WORKING PLAN FOR

JAMMU FOREST DIVISION (2013-14 TO 2023-24)

Submitted by:

Ashok Kumar Kalsi

(Divisional Forest Officer

Resource Survey Division)

Working Plan Officer

Jammu Forest Division

INTRODUCTION

Jammu Forest Division derives its name from its headquarters situated at Jammu city. Earlier it was known as Soil Conservation Division, Jammu , which came into existence in 1947 A.D by splitting up the then Jammu Range of Udhampur Forest Division into Jammu and Bahu ranges and by transferring some area of Reasi Division and renaming it as Kalidhar range. the fourth Range namely Jindrah was added to this Division by transferring forest areas of Jammu side of Karaidhar from Udhampur and a part of erstwhile Jammu range lying on the northern aspect of Nandini and Mansar-Surinsar ridges.

The first working plan of the then Soil Conservation Division, J3ammu was prepared by Sh.M.S. Jamwal,IFS for the period 1971-72 to 1981-82. This plan was revised by S.J.B Singh after the reorganisation of the department had taken place in 1981 in which certain parts of erstwhile Division were changed to Forest Division Jammu.

This working plan is a revision of Sh. Manoj Pant’s plan for the period 1998-99 to 2007-08. It covers the Jammu Forest Division as it exists now with some changes in area. Some minor changes that were found necessary in the method of treatment have been brought in. These changes have been made keeping in view the State Forest Policy-2011 and latest development in the field of forestry.

Chir Forests of this Division have been subjected to heavy biotic pressure, repeated forest fires and excessive resin tapping for a long time in the past. Now, from doctrine of timber primacy, the emphasis has shifted to ecological conservation, so it is the need of the hour to make appropriate and effective efforts for improvement of quality and stocking of these forests. Therefore Chir Improvement Working Circle of previous plan has been continued with some minor changes. For treatment purposes, this working has been divided into two substrata. Stratification is done as per regeneration status in different chir areas and each substratum has been dealt with accordingly.

The middle and lower parts of the Division are characterized by poor vegetative cover, soil erosion and heavy biotic interferences. Treatment of these areas requires a multidimensional approach depending upon precise requirements of various areas. Therefore Rehabilitation cum Reboisement Working Circle of previous plan has been continued with some changes in the allotment of compartments. Now this working circle has been divided into three substrata instead of four as in previous plan because division of the areas into four substrata is confusing particularly in case of substratum-I and substratum-IV, as it is difficult to differentiate between the two in the field on the basis of the condition and composition of the crop. This Working Circle is constituted to treat those areas which were productive earlier but got degraded due to increasing biotic pressure, grazing, fire and illicit damage. Some areas have also been identified for rotational closures. Nursery techniques and characteristics of some broad leaved species of subtropical zone have been discussed in detail which will help the executive staff to choose suitable species for plantation in different areas. Locations for temporary nurseries for plantation at different locations have also been identified.

Grazing by livestock of nomadic graziers and local livestock is a major problem in the rehabilitation of forests of Jammu Forest Division. At the same time this problem needs to be seen from an humanitarian angle as it is related to the whole lifestyle and livelihood of nomadic graziers. These people are dependants of forests from ancient times. Keeping these points in view an attempt has

been made in Grazing Overlapping Working Circle to make a balance between grazing pressure and sustainable forest development.

Plantation Overlapping Working circle being a mandatory working circle has also been constituted to meet the demand of locals for fuel wood, fodder, small timber and also to reduce the pressure on natural forests by erecting buffer zones between villages and natural forests.

To explore and document the ethno-botanical knowledge of local species of medicinal plants, Non-Timber Forest Produce Overlapping Working Circle has been constituted for the first time for Jammu Forest Division. In this working circle possibilities of resin extraction have been analysed on the basis of resin channel survey exercise conducted in the field and accordingly, extraction of resin from chir forests has been proposed to be banned during this plan also.

Eco-Tourism Working Circle and Forest Protection Overlapping Working Circle being mandatory working circles have also been constituted perhaps for the first time for Jammu Forest Division. In Forest Protection working circle, fire protection measures, encroachment, grazing and browsing management, illicit damage and management of pests & diseases have been discussed in detail.

Special chapters on wood-based industries of Jammu Forest Division, participatory forestry management, wildlife management and development projects have also been incorporated in this working plan. A large number of furniture, plywood and joinery industries are there in and around Jammu Forest Division. An attempt has been made through the chapter wood-based Industries to know their economic turn over and strategies are suggested to provide them raw material in sustainable way.

The field work for the preparation of the new plan was started in the year 2011-12 and completed by 2012-13. Forest inventory was prepared by stratified random point sampling technique and the results obtained from the field were put to various statistical tests. Only growing stock has been calculated and yield neither calculated nor prescribed because of the poor condition of chir crop.

The Stock Maps showing compartment boundary and other important information about the crop have been prepared by using satellite imageries i.e LISS-III (Geo-coded) on a scale of 1:50,000. The Stock Maps for the individual compartments were prepared on a scale of 1:15,000.

It is my great pleasure that I express my sincere gratitude to the persons directly or indirectly associated with preparation of Working Plan of Jammu Forest Division. I am greatly indebted to Sh. Vinod Ranjan, IFS, Ex-Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, for providing the opportunity to take up the revision of this Working Plan, as well as, for according the approval to the Preliminary Working Plan Report. My sincere thanks are also due to Sh. Abhai Kumar, IFS, the present Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, for providing all expedient help and valuable suggestions during the final stage of the preparation of this working Plan.

I am highly grateful to Sh. S.P Sharma, IFS, Chief Conservator of Forests, Working Plan Circle and Sh. Ravi Kumar Kesar, IFS, Ex- Chief Conservator of Forests Jammu for their valuable suggestions and adept guidance during the various stages of the preparation of this plan. Thanks are also due to Sh. Roshan Jaggi, IFS, Chief Conservator of Forests Jammu for his valuable ideas and constant encouragement during the preparation of plan.

I place on record my special thanks to Sh. Vasu Yadav, IFS, Conservator of Forests Working Plan Circle for his expert, technical and valuable guidance provided from time to time. It was under his adept guidance that the field work as well as the compilation of the final Working Plan Report was carried out. His expertise in Working Plan as well as his helpful suggestions helped me to improve the final Working Plan Draft and present it in the current format.

I am very much thankful to Dr. V.S. Senthil IFS, DFO, Jammu Forest Division for his valuable suggestions and help during the execution of field work as well as during the final stage of the preparation of this working plan. Special thanks are also due to Sh. Hitender Singh Chandel, Ex-DFO Resources Survey Division and present DFO Demarcation Division-II Bhaderwah for his crisp planning in execution of field work. Thanks are also due to Sh. Rakesh Abrol ACF and Sh. Bishan Dass ACF for their valuable ideas and tips during the preparation of plan.

My sincere thanks are also due to Sh. Mohinder Singh Jamwal , Sh. Gian Singh , Sh. R. N Pandita (Range officers) and Sh. Romesh Zutshi, Sh. Shashi Kant , Sh. Sushil Kumar and Sh. Sanjeev Kumar (Foresters) and Sh. Gulab Hussain, Sh. Dev Krishan (Fgds), Sh. Vijay Kachroo, Sh. Rajesh Lala (Helpers) who are associated with the field work.

Finally, the words of appreciation also goes to Smt. Rajni Ganjoo Jr. Assistant, Sh. Anil Kumar Bhat, Sh. Manoj Bhan, Smt. Nimmi Bakshi and Sh. Balbir Kundal (Helpers) who were associated with office, accounts as well as computer work during the preparation of Plan.

Sd/- (Ashok Kumar Kalsi) (Divisional Forest Officer, Resources Survey Division). Working Plan Officer Jammu Forest Division

GLOSSARY OF TREES, SHRUBS AND GRASSES COMMONLY FOUND IN THE TRACT

(Sorted as per common name)

TREES

VERNACULAR NAME BOTANICAL NAME FAMILY

Aam Mangifera indica Anacardiaceae

Amla Emblica officinalis Euphorbiaceae

Arjun Terminalia arjuna Combretaceae

Badh or Pipal Ficus religiosa Moraceae

Bahera Terminalia bellerica Combretaceae

Bans or bamboo Dendrocalamus strictus Poaceae

Ber Ziziphus jujuba Rhamnaceae

Bohar Ficus bengalensis Moraceae

Chir Pinus roxburghii Pinaceae

Darhuni Punica granatum Punicaceae

Dhaman Grewia optiva Tiliaceae

Drek Melia azedarach Meliaceae

Fagora Ficus palmata Moraceae

Harar Terminalia chebula Combretaceae

Imli Tamarindus indica Leguminosae (Caesalpiniaceae)

Indian coral tree Erythrina indica Leguminosae (Papilionaceae)

Jamun Syzgium cumini Myrtaceae

Kaam Mitragyna parvifolia Rubiaceae

Kachnar Bauhinia variegata Leguminosae (Caesalpiniaceae)

Kakoa Flacourtia indica Flacourtiaceae

Kala Siris Albizzia lebbeck Leguminosae (Mimosaceae)

Kamila Mallotus philippensis Euphorbiaceae

Kembal Lannea coromandelica Anacardiaceae

Khair Acacia catechu Leguminosae (Mimosaceae)

Khajoor Phoenix sylvestris Palmae

Kikar Acacia nilotica Leguminosae (Mimosaceae)

Krangal Cassia fistula Leguminosae (Caesalpiniaceae)

Kua Olea cuspidata Oleaceae

Phulai or Fly Acacia modesta Leguminosae (Mimosaceae)

Pulah Butea monosperma Leguminosae (Papilionaceae)

Reetha Sapindus mukorossi Sapindaceae

Rumble Ficus recemosa Moraceae

Safed siris Albizzia procera Leguminosae (Mimosaceae)

Safeda Eucalyptus citrodora( Introduced) Myrtaceae

Simbal Bombax ceiba Bombacaceae

Tali Dalbergia sissoo Leguminosae (Papilionaceae)

Thor Euphorbia royleana Euphorbiaceae

Toot Morus alba Maraceae

Trimbal Ficus auriculata Moraceae

Tunu Cedrela toona Meliaceae

SHRUBS AND HERBS

Aakh Ipomaea carnea Convolvulaceae

Anar Punica granatum Punicaceae

Arnid Ricinus communis Euphorbiaceae

Ban tobacco Solanum erianthum Solanaceae

Bana Vitex negundo Verbenaceae

Bhang Cannabis sativa Cannabinaceae

Brenker Adhatoda vasica Acanthaceae

Chaleri Saag Amaranthus viridis Amaranthaceae

Chhitter Opuntia elatior Cactaceae

Congress Grass or Jari Parthenium hysterophorus Asteraceae

Deela Cyperus rotundus Cyperaceae

Dhain Woodfordia floribunda Lythraceae

Dhain Woodfordia fruticosa Lythraceae

Dhatura Datura metel Solanaceae

Drenkeri Murraya koenigii Rutaceae

Duranta Duranta plumeri Verbenanaceae

Gandila Nerium indicum Apocynaceae

Garna Carissa spinarum Apocynaceae

Jojera Xanthium strumarium Asteraceae

Jojra Pupalia lappacea Amaranthaceae

Kayan Kothi Solanum nigrum Solanaceae

Kuad Gandal Aloe barbadensis Liliaceae

Pakhra Tribulus terrestris Zygophyllaceae

Panjphuli Lantana camara Verbenaceae

Pansar Wendlandia heynei Rubiaceae

Parkanda Achyranthes aspera Amaranthaceae

Ramban Agave americana Agavaceae

Sanali or Dussa Colebrookia oppositifolia Lamiaceae

Santha Dodonaea viscosa Sapindaceae

Seski Artimisia parviflora Asteraceae

Thor Euphorbia royleana Euphorbiaceae

Timbru Zanthoxylum armatum Rutaceae

GROUND FLORA, GRASSES AND CLIMBERS

Aajan Grass Cenchrus ciliaris Poaceae

Amar Bel Cuscuta reflexa (Parasite) Cuscutaceae

Baloonger Bauhinia vahlii Leguminosae (Caesalpiniaceae)

Bubbeain Eulaliopsis binata Poaceae

Chameli Jasminum officinale Oleaceae

Deena nath grass Pennisetum pedicellatum Poaceae

Dheela Cyperus rotundus Cyperaceae

Doab Grass Cyanadon dactylon Poaceae

Giloe Tinospora cordifolia Menispermaceae

Junglee Palak Rumex hastatus Polygonaceae

Kai Saccharum spontaneum Poaceae

Kezun grass Setaria sphacelata Poaceae

Khar Saccharum munja Poaceae

Kharpoway Ipomea purpurea Convolvulaceae

Khas Khas Vetiveria zizanoides Poaceae

Lambagha Heteropogan contortus Poaceae

Nad Arundo donax Poaceae

Napier grass Pennisetum purpureum Poaceae

Palain Dichanthium annulatum Poaceae

Rati Abrus Precatorius Leguminosae (Papilionaceae)

Sadhun Dioscorea melanophyma Dioscoreaceae

GLOSSARY OF TREES, SHRUBS AND GRASSES COMMONLY FOUND IN THE TRACT

(Sorted as per Botanical names)

TREES

BOTANICAL NAME VERNACULAR NAME FAMILY

Acacia catechu Khair Leguminosae (Mimosaceae)

Acacia modesta Phulai or Fly Leguminosae (Mimosaceae)

Acacia nilotica Kikar Leguminosae (Mimosaceae)

Albizzia lebbeck Kala Siris Leguminosae (Mimosaceae)

Albizzia procera Safed siris Leguminosae (Mimosaceae)

Bauhinia variegata Kachnar Leguminosae (Caesalpiniaceae)

Bombax ceiba Simbal Bombacaceae

Butea monosperma Pulah Leguminosae (Papilionaceae)

Cassia fistula Krangal Leguminosae (Caesalpiniaceae)

Cedrela toona Tunu Meliaceae

Dalbergia sissoo Tali Leguminosae (Papilionaceae)

Dendrocalamus strictus Bans or bamboo Poaceae

Emblica officinalis Amla Euphorbiaceae

Erythrina indica Indian coral tree Leguminosae (Papilionaceae)

Eucalyptus citrodora( Introduced) Safeda Myrtaceae

Euphorbia royleana Thor Euphorbiaceae

Ficus auriculata Trimbal Moraceae

Ficus benghalensis Bohar Moraceae

Ficus palmata Fagora Moraceae

Ficus recemosa Rumble Moraceae

Ficus religiosa Badh or Pipal Moraceae

Flacourtia indica Kakoa Flacourtiaceae

Grewia optiva Dhaman Tiliaceae

Lannea coromandelica Kembal Anacardiaceae

Mallotus philippensis Kamila Euphorbiaceae

Mangifera indica Aam Anacardiaceae

Melia azedarach Drek Meliaceae

Mitragyna parvifolia Kaam Rubiaceae

Morus alba Toot Maraceae

Olea cuspidata Kua Oleaceae

Phoenix sylvestris Khazoor Palmae

Pinus roxburghii Chir Pinaceae

Punica granatum Daduni Punicaceae

Sapindus mukorossi Reetha Sapindaceae

Syzgium cumini Jamun Myrtaceae

Tamarindus indica Imli Leguminosae (Caesalpiniaceae)

