Forests of Odisha | Odisha State PSC (OPSC): Preparation - OPSC OCS (Odisha) PDF Download

 Page 1


CHAPTER 10
The state of Odisha, due to its geographical location and wide
range of physical features, shows a diversified vegetation and
forest cover. The state has different types of forests like tropical
semi-evergreen forest, tropical moist deciduous forest, tropical dry
deciduous forest and coastal or mangrove forest. These forests are
important in terms of environment as well as economy.
Forests in Odisha are very rich and important which provide timber, pulp, herbs
fuelwood and fodder. Forests also help in preventing soil erosion, increases soil
fertility, reduce pollution, help in the precipitation and so on.
Recorded Forest Area in Odisha
As per India State of Forest Report, 2017, the recorded forest area of Odisha is
61,204.17 sq km which constitutes 39.31% of the state’s geographical area. Recorded
forest area of the state is divided into three parts.Theseare:
Reserved Forest Those forests which are permanently marked either for the
production of timber or other forest produce in which right of grazing and
cultivation is allowed are known as Reserved Forests. As per India State of Forest
Report, 2017, the reserved forest area of Odisha is 58.90% of the total forest area.
Protected Forest Those forests where the right of grazing and cultivation is subjected
to a few minor restrictions are known as the Protected Forests. As per India State
of Forest Report, 2017, the protected forest area of Odisha is 40.75% of the total
forest area.
Unclassed Forest Those forests which largely consist of inaccessible forests or
unoccupied wastes, are known as Unclassed Forests. As per India State of Forest
Report, 2017, the area of unclassed forests of Odisha is 0.35% of the total forest area.
Recorded Forest Area
Reserved Forest 36049.25 sq km
Protected Forest 24940. 69 sq km
Unclassed Forest 214.214 sq km
Total 61204.17 sq km
Of State’s Geographical Area 39. 31%
* India State of Forest Report, 2017
Page 2


CHAPTER 10
The state of Odisha, due to its geographical location and wide
range of physical features, shows a diversified vegetation and
forest cover. The state has different types of forests like tropical
semi-evergreen forest, tropical moist deciduous forest, tropical dry
deciduous forest and coastal or mangrove forest. These forests are
important in terms of environment as well as economy.
Forests in Odisha are very rich and important which provide timber, pulp, herbs
fuelwood and fodder. Forests also help in preventing soil erosion, increases soil
fertility, reduce pollution, help in the precipitation and so on.
Recorded Forest Area in Odisha
As per India State of Forest Report, 2017, the recorded forest area of Odisha is
61,204.17 sq km which constitutes 39.31% of the state’s geographical area. Recorded
forest area of the state is divided into three parts.Theseare:
Reserved Forest Those forests which are permanently marked either for the
production of timber or other forest produce in which right of grazing and
cultivation is allowed are known as Reserved Forests. As per India State of Forest
Report, 2017, the reserved forest area of Odisha is 58.90% of the total forest area.
Protected Forest Those forests where the right of grazing and cultivation is subjected
to a few minor restrictions are known as the Protected Forests. As per India State
of Forest Report, 2017, the protected forest area of Odisha is 40.75% of the total
forest area.
Unclassed Forest Those forests which largely consist of inaccessible forests or
unoccupied wastes, are known as Unclassed Forests. As per India State of Forest
Report, 2017, the area of unclassed forests of Odisha is 0.35% of the total forest area.
Recorded Forest Area
Reserved Forest 36049.25 sq km
Protected Forest 24940. 69 sq km
Unclassed Forest 214.214 sq km
Total 61204.17 sq km
Of State’s Geographical Area 39. 31%
* India State of Forest Report, 2017
Forest Cover in Odisha
As per the India State of Forest Report, 2017, the forest cover in Odisha is 51,345
sq km which is 35.54% of the state’s geographical area and 6.90% of the India’s total
forest cover area. Out of this, 6967 sq km is Very Dense Forest (VDF), 21,370 sq
km is Moderately Dense Forest (MDF) and 23,008 sq km is Open Forest (OF).
