of the Indian Constitution was brought
under the 'Concurrent List' after the Forty-Second Amendment of the Constitution
in 1976. Moreover, ten fundamental duties were included in the Constitution and the
seventh one is: '(g). to protect and improve the natural environment including forests,
lakes, rivers and wildlife, and to have compassion for living creatures'. Again
three new directive principles were added and one of them is: '48A. Protection and
improvement of environment and safeguarding of forests and wildlife'. The
constitutional amendments were considered a landmark because they enabled the
central government to issue guidelines for the management of forests and wildlife.
[12/04, 8:18 pm] Omiiiii Home No: In view of the subject of 'Forestry and Wildlife' having been
placed in the
nd Concurrent List by virtue of the 42 Constitutional Amendment, the basic policy
guidelines are formulated by the Union Government through the Ministry of
Environment and Forests (since renamed as Ministry of Environment, Forests and
Climate Change). The responsibility of administering the forests primarily vests with
the State Governments, the primary executing agencies being the State Forest
Departments.
3.5. The National Commission on Agriculture (NCA), constituted in 1972,
gave its final recommendations in 1976. It gave a new thrust and meaning to forest
management in India. The Commission studied the forestry sector comprehensively
and gave wide ranging recommendations touching all aspects of forestry.
Recommendations were primarily on the following topics: (a) Forest Policy; (b)
Production and Social Forestry; (c) Minor Forest Produce; (d) Forest Ecology and
Wildlife Management; (e) Forest Protection and Law; and (f) Forest Planning,
Research and Education.
3.6. One of the important recommendations in the report of the National
Commission on Agriculture was on undertaking social forestry on a massive scale as
a national program. The term 'Social Forestry' was first used in India in the
Commission's final report (1976). Implementation of this recommendation resulted
in India embarking upon social forestry projects by planting trees
[12/04, 8:27 pm] Omiiiii Home No: The National Commission on Agriculture was of the view that
for protection
of forests and wildlife management, there should be sufficient buffer zone at the
boundary of the national parks and the Wildlife Division in the Government of India
be headed by an officer of the rank of Additional Inspector General of Forests. On
forest protection and law, the Commission suggested soliciting support of voluntary
associations, issuing letter of appreciation and cash reward to panchayats,
undertaking large-scale social forestry programme and creating depots to supply
timber and fuel wood to villagers and the enactment of an All India Forest Act by
Parliament. On forest planning, research and education, the NCA recommended
taking up of aerial photography for rapid forest survey. The Commission had
recommended the creation of a national forest survey organization for a regular,
periodic and comprehensive forest resources survey of the country.
3.9. The recommendations of the National Commission on Agriculture had far
reaching influences on the evolution of forest policy and management in the country
during the following years. In addition to the initiation of the programme of social
forestry and establishment of forest development corporations as mentioned above,
participatory approach to forest management was given increasing emphasis, which
eventually led to formulation of a new national forest policy. In order to strengthen
and give more focus on forest administration, a separate Ministry of Environment
and Forests was created in 1984. The Forest Survey of India (FSI) was established in
Dehradun in 1981 by upgrading the 'Pre-investment Survey of Forest Resources
(PISFR)' – a GOI project sponsored by FAO and UNDP since 1965. The Indian
Institute of Forest Management (IIFM), Bhopal was established in 1982 to fulfill the
growing need for the managerial human resource in the area of management of
forest, environment, natural resources and allied sectors.
[12/04, 8:33 pm] Omiiiii Home No: The new policy marks a major departure from the earlier
policy which was
primarily production oriented. It accords the highest priority to ensuring
environmental stability and maintenance of ecological balance. Derivation of direct
economic benefits is to be subordinated to this principal aim. The national goal is to
have a minimum of one-third land area of the country under forest or tree cover. A
massive need-based and time-bound programme of afforestation and tree-planting,
with particular emphasis on fuel wood and fodder development, on all degraded and
denuded lands in the country, whether forest or non forest, with people's involvement
is stressed.
3.14. The new policy lays emphasis on meeting the local needs, in particular of
the tribal population, and in safeguarding their traditional rights and concessions,
subject to the carrying capacity of the forests. The domestic requirements of fuel
wood, fodder, non-timber forest produce and construction timber required by the
tribal and poor people living near the forests are to be regarded as the first charge on
forest produce. The policy stipulates full protection of existing forests and forest
lands and improvement of their productivity. It has laid stress on strengthening and
extension of Protected Areas for the conservation of biological diversity. The policy
has also laid down guidelines for preventing damage to forests from encroachment,
fires and grazing, and issues related to tribal forest interface, shifting cultivation,
forest extension, education, research, personnel management, etc.
[12/04, 8:40 pm] Omiiiii Home No: It is in this context that the Government of India issued a
Circular on 1
June 1990 highlighting the need and the procedure to be adopted for the involvement
of village communities and voluntary agencies in the protection and development of
degraded forests. In order to ensure community participation the State Governments
had been advised to enlist the communication and extension expertise of local non-
government organizations to serve as interfaces between the Forest departments and
the communities. These guidelines constituted a significant departure in forest
management practice in that increasing emphasis had been laid in the active
participation of the people in the programs of forest conservation and development
by developing micro-plans right from decision making to carrying out the decisions.
Another significant point to be noted in the guidelines was the benefit sharing
arrangement which was intended to enable the village communities to develop a
stake in the protection and development of the degraded forests.
[12/04, 8:50 pm] Omiiiii Home No: In 2003, the Government of India set up a National Forest
Commission
(NFC) with former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of India, Justice B. N. Kirpal,
as its Chairman and seven members to review and assess India's policy and law, its
effect on India's forests, its impact on local forest communities, and to make
recommendations to achieve sustainable forest and ecological security in India. The
report of the Commission was submitted in 2006. The Report is very comprehensive
and covers all aspects of forest management. The Commission made more than 300
recommendations covering various aspects such as forest policy, forest legislation,
forest conservation, ecological security, sustainable forest management, meeting
demand of forest products, arresting forest degradation, rehabilitation of degraded
forests, increasing forest/tree cover, wildlife conservation, watershed management
for sustainable supply of water, supporting sustainable agriculture, recognition of
tenural rights, multi-stakeholder partnership, resolution of conflict among village
institutions, forest certification, economic valuation of ecosystem services,
ecotourism, areas not under the control of the Forest departments, constraints and
threats, etc.