Terminalia arjuna Arjun Combretaceae

Terminalia bellirica Bahera Combretaceae

Terminalia chebula Harar Combretaceae

Ziziphus jujuba Ber Rhamnaceae

SHRUBS AND HERBS

Achyranthes aspera Parkanda Amaranthaceae

Adhatoda vasica Brenker Acanthaceae

Agave americana Ramban Agavaceae

Aloe barbadensis Kuad Gandal Liliaceae

Amaranthus viridis Chaleri Saag Amaranthaceae

Artimisia parviflora Seski Asteraceae

Cannabis sativa Bhang Cannabinaceae

Carissa spinarum Garna Apocynaceae

Colebrookia oppositifolia Sanali or Dussa Lamiaceae

Cyperus rotundus Deela Cyperaceae

Datura metel Dhatura Solanaceae

Dodonaea viscosa Santha Sapindaceae

Duranta plumeri Duranta Verbenanaceae

Euphorbia royleana Thor Euphorbiaceae

Ipomaea carnea Aakh Convolvulaceae

Lantana camara Panjphuli Verbenaceae

Murraya koenigii Drenkeri Rutaceae

Nerium indicum Gandila Apocynaceae

Opuntia elatior Chhitter Cactaceae

Parthenium hysterophorus Congress Grass or Jari Asteraceae

Punica granatum Anar Punicaceae

Pupalia lappacea Jojra Amaranthaceae

Ricinus communis Arnid Euphorbiaceae

Solanum erianthum Ban tobacco Solanaceae

Solanum nigrum kayan Kothi Solanaceae

Tribulus terrestris Pakhra Zygophyllaceae

Vitex negundo Bana Verbenaceae

Wendlandia heynei Pansar Rubiaceae

Woodfordia floribunda Dhain Lythraceae

Woodfordia fruticosa Dhain Lythraceae

Xanthium strumarium Jojera Asteraceae

Zanthoxylum armatum Timbru Rutaceae

GROUND FLORA, GRASSES AND CLIMBERS

Abrus Precatorius Rati Leguminosae (Papilionaceae)

Arundo donax Nad Poaceae

Bauhinia vahlii Baloonger Leguminosae (Caesalpiniaceae)

Cenchrus ciliaris Aajan Grass Poaceae

Cuscuta reflexa (Parasite) Amar Bel Cuscutaceae

Cyanadon dactylon Doab Grass Poaceae

Cyperus rotundus Dheela Cyperaceae

Dichanthium annulatum Palain Poaceae

Dioscorea melanophyma Sadhun Dioscoreaceae

Eulaliopsis binata Bubbeain Poaceae

Heteropogan contortus Lambagha Poaceae

Ipomea purpurea Kharpoway Convolvulaceae

Jasminum officinale Chameli Oleaceae

Pennisetum pedicellatum Deena nath grass Poaceae

Pennisetum purpureum Napier grass Poaceae

Rumex hastatus Junglee Palak Polygonaceae

Saccharum munja Khar Poaceae

Saccharum spontaneum Kai Poaceae

Setaria sphacelata Kezun grass Poaceae

Tinospora cordifolia Giloe Menispermaceae

Vetiveria zizanoides Khas Khas Poaceae

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PART-I

SUMMARY OF FACTS ON WHICH THE

PROPOSALS ARE BASED

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CHAPTER – I

The Tract Dealt With

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CHAPTER – I

The Tract Dealt With

1.1 Name and Situation

1.1.1 This working plan covers the Demarcated Forests of Jammu Forest Division. The Division was reconstituted in 1981 after the re-organization of the Jammu and Kashmir Forest Department. Prior to that, the Division was known as Soil Conservation Division, Jammu.

1.1.2 The area of the Division falls under the civil jurisdiction of Jammu District and part of Udhampur & Samba Districts.

1.1.3 The tract lies between 320 34’ 1” & 330 4’ 13” North latitude and 740 24’ 14” & 750 18’ 28” East longitude. The entire area is covered by Survey of India G.T. sheets No: 43 K / 12, 43 K / 8, 43 L / 5, 43 L / 9, 43 K / 16, 43 L / 13, 43 L / 14, 43 P / 1, 43 P / 2 and 43 P / 6 on 1:50,000 scale.

1.1.4 As the crow flies the total length of the division from East to West is 83.90 Kms and total breadth of the Division from North to South is 46.75 Kms.

1.1.5 The Division is bounded on the:

a) North by Manawar Tawi River and Nandini Ridge separating it from Reasi Forest Division.

b) North East by Kharai or Sarend dhar separating it from Udhampur and Ramnagar Division.

c) East by Khoon river separating it from Billawar Division.

d) South East by Devak River and Ridges separating it from Kathua Division.

e) South and west by International Border separating it from Pakistan.

f) North West by Kalidhar Ridge separating it from Nowshera Division.

1.1.6 The Division comprises of four territorial Ranges namely Jammu Range, Kalidhar Range, Jindrah Range, and Bahu Range with Divisional Headquarter at Jammu.

1.1.7 The Pathankot – Srinagar National Highway 1 A enters the Division at Devak bridge and leaves the Division a little beyond Panjal village at a distance of about 38 Kms from Jammu city.

1.2 Configuration of the Ground

1.2.1 The tract is mountainous comprising of moderately high ranges, valleys, gentle slopes, steep slopes and cliffs. The altitude above mean sea level varies from about 320 m. at the point where National Highway 1 A enters the Division to about 1675 m. at an unnamed peak above Sarmali in Co. 1 of Puni Block of Jindrah Range. Prominent Ridges of the Division are Nandini Ridge, Mansar-Surinsar Ridge, Karai or Sarend Dhar, Kalidhar besides numerous other ridges and spurs.

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1.2.2 Prominent peaks of the Division are peak above Sarmali in Co. 1 / Puni (1675mts.) peak above Kaliban in Co. 3 / Puni (1646m), peak above Haripur in Co. 3 / Puni (1374 m), peak above Manal Bagla in Co. 40 / Kalidhar also known as Simbal Ki Takki (1208 m.), peak above Narsula in Co. 7 / Jindrah (1171 m.), Jhang peak in Co. 44 / Kalidhar (1151 m.) and peak beyond Bandha Kala in Kalidhar also called as Partap picket or Kutte Ki tungi (1151 m.). Prominent passes in the Division are Juthal gala, Akkhar gala, Pandan gala, Pamir gala, Bindi gala and Beri gala in Kalidhar Range and Chanotra pass, Pathri pass, Sin gala and Samat pass in Jindrah Range.

1.2.3 Drainages of different ranges of the Division are as follows:

a) Jindrah Range is drained mainly by Tawi River and number of other nallas which either drain directly into it or into other prominent nallas like Jhajjar nalla and Gambhir khad which finaly drain into Tawi river.

b) The western part of Jammu Range namely Paloura and Manor blocks are drained by various Khads namely Damuni Khad, Ramni Khad, Jandiali Khad, Ranjani wali Khad and Manor Khad wheras the middle part of Jammu Range namely Nagrota block is drained by some prominent Khads like Tandewali Khad, Simbal lahir Khad, Pungaliwali Khad, Chirua nala and Balin nala which finally drain into Tawi River. The eastern part of Jammu Range namely Nandini block is drained by Sugetar nala and Deod nalla finally draining into Tawi River.

c) The Northern part of Bahu Range is drained by various Khads and nallas prominent among them being Sardan nala, Surawali Khad, Bainwali Khad and Siddrayanwali Khad all finally draining into Tawi river. Eastern and south eastern part of the range is drained by Khads like Karnalwali khad, Palaiwali Khad, Sangarhwali Khad and Gori Khad all finally draining into Devak River. South-Western part of the Range is drained by many Khads prominent among them being Bhitindiwali Khad, Tutanwali Khad, Chhatawali Kad, Balawal Nala and Bari Khad where as the north western part of the Range is drained by Tawi River.

d) The northern part of Kalidhar Range is drained by Manawar Tawi River, the middle part by Kanah nala and the southern part by many khads mainly Kuppi Khad, Narryah Khad, Tandewali Khad, Samawali Khad, Mawe wali Khad, Thindewali and Luaccki Khad, all finally draining into Chenab River.

1.3 Geology: Rock and Soil

1.3.1 The area constitutes part of the sub / outer Himalayan Range and the plains to its south. Geologically it is occupied by sedimentaries of Siwalik group of Tertiary age which is the predominant formation. A small part of Murree formation is also exposed to the North while the gently sloping plain area bounding the Siwalik to the south are occupied by river borne sediments of Quaternary age.

1.3.2 The various geological formations exposed in the area and their litho logical descriptions are tabulated as below:

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Table : 1.1

GROUP FORMATION LITHOLOGICAL DESCRIPTION AGE Newer Alluvium Grey, Micaceous sand and Cobble /

Pebble beds with thin inter-layered clay Recent

Older Alluvium Jammu formation

Fine to coarse sand, silt & clay Boulder, Cobble and Pebble beds Inter-layered with ventricular sand, silt or clay

to Middle Pleistocene

…………………………………..Unconformity…………………………………… S

Upper Siwalik Unconsolidated sand stone and boulder beds, with occasional clay bands.

Lower Pleistocene

I W A L

Middle Siwalik Light grey sandstone, subordinate clay, Calcareous and pebbly lenses.

To I

K G R O U P

Lower Siwalik Sand stone and clay inter-bands Middle Miocene

Murree Red Purple shale-clay, grey and Greenish sandstone, occasional Lenticular conglomerate

Lower Miocene To Upper Eocene

1.3.3 i) The rocks exposed to the North belong to Murree formation that comprises a distinct suite of red and purple shale-clay, grey, greenish sandstone-siltstone, lenticular conglomerate etc.

ii) This is succeeded to the south by the most dominant lithology of Siwalik group characteristically exposed along Kalidhar and Nandini ranges. The Siwaliks are classified into three categories. The lowest Siwalik is dominated by sandstone and clay, the middle Siwalik is characterized by sandstone and subordinate clay with calcareous and pebbly lenses while the upper Siwalik is unconsolidated sandstone, boulder bed and occasionally clay bands.

iii) To the south of the Siwaliks are exposed the Quaternary sediments of post middle Pleistocene age occupying the gently sloping to flat plain area. These are classified in to Jammu formation, Older Alluvium and Newer Alluvium. The Jammu formation is a piedmont deposit consisting essentially of recycled upper Siwalik boulder beds brought down by ephemeral khads from the outer Himalayan front. The older alluvium, deposited to the south of Jammu formation, comprised fine to coarse grained sand, silt and clay. The newer alluvium is deposited between the distributaries of various rivers flowing in the plains and along smaller nallas/ khads.

1.3.4 There are no significant mineral occurrences in the area. The Murree sandstone, after proper dressing is utilized in construction activity. Similarly the riverine sand and boulders are extensively used as a building material.

1.4 Soils

1.4.1 The soils covered by Siwaliks are primary soils, shallow and immature. Chir bearing areas of the Division have loose porous soil with good drainage. Lower and middle areas of the

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Division comprise of sandy, conglomeratic soil with boulders and pebbles. The soil depth in general is moderate to low.

1.5 Climate

1.5.1 The elevation of the tract as already mentioned varies from 320 m to 1675 m from mean sea level. The climate is subtropical with fairy severe summers and reasonably cold winters. No area in the Division experiences snowfall and frosts and mists are also uncommon. A considerable part of the Division is called Kandi area which is characterized by severe summers.

1.6 Rainfall

1.6.1 The area receives bulk of precipitation from summer monsoon and also experinces winter rains. The rainfall data month wise indicating number of rainy days and total rainfalls in m.m, for the past 19 years obtained from one meteorological station SKUAST Chatha. Jammu is reproduced in Table 1.2

1.6.2 Analysis: The above table indicates that the tact receives bulk of precipitation during the months of July, August and September. The other months of the year are generally dry with number of rainy days below 10 per month.

1.6.3 Temperature: Month wise maximum and minimum temperature recorded at SKUAST Chatha, Jammu for the last 19 years are indicated in Table 1.3

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Table : 1.2: Monthly wise Rainfall Data of Jammu from 1993 to 2011

Month 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 Jan TR 31.2 47.8 71.8 43.1 47.3 7 50.9 125.4 7.6 8.4 19.1 84.6 105.4 58.70 0 80.7 60.8 8.8 7.5 NRD 4 3 5 3 2 2 7 3 1 1 3 6 4 5 0 4 5 1 1 Feb TR 38 31 78 50.2 8.2 133 10.8 70 6.3 5.6 121.9 23.6 138.8 8 71 23 37.6 20.7 65 NRD 5 2 6 3 1 6 1 2 1 2 6 2 9 2 8 4 2 2 7 Mar TR 90.2 0 33.8 50 88.6 60.8 24 19.1 19.1 33.4 81.6 0 97.4 35.2 278.2 1 22.4 6 34.3 NRD 6 0 2 5 3 6 1 2 2 5 5 0 6 1 6 0 4 1 4 Apr TR 33.4 30.2 38.6 17.4 49.8 54.8 0 2.6 22.3 9.8 7.5 40.2 10.3 10 2.6 59.8 42.4 0.8 15 NRD 2 4 3 3 4 3 0 0 3 1 1 3 1 1 1 2 3 0 2 May TR 4.2 11.6 5.6 13.8 12.6 15.2 10.2 23.9 42.1 17.6 0.8 17.5 10.5 37.3 15.6 19 7.6 40.6 36.2 NRD 1 1 1 2 1 1 2 3 3 1 0 2 2 3 3 3 1 3 2 Jun TR 140.8 17 21.6 168.6 47.6 50.2 49.3 184.4 242.8 103 80.5 136.2 8 79.6 182 274.7 10 74.8 143.2 NRD 4 2 3 11 6 3 7 10 11 6 5 5 1 5 9 13 2 6 10 Jul TR 400.2 622.9 528 210.1 346.6 407.2 198.3 119.2 328.4 185.5 456.9 216.8 288.5 252.2 401.3 446.6 242.6 344.1 246 NRD 16 13 11 13 13 15 12 13 14 9 16 13 15 13 15 16 8 13 9 Aug TR 76 508.1 229 829.5 475.2 197.8 33.9 300.5 227.7 280.4 485.4 198.2 120.2 238 284.5 123.1 395.5 499.6 457.6 NRD 3 14 13 21 18 14 12 11 7 11 12 9 6 6 13 12 13 18 12 Sep TR 200.2 25.6 62.6 57.7 259.6 90.8 180.5 121.7 63.6 150.1 139.1 38.7 40.8 286.3 58.8 18 27.8 33.8 130 NRD 8 2 3 4 7 5 7 7 5 5 7 3 3 5 4 3 1 3 3 Oct TR 0 17.7 5.8 45.8 65.8 122.8 0 0 1.2 29.5 2.1 46.9 0 43.4 0 30.6 4.2 24.2 8 NRD 0 2 1 2 3 6 0 0 0 2 0 3 0 3 0 2 1 1 0 Nov TR 0 0 0 0 50.4 0 17.1 3 0.3 0 29.4 4.2 0 13 7.6 0 9.2 1 0 NRD 0 0 0 0 3 0 2 1 1 0 2 1 0 1 1 0 2 0 0 Dec TR 0 50.8 3.4 0 10.4 0 0 0.3 2.6 7 30.4 31 0 32.8 9.3 24.8 0 67.4 2.4 NRD 0 5 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 2 2 0 3 1 5 0 1 0

TR-Total Rainfall in m.m Source – Metrological Station of SKUAST Chatha, Jammu

NDR-Number of rainy days in the month

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Table 1.2: Monthly wise Maximum and Minimum Temperature of Jammu from 1993 to 2011

