Jarnail Singh

Abstract

The system (silvicultural) approach of forest management was evolved in Europe with a view to harvest sustained yield, in perpetuity. It was adopted in India along with scientific forest management in the middle of the 19th century and was subsequently incorporated into Working Plans. Extensive use of a few systems, such as 'clear felling' and 'uniform system', due to commercial reasons, resulted in conversion of natural forests into pure crops, prone to wind and insect damage. The voice of reaction took shape of new modes and techniques, embodying the basic role of forests as saviours of life support systems. In this paper, an introspective review of evolution, suitability and relevance of main systems has been undertaken, in the context of present day forest management. A need to upgrade old tools and techniques to suit the prevailing site conditions and evolution of new modes to suit the specific objectives, such as community forestry and sustainable forest management, have been discussed and proposed. A 'homeopathic' way of treatment of forests has been proposed rather than the present 'allopathic' way. The aim is to evolve simple and workable tools to achieve the objectives without disturbing the harmony and composition of natural forest ecosystems.

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Jarnail Singh , A. G. Mahajan

Abstract

Melghat Teak is a valuable genome and it's wood has unique characteristics of grain mosaic and dark brown heartwood which imparts durability as well as decorativeness to any product prepared from it. An overview provided by regeneration survey reveals that the natural regeneration of Teak is scanty in Melghat forest despite preponderance of seed trees in the overwood. It is apprehended that the paucity of regeneration may result in poor representation of younger age classes in the growing stock and leave the forest in perilously abnormal state. This warrants serious efforts to improve regeneration status so that the lower strata of the forest are adequately replenished with the Teak. The optimality concept for natural regeneration in selection fores has been evolved and on this background a critical assay of the NR problem is made. The problem in Melghat is two faceted - recruitment and establishment. The accountability of seed phenology for poor recruitment and the implications of biotic and ecological factors for the establishment of NR are examined. After reviewing the experience gained by earlier foresters in this field, an innovation is suggested in the present recommendations for pilot trials. The recommendations include identification of "sick grooves" of NR, their revival by boosting as also supplementing the regeneration, selective shrub cutting and heavier types of fellings in the exploitable class.

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Jarnail Singh

Abstract

The National Forest Policy 1988 envisages a holistic and professional strategy of forest management for achieving the objectives enunciated therein. The traditional forest management approach (Working Plan) provides silvicultural treatment on sustained yield basis which is far inadequate considering the present scenario of resource conditions and policy objectives. The proposed Strategy of Forest Management is based on holistic treatment of an ecosystem on Watershed pattern. it stresses integral and site-specific treatment offorest resources. The strategy incorporates overall planning for macro-unit the entire landscape of a District as well as site-specfic planning for micro unit. It provides modes to extend the forest cover to non-forest areas. It is an effort to provide natural management to the forest areas in their natural settings. Once the strategy assumes its natural form it will provide a lasting solution to the problem of management planning of forest resources for sustainable management.

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Jarnail Singh

Abstract

The National Forest Policy represents long-term wishes of the nation in term of well-set objectives. It also provides a course to achieve the objectives in the form of a weU-defined strategy. The process of national forest policy formulation is, indeed, rich with over a hundred years old history. Over the years, we have three national policies, viz. National Forest Policy 1894, National Forest Policy 1952 and National Forest Policy 1988. Each policy is a comprehensive document of noble objectives and innovative strategies yet on the implementation front, the results are not very encouraging. This article examines the present policy formulation approach and points out inadequacies and gaps which are the probable causes of poor implementation. It outlines a holistic and natural strategy of policy formulation that provides for missing links in the present approach. The proposed strategy is inherently democratic, professional and transparent. It provides for mechanism to ensure implementation in a given time frame.

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Jarnail Singh , S. S. Srivastava

Abstract

Fire Protection Plan for the East Melghat Forest Division, Amravati was taken up, keeping in view the extent of damage done to the forests in previous years. The plan mainly focuses on early detection, suppression and organisation of Field Staff and available resources to control the fire which has effectively reduced the area burnt and has helped to conserve the ecology and biodiversity of the region.

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Jarnail Singh

Abstract

People's participation in all aspects of forestry sector is one of the cherished goals, defined in National Forest Policy. The emphasis, to this aspect was given time and again but integrated and defined approach have not been evolved to ensure willing co-operation and active involvement of local inhabitants, baring a few area-specific trials. A systematic and defined approach was formulated and initiated in East Melghat Forest Division Amarvati (Maharashtra State) to ensure co-operation and involvement of local inhabitants in the forestry sector. The approach is yet in initial stages. It is gradually taking ischolar_mains in the psyche of the people and the field staff and the ensuing out comes are encouraging.

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Jarnail Singh

Abstract

In consonance to the changed objectives and goals of revised National Forest Policy 1988 and the emphasis given to biodiversity aspect of ecosystem management, it has become inevitable to modify our approach in tune with the changed perspectives. The afforestation programme should be so planned, formulated and implemented that each step bring us more close to the defined goal. To protect and maintain the biodiversity of forests and to integrate the biodiversity aspect with the afforestation programme is now a need of the time and the environment. Biodiversity Afforestation Model - An Approach is a step in this direction.

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