Impact of plywood and Matchwood industries on forest

In India, large scale working of forests started in order to extract trees

yielding hardwood. While Teak was the prime target, demand for other hardwood
species also grew because of the expansion of railways, roadways, shipyards,
dockyards, factories, buildings, etc. These species were mostly available in the
deciduous forests. The evergreen and semi-evergreen forests were generally left
untouched as these forests predominantly harbored medium and soft wood trees.
However, search and research for finding alternative ways and means for utilizing the
vast timber resources of the evergreen and semi-evergreen forests continued. As the
Second World War (1939-1945) resulted in over-exploitation of the deciduous
forests, such efforts were intensified in the post war period. This resulted in
development of the technology of making plywood under Indian conditions. The
plywood industry was also encouraged to explore the possibility of utilizing various
softwood timber species, as it would indirectly reduce the pressure on our deciduous
forests which had been over-exploited for a long time. During the post war period as
well as after the Independence, a number of plywood factories were set up in the
eastern and southern regions of the country.
5.3. The first plywood factory in Karnataka was established in Yeshwanthpur,
Bangalore during late 1930s. Subsequently a number of plywood factories were set
up in South Kanara, North Kanara, Shimoga, Dharwar and Mysore districts. The
Indian Plywood Manufacturing (IPM) Company Limited, in particular, established
factories in Dandeli, Dharwar, Subramanya, Talaguppa, etc.

