Kudos to Vijayapura Forest Division in Karnataka state for their massive greening efforts in an area that is known for its aridity and minimal rainfall.
MEERA BHARDWAJ:
Showing a positive impact, the tree cover outside the forest area has increased to 2 percent the last 8 years in the Vijayapura (formerly Bijapur) district.
The last decade has seen plantation of more than 1.3 crore tree saplings in the district with a survival rate of 95 percent.
The massive greening efforts in Vijayapura district comes as a beacon of hope amidst challenging environmental conditions.
This region, traditionally known for its extreme aridity and minimal forest cover, is undergoing a significant transformation thanks to persistent and targeted afforestation initiatives by the Karnataka Forest Department.
CHALLENGES OF ARIDITY
Vijayapura is a district with a notably low forest cover, holding only 0.17 percent of the forested area out of its total geographical size.
With an average annual rainfall of just 565 mm and 37 rainfall days, the region’s dependency on the Alamatti dam for its water needs shows its vulnerability to frequent droughts.
The area has historically been plagued by invasive species like Prosopis juliflora (Ballari Jaali), which further complicated the afforestation efforts. So, clearance of this weed took lot of time and manpower.
THE GREENING SAGA
The Karnataka Forest Department’s efforts with NGOs particularly the Koti Vriksha Abhiyan project launched in 2016 represent a concerted push towards revitalizing the district’s stark environment.
Speaking to Green Minute, Manjunath Chavan, Chief Conservator of Forests (CCF), Belagavi Circle said, “Being a dry district, it was a challenging task as whatever plantations were raised, its protection was very tough.”
The CCF stressed, “With the adoption of bigger pit size, taller seedlings and drip irrigation methods (adopted for the first time), we have achieved greening success in this division. The field staff in all the ranges took special interest and there was a competitive spirit amongst them to raise maximum plantations. Further, a team from Maharashtra visited our division and evinced keen interest in tall seedlings.”
The increase in greening efforts in Vijayapura district of Karnataka has had a positive impact on the environment, adds Manjunath Chavan.
“There has definitely been a rise in wildlife population. There is presence of leopards in Muddebihal and definitely, there will be herbivores in the area. Indi taluk bordering Maharashtra has a small population of Blackbucks. Apart from flocking of birds to backwaters of Alamatti dam, the bird population has seen a rise in the district with the greening project. In the coming months, we will take up studies of bird species that are flocking the district.”
METHODS ADOPTED FOR GREENING
- Raising of Tall Seedlings
- New nursery practices
- Ensuring growth of seedlings
- Protection from grazing
- Drip irrigation model
- Bigger Pit size
- More infiltration of water
- Moisture stress issue resolved
- Removal of Ballari Jaali
- Roadside/highway plantations
- Block plantations
- Barren hillock plantations
- Tree cover rise in Vijayapura town
- Rural roads plantation
- Participation of people, MLAs, & others
- CSR funds from NTPC
- MNERGA scheme utilization
MAMADAPUR RESERVE FOREST SUCCESS
Mamadapur is the only reserve forest area of Vijayapura and Tikota, Babaleswar taluk having an extent of 641.89-hectare area. This area, once dominated by invasive Ballari Jaali, was targeted for significant greening efforts. In 2022, the land was cleared and prepared for a new plantation.
Supported by green initiative funds amounting to Rs 5.789 crore from the National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC), the process included pitting, planting, and sapling maintenance along with forest department funds have also been used.
Over 1.36 lakh saplings of native species like neem, tamarind, Ficus and 36 other varieties of tall seedlings were planted bringing diversity to the area.
The survival rate of these saplings has reached an impressive 95 percent and plantation growth was robust due to the diligent use of drip irrigation laid scientifically and technically. This provides water throughout the year and maintenance such as weeding and hoeing was done timely.
KHAKANDKI FOREST BLOCK GREENING
This is also part of Mamadapur reserve forest. Similar efforts were made here, with focus on planting hardy, native and fruit-yielding species. Despite the challenges posed by limited resources, the initiative has shown promising results.
NEW ECOLOGICAL FUTURE
The success of these projects has not only improved the ecological balance but also promises economic benefits for local communities. The non-timber species planted will eventually provide resources that can be shared with villagers, and the revenue generated will support village development projects.
Further, there is a demand from local people and public representatives to rename this as Sri Siddeswar Swamiji Reserve Forest who is known as a nature saint.
POSITIVE ECO-IMAPCT
The Vijayapura greening efforts exemplify how strategic planning and community involvement can yield positive environmental outcomes even in regions facing severe droughts and water shortages.
Vijayapura district’s transformation from a barren landscape to a greener, more sustainable area serves as a model for other regions grappling with similar issues across the country.