District Wise Forest Cover, 2017 (Area in sq km)
District
Geographical Area
of the Districts
Total Forest
Cover
% of Total Forest Cover
of Geographical Area
of the Districts
Angul 6,375 2,755 43.22
Balangir 6,575 1,131 17.2
Baleshwar 3,806 380 9.98
Bargarh 5,837 1,031 17.66
Boudh 3,098 1,289 41.61
Bhadrak 2,505 75 2.99
Cuttack 3,932 796 20.24
Debagarh 2,940 1,472 50.07
Dhenkanal 4,452 1,417 31.83
Gajapati 4,325 2,520 58.27
Ganjam 8,206 2,103 25.63
Jagatsinghapur 1,668 136 8.15
Jajpur 2,899 303 10.45
Jharsuguda 2,114 322 15.23
Kalahandi 7,920 2,418 30.53
Kandhamal 8,021 5,392 67.22
Kendrapara 2,644 305 11.54
Kendujhar 8,303 3,212 38.68
Khordha 2,813 457 16.25
Koraput 8,807 2,089 23.72
Malkangiri 5,791 2,342 40.44
Mayurbhanj 10,418 4,080 39.16
Nabarangpur 5,291 1,103 20.85
Nayagarh 3,890 1,710 43.96
Nuapada 3,852 1,273 33.05
Puri 3,479 214 6.15
Rayagada 7,073 3,126 44.2
Sambalpur 6,624 3,280 49.52
Subarnapur 2,337 350 14.98
Sundergarh 9,712 4,264 43.9
Grand total 1,55,707 51,345 32.98
* India State of Forest Report, 2017
108 Know Your State ODISHA
Page 3


CHAPTER 10
The state of Odisha, due to its geographical location and wide
range of physical features, shows a diversified vegetation and
forest cover. The state has different types of forests like tropical
semi-evergreen forest, tropical moist deciduous forest, tropical dry
deciduous forest and coastal or mangrove forest. These forests are
important in terms of environment as well as economy.
Forests in Odisha are very rich and important which provide timber, pulp, herbs
fuelwood and fodder. Forests also help in preventing soil erosion, increases soil
fertility, reduce pollution, help in the precipitation and so on.
Recorded Forest Area in Odisha
As per India State of Forest Report, 2017, the recorded forest area of Odisha is
61,204.17 sq km which constitutes 39.31% of the state’s geographical area. Recorded
forest area of the state is divided into three parts.Theseare:
Reserved Forest Those forests which are permanently marked either for the
production of timber or other forest produce in which right of grazing and
cultivation is allowed are known as Reserved Forests. As per India State of Forest
Report, 2017, the reserved forest area of Odisha is 58.90% of the total forest area.
Protected Forest Those forests where the right of grazing and cultivation is subjected
to a few minor restrictions are known as the Protected Forests. As per India State
of Forest Report, 2017, the protected forest area of Odisha is 40.75% of the total
forest area.
Unclassed Forest Those forests which largely consist of inaccessible forests or
unoccupied wastes, are known as Unclassed Forests. As per India State of Forest
Report, 2017, the area of unclassed forests of Odisha is 0.35% of the total forest area.
Recorded Forest Area
Reserved Forest 36049.25 sq km
Protected Forest 24940. 69 sq km
Unclassed Forest 214.214 sq km
Total 61204.17 sq km
Of State’s Geographical Area 39. 31%
* India State of Forest Report, 2017
Forest Cover in Odisha
As per the India State of Forest Report, 2017, the forest cover in Odisha is 51,345
sq km which is 35.54% of the state’s geographical area and 6.90% of the India’s total
forest cover area. Out of this, 6967 sq km is Very Dense Forest (VDF), 21,370 sq
km is Moderately Dense Forest (MDF) and 23,008 sq km is Open Forest (OF).