With the establishment of the plywood manufactories in the state and liberal commitment made
by the State Government to supply them with the needed softwood timber at concessional rates,
it came peremptory upon the timber department to open up the evergreen andsemi-evergreen
timbers for timber birth. In addition, a number of match manufactories including the Mysore
Match Company( Shimoga) and the Western India Match Company( WIMCO) were distributed
matchwood timber at concessional rates. The timbers of Shimoga, Chikmagalur, North Kanara,
South Kanara, Hassan and Kodagu were worked for birth of softwood timber for the plywood
and matchwood diligence. Until also, these timbers were hardly touched, except for birth of
balagi( Poeciloneuron indicum) poles for electric posts and some hardwood timber species
similar as dhuma Dipterocarpus indicus), ebony( Diospyros ebenum), poon( Calophyllum
tomentosum- for boat masts), etc

Funding in the forestry sector

Forests meet a sizeable portion of India's energy needs, bulk of it in the rural
sector through supply of fuel wood for cooking and heating. Fodder needs of a vast
majority of our cattle population are also met from these forests. Forest products also
play a very important role in the rural and tribal economy. Many of the non-timber
forest products (NTFP) provide sustenance to the rural people, who collect a large
part of their daily necessities, including food and medicines, from the forests. Most of
these forest products represent a direct subsidy to the rural poor, and are integral
elements in alleviating their poverty. For land-less families, forest related activities
often represent an important source of income.
6.3. Since Independence, there has been inadequate investment in the forestry
sector to compensate for the loss and degradation of forest due to various factors such
as expansion of agriculture, development projects and growing population. In the
past, investment decisions in the forestry sector have been influenced by the false
notion that forests can regenerate on their own, free of cost to the country. Besides, in
view of acute underdevelopment of the country, particularly in the fields of
Agriculture, Energy and Industry, the thrust of the development planning process, as
reflected in the Five Year Plans, right from 1951, had been primarily on these sectors.
The allocation in the forestry sector has been, over the years, less than 1.0% of the
total public sector outlay. Considering that forests occupy more than twenty per cent
of the country's geographical area, the forestry sector outlay is abysmally low.

Social forestry in Karnataka

The farm forestry programme was successful. However, trees were planted for
pulpwood and poles, rather than for fuelwood as intended, and there were some
problems with a mismatch of supply and demand of seedling types. The
re-estimated economic rate-of-return was 11% compared to 22% at appraisal.
● The decentralised kissan nursery programme succeeded in involving women and
landless in the project, but the nurseries did not become sustainable commercial
units as had been hoped.
● The effect of private planting on labour displacement and lost grazing access was
considered to be marginal. Eucalyptus plantations did, however, have an
unquantified negative impact on adjacent food crops.
● Community plantations have not been as successful as farm forestry in terms of
yields and economic returns (at 5%). In many cases the returns from grazing
would have been higher than that achieved under the project. Poor sites were a
major factor.
● Institutional arrangements to involve participants in the planning and management
of community plantations were not developed, and consequently area targets were
achieved at the expense of other village uses, notably communal grazing.
● Monitoring and evaluation arrangements were more appropriate to plantation
forestry than to social forestry.
● Many of the social and institutional constraints which had been identified both
before and during the project had not been resolved by the end of the project. This
was partly due to a lack of clarity in project design as to the balance between
production and social objectives, as well as to a failure to appreciate or implement
the scale of organisational and managerial changes required.
Development of plantation

