The Forests of Bhopal State

A brief history is given of the State forests of Bhopal, describing their situation, configuration of the ground, drainage, climate and rainfall. The history of the forests from 1868 to-date given here deals with the main types, principal tree species, state of natural reproduction, plantations and nurseries, methods of extracting the major and minor produce, the principal markets, soil conservation measures, wildlife and its protection, etc. The forests are at present worked on a system of Coppice-with-Reserves on a 40-year rotation. The main species, viz., teak (M.P. Quality IV) meets the local requirements leaving a small surplus for export The chief items of Minor Forest Produce are bamboo, grass, tendu leaves, katha and kulloo gum.