District Wise Forest Cover, 2017 (Area in sq km)
District
Geographical Area
of the Districts
Total Forest
Cover
% of Total Forest Cover
of Geographical Area
of the Districts
Angul 6,375 2,755 43.22
Balangir 6,575 1,131 17.2
Baleshwar 3,806 380 9.98
Bargarh 5,837 1,031 17.66
Boudh 3,098 1,289 41.61
Bhadrak 2,505 75 2.99
Cuttack 3,932 796 20.24
Debagarh 2,940 1,472 50.07
Dhenkanal 4,452 1,417 31.83
Gajapati 4,325 2,520 58.27
Ganjam 8,206 2,103 25.63
Jagatsinghapur 1,668 136 8.15
Jajpur 2,899 303 10.45
Jharsuguda 2,114 322 15.23
Kalahandi 7,920 2,418 30.53
Kandhamal 8,021 5,392 67.22
Kendrapara 2,644 305 11.54
Kendujhar 8,303 3,212 38.68
Khordha 2,813 457 16.25
Koraput 8,807 2,089 23.72
Malkangiri 5,791 2,342 40.44
Mayurbhanj 10,418 4,080 39.16
Nabarangpur 5,291 1,103 20.85
Nayagarh 3,890 1,710 43.96
Nuapada 3,852 1,273 33.05
Puri 3,479 214 6.15
Rayagada 7,073 3,126 44.2
Sambalpur 6,624 3,280 49.52
Subarnapur 2,337 350 14.98
Sundergarh 9,712 4,264 43.9
Grand total 1,55,707 51,345 32.98
* India State of Forest Report, 2017
108 Know Your State ODISHA
Classification of Forests of Odisha
According to Champion and Seth classification, 18 types of forests are present in
Odisha. As per Forest Department of Odisha, on the basis of relief, rainfall and
vegetation types, there are broadly four types of forests in Odisha.Thesetypesof
forestsarediscussedbelow:
i. The Northern Tropical Semi-Evergeen Forests
ii. The Tropical Moist Deciduous Forests / Monsoon Forests
iii. The Tropical Dry Deciduous Forests
iv. The Tidal Mangrove Forests / Coastal Forests
The Northern Tropical Semi-Evergreen Forests
l
These forests are found in the lower hills and valleys of the state and found at an
elevation above 600 m. These are found in the forest divisions of Dhenkanal,
Athgarh, Puri, Mayurbhanj, Nayagarh, Parlakhemudi, Koraput and Kalahandi.
In these regions, deciduous forests are top storey trees and remain leafless for a
short span of time.
l
On the other hand evergreen forests are second storey trees. Absence of bamboo
growth is the most striking feature of these forests. Important tree species of these
forests are mango, mankarkendu, arjun, champa, rai, nageswar and manda.
The Tropical Moist Deciduous Forests/Monsoon Forests
l
These forests are found in the lower elevations of Odisha like in Mayurbhanj and
Keonjhar districts and also in the districts which shares their borders with Madhya
Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh states. These forests cover the largest forest area of
about 80% of the state.
Theseforestsaredividedintotwomajorsub-types:
l
Sal It is the most important species of these forests of Odisha. Sal is mostly found
in the regions of North and North-East of the Brahmani river. It is also found in
the East of Tel river and in the Sabari basin.
l
Male Bamboo (Dandrocalmus strictus) and Thorny Bamboo (Bambus a arundinacea)
Other dominant species in these forests i.e. male bamboo and thorny bamboo are
found in the forests of the Eastern Ghats, which mainly confined to the basins of
Mahanadi and Rushikulya rivers. The uses of male bamboo are manufacturing of
paper pulp and house building, fencing and making rafting material.
Sal and other species like Kusum (Adinacordifolia), the Burra Ironwood (Xylia
xylocarpa), the Dhan (Anogeissuslatifolia) and the Hualtu (Machilusvillosa) are met at
heterogeneous deciduous zone. Here sal species fall short by 50% and gets mixed
with the other tree species which are found in the moist deciduous mixed zone.
