D. K. Ganguly

Abstract

Tbe Damodar Valley in tbe eastern 1ndia extends over 5.7 million ha and is inhabited by nearly 30 million people. The valley is drained by many rivers and rivulets of which Damodar is the major one flOwing along a distance of 540 kms, The entire precipitation is in the form of rain which is concentrated during the three monsoon months. To prevent recurrence of severe floods, a Corporation was created in 1948 which constructed a number of reservoirs to store water for flood cushion and undertook integrated soil conservation measureS. The valley is long, narrow and gently sloping, with outcrops of hillocks. The soil is poor and only about 25% of land is under regular cultivation. The valley is thickly populated. The traditional soil conservation measures like field bunds, gully bunds, check dams, afforestation are being implemented. The implementation of the work is monitored and evaluated. lhe available data have been analysed. A new approach with modification in technology and methodology has been suggested. The DVC with an open mind have initiated steps for a gradual change over keeping a close watch on the effectiveness.

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P. K. Basu , D. K. Ganguly , G. S. Mandal

Abstract

A very few species have been successfully established artificially in the coastal areas. Considering the fact that the foliage of Acacia mangium are modified petioles (phyllodes) and would be tough enough to withstand the gust of the sea wind laden with and salt particles : It was experimentally tried in the coastal area of Digha during 1985. It has growtn exceedingly well and expected to establish there. Other species are also being tried there. This species is also doing much belter in producing biomass in comparison with its well known and established cousin the Acacia auriculaeformis, in lateritic traet of South-west Bengal, also in the chronically drought prone and lateritic area of Purulia district, result of which would be sent for publication in due course.

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D. K. Ganguly

Abstract

Distribution of various species growing in the Sundarbans, their characteristics and utilization are discussed. Methods of collection of honey and wax are described. The system of management of forests and the modes of extraction are described. The article records author's personal study of the various forestry problems in the Sundar bans and some of the solutions to these.

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