A forest trying to get out of the woods

HYDERABAD: The historic Mayani forest, much of which was robbed of its vegetation during years-long manhunts for outlaws allegedly hiding deep in the thick woods, is back on a restorative path to reclaim its long lost natural glory.

Situated along the main national highway near Hyderabad, the forest is currently abuzz with a conservational drive as a group of forestry workers have kicked off planting wild species of saplings in it.

The forest was developed some 27 years back as a picnic resort to attract public to spend time amid natural flora and fauna.

Sindh government, after a gap of about almost three decades, has taken an initiative to restore the social forestry division, directing the relevant bodies to work together for the cause.

Alisher Hajano, having 23 year experience of dealing with forest species and developing nurseries, told The News they have been tasked with planting more trees here after a long time.

"We have established a nursery with around 150,000 saplings and are striving to have maximum number of plants of indigenous species to help the government in the annual drive during the spring season,” Hajano said.

The gardener added that these trees would be planted along all highways, link roads, and canals and watercourses.

"Currently, we do not have the provision to plant fruit-bearing trees, though these trees had been in the forest long ago. We are focusing on indigenous trees, especially forest species," he said.

He said back in the day there were thick forests along the banks of river Indus and tall trees on the sides of all major canals. But then political involvement disrupted the system because corrupt officials allowed local influentials to clean trees.

"Now we have been asked to plant saplings at highways, canals, public places, educational institutes and parks," he said.

He said verities of small plants are up for sale at Rs2 each for common public at their nurseries. The private commercial nurseries are selling forestry species, ornamental flowering, and fruit plants at rates ranging from Rs20 to Rs1700-Rs3000 each.

"Presently, we have 150,000 plants of different forest species only at this place (Mayani forest nursery) for the purpose. We are working to have more saplings within two-three months, depending on their season,” Hajano said.

The forest was cleaned after 1983 in the name of destroying hideouts of criminal gangs, which were said to be holed up in the forests. The drive continued for many years, destroying entire the tree cover and disturbed wildlife species and natural ecosystem.

Then the government started giving forest lands to their political well wishers for cultivation. The social forestry policy restricted landlords to have at least 25 percent forest land for tree cover, specifically establishing groves on 20-acre land each to bridge the gap. Since the majority of forest landholders belong to lawmakers’ families with a political cloud, they don’t abide by the law. As a result the province lost most of its forest cover.

Hajano said they receive sand from the river Indus bed at Rs1500 per truck for establishing and maintaining nurseries.

"We have only forest species, including indigenous trees like babul (Acacia nilotica), Kandi (Prosopis cineraria) Lai (Tamarix dioica), Tahli (Dalbergia sissoo) and several others.

Talib Palari of village Haji Umar Palari, an elderly forest official, who retired in 2009, has exciting tales to tell about the past when every year the government authorities used to sow seeds by airplanes and boats over a wide area during the monsoon season.

“This was a routine exercise and all the forest workers and officials played inspiring roles in it. It was the era when there were thick forests all along the river catchment area, producing forest economy, livestock products, honey, fodder, herbal plants and above all biodiversity," Palari said.

He said at least 40 species of forestry were reported in Sindh forest. “It was rich habitat of several wildlife species, including hog-deer,” he said while recalling the blissful bygone days.

Presently, the old man comes daily to Mayani forest guest house, and spends the whole day with the workers.

Many important tree species, having medicinal value, are no more in the forests area because of carelessness on the part of communities and authorities.

Zubair Channa, district forest officer at social forestry office Hyderabad, said more people are interested in planting trees. “We sell at least 70,000--80,000 plants every month from our nurseries in each district,” Channa said.

He said every district has forestry offices, especially along national highway and towns located near the River Indus. “Maximum number of trees is being planted to support the drive,” he said.

He said they have provided 20,000 moringa plants quite recently and others were ready for taking. "We approach the educational institutes to plant trees. Besides this we provide trees for planting along roadsides and other public places to have more trees," Channa said.

He thanked the provincial government for strictly warning the people, who use forest land, to ensure plantation of 20-acre groves as per agreement or their lands would be confiscated. “In case of violations they may face stern action,” he said.

In this regard, Channa said some 4000 acres of land have been taken back from certain landlords in Khipro due to their failure to plant trees.

“The similar actions may be taken against other landlords, who are found guilty,” he said.

He added they have a mechanism and a more experienced and technical cadre to develop nurseries.

“If people from social sciences come forward to help us in this movement we will receive them warmly. It is the responsibility of all the people including academia and communities to help maintain biodiversity,” he said.

Though, this initial phase is full of hardships, the officials looked optimistic to rehabilitate forests. It is heartening to note that they realise the socioeconomic factor of of having robust forests and they know the woods have a potential to provide source of income to the local communities.

The moral of the story is the local communities must show interest and take care of these trees/plants as much as they can. It is the only way out to maintain greenery and improve livelihoods of the people, who used to depend on forests.