The history of tree planting is as old as the history of agriculture. People initially
had taken to planting of fruit yielding trees as a source of food. Kautilya's
th Arthashastra (4 Century BCE) not only mentions about protection of forests and but
also about various types of land-use including grove, plantation of fruit plants, etc.
This clearly indicates that while natural forests satisfied certain requirements of the
community, planted trees satisfied certain other needs. It is very unlikely that in
ancient times trees were planted for timber or firewood, as the same was readily
available in the nearby forests. However, planting of trees for fruits and flowers was a
common practice. Planting of trees was encouraged and patronized by the rulers,
especially in villages and along road-sides for providing shade, and in parks and
gardens for recreational and aesthetic purposes. It is said that teak planting was
prevalent during the time of Shivaji.
8.2. Tree planting as a forestry activity gained momentum in India in the
nineteenth century in order to replenish the depleted stock of over-exploited natural
forests. As teak was the most sought after timber, its over-exploitation had resulted in
its depletion and need was felt to regenerate the species. As and when other timber
species were brought to use, their restocking in the forest became necessary. Both
natural and artificial regeneration methods were adopted depending on species as
well as forest types. Since it was found easier to raise teak artificially, teak plantations
were raised in many places all over British India since 1842. Induced natural
regeneration by opening of canopy helped in the establishment of kiralbogi (Hopea
parviflora) in Mangalore division of Madras presidency. In Kodagu state, the blanks
created by selection felling in Ghat forests were made good by dibbling of seeds with
fairly successful results. Large extents of dry deciduous forests were clear felled for
timber and fuel wood and then regenerated under 'simple coppice' or 'coppice with
standards' system

Roadside plantations and urban plantation

Raising of roadside and urban area plantations has become a very

important component of the afforestation initiatives of the Forest department. This is
more so in the maidan areas of the State, where it has become the most important and
visible activity of the department. Being located on roadsides or near habitations,
these plantations always attract the attention of the general public. As a result, public
perception of the department to a large extent is formed by the quality of these
plantations. These plantations in fact have become the face of the Forest department
in the public eye.
8.13. Roadside plantations and urban area plantations constitute a plantation
model which is different from other plantation models of the Forest department
because of certain distinct features. These are: (a) both categories of plantations are
generally raised outside forest area; (b) each planted seedling requires individual
attention, protection and after-care; (c) seedlings of exceptionally high quality must
be planted; (d) the success of the plantation depends upon the interest, assistance and
co-operation of the neighboring individuals /community/ institution

[12/04, 9:36 pm] Omiiiii Home No: In order to reduce the mortality of seedlings and to further
improve upon
the survival rates of the roadside and urban area plantations it is
recommended that the following steps are taken by the staff of the Forest
Department:
(a) While planting trees on roadsides, especially in rural areas where
roads normally abut agricultural lands, the neighboring farmers
should invariably be consulted regarding species proposed to be
planted and other aspects of planting. The benefits that may accrue
from such planting, minimum care that may be expected from the
farmers for their maintenance, etc. may be explained in detail to the
farmers. Suggestions of the farmers, including that of species to be
planted, may be kept in mind. Species yielding edible and non-
edible fruits/seeds such as hunase, nerale, mango, bevu, honge, etc
may be suggested. Species like aala, arali, goni, basari, etc. are also
very popular in the rural areas.
[12/04, 9:38 pm] Omiiiii Home No: Introduction of Tree patta scheme at the initial stage of the
plantation may go a long way in ensuring support of the adjoining
farmers in protecting and nurturing the plants. This innovative
scheme was conceived by the state government in order to
consolidate on the gains of the JFPM process. The modalities of
the scheme have been spelt out in a state government order dated
19-06-2002. The scheme provides for protection of trees planted
on roadsides, canal banks and other similar areas by the farmers or
land holders residing adjacent to such plantations and provides for
sharing of produce between the beneficiaries and the
government. The beneficiaries are entitled to 100% usufructs
provided they protect the trees. The final harvest will be shared in
the ratio 75:25 between the beneficiaries and the government. A
nominal rent of Rs 10/- per tree and Rs 5/- per tree will be charged
from the tree patta holder
[12/04, 9:43 pm] Omiiiii Home No: Roadside plantations, especially in rural areas and near
habitations
like villages or hamlets, are often damaged by stray cattle roaming
around in search of fodder. Cattle also cause damage to grown up
saplings or small trees by scratching their bodies against the
trunks.
(f) At times the tree-guards or other protective measures provided to
protect seedling/sapling from being browsed become ineffective.
In urban areas, it is common to see untreated wooden tree-guards
decaying at the base and thereafter falling or slanting on one side
forcing the sapling also to slant. This results in physical damage to
the sapling leading to deformity. The plant also becomes easy
victim of browsing.
(g) Success of a roadside or urban area plantation depends very much
on the interest and co-operation of the neighboring individuals or
community or institutions. It is very much necessary to have a
dialogue or discussion with such neighbors before starting
planting so that their co-operation and assistance can be enlisted
for maintenance of the plantations. Lack of such dialogue or
discussion beforehand may result in indifferent result