Source – Metrological Station of SKUAST Chatha, Jammu

Month 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 Jan Max. 18.5 20.2 14.2 19.1 18.9 19.2 16.9 18.2 17.1 20.5 14.7 17.2 17 18.3 19.5 17 19.1 16.4 15.7 Min. 6.7 7.2 6.7 7.8 5.2 6.4 7.4 7 4.4 6.1 4.6 6.6 4.2 6.3 3.8 4.9 6.9 4.6 4.8 Feb Max. 23.4 21.7 20.2 21.8 22.1 21.6 22.4 20.4 24.5 21.9 23.2 22.6 17.9 25.8 20.2 20.1 22.9 22.6 19.7 Min. 8.9 7.8 7.9 11.2 7.7 9.3 9.1 7.3 8 8.4 9.2 7.3 7.4 10.8 9.5 6.8 8.7 8.5 8.4 Mar Max. 24.4 28.9 24.8 27 25.9 24.6 27.3 26.7 28.9 28.3 27.1 30.4 25.5 26.3 25.1 29.4 27.8 30.5 27.2 Min. 10.5 13.3 11.8 15.7 12.8 11.5 12.4 10.8 13.1 13.8 12.8 12.4 11.6 11.7 11.7 12.9 11.8 12.7 11.8 Apr Max. 32.5 31.7 29.5 33 30.2 33 37.7 36.6 34.1 35.5 33.9 34.8 32.2 34.5 35.5 32.1 33.7 37.2 32 Min. 15.8 16.1 15.8 20 16.7 18.1 18.4 19.2 19 19.2 19.5 17.9 15 15.9 17.7 14.7 19.6 18.6 15.6 May Max. 39.5 39.2 38.6 36.4 35.1 38.9 38.7 39.8 38.7 41.5 38.4 38.6 35.6 39.1 37.1 37.5 38.9 39.6 39.3 Min. 21.7 21.9 22.6 23.3 20.6 23.3 23.8 25.5 24.3 24.8 23.4 20.9 19.8 23.9 22.1 21.5 20.8 22.1 22.2 Jun Max. 39.8 40.5 41.7 35.3 36.6 40 38.2 35.9 34.5 38.6 39.5 36.7 40.2 38.7 36.8 34.7 40.7 39.3 36.2 Min. 24.1 24.5 24.7 25.2 22 25.4 25 24.8 24 25.5 26 24.5 24.8 24.6 24.7 24 23.4 23.5 23.5 Jul Max. 33.1 33.6 33.6 32.6 33.9 39.7 33.9 32.9 33.5 36.7 33.6 34.9 33.4 33.6 34 33.5 36.5 34.7 33.7 Min. 19.1 20.8 23.6 24.6 25.4 25 25.6 25.1 25.1 25.2 24.6 25 24.5 26.3 24.7 25.3 24.6 24.1 24.6 Aug Max. 35.2 32.4 31.2 31.1 31.9 34.1 33.5 33.6 33.9 33.8 33.2 32.9 33.9 32.5 33.6 32.9 33.4 33.1 32.6 Min. 19.5 21.4 22.8 24.1 23.7 24.5 24.4 24.2 25.2 24.9 24.7 24.6 24.6 25.2 25.2 23.2 24.1 24.2 24.6 Sep Max. 32.1 32.7 33.3 32.7 33.2 32.8 33.2 32.4 33.3 32 32 33.4 33 32.2 33 33.1 33 33 33.1 Min. 16.3 19.4 19.8 23.8 23.1 23.4 23.5 22.1 21.9 20.9 22.3 22.1 23.5 22.4 23 21.4 22.9 22 23.5 Oct Max. 32.8 31.3 30.6 30.2 28.4 31.2 31.8 32.5 32 31 300.2 29.1 31.8 30.6 31.7 31.2 31.6 31.1 31.1 Min. 15.3 13.1 14.8 17.5 16.4 18.4 17.1 17.3 18 16.9 15.4 15 16.4 18.2 14.5 17.6 14.4 17.8 16.8 Nov Max. 28.1 27.4 26.9 25.5 23.7 27.8 26.4 26.9 27.5 27.3 24.6 26.1 26.8 25.2 25.7 27.3 25.5 27 27.3 Min. 4.3 11.1 9 13 11.5 11.7 11.3 11.9 11.2 11.3 9.7 9.4 9 12.5 10.6 9.9 9.1 10.4 11.2 Dec Max. 23.5 21.1 22.5 21.3 16.6 20.9 22.8 23.6 21.9 22.7 19.2 20.9 21.3 19.3 20.6 21.1 21.1 20 22.1 Min. 7.6 7 5.7 8 9 6.4 6.4 6.4 7 7.8 6.8 9.9 3.7 7.6 9.3 7.5 5.2 4.6 4.8

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1.7 Water Supply

1.7.1 The water supply in the tract is not satisfactory. Many places in the Division do not have dependable sources of water and people either have to travel long distances to bring drinking water or have to store water. The Public Health Engineering Department has developed pipelines at many places but the distribution of water through theses pipelines has not been streamlined as yet.

1.8 Distribution of Area

1.8.1 The total area of the demarcated forests of the Division as indicated in S. J. B. Singh’s (1983) Plan was 79219 hectare. However due to transfer of some area of Nagrota block of Jammu Range to Reasi Division in 1981 and subsequent transfer of some areas of Devak block and Bahu Range and a part of Compartment No. 5 of Mansar block of Jindrah Range to Kathua Division, during the course of previous plan revision, the gross area of the Division indicated in Shri. Manoj Pant’s Plan (1993-1994) was 76,689 hectares. Again, some area/compartments of Devak Block of Bahu range (Co. 6,7a,7b,26) which are in the administrative control of Kathua Forest Division and also in its management plan revised by Dr. T.S. Ashok Kumar (2002-03 to 2012-13) are deleted from Jammu Forest Division and transferred to Kathua Forest Division during the revision of this plan. Also compartments 7,9,11,12,13,14 and 15 of Mansar Block (Jindrah Range), compartments 1,2 and 3 of Ramnagar Block (Jammu Range), compartments 1,2,3,4 and 5 of Nandini Block (Jammu Range) earlier being managed under Wild life working circle are to be managed exclusively as per the management plan of Wildlife Department, forthwith. The said compartments are not to be taken into consideration as for as management of Jammu Forest Division is concerned. Therefore the gross area of Division as of now worked out to be 69929 hectares. This is the result of fresh calculation.

Table : 1.3: Range Wise Distribution Of Area

Range Total number of Comptt/Sub-Comptts. Area in hectare Jammu 18 9286 Kalidhar 47 30269 Jindrah 29 11776 Bahu 130 18598 Total 224 69929

1.8.2 The species wise distribution of area of four territorial ranges as compiled from individual stock maps is given below in Table 1.4

Table : 1.4: Species Wise Distribution of Area

Area in hectare as under Range Chir B/L & Shrubs Blanks Total Jammu 4743 4283 260 9286 Jindrah 2984 8596 196 11776 Bahu 4460 12793 1345 18598 Kalidhar 17109 11781 1379 30269 Total 29296 37453 3180 69929

1.8.3 The above table indicates that 41.9% of the area of the Division is under chir, 53.5 % of the area is under broad leaved species and dense/ sparse shrubs and 4.5 % is Blank.

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1.8.4 The area under Blanks has been increased from 3.3 % to 4.5 % of the total area of the division which is 1.24 % more as compared to Blanks of previous plan. It has happened because earlier DOT GRID method was used for calculation of area under different vegetation, but during this revision, satellite imageries of LISS-III and Arc GIS technology along with ground truthing is used, which is a latest technology and can capture/identify those areas on satellite imageries which was difficult in DOT GRID method.

1.8.5 As almost the entire area of the Division is thickly populated, the incidences of encroachment are very high and alarming.

1.9 State of Boundaries

1.9.1 The demarcation of the Division took place during 1970’s. However the boundary pillars in most of the areas have been conveniently removed by the people in order to encroach upon the Forest land. The situation has become very alarming especially in Bahu Range where the incidences of encroachment are very high so much so that some of the compartments have been completely encroached.

1.9.2 The details of the last demarcation conducted in various Ranges of the Division during the 70’s as compiled from Form – 1, Demarcation Register of the Division are given below in Table 1.5 However these details are not reliable as in few cases the entries in the register are not complete.

Table 1.5: Details of Last Demarcation Of Different Ranges of Jammu Forest Divisions.

M A I N L I N E A R E A Range Year of demarcation No. of Bp’s Acre Kanal Marlah

Kalidhar 1974 1708 36808 --- 14 Jammu 1975 1548 22826 4 6 Bahu 1974 3205 3205 5 15 Jindrah 1973 1233 1233 2 9

*BP – Boundary Pillars Source: - Form-1: Demarcation Register Jammu Division

1.9.3 The details of encroachments in the Division during past 10 years are given below in table 1.6 However, the actual area under illegal occupation of people may be much more than depicted in the table.

Table: 1.6: Encroachment in Forest Land since 1997-98 in Jammu Forest Division

S.No Range Area Encroachment 1 Kalidhar 10.68 Ha. 2 Jammu 15.68 Ha. 3 Bahu 159.68 Ha. 4 Jindrah Negligible Total 186.24 Ha.

Source: Jammu Forest Division

1.9.4 Considering the alarming situation and rising tendency of people to encroach upon more & more forest area, a Demarcation Division was created in 1990 to take up demarcation of

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Jammu Division. The details of physical targets achieved by Demarcation Division Jammu for the year 1998-99 and 2011-12 are below in table 1.7.

Table No: 1.7: Physical Targets Achieved By Demarcation Division Jammu for The Year 1997-98 To 2011 – 12

S. No Year Range Forest

Total No. of BP’s

No. of Chucks

No. of Chuck BP’s

Area of Forest

Area of Checks

1 1998-99 Bahu Sidhra 105 N / A N / A N / A N / A 2 Bahu Kalwalla 136 2 9 1588 Acre N / A

3 1999-2K --- --- --- --- --- --- ---

4 2000-01 Jammu Dung Dravi 76 5 25 324A-7K-5M 23 Acre

5 Jammu Drung Damooni 409 23 193 3188 Acre 138A-5K-11M

6 2001-02 Bahu Sunjwan 16 N / A N / A N / A N / A

7 Jammu Ramnagar Rakh 118 4 25 1779A-2K-13M

2A-3K-13M

8 Jammu Khanpur 54 2 11 N / A N / A 9 Jammu Dhar Dharochan 100 4 8 N / A N / A

10 Jammu Shiba Pangali 562 20 185 2184A-0K-7M 138A-3K-17M

11 2002-03 Jammu Kaink seri Panditan 67 1 14 121A-5K-8M N / A

12 Jammu Rakh Pangali 63 1 4 N / A N / A

13 Jammu Tanda/Dhammi Seri 295 2 11 1032A-15K-

0M 3A-6K-9M

14 2003-04 Jammu Dung Bamyal 221 14 122 3683A-15K-0K

199A-13K-04M

15 Jammu Dung gundla 78 3 17 60A-15K-0M N / A 16 2004-05 Kalidhar Godher 122 3 21 8M-6C-4K 1M-78C-2K 17 2005-06 Nil 18 2006-07 Nil 19 2007-08 Nil 20 2008-09 Nil 21 2009-10 Nil 22 2010-11 Nil 23 2011-12 Nil

• A = Acer, * K = Kannal, * M = Marla, *C = Chain, * K = Karam

Source : Demarcation Division-I, Jammu

1.10 Legal Postion

1.10.1 All Demarcated forests are the property of the Govt. of Jammu & Kashmir and their management and administration vests with the Forest Dept. Therefore the Department of Forest is responsible for protection, management and improvement of Flora and Fauna in these Forests.

1.10.2 The control of the fluctuating grazing is also with the Forest Deptt. The Department is competent of closing the area upto half of the total area of any Forest subject to the maximum of 1 / 4th of the total area of territorial range at a time with suitable and adequate provision for the right of way with prior sanction of the Ministers in charge (Forest Deptt.)

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1.10.3 In discharging its obligation and responsibilities, the Forest Department is guided by the following acts, rules and notifications that came into being from time to time.

a) The Jammu and Kashmir Forest act 1987 (1930 A.D) Act II 1987.

b) The Jammu and Kashmir (Sale of Timber) Act 1987 (1931 A.D) Act III of 1987.

c) The Kuth Act 1978 (1921 A.D) Act I of 1978.

d) The Cattle Trespass Act 1977 (1920 A.D) Act VIII of 1977.

e) The Jammu and Kashmir (Land Improvement Schemes Act 1972) Act XXIV of. 1972.

f) The Jammu and Kashmir Kahcharai Act, Act XVIII of 2011.

g) The Jammu and Kashmir Game Preservation Act 1998 (1942 A.D) Act XXIV of 1998.

h) The Jammu & Kashmir State Forest Corporation Act, 1978, Act XII of 1978.

i) The Jammu and Kashmir Preservation of Specified Trees Act 1969 Act V of 1969.

j) The Jammu and Kashmir Wildlife (Protection) Act 1978, Act VIII of 1978.

k) The Jammu and Kashmir Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorized Occupants) Act 1959, act XIII of 1959.

l) The Jammu Forest Notice and Kashmir Forest Notice.

m) The Saw Mills (Registration and control) Rules 1968.

n) The Jammu and Kashmir Nationalization of Forest Working Ordinance 1986, ordinance V of 1986.

o) The Jammu and Kashmir Extraction of Resin Act 1986. (Governor’s Act No. VIII No. of 1986)

p) Govt. order No. 24 FST of 1990 dated: 15-01-1990 – Restriction on Commercial Felling.

q) The Jammu and Kashmir Rehabilitation of Degraded Forests Village Plantation Rules 1992. (Rules for benefit sharing) SRO 61 of 1992 dated: 29-03-1992.

r) The Jammu and Kashmir Forest (conservation) Act, 1990 Govt act XXVI of 1990.

s) The Jammu & Kashmir Forest (conservation) Act, 1978, Act, XII of 1978.

1.11 Right and Concessions

1.11.1 No rights have been recognized by the State. However the inhabitants of villages living in the vicinity of forest areas as classified in Jammu Forest Notice enjoy a number of liberal concessions from these forests. In lieu they are obliged to discharge certain duties from time to time as mentioned in the said notice.

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1.11.2 The concessions enjoyed by the local inhabitants are described briefly as under:

i) Grant of timber at a concessional rate for bonfide domestic requirements.

ii) Collection of dead fallen material for bonafide domestic use such as firewood and small timber.

iii) Collection of felling debris / refuse from the vacated coupes.

iv) Lopping of trees with certain restrictions except in case of coniferous trees and special class broadleaved trees.

v) Collection of minor forest produces not prohibited under the Kuth Act or any other order / Act.

vi) Grass cutting and grazing except in areas closed by the Department.

1.11.3 In case of fire and natural calamities, timber may be granted free of cost to concesseionists.

1.11.4 The details of the timber issued to concssionists during past decade are given below in table No: 1.8.

Table: 1.8: Statement of Timber issued to connectionists from the Division for past 14 years

Year R A N G E S Kalidar Jammu Bahu Jindrah Total

1998-1999 672 Cft. 0 406 Cft. 3 BL Trees 0 1078 Cft

2 BL Trees 1999-2000 1421 Cft. 0 125 Cft. 125 cft. 1671 Cft. 2000-2001 78 Cft. 0 0 250 Cft. 328 Cft.

2001-2002 312 Cft. 172 Cft. 0 118 Cft 2 / BL

602 Cft. 2 / BL

2002-2003 71791 Cft.