109 Forests of Odisha
Page 4


CHAPTER 10
The state of Odisha, due to its geographical location and wide
range of physical features, shows a diversified vegetation and
forest cover. The state has different types of forests like tropical
semi-evergreen forest, tropical moist deciduous forest, tropical dry
deciduous forest and coastal or mangrove forest. These forests are
important in terms of environment as well as economy.
Forests in Odisha are very rich and important which provide timber, pulp, herbs
fuelwood and fodder. Forests also help in preventing soil erosion, increases soil
fertility, reduce pollution, help in the precipitation and so on.
Recorded Forest Area in Odisha
As per India State of Forest Report, 2017, the recorded forest area of Odisha is
61,204.17 sq km which constitutes 39.31% of the state’s geographical area. Recorded
forest area of the state is divided into three parts.Theseare:
Reserved Forest Those forests which are permanently marked either for the
production of timber or other forest produce in which right of grazing and
cultivation is allowed are known as Reserved Forests. As per India State of Forest
Report, 2017, the reserved forest area of Odisha is 58.90% of the total forest area.
Protected Forest Those forests where the right of grazing and cultivation is subjected
to a few minor restrictions are known as the Protected Forests. As per India State
of Forest Report, 2017, the protected forest area of Odisha is 40.75% of the total
forest area.
Unclassed Forest Those forests which largely consist of inaccessible forests or
unoccupied wastes, are known as Unclassed Forests. As per India State of Forest
Report, 2017, the area of unclassed forests of Odisha is 0.35% of the total forest area.
Recorded Forest Area
Reserved Forest 36049.25 sq km
Protected Forest 24940. 69 sq km
Unclassed Forest 214.214 sq km
Total 61204.17 sq km
Of State’s Geographical Area 39. 31%
* India State of Forest Report, 2017
Forest Cover in Odisha
As per the India State of Forest Report, 2017, the forest cover in Odisha is 51,345
sq km which is 35.54% of the state’s geographical area and 6.90% of the India’s total
forest cover area. Out of this, 6967 sq km is Very Dense Forest (VDF), 21,370 sq
km is Moderately Dense Forest (MDF) and 23,008 sq km is Open Forest (OF).
District Wise Forest Cover, 2017 (Area in sq km)
District
Geographical Area
of the Districts
Total Forest
Cover
% of Total Forest Cover
of Geographical Area
of the Districts
Angul 6,375 2,755 43.22
Balangir 6,575 1,131 17.2
Baleshwar 3,806 380 9.98
Bargarh 5,837 1,031 17.66
Boudh 3,098 1,289 41.61
Bhadrak 2,505 75 2.99
Cuttack 3,932 796 20.24
Debagarh 2,940 1,472 50.07
Dhenkanal 4,452 1,417 31.83
Gajapati 4,325 2,520 58.27
Ganjam 8,206 2,103 25.63
Jagatsinghapur 1,668 136 8.15
Jajpur 2,899 303 10.45
Jharsuguda 2,114 322 15.23
Kalahandi 7,920 2,418 30.53
Kandhamal 8,021 5,392 67.22
Kendrapara 2,644 305 11.54
Kendujhar 8,303 3,212 38.68
Khordha 2,813 457 16.25
Koraput 8,807 2,089 23.72
Malkangiri 5,791 2,342 40.44
Mayurbhanj 10,418 4,080 39.16
Nabarangpur 5,291 1,103 20.85
Nayagarh 3,890 1,710 43.96
Nuapada 3,852 1,273 33.05
Puri 3,479 214 6.15
Rayagada 7,073 3,126 44.2
Sambalpur 6,624 3,280 49.52
Subarnapur 2,337 350 14.98
Sundergarh 9,712 4,264 43.9
Grand total 1,55,707 51,345 32.98
* India State of Forest Report, 2017
108 Know Your State ODISHA
Classification of Forests of Odisha
According to Champion and Seth classification, 18 types of forests are present in
Odisha. As per Forest Department of Odisha, on the basis of relief, rainfall and
vegetation types, there are broadly four types of forests in Odisha.Thesetypesof
forestsarediscussedbelow:
i. The Northern Tropical Semi-Evergeen Forests
ii. The Tropical Moist Deciduous Forests / Monsoon Forests
iii. The Tropical Dry Deciduous Forests
iv. The Tidal Mangrove Forests / Coastal Forests
The Northern Tropical Semi-Evergreen Forests
l
These forests are found in the lower hills and valleys of the state and found at an
elevation above 600 m. These are found in the forest divisions of Dhenkanal,
Athgarh, Puri, Mayurbhanj, Nayagarh, Parlakhemudi, Koraput and Kalahandi.
