Forest department plans bamboo removal in TATR

As Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR) is set to witness mass bamboo flowering around 2021, the forest department has proposed removal of dead bamboos from specific areas in a controlled manner, something which wildlife conservationists are sceptic about.

Bamboo flowering occurs after an interval of 30 to 35 years. According to the forest department, it has two major implications — first, with bamboos dying there is a shortage of food for herbivores, and secondly, the biggest concern is that after flowering, dead bamboo becomes a major fire hazard.

With bamboo clusters covering around 77 per cent of the core area of TATR, the forest department tabled a proposal during the 13th State Wildlife Board (SWLB) its approval for the work of widening of firelines and removal of dead bamboos from specific areas in a controlled manner. Several SWLB members questioned and expressed their concern about tabling of the proposal of bamboo removal without conducting any study.

Mukul Trivedi, TATR Field Director, said the last bamboo flowering was witnessed in the reserve during 1981 to 1983. He also said that while they expect it to occur by 2021, sporadic flowering has already begun.

"Once the bamboo dies new regeneration is seen from the seeds of the flowers. There is always a major threat from the dried bamboo as it's highly inflammable and a fire can wreak havoc for wildlife. Hence we formulated this action plan to avoid any kind of natural disaster," he said.

Dr Anish Andheria, President, Wildlife Conservation Trust and a SWLB member, said that while the forest department being proactive is appreciable, the board has raised questions over the removal method.