969 Cft. 1 BL 0 203Cft.

4 BL 2963Cft.

7 BL

2003-2004 837 Cft. 1 BL

719 1 BL

172 Cft. 1 BL 0 1728 Cft.

3 BL

2004-2005 890 Cft. 1888 Cft. 219 Cft. 2 BL

0 1 BL

2997 Cft. 1 BL

2005-2006 784 Cft. 203 Cft. 0 1 BL

125 Cft. 2 BL

1112 Cft. 3 BL

2006-2007 6 / 571

Cft. 2 BL

0 2 BL

0 5 BL

0 1 BL

571 Cft. 5 BL

2007-2008 618 Cft. 1 BL

0 1 BL

0 5 BL

0 1 BL

618 Cft. 8 BL

2008-2009 287 Cft. 4 BL 0 0

1 BL 0 1429 Cft. 10 BL

2009-2010 1169 Cft. 1 BL

220 Cft. 2 BL

40 Cft. 1 BL 0 1429 Cft.

10 BL

2010-2011 1072 Cft. 7 BL

375 Cft. 1 BL

0 2 BL

40 Cft. 2 BL

1487 Cft. 12 BL

2011-12 2839 Cft. 5 BL

747 Cft. 3 BL

0 3 BL

0 1 BL

3586 Cft. 12 BL

Source: Jammu Forest Division

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1.12 Grazing

1.12.1 The Forest areas of the Division have been facing the onslaught of grazing from permanent and migratory livestock population from time immemorial. The grazing in forest areas is unscientific, uncontrolled and unregulated. This has adversely affected the regeneration of chir in chir areas and depletion of ground flora in other areas.

1.12.2 The Department has a system of allotting Forest areas to nomadic graziers for grazing purpose. However the areas thus allotted by the department are further sublet to other graziers illegally by the allottees resulting in excessive grazing pressure and encroachment in Forest areas.

1.12.3 The permanent live stock population of Jammu District as per the census conducted in 1987, 1992,1997,2002 & 2007 is given below in Table 1.9

Table: 1.9: Live stock and poultry population as per livestock census (Jammu District)

S.No Species 1987 in Lacs

1992 in Lacs

1997 in Lacs

2002 in Lacs

2007 in Lacs

No. of improved Animals (2007)

1 Cattle 3.044 4.372 4.568 2.40 1.99 144006 2 Buffaloes 1.678 2.57 2.594 2.167 1.67 41200 3 Goats 2.015 2.441 2.499 1.868 2.79 N A 4 Other 0.82 1.19 1.369 1.05 1.25 N A 5 Total 7.557 10.573 11.03 7.485 7.70 --- 6 Poultry 2.452 7.556 7.857 5.19 6.53 N A

Source: Animals Husbandry Deptt. Jammu

1.12.4 The grazing details of Jammu Forest Division indicating number of livestock under various categories along with grazing fee recovered are given below in Table 1.10. However the actual number of livestock may be much more.

TABLE 1.10 Grazing data of Forest Jammu Division 1998 -89 to 2010-11

S.No Year Buffaloes Goats Sheep Horses Ponies Camels Other Total Amount Recovered

1 1998-99 --- 28420 21113 559 --- --- 297 29080.00

2 1999 to 2007 Does not available

3 2007-08 --- 17097 26085 --- --- --- 576 43758 26870 4 2008-09 --- 19995 21071 868 --- --- --- 41934 26805 5 2009-10 --- 26470 19791 598 --- --- --- 46859 27125 6 2010-11 --- 31170 23608 598 --- --- 525 55901 51719

Source : Jammu Forest Division

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CHAPTER – II

FLORA AND FAUNA

16

CHAPTER-II

Flora and Fauna

Part A - Forest Flora

2.1 Composition and Condition of the Crop

2.1.1 The forest of Jammu Forest Division represents typical subtropical vegetation. The lower altitudinal zonation is dominated by shrubs which occupy considerable area of the Division. In this zone, broadleaved trees are also found mostly scattered and sometimes in patches. As we go higher towards the outer reaches of the ridges, these scrubs are found to be mixed with scattered trees of chir. As we go further higher, pure chir patches are found.

2.1.2 The shrubs found in lower part of the Division are mostly dense. The main shrubs found in this region are Carrissa spinarum, Dodonea viscosa, Adhatoda vasica, Colebrookia oppostifolia etc. Other shrubs that are found are Euphorbia royleana, Nerium indicum, woodfordia floribunda, Woodfordia fruiticosa, Wendlandia exserta, Murraya Koenigii, Parthenium hysterophorus, Xanthium strumarium, Lantana camara and Ipomaea fistula.

2.1.3 These shrubs are mostly mixed with scattered broadleaved trees. However some good patches of broadleaved trees are also found especially in Ramnagar Rakh and part of Mansar block of Jindrah Range. The main broad leaved species that are found in the Division are Acacia nilotica, Acacia modesta, Albizza lebbeck, Butea monosperma, Cassia fistula, Dalbergia sissoo, Emblica officinalis, Mangifera indica, Lannea coromendalica, Mallotus philippensis, Oloea cuspidata, Punica granatum, Bombax ceiba, Syzygium cumini, Ziziphus jujuba and Ficus spp.

2.1.4 Chir starts appearing in the middle altitudnal zonation mixed with shrubs and broadleaved species and proceeds to dominate the vegetation towards the upper zone. It is also found in depressions along the nallahs mixed with broadleaved species especially in Kalidhar Range. The crop is mostly young to middle aged with scattered mature trees. The general condition of the crop on the whole is poor. The trees are mostly stunted and malformed with their stems twisted. The density is low and quanlity class varies from III to III/IV. The regeneration is very poor and even absent in most of the areas.

2.2 Occurrence and Distribution of Species

2.2.1 Kalidhar range is mostly dominated by chir except for eastern and outer southern part which are dominated by shrubs mixed with broadleaved trees. In depressions along the nallas chir is mixed with its broadleaved associates.

2.2.2 Nagrota block of Jammu Range is dominated by chir mostly in pure form and sometimes mixed other broadleaved trees and shrubs. Ramnagar block is dominated by broadleaved species whereas Ploura and Manor blocks represent scrubby forests mixed with scattered broadleaved trees.

2.2.3 The main vegetation of Bahu Range comprises of dense and sparse scrubs mixed with scattered broadleaved trees. However chir crop is also found as we go further higher towards Mansar Surinsar ridge.

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2.2.4 Jindrah block of Jindrah range is dominated by dense and sparse shrubs mixed with broadleaved trees. Scattered chir trees are also found as we go higher towards Karaidhar. Puni block of Jindrah Range represents pure chir crop towards Sarenddhar whereas lower part of the block represents shrubs. Mansar block represents all tree types of vegetation i.e. Chir broadleaved trees and shrubs whereas Tunnel block is party under chir and partly under broadleaved species.

2.2.5 The Table 2.1 given below indicates crop wise distribution of area for each Range computed from the fresh stock maps of the Division.

Table: 2.1: Crop wise Distribution of Area

Area Under (hectare) S.No. Range Chir Broad Leave & Shrubs Blanks Total

1 Kalidhar 17109 11781 1379 30269

2 Jammu 4743 4283 260 9286

3 Bahu 4460 12793 1345 18598

4 Jindrah 2984 8596 196 11776

TOTAL 29296 37453 3180 69929

2.2.6 The above table indicates that 41.9% of the total area of the Division is under chir, 53.65% of the total area of the Division is under shrubs and broadleaved species and 4.54% of the total is blank. Blank has been increased by 1.24% during the revision of this plan against 3.3% of previous plan.

2.3 General Description of Growing Stock

2.3.1 For the purpose of general description, these forests can be divided in to there distinct categories.

i) Chir Forests

ii) Scrub Forests

iii) Broadleaved Forests

2.3.2 Chir Forests: About 41.9% of the total area of the Division is dominated by these forests. Chir is found to be mixed with broadleaved species on lower slopes and is in pure patches towards higher ridges. As mentioned earlier the condition of the crop in general is poor. The biotic pressure is high and forest fires are common phenomena. The intensity of undergrowth in chir forests varies from light to moderate and heavy. Common associates of chir in these forests are Acacia catechu, Acacia nilotica, Albizza lebbeck, Butea monosperma, Dalbergia sissoo,

2.3.3 Scrub Forests: These forests occupy a sizeable area of the forests of the Division. These forests are prominent in most of the area of Bahu Range except towards the Mansar Surinsar ridges, parts of Tunnel block, Mansar block and Jindrah block of Jindrah Range, most of the areas of Ploura and Manor blocks of Jammu Range and few low lying patches of Kalidhar Range. The main species are Dodonea viscose, Adhatoda Vasica, Carissa spinarum,

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Woodfordia fruticosa, Nerium spp. etc. Broadleaved species like Acacia spp, Dalbergia sissoo, Olea cuspidata, Punica granatum, Emblica officinalis etc. are also found scattered at places.

2.3.4 Broad Leaved Forests: These forests are found in certain patches in the Division scattered all over the low lying areas of the Division. Ramnagar Rakh is prominently occupied by these forests where the general health of these forests is reasonably good. These forests are also found in low lying areas of Bahu Range and at some places in Tunnel and Mansar blocks of Jindrah Range. The general condition of these forests except in Ramnagar Rakh is very poor due to the pressure of migratory population and local neighbouring habitation. The main species found in these forests are Acacia Spp, Ficus spp, Butea monoserma, Lannea coromandalica, Albizzia spp, Mallotus philippensis etc.

2.4 General Description of Forest Types

2.4.1 The forest of this Division can be classified into following “FOREST TYPES” as per the classification made in the revised Survey of Forest Types of India by Champion and Seth.

2.4.2 Type 9 / C1 – Himalayan subtropical pine forest.

Sub type 9 / C1a Lower Siwalik chir pine forest.

This forest subtype covers about 39% of the total area of the Division. It represents chir bearing areas of the Division. The principal species is chir which is found in pure patches towards the higher altitudes and mixed with broadleaved species and shrubs towards lower altitudes. These forests are heavily grazed and trampled by permanent and migratory livestock population, adversely affecting the ground flora and regeneration of chir in these areas. Recurrance of fire is a common phenomenon in these forests. The general floristics are as under:

i) Pinus roxburghii.

ii) Acacia catechu, Dalbergia sissoo, Butea monosperma, Mallotus philippensis, Zizyphus Jujuba, Syzygium cumini, Emblica officinalis, Ficus spp etc.

iii) Dodonea viscosa, Woodfordia fruticosa, Adhatoda vasica, Colebrookia oppositifolia, punica granatum, Nerium indicum etc.

iv) Rumex hastatus, Cymbopogon spp.

2.5 Ecological Status

2.5.1 The chir forests have been accorded the status of “Climatic climax” by Champion and Seth. This is because there is a definite altitudinal zone lying between about 1000m and 1800 m on the southern exposures and rather lower limit on the northern slope naturally varying with micro relief where chir pine grows.

2.5.2 Forest type 9C1 / DS 1 – Himalayan subtropical scrubs Forests:

This forest type occupies about 39% of the total area of the Division. This area is dominated by dense / sparse scrubs mixed with scattered broadleaved species. This subtype is found below the chir zone in low lying area. The general floristics are:

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i) Dalbergia sissoo, Acacia catechu, Butea monosperma, Ficus spp, Acacia nilotica etc.

ii) Dodonea viscosa, Adhatoda vasica, Carissa spinarum, Punica granatum, Nerium indicum, Murraya koenigii, Lantana camara, Ipomea fistula.

iii) Saccharum spontanium, Cymbopogon spp.

2.5.3 Forest type 5B/C2 – Northern dry mixed deciduous forests:

The broad leaved forests of this Division bear a close resemblance to this forest type. About 16% of the total area of the Division is covered under these forests. These forests are found in small pockets and their general health is good especially in Ramnagar Rakh. The general condition in other areas is poor due to the pressure of migratory population and local neighboring habitation. The general floristics are:

i) Acacia catechu, Acacia nilotica, Acacia modesta, Ficus recemosa, Ficus bengalensis, Ficus religiosa, Butea monosperma, Lannea coromandalica, Albizzia lebbeck, Mallotous philippensis etc.

ii) Dodonea viscosa, Adhatoda vasica, Carissa spinarum, Colebrookia oppositiffolia, Nerium indicum etc.

2.6 Injuries to Which the Crop is Liable

2.6.1 The following various agents are responsible for causing direct or indirect injuries to these forests.

i) Man and his animals.

ii) Forest Fires.

iii) Wild animals.

iv) Insects, Fungi and Parasites.

v) Natural and Climate causes.

2.7 Man and his Animals

2.7.1. Most extensive damages to the crop of these forests are caused by man and his animals. The uncontrollable increase in human and bovine population has resulted in excessive biotic pressure in these areas. Some of the major injuries that are caused by man and his animals are girdling of trees, lopping of trees, extraction of torchwood, forest fires whether intentionally or accidentally, grazing, grass cutting, illicit damages and encroachments.

2.7.2 Encroachments in forest areas for cultivation and other purposes has been the biggest menace in this Division. Absence of demarcation pillars in most of the areas coupled with greed of the people to bring more and more land under cultivation has resulting in their premature deaths and subsequent destruction of vegetative cover in forest areas which later are converted into agricultural fields. This menace has taken alarming proportions in recent past.

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2.7.3 The increase in construction activities and requirements of small timber for various purposes due to tremendous increase in population has resulted in illicit extraction of timber from forest areas.

The details of damage cases registered with various agencies and their status during past 10 years are given in table 2.2.

TABLE: - 2.2

Details of Damage Cases of Jammu Forest Division from 2006-07 to 2010-11

Year

Department Police Court

O.B

Rece

ipt

Tota

l

Disp

osal

Bala

nce

O.B

Rece

ipt

Tota

l

Disp

osal

Bala

nce

O.B

Rece

ipt

Tota

l

Disp

osal

Bala

nce

2006-07 245 69 314 31 283 65 0 65 0 65 54 0 54 0 54 2007-08 273 29 302 13 289 65 0 65 0 65 54 0 54 0 54 2008-09 289 36 325 2 322 0 65 65 0 0 54 0 54 0 54 2009-10 323 92 415 32 383 65 2 67 0 67 54 2 56 1 55 2010-11 383 23 406 78 328 67 0 67 0 67 55 0 55 0 55 2011-12 328 43 371 11 360 67 0 67 1 66 55 2 57 0 57

Source: Jammu Forest Division

2.7.4 The forests of this Division are under heavy pressure of grazing by nomadic and permanent livestock population. Grazing in forest areas has been unscientific, uncontrolled and unregulated. The pressure of livestock population in these areas is much more than the carrying capacity, resulting in depletion of ground flora and destruction of young crop especially in chir areas.

2.7.5 Collection of firewood from forests for various purposes by the people of neighboring areas has also been responsible for injuries to the crop. The trees are lopped, sometimes even felled mercilessly for supply of fuel to neighboring villages and towns and comes in the form of head loads. Lopping of fodder trees is also done for the feeding to the livestock population. Lopping makes tress vulnerable against natural adversities.

2.7.6 Collection of grasses from forest areas by unscientific grass cutting also damages ground flora and young crop which are also cut and trampled along grass.

2.7.7 Excessive and improper extraction of resin prior to 1991-1992 has made the crop vulnerable to fires and natural calamities.

2.8 Forest Fires

2.8.1 The forests of this area especially under chir have been experiencing extensive damage due to fire. Although chir is a fire hardy species but the crop becomes vulnerable due to accumulation of inflammable material on ground and unscientific and excessive tapping of resin. These forests face dangers of uncontrolled fire especially during summer months. This phenomenon has been responsible for extensive damage to standing and young crops.