In these regions, deciduous forests are top storey trees and remain leafless for a
short span of time.
l
On the other hand evergreen forests are second storey trees. Absence of bamboo
growth is the most striking feature of these forests. Important tree species of these
forests are mango, mankarkendu, arjun, champa, rai, nageswar and manda.
The Tropical Moist Deciduous Forests/Monsoon Forests
l
These forests are found in the lower elevations of Odisha like in Mayurbhanj and
Keonjhar districts and also in the districts which shares their borders with Madhya
Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh states. These forests cover the largest forest area of
about 80% of the state.
Theseforestsaredividedintotwomajorsub-types:
l
Sal It is the most important species of these forests of Odisha. Sal is mostly found
in the regions of North and North-East of the Brahmani river. It is also found in
the East of Tel river and in the Sabari basin.
l
Male Bamboo (Dandrocalmus strictus) and Thorny Bamboo (Bambus a arundinacea)
Other dominant species in these forests i.e. male bamboo and thorny bamboo are
found in the forests of the Eastern Ghats, which mainly confined to the basins of
Mahanadi and Rushikulya rivers. The uses of male bamboo are manufacturing of
paper pulp and house building, fencing and making rafting material.
Sal and other species like Kusum (Adinacordifolia), the Burra Ironwood (Xylia
xylocarpa), the Dhan (Anogeissuslatifolia) and the Hualtu (Machilusvillosa) are met at
heterogeneous deciduous zone. Here sal species fall short by 50% and gets mixed
with the other tree species which are found in the moist deciduous mixed zone.
109 Forests of Odisha
This mixed zone is found in Keonjhar, West of Deogarh, Bhuban, East of
Dhenkanal, Nayagarh, Parlakhemudi and Bhubaneshwar, Sonepur, Athmalik, and
Phulbani. Important species of these forests are Sal which forms top canopy of the
forests, Piasal, Kusum, Asan, Dhawra and Daba Bamboo.
The Tropical Dry Deciduous Forests
l
This is the second most abundant forest found in Odisha. These forests are found
in the drier Central and Western regions in parts of Balangir, Kalahandi,
Sambalpur, Khariar, Gobindpur and Deogarh divisions. The upper Tel, Nagavali
and Sabari basins in the Western and South-Western parts of Odisha also have
these type of forests.
l
Teak and Salia bamboo are mostly found in these forests. Important species of
these forests are Teak, Sal, Salia bamboo and Daba bamboo.
The Tidal Mangrove Forests/Coastal Forests
l
These forests cover the smallest area in Odisha. These forests are found in the
sea-coast and found mainly in the Bhitarkanika, delta of Mahanadi, mouth of river
Devi, mouth of river Dhamara, Budhabalanga and Subernarekha rivers.
l
Bhitarkanika has the maximum mangrove forest area about 14,987 hectares.
l
Mangroves are salt-tolerant plant species which are found in the inter-tidal regions
along the creeks and estuaries near the coast on the river mouth. They can thrive
on both freshwater and brackish water.
l
These mangroves are found in a limited and scattered form in Kendrapada,
Bhadrak, Jagatsinghpur and Balasore districts of Odisha.
