Management of the Riverine Forests

It was not until 1971 that the entire forest policy in Sindh came under a meaningful review. The Chief Executive of the province held rewarding discussions with the professionals as well as the administrators in order to rectify the mistakes of the past and to lay down a realistic policy for the development and management of this vital resource, which has a potential to bring economic dividends to the people of Sindh and Sindh Forest in the years ahead. The new policy has since been translated into actions in organisational as well as functional areas. The implementation of the policy needs to be reviewed for future direction and guidance.

Management of the riverine forests includes the conservation and sustainable use of both flora and fauna as well as the habitat. Vegetation requires protection against fire, pests and diseases, frost, illicit cutting.

Protection   against frost which usually affects regeneration, may be done by allowing young lai coppice to stand over regeneration areas. Lai coppice can be removed when young regeneration is out of danger from frost damage.

The local people will continue to cut these forests  if they do not have sustainable alternative livelihoods. However, it may be worthwhile to make a start with the introduction of departmental thinnings which would provide work and firewood for the local people and browse for their livestock.

The erosion strips should be laid out properly. Wildlife needs to be protected against hunting and poaching and its use must be regulated according to capacity for recoupment. Agro-forestry practices would be beneficial for the conservation of forests  and wildlife.

Needs Rights

Illicit cuttings at times are due to refusal to meeting subsistence needs and rights. It is important that the needs and rights of local people are properly met on priority. It may be possible to win the co-operation of local population by allowing them to remove brushwood on permit system. That will also reduce the risk of forest fires.

Regeneration and Afforestation

During the floods, the maximum area should be regenerated or restocked through broadcasting, aerial sowing, drilling and dibbling. The post abkalani operations are also important in restocking the failures and tending the crops.

Canal irrigation, especially for agriculture, is practised in certain areas. If canal water supply is inadequate and the ground water is of good quality, then electric / diesel tube-wells can be installed to bring additional areas under forest. Alternatively, groundwater or canal water is pumped from creeks ( dhoros ) by using lift pumps, to regenerate or restock.

The existing irrigation system in plantations in  riverine areas is in a poor condition. It has to be remodelled and plantations rehabilitated. Lining and levelling of land will have to be started to utilise water efficiently. Proper site surveys need to be made to develop contour maps and to ensure an effective distribution of water within the plantation boundaries. For  this purpose the Forest Department needs to develop appropriate capacities.

Improvement of Roads

Improvement in communication infrastructure would help in forest operations and monitoring as well as in healthy competition between the forest contractors.

Improvement in Water Supply

Improvement in water-ways is essential for successful afforestation and rehabilitation of forests. Some of the existing dhoras have been silted at their openings with the river and require cleaning to make flow of water possible again.

Survey and Maintenance of Boundaries

Emphasis should be laid in maintaining and surveying the boundaries of these forests and to construct permanent pacca boundary pillars to ward off  encroachments. A five-yearly programme of boundary checking and implementation would be useful.

Regulating Grazing

Grazing should be prohibited during regeneration and rehabilitation of forest area. A period of 5 years is considered sufficient for this purpose.

Fire Prevention and Control

Forest fires are very common. Fire prevention is important because it is easy and cost effective compared with fire control. Hence, it is essential that all inflammable material is removed so that fire does not break out. Watch towers should be constructed for watching forest fires efficiently. In case of forest fire, the burnt area should be regenerated, fenced and protected.

Co-operative Associations

Co-operative associations should be established by the livestock grazers so that they could manage and use the forage resources of riverine forests sustainably and also prevent and control fires. These co-operatives may also help to conserve riverine wildlife  by protection of species and maintenance of their habitats. They could also help to improve livestock through feeding, breeding and disease control programmes, taking help from the Livestock Department.