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Inadequate fire protection measures have resulted in considerable area being damaged by fire each year.

The details of forest areas burnt in each Range due to fire over past 10 years are given below in table 2.3

Table- 2.3: Statement of Fire burnt Forest Area of Jammu Forest Division Since 1998-99

S. No Year Fire burnt Area (in Ha) Bahu Jammu Jindrah Kalidhar Total

1 1998-1999 20.00 15.00 22.10 27.20 84.30 2 1999-2000 37.00 12.00 23.45 18.20 90.65 3 2000-2001 55.00 17.00 17.00 12.00 101.00 4 2001-2002 45.00 22.00 29.00 14.00 110.00 5 2002-2003 28.00 23.00 27.00 18.05 96.05 6 2003-2004 31.00 29.00 31.00 19.10 110.10 7 2004-2005 55.00 14.50 22.00 12.20 103.70 8 2005-2006 77.00 22.10 10.43 39.12 148.65 9 2006-2007 37.20 15.15 14.15 6.30 72.80 10 2007-2008 4.15 2.20 2.40 1.25 10.00 11 2008-2009 6.10 5.00 8.50 5.00 24.60 12 2009-2010 3.00 1.00 1.50 0.50 6.00 13 2010-2011 58.00 0.00 3.01 .00 61.01

G . Total 456.45 177.95 211.54 172.92 1018.86

Source: Jammu Forest Division

2.9 Wild Animals

2.9.1 The injuries caused to the forest by wild animals are much less as compared to injuries caused by man and his animals. Some of the injuries caused by wild animals to forest crop are uprooting of seedlings for eating of young roots and damage of chir seeds by monkeys, damage to young seedlings by porcupine, pigs and a minuscule damage to seeds by birds.

2.10 Insects Fungi and Parasites

2.10.1 The unhealthy crop becomes vulnerable to attacks by Insects, Fungi and Parasites.

Chir trees can be damaged by following fungi.

Cronartium himalayanse - rust of saplings.

Colcosporium Campanulae - needle rust.

However no alarming incidence of damage by these factors has been observed in the forests of the Division.

2.11 Natural and Climate Causes

2.11.1 The health and growth of forest crop is also affected by various climate and natural causes like draughts and floods due to erratic rainfall, strong winds, lightning etc.

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Part B – Forest Fauna

2.12 General Description

2.12.1 The Division in the past contained some game reserves popularly known as “Rakhs” offering a variety of fauna in the tract. These “Rakhs” were maintained by erstwhile Maharajas for their hunting pleasures. These “Rakhs” being restricted areas provided adequate and suitable habitat for wild animals of the areas.

2.12.1 However due to increasing human and livestocks pressure over a period of time, the natural habitat of wild animals shrank rapidly with the result that the number of wild animals and their variety depleted considerably.

2.12.3 The Wildlife Organization within the forest department was created vide Govt. Order No: 132 FST dated: 13-07-1979 following Cabinet decision No: 288 dt: 31-07-1979. After two years, in September 1981, this organization came into existence in Jammu region with the posting of forest Regional Wildlife Warden, Jammu. An independent Wildlife Protection Department was created in 1982 in pursuance of Govt. Order No: 106 FST of 1982 dated: 14-08-1982.

2.12.4 Jammu Forest Division has three wildlife sanctuaries namely Nandini, Ramanagar and Mansar-Surinsar and two deer parks one at Manda, Jammu and another at Mansar besides few wetland reserves. The management of these sanctuaries, deer parks and wetland reserves lies completely with Wildlife Protection Department.

2.12.5 The wildlife species commonly found in the tract are described as below:

2.12.6 (A) Animals (Mammals):

i) Leopard or Panther (Panthera Pardus): Commonly known as “Chita” or “Chitra” by local people this animal is found in this Division. As per Wildlife Department Jammu, the population of this animal has been increased approximately by 10-15% and the animal has approached to the human habitation area for prey. The main reason is natural habitat loss due to excessive construction in the forests and less availability of prey in the forests. This animal has been declared as special Game in Jammu and Kashmir Wildlife Protection act of 1978.

ii) Jackal (Canis aureus): This animal is commonly found throughout the Division. It lives in low lying areas in holes in the ground, dense grasses and shrubs near habitation and agricultural fields. Nocturnal in nature this animal sometimes attacks small animals and birds. A common natural scavenger, this animal has been declared as Vermin in the Jammu and Kashmir Wildlife protection Act 1978.

iii) Jungle Cat (Felis Chaus): This animal is commonly found throughout the Division mainly in scrub areas. This cat has long legs, comparatively short tail and distinctive pale green eyes.

iv) Indian Fox (Vulpes bengalensis): Locally called “ Lombri” this animalis commonly found throughout the Division. It lives in burrows in open grounds and in scrubs. It preys upon small mammals, raptiles and insects. This animal has been kept in the “Vermin” category in J & K Wildlife Protection Act 1978.

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V) Himalayan Black Beer (Selenaractos thibetanus) : Bhaaloo, once quite common in the tract, the number of this animal has decreased considerably in recent past. Now this animal is not found this Division. This beer, black in colour is characterized by a “V” shaped breast mark which may be white, yellow or buff in colour. This animal is usually found near the tree line at an altitude of about 3000 mts from mean sea level during summer months and descends down to lower altitudes during winters. Usually herbivorous in nature, this animal feeds on wild fruits, berries, insects, termites and larvae. It causes damage to agricultural crops. Volatile in temper, it sometimes attack sheeps, goats and large domestic animals and also attacks human beings occasionally. This animal is included in schedule III of the J & K Wildlife Protection Act 1978.

(B) Rodents:

i) Five striped Palm squirrel (Funambulus penanti): This animal is more commonly found in villages and agricultural fields rather than in forests. It feeds on fruits, nuts, young shoots, bark etc. It has been included in schedule II of J & K Wildlife Protection Act, 1978.

ii) Indian Porcupine (Hystrix indicia): Locally called “sahi” this small sized robust and stocky animal is characterized by sharp quits on its back. The quills are profuse, ornamented with deep brown or black and white rings. Weighing about 10 Kg when mature, it causes great damage to the nurseries and young plantations. This animal is included in Schedule II of Wildlife Protection Act, 1978.

iii) Common Indian Hare (Lepus negricolis): Locally known as “Kharghosh” this small sized animal brown in colour is found in scrub forests of the Division. A full grown animal weighs about 2 Kgs. This animal causes damage to agricultural fields. It has been included in schedule IVth of J & K Wildlife Protection Act, 1978.

iv) Indian Field Mouse (MUS boodnga): Declared as vermin in schedule V of J & K Wildlife Protection Act, 1978, this mouse is commonly found in agricultural fields, compounds and inside the houses. It lives in burrows and feeds on grasses, fruits roots and nuts. It causes damages to agricultural crop, nurseries and plantation.

(C) Goat Group:

i) Grey Himalayan Goral (Nemorhaedus goral): Commonly known as “Pijjar” this goat like animal, having stout limbs and sub parallel horns, is found in small numbers throughout the Division. It stands about 70 cms high at shoulders and weighs about 30Kg when mature. This animal is included in schedule III of J & K Wildlife Protection Act, 1978.

(D) Deer Group:

i) Barking Deer (Muntiacus muntjak): Deep chestnut coloured this animal is locally known as “ Kakar”. Small in number this animal lives in deep jungles. A full grown animal is about 65 cms high at shoulders and weighs about 25 Kgs. It has well developed horns. The male is characterized by sharp exposed canine teeth and small upright antlers. It feeds on leaves, grasses and wild fruits. This animal is included in Schedule III of J & K Wildlife Protection Act, 1978.

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ii) Hog Deer (Axis porcinus): Locally known as “Para” this animal is characterized by small antlers set upon long bony pediceles. The number of this animal is very small. Herbivorous in nature, this animal feeds on leaves, grasses and wild fruits. It has been included in Schedule IV of J & K Wildlife Protection Act, 1978.

(E) Pigs:

i) Indian Wild Boar (Sus scrofa): Commonly known as “Junglee Suar” this animal is found in scrub forests of this Division. This animal is black to rusty brown in colour. A full grown animal is about 90 cms high at shoulders and weighs about 250 Kgs. Omnivorous in eating habits, it destroys agricultural crops. This animal is included in Schedule III of J & K Wildlife Protection Act, 1978.

(F) Primates:

i) Indian Langur (Presbytis entellus): This black faced, long limbed and long tailed monkey was commonly found through the Division, especially on National Highway 1 A where it is fed by pilgrims. Now it is very less in number. Herbivorous in eating habits, this animal feeds on wild fruits, flowers, buds, shoots, leaves and anything offered to them. They live in large groups.

ii) Rhesus Macacue (Macaea mulatta): Locally known as “Bandar” this animal is found throughout the Division, more prominently on National Highway 1 A near Nandini. They live in groups feed on fruits, flowers, buds, shoot and leaves. They cause damage to young seedlings of Chir by uprooting and chewing them.

2.13 Class Aves (Birds)

A. Land Birds

I. Pheasants and Fowl Group

a) Red Jungle Fowl (Gallus): This bird of the size of a village hen is found almost all over the tract in chir areas. This bird is commonly hunted by local people. It is included in Schedule IV of J & K Wildlife Protection Act, 1978.

b) Common Peafowl (Pavo cristatus): This bird with a long tall beautiful crest is foun d, though in small number throughout the Division. This bird is included in Schedule I of J & K Wildlife Protection Act, 1978. Its hunting is totally prohibited.

II. Partridge and Quail Group:

a) Black Partridge (Francolinus francolines): This bird of the size of a half grown domestic hen, is commonly found throughout the Division. This bird is included in Schedule I of J & K Wildlife Protection Act, 1978.

b) Grey Partridge (Francolinus ponicerianus): This bird is also of the same size as that of the Black Partridge. It is commonly found throughout the Division. This bird is included in Schedule IV of J & K Wildlife Protection Act, 1978.

c) Chakore (Alectoris chukor): This beautiful grey brown bird bigger in size than the partridge is mainly found in the upper reaches of the Division.

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d) Grey Quail (Conturnix): This small tailed bird of the size of a Dove is found in the lower tract of the Division. This bird along with chakore is included in Schedule IV of J & K Wildlife Protection Act, 1978.

III. The Dove and Pigeon Group:

a) Blue Rock Pigeon (Columba livia): This bird with metallic green, purple and majenta sheen on neck and upper breast, and of the size of a house crow is found in rocky areas of the tract mainly found in chir bearing areas of the Division. This bird of the size between that of a mynah and and a pigeon is white spotted with pinkish brown and grey upper parts and white and black chessboard on hind neck.

b) Spotted Dove (Streptopelia orientalis): This bird is mainly found in chir bearing areas of the Division. This bird of the size between that of a mynah and a pigeon is white spotted pinkish brown with grey upper parts and white and black chessboard on hind neck.

c) Ring Dove (Streptopelia decaocto): This dove of the size of a pigeon is occasionally spotted in the Division. This bird is characterized by a narrow black half ring on the hind neck.

IV. Vultures:

a) White Becked Bengal Vulture (Pseudogyps bengalensis): This vulture of the size of a peacock is found all over the Division especially in lower areas. It is blackish brown in appearance with naked head and neck and white back.

Other birds that are commonly found in the division are described as

b) Rose Ringed Parakeet (Psittacula krameri): This grassy green bird with pointed tail, red back and red on hind neck is of the size of a Mynah found all over the Division.

c) Indian Mynah (Acridotheres tristis): This birds of the size of a bulbul found all over the tract. It is a dark brown bird with bright yellow bill, legs bare skin around the eyes.

d) Jungle Crow (Corvous macrorhynchos): This glossy black crow is found all over the Division.

e) House Crow (Corvus splendens): This crow is found all over the especially near the habitation. This crow has been declared as a vermin in Schedule V of J & K Wildlife Protection Act, 1978.

f) Koel (Eudynams scolopacea): This bird of the size of a common crow is found all over the Division. It is characterized by the typical sound it makes during spring months.

g) Rose Ringed Parakeet (Psittacula krameri): This bird of the size of a mynah is found all over the Division. It is a green bird with a long pointed tail, red beak and has a red ring on the hind neck.

h) Golden backed Wood-pecker (Dinopium benghalense): This wood pecker of the size of a mynah is characterized by upper plumage golden yellow and black crimson and occipital crest. It is found almost all over the Division.

i) Indian Robin (Saxicolaides fulicata): It is a blackish bird with a white patch on wings. The female is ashy brown. It is of the size of a sparrow. It is found all over in open areas.

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j) Tailor Bird (Orthotonus sustorious): This olive green bird with white under parts and rust coloured crown having two long pointed feathers in the crooked tail is found all over the Division. It is of the same size as that of a sparrow.

k) Paradise Fly Catcher (Terpsiphone paradisi): This bulbul sized silvery white (male) bird has metallic black crested head end two very long, narrow ribbon like curved feathers in tail. It is found in all the areas.

Apart from these birds some other birds like Jungle Babbler (Turdoides striatus) Baya (Ploceus philippinu), some varieties of owls and few migratory birds that come over to the wetlands of the Division seasonally are also found in the Division.

2.14 Reptiles

2.14.1 The entire tract is infested with a large variety of poisonous and non poisonous snakes. Among poisonous snakes Indian Cobra, Vipers and Kraits are commonly found. Pythons are also spotted occasionally. A variety of lizards are commonly found in the tract.

2.15 Aquatic Fauna

2.15.1 Local varieties of fishes are found in Chenab, Tawi and Devak Rivers and their tributaries.

2.16 Injuries to Which the Fauna is Liable

2.16.1 The wildlife of the tract is liable to injuries by man, injuries by wild animals, wildlife epidemics, atmospheric influences and fires. The details of the damages caused to the wild animals of the area are given below.

2.16.2 Injuries by Man: The biggest threat to the existence and development of wild animals of an area has been from the man his animals whether directly or indirectly. Hunting of animals and birds whether for their valuable skins, horns and flesh or in the garb of self protection or simply for hunting pleasures has been directly responsible for the depletion of wildlife. The destruction of habitat by encroachments, construction activities, felling and uncontrolled grazing has indirectly resulted in ecological imbalance of the area resulting in reduction of variety and number of wild animals of the area.

2.16.3 Injuries by Wild animals: In an ideal situation, the number of the variety of wild animals of an area is kept in check by themselves. However in case of unusual reduction in any of the links of the food chain in the ecological pyramid, the other wildlife species depend on this link for their existence also decreases.

2.16.4 Injuries by Epidemics: The incidences of epidemics among the wild animals and birds are quite rare. Sometimes contagious diseases may pass on the animals by domesticated animals. This aspect of wildlife has not been studied extensively as yet.

2.16.5 Injuries by Fires: Forest fires whether caused intentionally or not, are responsible for large scale destruction of birds and micro fauna. This results in direct injuries to the wild animals of the area and destruction in their natural habitat. This Division experiences forest fires every year. The details of forest area burnt in each range due to fire over past 10 Years have been given in Table No: 2.3 earlier on.

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2.16.6 Atmospheric influences: Atmospheric influences such as floods, droughts etc also are responsible for causing injuries to the wildlife of the area.

