Where these big trees have gone. About sixty years back our forests in J&K were rich with biodiversity and some of the rare plants with high economic and commercial value. These species have been plundered to such an extant that most of such species have become rare to see in the forests and even extinct also. One of such species was Fraxinus excelsior (Ash). There are four reported species of Fraxinus in India. Recently I was touring some of the inner valleys of Chenab catchment where I could see some of the big size trees of Ash and some other species growing and well preserved in sacred grooves. This is the Biodiversity value of these Sacred Grooves. Our ancestors were more knowledgeable in preservation of Germ plasm and also the Biodiversity for future generations. Ash trees have virtually become extinct in the J&K forests due to authorized and unauthorized felling of Ash forests in past for its export market in making rifle buts, sports goods and high quality furniture. Such trees are our heritage and we should preserve them for seed source and germ plasm. Forest department have made no efforts to grow its nurseries and plantations inside forests. Where the CAMPA funds are going. It is reported that CAMPA funds are being used only to construct Rest Houses and Dak Bunglows with huge investments. When the government fails then it becomes the responsibility of public to grow and protect such rare species of heritage. Let all of us make best use of rainy season and grow indigenous plants.
Posted on: Fri, 09 Aug 2013 15:38:56 +0000
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