Investor Presentaiton
Punjab Forest Policy, 2019
The newly developed riverain forests through deposit of soil supports the
growth of species like Kana (Succharum benglense), (Saccharum spontaneum)
Pilchi (Tamarix dioca), Frash (Tamarix indica) and Poplar (Populus euphratica).
However, besides the natural growth of the above cited species during the
succession process, regular afforestation is carried out by raising plantation of Kikar
(Acacia nilotica) and Shisham (Dalbergia sisso). Besides, in area with high water
table Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus camaldulensis) is also planted in shape of plantation.
The site condition of riverain forests has greatly changed over time, especially
for forest located along Ravi and Indus rivers. Due to construction of water
reservoirs by the neighboring country at upstream the flow of Ravi river has
reduced considerably. The situation was further aggravated by influx of major
sewer drains of Lahore in the river, making the water toxic for any vegetation. In
addition, the ground water has also lowered considerably, which limited the
adoption of "Bela" techniques any more in the area. Indus river is famous of its
meandering behavior as it flows from north and drains into Arabian Sea. The major
riverain forests located on either side of Indus River in the Southern Punjab have
been affected adversely due to change in the river course. At present, these forests
are seldom inundated even when the river is at its peak flow. Moreover, the soil
deposition over a longer period, without any soil working has made these areas
undulating and un-commandable. Hence, the only method of afforestation is with
the assistance of ground water which is required to be pumped through tube
wells/peter engines and motor from considerable depth. Although, the riverain
forests of Chenab especially in district Gujranwala and Gujrat are almost on the
bank of river, but the ground water is only available through mechanized pumping.
The pumped irrigation water is applied through flood irrigation as well by
hand watering. The later is more efficient techniques, because a lot of water is
wasted through flow irrigation as a result of seepage and evaporation from the sandy
soil of forests.
On the expiry of previous management plans, the Planning, Monitoring &
Evaluation Cell has almost finalized the draft Management Plan for riverain forest
located along Ravi, Chenab and Jehlum rivers. The major forest area, under the
category situated in Southern Punjab along Indus river have been assigned to
South Punjab Forest Company for afforestation through private investment. As in
case of irrigated plantations, the management plans of riverain forests also contains
the prescription of formulation of environmental working circle. The areas under the
working circles shall be planted through the indigenous tree species of local area and
shall be kept as such without proposing any felling. The primary reason of avoiding
felling in the area is to address the issue of under-stocking because the condition
of riverain forests at present does not portray an encouraging situation. Hence, all
the future management through the newly developed management plans will focus
on extensive afforestation programme, which has a great potential for viable financial
investment.
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