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CHAPTER – III

UTILIZATION OF THE PRODUCE

29

CHAPTER – III

Utilization of the Produce

3.1 Agricultural Customs and Wants of The Population

3.1.1 The tract is thickly populated having capital city Jammu at its centre. The Jammu District comprises of nine towns and 1192 villages out of which 1054 villages are inhabited. Majority of the villages are connected by roads. The demographic details of the tract are given as follows:

3.1.2 The population of Jammu District as estimated in 1981 when the last census took place was 9,43,395. The population of the tract comprising Jammu Forest Division which includes Majalta block of Udhampur District and excludes part of Jammu District beyond Devak river as estimated during 2001 Census was 13.57 Lacs. The population of the District / Division has increased considerably during past decade.

3.1.3 The Rural / Urban and Male / Female distribution of the population of Jammu district is given below table:

Table : 3.1

RURAL URBAN TOTAL MALES FEMALES TOTAL Population 7.21 6.36 13.57 7.28 6.29 13.57 Percentage 57.13 46.86 100 53.64 46.35 100

Source : Census Department (Year-2001)

3.1.4 The decadal increase in population of the district as compared to 1981 census is 43.90 %. There is a drastric increase in urban population in urban areas than rural population in rural areas which is 125 % increase as compared to 1981 census. It is because of migration to Jammu district during 90’s.

The Scheduled Caste population of the district as estimated in 2001 Census was 3.25 lakhs which is about 23.99% of the total population.

3.1.5 The details given in preceding paragraphs have been complied from census handbooks of Jammu and Udhampur based on census conducted in 2001. While the census for the year 2011 stands conducted but the data has not been yet compiled in a usable form due to which the latest information as per census 2011 could not be incorporated in the working plan & the data of 2001 census has been considered as base data.

3.1.6 The rural population of the tract is mainly engaged in agricultural practices whereas the urban population is engaged in various services and business. The rural populations being primarily agriculturists, rear a large number of cattle. Gujjars are professional graziers and rear large herds of buffaloes. Jammu city being the most prominent town in the tract, attracts milk vendors from neighboring towns. Thus sale of milk and milk products is also a side business of the agriculturists of the locality.

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3.1.7 The Jammu city and other towns in the tract have a large number of brick kilns around them. These brick kilins exist in large number to cater the increasing construction activities in the tract.

3.1.8 The tract also has a large number of saw mills engaged in furniture making and other small scale wood based industries. Other forestry based industries in the tract are katha and rosin factories.

3.1.9 The rural population of the tract lives in flat roofed mud houses, though past decade has also seen construction of modern houses in rural areas. The villagers depend upon adjoining forests for supply of timber for house construction and extraction of fuel wood. Many villagers also earn their livelihood by selling fuel wood in cities. This fuel wood comes in towns in the form of head loads and on pony back.

3.1.10 Construction of houses in urban areas is a major activity and consumes considerable amount of timber. Timber for construction of houses is provided by the State Forest Corporation through its fair price shop and auction of timber from various sale depots.

3.1.11 The statement showing opening balance receipt and disposal of timber from various sale depots of the state Forest Corporation in Jammu during 2011-12 is given in Table No: 3.2

Table: 3.2 Statement showing O.B, Receipt and Dispatched and Closing balance 01-04 2012 to 28-12-2012 of Depots of Sale Circle, Jammu

S.No. Depot O.B Receipt Sawn/ Logs

Total O.B & Receipt

Sold/ Dispatched O.B Sold nut

uplifted Unsold

1 Janipur Sale 12288.27 143644.23 155932.50 135929.47 20003.03 9026.44 10976.39

2 Janipur Store 10415.82 193324.59 203740.41 147126.10 56614.31 0.00 56614.31

3 Bahu 11198.29 141989.37 153187.66 114011.68 39175.98 2918.31 36257.67

4 Aik 5.00 0.00 5.00 0.00 5.00 0.00 5.00

5 Sunjwan Store 28642.59 116701.45 14544.04 113240.66 32103.98 0.00 32103.98

6 Sunjwan Sale 15973.72 109108.39 125082.11 111948.09 13134.02 5545.99 7588.03

7 Bachan Sale 21979.71 157491.46 179471.17 142803.38 3667.79 17603.88 19063.91

8 Bachan Store 48812.49 137302.18 186114.67 168837.23 17277.44 0.00 17277.44

9 Fair Price 1784.12 6914.83 8698.95 8519.13 179.82 0.00 179.82

TOTAL 151100.01 589317.59 740417.6 513211.75 215161.4 35094.62 180066.55

Source : State Forest Corp.

3.1.12 The statement showing details of Timber supplied to the fair price purchases from the year 2006-07 to 2011-12) is given below in Table No: 3.3

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Table: 3.3 Timber supplied to the fair price purchases from 2006-07 to 2011-12

S. No. Year Deodar Kail Total

No. Cft. No. Cft. No. Cft. 1 2006-07 3303.15 359.66 3662.81

2 2007-08

24348.78 3876.1 28281.13 Fir 56.25

3 2008-09 12031.81 335.35 12367.16 4 2009-10 19745.23 696.98 20442.21 5 2010-11 20916.39 813.01 21729.4 6 2011-12 16772.81 2614.72 19387.53

Source : State Forest Corp.

3.2 Markets and Marketable Product

3.2.1 The most prominent market of the tract is at Jammu city. The main marketable timber found in the tract is deodar, kail, fir, chir and imported pine. However the commercial extraction of chir from the tract has not taken place for quite sometime due to poor quality of the timber and the crop. Deodar Kail and Fir is supplied by SFC, Imported pine is also found in the Jammu city.

3.2.2 Apart from chir, other marketable product include timber of species like Dalbergia sissoo (Tali) which is an excellent furniture wood. Khair was commercially exploited in well established industries of the region.

3.2.3 Earlier the main source of revenue in this Division was extraction of resin from chir crop which is supplied to various rosin and turpentine factories of the region. But a ban was imposed on resin extraction in Jammu Forest Division in the year 1991-92 because of vulnerable condition of Chir crop.

3.2.4 The other minor forest products that can be extracted from the Division are:

i) Ghingan gum from Lannea grandis.

ii) Babul gum from Acacia nilotica.

iii) Tanning material from the barks of Acacia nilotica, Emblica officinalis, Cassia fistula and Acacia catechu.

iv) Dyes from fruits of Mallotus philippensis and flowers of Butea monosperma.

v) Lac from lac insect (Laccifer lacca) hosting on Butea monosperma, Ziziphus jujuba etc.

vi) Silky cotton from Semal fruit.

vii) Honey and wax from wild bees. The prominent bees found in the tract are Apis dorsata (Rock bee) Apis flora generally reared are Apis indica (domesticated bees).

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3.3 Lines of Exports

3.3.1 The Division is very well connected with very good network of roads. The main roads covering the Division are:

i) Pathankot Jammu - Srinagar National highway 1 A.

Ii) Udhampur-Dhar road.

iii) Jammu-Poonch road.

iv) Jammu-Surinsar Mansar road.

v) Samba-Mansar Battal road.

vi) Kaluchak-Parmandal road.

vii) Domail-Jindrah Katra road.

viii) Vijaypur-Uttarbani road.

ix) Kappa-Gala Jogian road.

x) Akhnoor-Kahdhan road.

3.3.2 In addition following link roads are also in good condition.

i. Jammu Bye Pass road.

ii. Jammu Sunjwan road.

iii. Kaluchak Ratnuchak road.

iv. Baribrahmana Sujani road.

v. Jakh Sujani road.

vi. Gulaba Chhapper Dagger road.

vii. Juthal Thorni road.

viii. Sunderbani Malla fair weather road.

ix. Sugetar Tara road.

x. Nagrota Gondla Fair weather road.

xi. Jammu Garhi road.

3.4 Method of Exploitation and their Cost

3.4.1 The main source of revenue in the Division was crude resin which after extraction from forest is collected and brought to road side resin depots. All operations for resin tapping of chir trees i.e setting up to crop, fixing of blazes etc. were carried out by the labour engaged

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by contractors. But resin extraction has been stopped in the year 1991-92 to give rest to chir crop.

3.4.2 As mentioned earlier, the commercial exploitation of timber has not taken place in this Division for quite sometime now. However the timber extracted from other Divisions come to Jammu in the form of sleepers and is stocked and sold at various sale depots of the State Forest Corporation.

3.4.3 The cost of extraction for different activities of different categories as fixed by the State Forest Corporation for Jammu province is given in table No : 3.4.

Table: 3.4: The cost of extraction for different activities of different categories as fixed by the SFC for Jammu province.

S.No Activities

CATEGORY Upto 10

Km from road head

(in Rs)

From 11 to 30

Km (in Rs.)

From 31 Km and above

(in Rs.)

Extremely difficult

condition (in Rs.)

1 Felling / Cft. On sawn outturn 1.57 1.99 2.21 2.63

2 Hand Sawing / Cft. 26.81 29.47 31.83 34.83

3 Pathru / Cft. / Km of 33 Chain 5.37 5.52 5.66 5.82

4 Pacci nail / Cft. / Km of 33 Chain 1.88 1.96 1.96 2.18

5 Mahan / Cft. / Km (Side nalla) of 33 Chain 1.33 1.33 1.33 1.33

6 Span (departmental 4.67 4.67 4.67 4.91 7 Span (Contractor) --- --- --- ---

8 Head Carriage Per Cft. per chain 0.43 0.43 0.43 0.43

9 Crane Haulage Per Cft. departmental per Km 6.99 6.99 6.99 7.36

10 Crane haulage contractor (per Km) --- --- --- ---

Pacca Road Distance

0 – 50 Km 51-100 Km 101-150 Km Above 151

Km

11

Road Transportation sawn form – National Highway (Rs. / Cft. /Km)

0.14 0.13 0.12 0.11

12 Other than National highway

0.17 / cft./Km

Source: State Forest Corporation

3.4.4 The details regarding cost of handling of sleepers at Depots as fixed by State Forest Corporation are given below in Table 3.5

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Table 3.5: Cost Depot Handling

S.No Items of Work Rate ( Rs. in cft.) 1 Unloading Std. Size = 1.46 & Under Size = Rs 1.18

2 Loading of sawn timber Rs. 1.14 / cft. 3 Sorting and Lorting Gr. I = Rs 1.96 & Gr. II = Rs 1.46 4 Stacking of Timber Rs 0.61 / cft

Source: State Forest Corporation.

3.5 Past and Current Prices

3.5.1 The sale rate for concessionists per cubic feet for ‘A’ class sleepers of standard size of 10 – 12’ * 10” * 5” for different species as fixed by the govt. over a period of time are given as under in Table 3.6.

Table: 3.6: Sale Rates of Different Species at Jammu Department TSD of Jammu Forest Division

Year Zone Type Sale Rate in Rs. / Cft. Deodar Kail Fir

2005-06 w.e.f 2005

A Log 161=00 102=00 59=00 Sawn 202=00 121=00 81=00

B Log 246=00 160=00 120=00 Sawn 281=00 193=00 136=00

C Log --- --- --- Sawn --- --- ---

2007-08 w.e.f 2007

A Log --- --- --- Sawn --- --- ---

B Log --- --- --- Sawn --- --- ---

C Log 404=00 234=00 161=00 Sawn 489=00 316=00 178=00

2010-11 w.e.f 2010

A Log 185=00 130=00 74=00 Sawn 215=00 160=00 104=00

B Log 345=00 245=00 138=00 Sawn 375=00 275=00 168=00

C Log 513=00 360=00 205=00 Sawn 543=00 390=00 235=00

Firewood Rates: i. Relegious purpose :- Rs. 190/ Quintal

ii. Commercial Purpose:- Rs. 450/ quintal + extraction charges as per actual.

Source: Jammu Forest Division

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CHAPTER – IV

STAFF AND LABOUR SUPPLY

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CHAPTER IV

Staff and Labour Supply

4.1 Staff

4.1.1 There has hardly been any change in the overall establishment since the inception of last plan. The present strength is just about adequate to cope with ever increasing workload on account of forest protection and management.

4.1.2 The following establishment remained on the pay roll of the Division during 2010-11

Table: 4.1: Statement showing list of staff working in Jammu Forest Division during 2010-11

S.No. Categories of Post Pay Scale Grade Pay Total Sanctioned

Posts

Actually working

1 D.C.F 37400-67000 8900 1 1 2 A. C. F 9300-34800 4800 1 2 3 Range Officers -I 9300-34800 4280 4 2 4 Range Officer - II 9300-34800 4200 1 2 5 Forester 5200-20200 2800 27 27 6 Dy. Foresters 5200-20200 2400 17 13 7 Forest Guards 5200-20200 1900 197 134 8 Sr. Assistant 5200-20200 2400 1 1 9 Jr. Assistant 5200-20200 1900 8 9

10 Accountant 5200-20200 2800 1 1 11 Chauffer 9300-34800 4200 --- 2 12 Sr. Driver 5200-20200 2400 1 --- 13 Jr. Driver 5200-20200 1900 1 --- 14 Cleaner 4440-7400 1400 1 3 15 Orderly 4440-7400 1300 5 10 16 Watcher 4440-7400 1300 1 8 17 Mali 4440-7400 1300 5 10 18 Chowkidar 4440-7400 1300 5 13 19 Boatman 4440-7400 1300 --- 1 20 Khalasi 4440-7400 1300 --- 2 21 Helper 4440-7400 1300 --- 70

Source: Jammu Forest Division

4.1.3 Total salary paid to staff during the financial year 2010-11 was Rs. 644.132 lacs out of total allotment of Rs. 644.430 lacs.

4.2 Labour Supply

4.2.1 The labour supply of the tract consists of both local labourers as well as labourers from other parts of state. Labourers from other parts of the country are also found to be engaged in forestry works in sizeable strength.

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CHAPTER – V

PAST SYSTEM OF MANAGEMENT

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CHAPTER - V

Past System of Management

5.1 General History of Area and Forests

5.1.1 Jammu Forest Division derives its name from its head quarter which is at Jammu City. Historians are unanimous that the city was originally founded by Raja Jamboo Lochan who lived in fourteenth century B.C and was named after him. With the passage of time and due to its frequent use, the pronunciation of the name got slightly distorted and the city came to be called as “Jammu” as it is called now.

5.1.2 Prior to 12’th Century A.D Jammu was one of the important pricipalities along with Kisthwar, Bhaderwah, Basohli, Reasi etc. well before and during the earlier phase of Mughul rule. Sometime during 12th Century A.D, Rajputs carved out separate estates, which they ruled as independent sovereigns. The prominent rulers of the tract were of Chib, Katoch, Rana, Manhas and Thakkar clans. Independence, however could not be maintained for long due to constant rivalry amongst these Kings.

5.1.3 With the installation of Sikh rule in Punjab, Jammu and all other adjoining areas were annexed by Maharaja Ranjit Singh. Mian Kishore Singh, a direct descendent of Raja Dhru Dev, an earlier ruler of Jammu held a prominent and respectable position in the court of Maharaja Ranjit Singh at Lahore. His son Gulab Singh, a gallant warrior and accredited lieutenant of Ranjit Singh was made the Raja of Jammu by the Treaty of Amritsar Dated : 16-03-1846.

5.1.4 The ancient history of the forests of the Division is not available. In old days, administration of forest was under the control of civil authorities. In charge of the District called “Wazir-I-Wazarat” constituted the office establishment. The field was looked after by a “Girdawar” or Kumbedan in each “Ilaqa” with few “Rakhas” or “Chaorassis” under him. The “Girdawar” collect “Rasum” or forest dues initially from individuals and later on from village communities as a whole for the various forest produce consumed and utilized by them. The “Rasum” were collected at the will of the administration and protection of forest was not taken care of. The forests were burnt mercilessly and there was no control over the quality of forest produce extracted by locals as long “Rasum” were paid. Thus the sole objective was to earn revenue from forests.