l
These are important as they protect the remote areas against cyclones, the entrance
of sea water during tidal surge and also stabalise the coastal landmass against sea
erosion.
l
These forests can survive on both fresh water and brackish water.
l
Due to varied species of creepers, canes and other minor types of trees the tidal
forests of the Mahanadi mouth is known as the Little Sundarbans.
l
Hental (Phoenixpaludosa) is the predominant species of these forests, due to which
the mangrove forests are locally known as Hental Van.
l
Important species of these forests are Sundari (Heritiera), Karika (Bruquiera), Bani
(Avicennia), Rai (Rhizophora), Guan (Excoecaria), Palm and Coconut. Iron wood
(Casuarina) plantation, which is found on the Puri coast, provides fuel to the people.
l
A narrow strip of grassland is also found between the mangrove forests and
the cultivated zone, which extends from Chilika lake to the mouth of the
Mahanadi river.
110 Know Your State ODISHA
Page 5


CHAPTER 10
The state of Odisha, due to its geographical location and wide
range of physical features, shows a diversified vegetation and
forest cover. The state has different types of forests like tropical
semi-evergreen forest, tropical moist deciduous forest, tropical dry
deciduous forest and coastal or mangrove forest. These forests are
important in terms of environment as well as economy.
Forests in Odisha are very rich and important which provide timber, pulp, herbs
fuelwood and fodder. Forests also help in preventing soil erosion, increases soil
fertility, reduce pollution, help in the precipitation and so on.
Recorded Forest Area in Odisha
As per India State of Forest Report, 2017, the recorded forest area of Odisha is
61,204.17 sq km which constitutes 39.31% of the state’s geographical area. Recorded
forest area of the state is divided into three parts.Theseare:
Reserved Forest Those forests which are permanently marked either for the
production of timber or other forest produce in which right of grazing and
cultivation is allowed are known as Reserved Forests. As per India State of Forest
Report, 2017, the reserved forest area of Odisha is 58.90% of the total forest area.
Protected Forest Those forests where the right of grazing and cultivation is subjected
to a few minor restrictions are known as the Protected Forests. As per India State
of Forest Report, 2017, the protected forest area of Odisha is 40.75% of the total
forest area.
Unclassed Forest Those forests which largely consist of inaccessible forests or
unoccupied wastes, are known as Unclassed Forests. As per India State of Forest
Report, 2017, the area of unclassed forests of Odisha is 0.35% of the total forest area.
Recorded Forest Area
Reserved Forest 36049.25 sq km
Protected Forest 24940. 69 sq km
Unclassed Forest 214.214 sq km
Total 61204.17 sq km
Of State’s Geographical Area 39. 31%
* India State of Forest Report, 2017
Forest Cover in Odisha
As per the India State of Forest Report, 2017, the forest cover in Odisha is 51,345
sq km which is 35.54% of the state’s geographical area and 6.90% of the India’s total
forest cover area. Out of this, 6967 sq km is Very Dense Forest (VDF), 21,370 sq
km is Moderately Dense Forest (MDF) and 23,008 sq km is Open Forest (OF).