Block plantation and mixed species

In case of a block plantation with indigenous species, where intermediate

thinning/felling is not envisaged, planting density of 1100 plants per hectare is on the
higher side, as there will be intense competition among the trees in about 10 years,
and many of the planted trees would be suppressed rendering them redundant and
without any future growth. Planting density of about 600 plants per hectare
(corresponding to espacement of about 4 m by 4 m) is considered ideal for such
plantations. By reducing the planting density, seedlings of better quality can be
planted within the same cost per hectare. There will also be an overall reduction in the
plantation cost. In other words, the focus should be more on quality of seedlings
rather than on their numbers. With this approach, seedlings as good as the ones used
in roadside plantations can be used in block plantations with splendid results.
Planting density should be further reduced depending upon the presence of natural
regeneration in the area.

In a normal forest, the total number of trees per hectare is high. In such a
forest, there is a distinct pattern in the distribution of trees of different age classes; the
number of trees with the highest age class (or diameter class) is the least and the
number of trees with the lowest age class (seedling stage) is the highest. The number
of trees progressively decreases as the age class increases. The presence of trees of
difference age classes makes it possible to accommodate more number of trees per
unit area. In such a scenario, trees of different age classes occupy different spaces
both above and below the ground and a state of dynamic equilibrium is achieved with
optimum utilization of available resources (light, water and nutrition). The number of
trees per unit area in such a normal forest depends upon factors such as rainfall, soil,
drainage, etc. The number is high in the evergreen forests and comes down as we
move to drier forest areas such as semi

Agro forestry in karnataka

Adoption of urbanization and industrialization from the people has lead to deforestation and
destruction in environmental balance.
These are unavailability of daily utilizing materials like fire wood, fodder or cattle feed etc. Even
the rainfall is abrupted.
Agriculture farming is turning to become a difficult task.
Trees are required to protect the soil fertility and increase the soil organic matter.
Forest provides shade / coolness and protect from environmental pollution.
The essential process of releasing Oxygen to the environment which is required for human
being by takingCarbon-di-oxide.
Trees are also involved in agricultural practices. In agriculture various ups and downs are
common. The major advantages of taking up trees in the field are availability of fire wood, fruits,
fodder etc. Many farmers improve their economic conditions by selling the trees

Forests in karnataka

Forests of Karnataka are primarily deciduous and evergreen. Deciduous forests have
preponderance of deciduous trees, whereas evergreen forests are dominated by evergreen
trees. Deciduous trees completely shed their leaves for some time during the year; they have a
distinct period of leaf lessness ranging from a few days to a few months. In tropical deciduous
forests, leaf fall is primarily determined by reduction of water availability in the soil. Evergreen
trees also shed their leaves but not all at the same time; they do not become leafless during any
part of the year. In the driest parts of Karnataka, as also in the highly degraded forests of the
state, there is predominance of thorny species. Appearance of thorny elements is reflective of
the nature’s adaptation to harsher conditions, where there is need for conservation of energy
and water, besides warding off herbivorous intruders.