5.1.5 Management of forests on scientific lines began in 1891 A.D. when a regular State Forest Department was establishment and Mr. J. Mac Donell, was appointed as first Conservator of Forests. Forest areas were demarcated and attention was drawn towards conservancy. Organization of forests was undertaken and forest areas were divided into various Divisions, Ranges and Beats.

5.1.6 In 1893 A.D., Udhampur Forest Division was carved out which was split up into Reasi and Kisthwar Forest Division in 1904 A.D. The Reasi division was again split up in to Udhampur and Reasi Divisions in 1925 A.D.

5.1.7 A new Division by the name of Soil Conservation Division, Jammu came into existence in 1947 A.D by splitting up the then Jammu Range of Udhampur Division in to Jammu and Bahu Ranges and transferring some Kalidhar area of Reasi Division and by renaming it as Kalidhar Range. Fourth Range namely Jindrah was added into this Division by transferring

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Forest areas of Jammu side of Karaidhar from Udhampur and a part of erstwhile Jammu Range lying on the norther aspect of Nandini and Mansar-Surinsar ridges.

5.1.8 The compartmentation of forest area did not taken place till late 1960's. The growing demand for extraction of resin in late 1960's led to the need for the preparation of regular working plan for these forests. As a first step, compartmentation of the area was taken up and the job was accomplished by Sh. M.A Mufti in Bahu Range, by Late Parvez Qadri in Kalidhar Range and by Sh. M.S Jamwal in Jammu and Jindrah Range.

5.1.9 In 1981 with the reorganization of the Department, part of Bahu Range beyond Devak River was separated to be included in newly created Kathua Division and a portion of Nagrota block of Jammu Range forming Bamyal drainage namely compartments 10 to 12 and a part of compartment 9 were transferred to Reasi Division. The name of the Division was changed to Jammu Forest Division as it is called now.

5.2 Past System of Management and their Result

5.2.1 Prior to the creation of Soil Conservation Division Jammu, these forests were never treated under any regular working. Felling were carried out haphazardly in some areas without any attention towards regeneration and cultural operations. This resulted in failure of regeneration in most of the chir areas and destruction of broadleaved forests. Proximity to Jammu city resulted in tremendous biotic pressure and the area faced threats of soil erosion. This led to creation of a Soil Conservation Division for treatment of eroded areas. Initially Soil Conservation works were carried out under various soil conservation schemes. The soil conservation measures included creation of closures by barbed wire and line fencing, plantation of fast growing and draught resistant species and minor engineering works like check damming, gully plugging, construction of water drains etc. These schemes produced very good results at treated places and soil erosion was effectively controlled in these areas. Good vegetation came up in quite a few denuded hills and many nalla beds and banks stabilized with broadleaved species.

5.2.2 The first regular working plan of then Soil Conservation Division Jammu was prepared by Sh. M.S Jamwal for the period 1971-72 to 1981-82. Following six working circles were constituted.

i) Chir Selection Working Circles:

This working circle covered chir bearing areas of the Division. The silvicultural system proposed was selection system and treatment proposed was selection cum improvement felling together with thinning in congested groups of pole crop. The marking prescribed was to be purely on silvicultural grounds and was fairly conservative. All trees below exploitable diameter were to be treated as regeneration and in no case were to be felled. The exploitable diameter was fixed at 60 cms dbh and a rotation of 120 years with a felling cycle of 30 years was prescribed. Natural regeneration was to be supplemented with artificial sowing and planting in deficient areas. Special measures for prescribed. An exhaustive study was conducted on resin tapping and detailed prescriptions were given.

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ii) Protection Cum Improvement Working Circle:

This working circle covered areas that were uncommerical due to poor stocking erosion hazards or precipitous terrain. The main objective was to maintain forest crop as a protective cover for soil and water conservation. Growing of all species including shrubs and grasses was recommended strict fir protection measures and closures of grazing were also prescribed. Plantation of suitable species in blanks to improve the stocking of these forests was also recommended.

iii) Grazing Working Circle (Partly Overlapping):

This working circle covered areas that were used by nomads for grazing during winters. The vegetation of these area was mostly scrubs, having stray broadleaved trees at places. Part of this working circle was to overlap with protection cum improvement working circle. The treatment prescribed were rotational closure to grazing with area identified introduction of better varieties of grasses, planting of trees species of better fodder value, contour bunding and bench terracing in certain areas, fixing of carrying capacity in each compartment, fixation of lopping limits and proposals for checking up of cattle population.

iv) Wildlife Working Circle:

This working circle was to include game-bearing areas. The main objectives were to preserve, protect and improve the fauna of the area. Areas were proposed for creation of games sanctuaries and Zoological parks for recreational and educational purposes. Other recommendations were construction of watch towers and observation strips, construction of water holes and provision for salt licks, construction of inspection paths, introduction of new wildlife species, creation of small zoological parks at places and other miscellaneous regulations.

v) Khair Overlapping Working Circle:

This working circle was to cover areas that possessed Khair crop either in pure form or mixed with other species. Main objective was to get maximum sustained yield of Khair crop. The silviculture system proposed was selection cum thinning. The exploitable diameter was fixed at 20 cm dbh and felling cycle at 10 years. Marking rules and subsidiary silvicultural operations were prescribed.

vi) Soil and Water Conservation Overlapping Working Circle:

This working circle was to cover areas that were threatened by soil erosion. The main objective of management was to provide maximum protection to soil against erosion. The treatments prescribed were sound management of good forest cover, afforestation of blank areas, proper management of grass lands, adoption of proper agricultural practices and engineering works like construction of check dams, construction of catch water drains, Nala training works and stabilization of landslides and land slips.

5.2.3 This working plan was revised by Sh. Sh. J.B singh in 1983. By that time, reorganization of the Department had taken place and the Division had been renamed Jammu Forest Division. Few changes were brought in. Some working circles were renamed, some were disbanded

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and some new working circles were created. The period of this plan was from 1982-83 to 1991-92.

i) Chir Interim Resin Tapping Working Circle:

a) This working circle covered chir areas on moderate slopes possessing low density and having inadequate regeneration. The main objective of management was to obtain maximum sustained yield of resin without damaging the crop. The method of treatment recommended heavy openings to induce regeneration and protection from biotic interferences. Only hygienic felling was recommended followed by establishment of closures and induction of artificial regeneration. Prescriptions for resin tapping were discussed.

b) The nomenclature of this working circle is misleading as resin extraction could not have been interim. Green felling in these areas stopped quite some time ago. Only occasional trees were given to concessionist. This was also stopped in 1990. The method of treatment recommending heavy opening to induce regeneration also contradicts the description of the crop. The Division of the working circle into two strata on the basis of crop parameters only is also debatable. Assessment of number of channels on the basis of stocking of the forests without their proper identification and the actual prescription for average number of channels per hectare also contradicts each other.

c) Extraction of resin from chir areas continued till 1987-88. However the number of channels were gradually reduced from 928083 in 1982-83 to 12302 in 1988-89. Extraction of resin was subsequently stopped in consultation with the then Chief Conservator of Forests as there was hardly any space left for channels. The crop was given complete rest for four years and resin tapping has now started again in some selected areas.

d) The silvicultural practices for the improvement of growing stock in these areas has been neglected. No hygienic operation except for removal of dry fallen material has taken place. Adequate measures regarding protection against fire have not been taken with the result that fire incidents have been quite frequent in these areas. Regeneration has come up well in some isolated patches in some compartments of Kalidhar Range and Mansar block of Jindrah Range. Plantation of chir mixed with other species has taken place in some places mainly in Kalidhar and Jindrah Ranges. However the quantum of chir plantation is very small as compared to the total area that requires treatment.

ii) Reboisement Working Circle:

a) This working circle includes areas that had become degraded and denuded due to biotic interferences and areas that were steep and heavily eroded. The vegetation constituted of broad leaved species with dense and sparse scrubs and blanks. The objectives of management were to rehabilitate these areas and to meet local demands of neighboring population regarding small timber, fuel wood and fodder. For treatment purpose, the area was divided into three categories:

1. Area having dense broad leaved trees were to be treated for protection against biotic interferences as well as rehabilitation of these forest artificially.

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2. Area having dense scrubs were to be regenerated with hardy broad leaved useful trees.

3. Areas that were devoid of vegetation were to be given rest to allow palatable grasses and scrubs to came up. Regulations regarding engineering works for effective sediment control were also prescribed.

b) The idea of division of this working circle into three distinct categories on the basis of treatments proposed was quite novel and innovative. This would have helped in identifying and prescribing precise treatments for areas under different categories at micro level. However without proper identification of these areas under different categories the distinction has lost its relevance.

c) The area under this working circle faces tremendous biotic pressure from local and migratory population especially in Bahu Range. This coupled with financial restraints has limited the efforts of the department. The department is making closures in these areas annually but the quantum of plantation in these areas is grossly inadequate considering the large extent of the area to be treated. Protection along with plantation of soil binding fast growing indigenous and some exotics on trial basis has produced good results in some areas. No soil conservation measures worth the name have been taken in these areas.

iii) Energy Plantation Working Circle:

a) This working circle was created with the specific purpose of raising fast growing useful species to meet fuel and fodder requirements of local population. Rotation and growth prospects of these species were also discussed.

b) The prescriptions given in the working plan have been followed to a certain extent. Plantation of fast growing species of fuel and fodder value have been taken up in certain areas. The status of these plantations is average to very good with survival percentage varying from 40% to 80% at places. This is due to inadequate and short duration of precipitation, poor water retention capacity of the soil and dry condition of the tract. The extent of plantation is inadequate and has not been able to meet the rising demand of population.

iv) Aesthetic Working Circle:

a) This working circle was to cover areas forming the catchments of Mansar and Surinsar lakes. The main objective was to develop them aesthetically. Main recommendations prescribed were protection from grazing, ban on felling, plantation of ornamental trees around the lakes, plantation of fruit trees, light resin tapping and plantation of suitable trees along the road.

b) The prescriptions given in this working circle have been followed to a small extent. Plantation of species of aesthetic value has taken place around Mansar Lake in particular.

v) Grazing Working Circle:

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a) This working circle was to cover areas that were auctioned to nomadic graziers for grazing during winters. Part of this working circle was to overlap with other working circles although overlapping compartments were not identified. Recommendations were made for improvement of these areas and were identified for rotational grazing.

b) The area under this working circle faces tremendous biotic pressure due to nomadic glaziers who not only encroach upon the area but also damage the existing crop. The livestock population, both permanent and migratory is very high as compared to the carrying capacity of this area. This poses difficulties for the department in closing the areas. However the department, within its limitations has fenced some area made trenches and raised grass species like Napier in Jammu and Bahu ranges.

vi) Wild Life Working Circle:

a) This working circle was to cover areas that were under the administrative control of Wildlife Protection Department and some adjoining areas. The main objective was to protect and preserve the fauna and flora of these areas for recreational and educational purposes and for upkeep of wildlife of the area.

b) The area under this working circle can be divided into two categories i.e areas that are under the control of Wildlife Protection Department and areas that are under Forest Department. The prescribed areas that are under Forest Department have not been managed as per the prescriptions given. In any case, the allotment of these areas to this working circle was not wise as these areas are thickly populated and hardly have any wildlife.

c) The areas managed by Wild Life Protection Department constitute three wild life sanctuaries namely Ramnagar sanctuary, Nandini sanctuary and Mansar-Surinsar sanctuary. Management practices that are followed by the department are plantation of fruit and fodder trees, creation and maintenance of inspection paths, maintenance of fix lines, creation and maintenance of water holes etc.

d) All these sanctuaries have very good network of inspection paths. However the management of these sanctuaries as per the established wild life management techniques is difficult as all these sanctuaries are surrounded by human settlement and the biotic pressure is very high. All dead trees are removed by local population illegally. Although these sanctuaries are closed for grazing the grazing in these areas by local and migratory livestock population is frequent. This causes shortage of fodder for wild animals and these are also potential health hazards for the wild animals.

vii) Khair Overlapping Working Circle:

a) This working circle included areas where Khair crop was found in pure form or mixed with other species. The main objective was to protect and develop existing Khair crop and setting up of new plantation. Silvicultural system to be followed was selection cum thinning with exploitable diameter at 25 cm and technical rotation of 50 Years. Methods for executing felling and marking rules were also providing with artificial plantation of Khair was also discussed.

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b) Although the working plan prescribes the exploitable diameter at 25 cm dbh (ob) yet in actual practice it is only 20 cm dbh (ob). No steps have been taken to prompt natural regeneration of khair. Plantation of khair mixed with other broad leaved species has been taken up in some areas.

viii) Soil Conservation (Overlapping) Working Circle:

This working circle was to cover areas facing problems of severe erosion high rate of sediment release, degradation and denudation of hills and low productivity. However, neither areas under this working circle have been identified nor has this working circle been incorporated in the main draft of the plan.

5.2.4 The working plan of Sh. Sh. J. B. Singh was revised by Sh. Manoj Pant, IFS in the year 1991-92. The field work was started by the year 1992 and completed in March 1994 after which compilation work was done. This plan was finally approved for a period of 10 years with effect from 1998-99 to 2007-08. Few changes were brought, some working circles, were renamed, new working circles were created.

5.2.5 Working Circle and Reasons for their Constitution

i) Chir Improvement Working Circle

a) This working circle included areas that contains Chir crop either in pure form or mixed with broad leaved species. These areas have been managed with the sole objective of extraction of resin from chir crop. However due to poor management the areas were over exploited so much so that at most of the places there is hardly any space left for blazes now. These forests experience tremendous biotic pressure due to grazing, encroachments, lopping, fire etc and have not responded to regeneration which should have come on its own. Majority of the crop is middle aged of low density with malformed and twisted stems. The regeneration is generally absent or inadequate, barring occasional isolated patches. Negligence towards fire control measures has resulted in frequent fires in these areas. Hence the guiding principle in management of these areas was to improve the stocking and general health of the crop.

b) On the basis of the condition of the crop at different places and treatments required, the area was divided into substrata. The main consideration was the establishment of regeneration. First substratum included areas where regeneration is coming up well in patches or is capable of coming up and can establish itself if adequate measures are taken. Second substratum included areas where regeneration is totally absent or inadequate. The treatments for the two substrata differed accordingly.

The prescriptions have not been fully followed in the proposed areas thereby not improving the general condition of the crop. It has been seen that the stretches which had lesser incidence of fire, grazing and grass cutting showed improvement over those areas where these treatments could not be vigorously followed. No significant silvicultural operations have taken place to improve the condition of the crop during the past decade and no major developmental works have been undertaken in chir areas of the division to promote regeneration. Certain compartments which deserved to be catergorised under sub-stratum-I were inadvently put under sub- stratum-II like Co. 1,2,&3 of Puni Block of Jindrah Block Range. Similarly Co. 52 of Bahu Block which had been assigned to Reboisement working circle needs to be put in Sub-Stratum-II of Chir Improvement working circle.

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The condition of crop under Sub-Stratum-II has not shown any improvement. This sub stratum is exposed to tremendous biotic pressure and frequent fires resulting in negligible regeneration in this Sub-Stratum.

ii) Rehabilitation Cum Reboisement Working Circle

a) This working circle covered areas that were productive once upon a time and have become degraded and denuded partly due to management neglect and mainly due to increasing biotic pressure. The vegetation of these areas consists chiefly of broad leaved species with dense or sparse scrubs and blanks. These areas need to be rehabilitated on top priority.

b) These areas were divided into substrata on the basis of their condition and the treatment required. First substratum included areas which were steep and heavily eroded with deep gullies and very shallow soil. Second substratum included areas which were dominated by dense or sparse scrubs with scattered broad leaved trees and blanks. Third substratum included such areas that were in the initial stages of degradation and can be easily rehabilitated. Fourth substratum covered areas that were close to habitation and where the demands of local population in regard of fuelwood, fodder and small timber is very high. A multidimensional approach was to be applied for treatment of areas depending upon the requirement at micro level.

