Forest resources: conservation, management and sustainable development in Khandesh Region of Maharashtra (India)

Abstract

Forest is the second largest land use in India next to agriculture. Forests are regarded 'economic-engines' and 'nature's water factories'. Most importantly, they help make possible our breathing. Despite their immense value, they are being denuded at alarming rate. The rate of deforestation vis-à-vis exploitation and afforestation have become a matter of grave concern in recent times. The present study informs traditional uses for food, fuel, fodder, house and hut constructions, medicinal utilities, besides plant diversity in Dhule, Nandurbarand Jalgaon districts, comprising a northern part of the state of Maharashtra (India). Traditional plant-based practices and their in-depth knowledge are an integral part of forest management but may be blended with modern scientific knowledge to benefit all. Impediments in restoration and management of native biodiversity appeared because of over-dependency on forests, lack of alternatives and technical and scientific knowledge of the local tribal people. The local alternatives in the form of cottage industries like broommaking, bidi-wrapping, artefacts, traditional fixtures, tribal handicrafts and even the tribal paintings, etc. have to be filliped. Fuel-dependency, one of the major reason for deforestation, may be minimized by providing gas stoves, kerosene stoves and the likes by Government at free of costs or at the most low costs. Captive plantation is a dire necessity to meet needs of tribals in respect of timber and even fodder. Some attempts by the Government Forest Departments and NGO's selecting some plant species have also proved unfit in the region. Multipurpose tree species be planted on waste lands along roads, railways lines, govt.-owned lands, barren lands, river banks, along canals, besides in places of denuded forest areas. Timing and seasons of collections of plants, their parts or products for food, medicine and other miscellaneous purposes should be suggested with proper methods and techniques. The knowledge of conservation of native plant species of the indigenous tribal communities should be brought into a clearer focus and these should be implemented if found suitable. This will help favor conservational strategy in the region. Apart from these, exotic sources of income e.g. candle making, weaving, tailoring, etc. will boost their economy and simultaneously help reduce their dependency on the local forests.