Intro to kamara in dry zone afferostation

Kamara is a characteristic tree of the dry deciduous forests and can grow on
shallow, gravely soils. It grows best on sandstone, conglomerate, quartzite, granite
and schist, with an overlying soil of sandy loam. The species thrives in a dry climate
characterized by a long drought, scanty to moderate rainfall and intense heat during
the hot season. It prefers a mean annual rainfall of 500-1000 mm and grows best in
o
areas where annual daytime temperatures are within 16-38 C. However, this resilient
and hardy species is capable enough of surviving in as scanty rainfall as 250 mm per
o
annum and can withstand as high a temperature as 45 C. The species has the unique
ability to thrive on a dry climate and to establish and grow on dry shallow soil and
rocky ground where most other species would struggle, wither or succumb. Kamara
is a moderately light demanding species although the young trees can withstand some
shade. The species tolerates acidic to neutral soils.
12.3. One very significant characteristic of kamara is its taproot system which
has the ability to penetrate hard soil and fissures in solid rock. Because of this special
ability, the species does not require deep overlying soil to establish. In case of a
naturally regenerated seedling, the shoot (stem) usually dies back annually during the
early years of development of the taproot. Young seedlings of the species are
sensitive to fire, but recovery is good thanks to the robust taproot system. The species
is known to be sensitive to frost; however, frosty weather being almost non-existent
in Karnataka, there is no threat to the species

The soil and climatic conditions obtaining in extensive parts of the vast
eastern plains of Karnataka are ideal for kamara, as the ecological needs of the
species are largely met with in these areas. The success of the species can be further
enhanced by taking up good soil preparation before planting. In the dry and
refractory areas of the state, the use of mechanical devices for digging/ripping the
soil for formation of pits and trenches has become quite common. Such mechanical
methods help in piercing or ripping the ground to better depths thereby loosening the
soil more effectively. It also helps in conserving whatever precipitation is received in
the rain-deficient areas. This type of soil preparation facilitates the development of
the taproot system of the kamara seedlings which can establish well with ease.
12.6. Because of its hardiness and resilience to survive in adverse conditions,
kamara has become an important species for afforestation in the eastern plains. Very
good results have been obtained in Bagalkot, Belagavi and Ballari districts where
kamara has been planted since many years. In Ballari forest division, kamara has
become the principal species for afforestation. The decision to introduce kamara was
perhaps owing to its visible success in a large number of plantations raised during the
last 15-20 years in the division. The species has come up well despite adverse biotic
factors and harsh climatic conditions. In certain regions of Ballari division, kam

Development and management of sandalwood

[12/04, 10:14 pm] Omiiiii Home No: Extraction of sandalwood was an important economic
activity in the
princely state of Mysore. Prior to the establishment of the Forest department in 1864,
there was a separate Sandalwood department which had supervised extraction and
disposal of sandalwood. With the formation of the Forest department, the work of
extraction and disposal was taken over by the Forest department which streamlined
the entire process of collection, transportation, preparation, dressing and auction. At
that time, only dead and diseased sandalwood trees were extracted. Realizing the
value of sandalwood, the department changed the method of extraction from that of
cutting to uprooting of trees. The department also introduced a new classification
comprising of eighteen classes depending upon quality, soundness, proportion of
heartwood/sapwood, root/stem, etc. The system of giving bonus for the extracted
sandalwood was introduced as an incentive to the land holder. Considering the
importance of sandalwood and the need to protect the species, a number of forests
having good stocking of sandalwood were notified as 'Sandal Reserves'.
[12/04, 10:17 pm] Omiiiii Home No: In order to encourage propagation of sandalwood in the
forest, the Forest
department had introduced a scheme in the early 1980s called Sandal Estate scheme
which focused on artificial regeneration of sandalwood in potential sandal growing
areas. A few posts of RFOs were also created specifically for supervising execution
of the scheme. The department took initiatives in developing nurseries for raising
sandal seedlings in poly-bags. Plantations were raised in some of the well-known and
potential sandal growing areas. Dibbling of sandal seeds was also carried out under
the scheme. Besides, the field staff members, especially the forest watchers, were
encouraged to take up dibbling of seeds under bushes and in hilly areas during the
pre-monsoon season. The result of the 'Sandal Estate” scheme was mixed. While
plantations came up well in some areas, they were not so encouraging in others.
Besides, the funds provided under the scheme were not sufficient to raise and manage
the plantations in the 'estate management' concept. There was not much scope for
nurturing the plantations after three-four years. The most glaring draw-back was the
absence of a fool-proof barricading system. The traditional barbed-wire fencing
which lasts for three-four years was not sufficient for the sandal plantations which
were to be managed as estates.