The methods of treatment differed with the type of sub-stratum. While in Sub-stratum-l, the stress was laid on Soil Conservation works followed by plantation of soil binding species, In Sub-stratum-II the treatment envisaged replacement of weeds like Lantana & Parthenium. with useful thorny species like Acacia catechu, Acacia modesta, Zizyphus etc, which could withstand the typical edaphic & climatic condition of the area. The areas under sub- stratum-Ill were proposed to be protected against biotic interference and denuded areas to be planted with useful broad leaved species. In areas falling under sub-stratum-IV socially useful native species like Albizzia lebbeck, Acacia catechu, Dalbergia sissoo, Punica granatum, Wendlendia haynii, Mango, Ber, Aamla and Neem etc. were to be given preference over exotic species in plantation programmes because of their proven use and utility to the local people.

The division of the areas into four strata is confusing particularly in case of substratum-I and substratum-IV, as it is difficult to differentiate between the two in the field on the basis of the condition and composition of the crop as suggested for their delineation. Broadly, the following areas were identified conveniently in the field:

Ø The areas with shallow soil depth, subject to soil erosion with exposed parent rock having scrubby vegetation conforming to sub-stratum-I.

Ø The areas having dense bushy growth conforming to sub-stratum-II.

Ø The areas having broadleaved trees conforming to sub-stratum-III.

The area under this working circle is under tremendous biotic pressure due to which the treatments prescribed for this working circle have not produced expected results barring a few patches. No major Soil Conservation works have been taken up in sub-stratum-I as per prescriptions, however, plantation of soil binding and native species like Acacia catechu, Acacia nilotica, Albizzia lebbeck, Bamboo, Bauhinia variegata, Dalbergia sissoo, Leucaenea and some exotics have produced good results in some areas. The prescriptions were

46

implemented but the quantum of work to be carried out was gigantic thereby not showing the desired results on ground. Rehabilitation of degraded areas has been done by resorting to closure formation, soil conservation works, artificial regeneration thereby promoting natural regeneration. An area of 1915ha has been closed by ETF during the period from 1997-98 to 2007-08.

iii) Grazing (Partly Overlapping) Working Circle

This working circle covered areas that experience heavy grazing of permanent and migratory livestock population. Some compartments allotted to this working circle overlapped with other working circles. The vegetation of this working circle is mostly broad leaved species mixed with dense or sparse scrubs and blanks.

The treatment for these areas included rotational closing, regulatory measures- which included establishment of community fodder banks and persuading the graziers to shift to follow rotational grazing. Besides, the treatment suggested plantation of productive & palatable grasses in place of unpalatable ones and promotion of cattle of better breeds to replace the unproductive cattle.

The area under this working circle faces tremendous biotic pressure due to nomadic graziers who not only encroach upon the area but also damage the existing crop. The treatments prescribed could not be fully implemented on ground due to problems during area allotment to nomadic graziers who never agree to shift from the area once allotted to them. The improvement of cattle breeds have also not been successful due to socio-economic reasons. However, in some areas there has been introduction of productive and nutritive grass species like Napier etc.

iv) Wildlife Working Circle

This working circle covered areas that are under control of Wildlife Protection Department. The vegetation of this working circle is mostly broad leaved with some areas under chir. The area of this working circle constitutes the three Wildlife Sanctuaries in the Division.

The prescriptions were mainly centered on the habitat management of the important faunal species and management of Sanctuaries. The prescribed treatments included habitat protection and development with respect to availability of water, food, cover, and provision of optimum space for mobility for different Wild life species and taking all safeguards against forest fires in such areas. The treatments forbade any sort of human interference in core area of these Sanctuaries. For effective management of Sanctuaries a good network of inspection paths, trails and watch towers was suggested. Stress was laid on research, captive breeding and periodic census of key wildlife species.

With the passage of time there has been an increase in the population of both humans and livestock around these areas which in turn subjects these protected areas to biotic interference. Though the Sanctuary areas have been fenced at vulnerable stretches but that much is not adequate to eliminate the biotic interference. All the three Sanctuaries have a good network of inspection paths and nature trails for wildlife lovers. Fire prone areas have adequate number of watch towers. The department of Wildlife Protection has taken adequate measures to develop the habitat by creation of water holes and salt licks, eradication of weeds from the sanctuary area and planting of grasses, fruit and fodder trees. As prescribed, census has been done by the department but

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not based on sound scientific techniques, thereby rendering the exercise futile. Wild animal rescue centres have been developed in all the areas to treat the wildlife in distress.

v) Khair (Overlapping) Working Circle

This overlapping working circle included all Khair bearing and potentially Khair bearing areas. These areas are distributed all over the Division.

The objective of management of this working circle was to protect and develop existing Khair crop of the area and to raise Khair plantations, besides the plantation of Khair was also to be encouraged on private lands.

The objective was to meet the demands of Katha industry of the state. The treatment prescribed was selection cum thinning with exploitable diameter as 20 cm dbh with a felling cycle of 10 years. The exploitation of Khair as per prescriptions could not be executed due to ban imposed by Hon'ble Supreme Court, on extraction of Khair both from forest as well as private lands.

Due to non exploitation of Khair from Forest as well as private areas and due to sufficient protection given to Khair bearing areas, the Khair crop has grown and developed wonderfully with sufficient natural regeneration all over in Khair bearing areas. The plantation activities taken up over the years have also introduced Khair in many areas

5.3 Special Works of Improvement Undertaken

5.3.1 The decade of 1998-99 to 2008-09 has seen the advent of various developmental as well as protection related projects e.g. Creation of Forest Protection Force, an armed and uniformed force for the safeguard of land as well as green gold of the state which is working in close co-ordination with Territorial field staff.

5.3.2 The start of CAMPA Project. The objective of this project is to increase the forest cover by rehabilitating the degraded forests. Special attention has been given towards encroachment problems of Jammu Forest Division i.e. Bahu & Jammu Ranges. Toe wall Chain link fencing has been done under CAMPA in Bahu and Jammu Ranges to avoid further encroachment.

5.3.3 The number of Nurseries in the division has also increased considerably. Nurseries are maintained by Jammu Forest Division, Social Forestry Division, Jammu, SFRI, Jammu. The Nurseries are well maintained. List of nurseries of Jammu Forest Division is enclosed in the Annexure 6.

5.3.4 As mentioned earlier, the division has very good network of roads both all weather and fair weather. The Division has large number of building under its control. The condition of these buildings is satisfactory. The forest rest houses falling under the jurisdiction of the Division are mostly not well maintained and needs further renovation.

5.4 Past Yield

5.4.1 No commercial extraction of timber from these forests has taken place during the past decade.

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5.5 Past Revenue and Expenditure

5.5.1 The revenue and expenditure for past decade is given below in table No 5.1

Table: 5.1: Past Revenue and Expenditure:

S.No Year Revenue in Rs. Expenditure in Rs. 1 1998-1999 1728810.00 19048542.00 2 1999-2000 3361799.14 24054335.43 3 2000-2001 2952039.12 25911481.05 4 2001-2002 2970826.89 29633104.25 5 2002-2003 5600185.41 326000360.00 6 2003-2004 4716387.10 31776044.30

874054.00 (2071 P & R) 7 2004-2005 5489748.00 29236007.00

621823.00 (2071 P & R) 8 2005-2006 3136532.00 29531699.00

419202.00 (2071 P & R) 9 2006-2007 1164134.00 35914743.00

250632.00 ( C F East ) 10 2007-2008 2372643.00 37945146.00 11 2008-2009 2627075.00 40535959.00 12 2009-2010 7426771.00 53925825.00 13 2010-2011 5007668.00 71107030.00

Source: Jammu Forest Division

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CHAPTER – VI

STATISTICS OF GROWTH AND YIELD

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CHAPTER-VI

Statistics of Growth and Yield

6.1 Volume Table

6.1.1 Kulu volume tables for various coniferous species is used for volume calculation. These tables were prepared on the basis of condition of the crop in various areas of the state and were meant to replace, Tickoo volume table which was used during the previous plan. These volume tables were published long time ago and were officially recognized by Forest Research Institute Dehradun.

6.1.2 Therefore Kulu volume table for Chir shall be adopted during current plan which is produced as under in Table No : 6.1

Table 6.1: Kulu Volume Table For Chir

Dia Classes Deodar Kail Fir Chir Cum inches Cum Cft Cum Cft Cum Cft Cum Cft 30-40 12-16 0.76 27 0.76 27 0.84 30 0.48 17

40-50 16-20 1.33 47 1.36 48 1.56 55 1.13 40

50-60 20-24 2.1 74 2.27 80 2.97 105 2.21 78

60-70 24-28 3.14 111 3.34 118 4.9 173 3.54 125

70-80 28-32 4.39 155 4.42 156 6.85 242 4.87 172

80-90 32-36 5.66 200 5.35 189 8.3 293 6.2 219

90-10 36-40 6.85 242 6.14 217 9.4 332 6.99 247 100 & over

40 & over 7.56 267 6.74 238 10.19 360 7.48 264

6.2 Growth Studies

6.2.1 No stump analysis was carried out during the field work of this plan. However growth studies as conducted by Sh. B.L. Tickoo in 1970 for Chir are reproduced as under in Table : 6.2

Table : 6.2: Average Corresponding To a Given Diameter Class

S.No Diameter Class in cms Age in Years 1 20-30 42 2 30-40 58 3 40-50 66 4 50-60 75 5 60-70 85 6 70-80 102 7 80-90 121 8 90-100 140 9 100-110 170

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6.3 Quality Class

6.3.1 The quality class of chir of the locality generally varies from III to III/IV.

6.4 Methodology adopted for Assessment and Preparation of Inventory of Growing Stock

6.4.1 For the assessment of growing stock, the point sampling technique originated by Dr. Walter Bitterlich using wedge prism was adopted. The sampling unit is a random point around which the crop measurement and description was done in accordance with standard forms. This technique has been tried earlier in the state on many occasions and has been found to be fairly precise. The technique is simple and is suitable for hilly terrain.

6.4.2 The technique is preferable to total / partial commutations because it involves least time and expenditure gives accuracy to desired extent and eliminates personal bias and human error. The method adopted was that of stratified random sampling using probability proportional to size method of sampling.

6.4.3 The basic concept of stratified random sampling is to divide the heterogenous population in to sub population called “STRATA” each of which is more or less homogenous in characters. This method of division of population in to homogenous groups is called “STRATIFICATION”. Each stratum thus formed exhibits very little variation from one unit to another with in that stratum and a precise estimate of any stratum for any character under study can be obtained by taking samples from the large stratum.

6.4.4 The stratification of growing stock was done on the basis of condition composition and silvicultural requirements of the crops besides method of the treatment adopted for the area. Following strata are accordingly constituted.

a) Chir Stratum b) Rehabilitation Stratum

i. Sub-stratum-I i. Sub-stratum-I

ii. Sub-stratum-II ii. Sub-stratum-II

iii. Sub-stratum-III

6.4.5 After having done the stratification the number of sample points required to be surveyed and measured in each of the above strata to achieve the desired precision of 20% at 95% level of probability were determined. For this a pilot survey exercise was conducted in chir areas and the total number of sample points to be surveyed in chir stratum was worked out using the formula.

N= (CV% x t)

C%

Where N = number of samples required to achieve the desired accuracy ‘e’ with probability level implied by the value ‘t’

t = A constant denoting the reliability of estimate or level of statistical significance or statistical probability of 95% also called Student’s ‘t’

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CV% = Coefficient of variation a relative measure of dispersion.

E = Percentage of error desired for the mean. Also called maximum permissible error in the sampling design.

6.4.6 The number of sample points to be surveyed in non chir strata were determined by the following formula on the basis of preliminary survey at that point of time and was based on the principle of proportional area representation as compared to chir stratum. The formula adopted for calculation of number of sample points to be surveyed in non chir strata is as follows:

No. of sample points to = No. of sample points in chir stratum x Area of non chir stratum

be surveyed in stratum Area of chir stratum

The number of sample points to be surveyed in various non chir strata were thus worked out.

6.4.7 Therefore the actual number of sample points surveyed for different strata is as follows:

Chir Stratum 286 Points

Rehabilitation Stratum 224 Points

Total for the division 510 Points

6.4.8 As compared to the total area of the Division which stands at 699.29 Sq. Kms, the total no. of sample points surveyed were 510 which means that there is one sample point for every 137 Hec. of area.

6.4.9 For fixing the position of sample points two sample frames one for Kalidhar Range and another for Jammu, Jindrah and Bahu Ranges were prepared on the transparent graph sheets two frames were made considering the large area of Kalidhar Range and its distinct isolation from other ranges. The sample points were then delineated at random on the coordinates by using table of random numbers. These points were then marked on sample frames and were subsequently transferred on base map and G.T map of the area to mark their precise locations/co-ordinates on the map. On the basis of their position on base map and G.T map of the area, these points were objectively located on ground with the help of GPS.

6.4.10 At each sample point the stems all around were viewed through the wedge prism of suitable BAF by making a complete sweep of 360 deg. The number of trees whose trunks at breast height subtended an angle larger than the critical angle of the wedge prism were numbered and their details regarding DBH (db) and height were recorded in tally sheet especially designed for the purpose. The wedge prism was selected so that at each point about, 8-12 trees tally. Due care was taken in case of border line trees, separate tally sheets were used for recording the details of trees tailed at each point.

6.4.11 Different variables i.e, no. of trees per ha., Basal area per ha., and volume per ha. were calculated for each point using the following formula:

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I. Basal area per hectare, i.e. Basal area/ha = BAF x n

Where BAF - Basal area factor of the wedge prism used.

n - No. of trees tallied at that point.

m

II. No. of trees per hectare i.e. n = BAF x ∑ (1 / Bi)

i=1

Where n - No. of trees per hectare for the point.

BAF - Basal area factor of the wedge prism used.

m

∑ (1 / Bi) - Sign of summation of ‘n’ tallied trees.

i=1

m - No. of trees tallied at the sample point.

Bi - Basal area of the ith tallied tree.

Thus knowing the diameter of every tallied tree, it is possible to determine the number of stem per hectare.

m

III. Volume per ha. i.e, v = BAF x ∑ (Vi/Bi)

i=1

Where v - Volume per hectare

BAF - Basal area factor of the wedge prism used.

m

∑ (Vi / Bi) - Summation of the ratio of Vi/Bi.

i=1

Vi - Volume of the ‘i’th tallied tree.

Bi - Basal area of the ‘i’th tallied tree.

The no. of trees per ha. and volume per ha. were calculated diameter class wise at each point.

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6.4.12 Kulu volume table was adopted for calculation of volume above 30 cm dbh (ob). Mean value of the above named two variables have been calculated for chir stratum by computing the arithmetic average of all the sample point of the stratum. The results are given in following chapters.

6.4.13 In areas where point sampling exercise was not possible due to lack of adequate no. of trees around the point, sample plots of area 0.1 ha. were laid and total enumeration of growing stock was carried out in these plots. These plots were rectangular or circular in shape depending upon the location of points. Number of broad leaved trees were then recorded at each point for non chir areas. The results are given in following chapters.