Experimental plantations in Mahabali forest inspected
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, March 02 2022:
Principal Chief Conservator (PCCF) Dr AK Joshi on Wednesday conducted an inspection of the ongoing experimental plantation work around the Hanuman Thakur mandir, Mahabali, which is being carried out by the Forest Department.
Speaking on the sidelines, Dr AK Joshi informed that the experimental plantation is being done with usage of tree guards owing to decreasing number of trees and uprooting of tree saplings by the monkeys in the forest.
The drying up of trees in the tiny forest and the decrease in production of fruits have been compelling the monkeys to leave the forest.
Thus, the department has been providing feed for the monkeys since September, 2020.Retired deputy forest officer Thangjam Bimolchandra, who was part of the inspection team, informed that for the first phase, 10 Jamun tree saplings were planted with tree guards to deter the monkeys.
After the trees reach maturity in 2 years, the tree guards would be removed and used for newer saplings.
The Jamun trees were selected taking into consideration the level of flood tendency in the area, thereby serving a double purpose of conserving the forest and providing a source of food for the monkeys.
Meanwhile, Wildlife Division DFO Vahneichong Singson informed that the department is feeding the monkeys on daily basis and has been doing so since devotees stopped coming to the area owing to the Covid pandemic.
The DFO then appealed to the people to donate food and other assistance to help prevent the monkeys from straying into human settlements in search of food.
A local priest, named Bachaspatimayum Gane-shwor, who is in-charge of taking care of the shrines, appreciated the efforts of the department and urged all concerned to help in restoring the forest.