In view of the success achieved in the new method of developing sandal

estates, it is desirable that similar efforts are replicated in more and more sandal
bearing forest areas in the state. All the areas in the forest divisions where sandal has
been found to regenerate profusely should be identified, surveyed and mapped.
Important operations to be carried out in such areas are protection from fire, grazing
and theft. The identified areas should be effectively fenced with chain-link mesh
embedded in concrete foundation or with concrete wall. As this item of work is quite
expensive, it will not be possible to barricade all the identified areas in one go. Areas
with relatively older sandal trees should be barricaded early. For each such unit, day
and night watch and ward should be provided. The requisite ration should be
provided to the watchers. Accommodation should be provided within the area for the
watchers to take rest in turn. Sandal saplings/seedlings, which are suppressed
because of over head shade or due to the presence of undesirable growth, should be
made free. Excess over head branches of other trees should be pruned to ensure
sufficient light to the saplings/seedlings. Climbers should be cut and obnoxious
weeds hindering the growth of sandal should be removed. The seedlings, which are
young, may be provided with soil working and manuring. If the density of existing
sandal seedlings and the natural growth of the host plants are not found sufficient,
dibbling of seeds of sandalwood and planting of sandal seedlings with host plants
may be taken up in the open areas.

Forest protection

People have been dependent on forest since ages. This dependence was perhaps
total in the beginning when they obtained all their requirements including food from
forest. As the need for more food grew, people started cultivating food crops on forest
land on a temporary / cyclic basis – a system which still continues as shifting
cultivation in some pockets of forest. With the introduction of settled agriculture,
people's dependence on forest for food gradually came down; but it came at a heavy
price – loss of forest land for cultivation. While forest was lost temporarily under
shifting cultivation, it was lost for ever under settled agriculture. For centuries, as
human population increased, more and more forest lands were cleared for taking up
agriculture and settlements. Clearance of forest land for cultivation was encouraged
by the rulers too, as it provided avenues for collecting more land revenue. The British
Indian administration encouraged clearance of forest for similar reasons. They also
encouraged plantation crops in addition to cereal crops, which put more demand on
forest land. They adopted a forest policy in which forest had no intrinsic right over
land and agriculture was given precedence over forestry. The policy of encouraging
agriculture over forestry continued even after India attained Independence. In view
of severe shortages of food grains against a steadily rising population, the
Government had no option but to take all necessary steps to maximize production of
food grains for the people, and large chunks of forest lands were released for
agriculture, under the “Grow More Food” campaign. Besides, diversion of forest
land for other development purposes continued quite liberally until the enactment of
the Forest (Conservation) Act in 1980, which slowed down the unabated loss of
forest because of imposition of strict restrictions / regulations on diversion of forest
land.

In the recent years, there has been growing awareness regarding

protection of forest from the clutches of encroachment. This has enabled the Forest
department to get favourable judgments from various courts. The Hon'ble High
Court of Karnataka has also been monitoring the progress of eviction of forest
encroachments by the Forest department. This has emboldened the younger
generation of officers to take up eviction of forest encroachment cases head on and
bring these to their logical ends. It must however be admitted that many encroachers
stake their claim to land under the provisions of the Forest Rights Act. This seriously
hampers the process of eviction and it is becoming a protracted exercise for the
department to dispose of such claims. More than two lakh applications have been
received under the Forest Rights Act. These are being examined and legitimate
claims are being settled. There is a tendency among the communities to clear and
burn more forests and occupy the land with the sole motive of claiming the title under
the said Act. Serious efforts are being made to contain them. Settlement of rights and
disposal of all applications is likely to take considerable time.