District Wise Forest Cover, 2017 (Area in sq km)
District
Geographical Area
of the Districts
Total Forest
Cover
% of Total Forest Cover
of Geographical Area
of the Districts
Angul 6,375 2,755 43.22
Balangir 6,575 1,131 17.2
Baleshwar 3,806 380 9.98
Bargarh 5,837 1,031 17.66
Boudh 3,098 1,289 41.61
Bhadrak 2,505 75 2.99
Cuttack 3,932 796 20.24
Debagarh 2,940 1,472 50.07
Dhenkanal 4,452 1,417 31.83
Gajapati 4,325 2,520 58.27
Ganjam 8,206 2,103 25.63
Jagatsinghapur 1,668 136 8.15
Jajpur 2,899 303 10.45
Jharsuguda 2,114 322 15.23
Kalahandi 7,920 2,418 30.53
Kandhamal 8,021 5,392 67.22
Kendrapara 2,644 305 11.54
Kendujhar 8,303 3,212 38.68
Khordha 2,813 457 16.25
Koraput 8,807 2,089 23.72
Malkangiri 5,791 2,342 40.44
Mayurbhanj 10,418 4,080 39.16
Nabarangpur 5,291 1,103 20.85
Nayagarh 3,890 1,710 43.96
Nuapada 3,852 1,273 33.05
Puri 3,479 214 6.15
Rayagada 7,073 3,126 44.2
Sambalpur 6,624 3,280 49.52
Subarnapur 2,337 350 14.98
Sundergarh 9,712 4,264 43.9
Grand total 1,55,707 51,345 32.98
* India State of Forest Report, 2017
108 Know Your State ODISHA
Classification of Forests of Odisha
According to Champion and Seth classification, 18 types of forests are present in
Odisha. As per Forest Department of Odisha, on the basis of relief, rainfall and
vegetation types, there are broadly four types of forests in Odisha.Thesetypesof
forestsarediscussedbelow:
i. The Northern Tropical Semi-Evergeen Forests
ii. The Tropical Moist Deciduous Forests / Monsoon Forests
iii. The Tropical Dry Deciduous Forests
iv. The Tidal Mangrove Forests / Coastal Forests
The Northern Tropical Semi-Evergreen Forests
l
These forests are found in the lower hills and valleys of the state and found at an
elevation above 600 m. These are found in the forest divisions of Dhenkanal,
Athgarh, Puri, Mayurbhanj, Nayagarh, Parlakhemudi, Koraput and Kalahandi.
In these regions, deciduous forests are top storey trees and remain leafless for a
short span of time.
l
On the other hand evergreen forests are second storey trees. Absence of bamboo
growth is the most striking feature of these forests. Important tree species of these
forests are mango, mankarkendu, arjun, champa, rai, nageswar and manda.
The Tropical Moist Deciduous Forests/Monsoon Forests
l
These forests are found in the lower elevations of Odisha like in Mayurbhanj and
Keonjhar districts and also in the districts which shares their borders with Madhya
Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh states. These forests cover the largest forest area of
about 80% of the state.
Theseforestsaredividedintotwomajorsub-types:
l
Sal It is the most important species of these forests of Odisha. Sal is mostly found
in the regions of North and North-East of the Brahmani river. It is also found in
the East of Tel river and in the Sabari basin.
l
Male Bamboo (Dandrocalmus strictus) and Thorny Bamboo (Bambus a arundinacea)
Other dominant species in these forests i.e. male bamboo and thorny bamboo are
found in the forests of the Eastern Ghats, which mainly confined to the basins of
Mahanadi and Rushikulya rivers. The uses of male bamboo are manufacturing of
paper pulp and house building, fencing and making rafting material.
Sal and other species like Kusum (Adinacordifolia), the Burra Ironwood (Xylia
xylocarpa), the Dhan (Anogeissuslatifolia) and the Hualtu (Machilusvillosa) are met at
heterogeneous deciduous zone. Here sal species fall short by 50% and gets mixed
with the other tree species which are found in the moist deciduous mixed zone.
109 Forests of Odisha
This mixed zone is found in Keonjhar, West of Deogarh, Bhuban, East of
Dhenkanal, Nayagarh, Parlakhemudi and Bhubaneshwar, Sonepur, Athmalik, and
Phulbani. Important species of these forests are Sal which forms top canopy of the
forests, Piasal, Kusum, Asan, Dhawra and Daba Bamboo.
The Tropical Dry Deciduous Forests
l
This is the second most abundant forest found in Odisha. These forests are found
in the drier Central and Western regions in parts of Balangir, Kalahandi,
Sambalpur, Khariar, Gobindpur and Deogarh divisions. The upper Tel, Nagavali
and Sabari basins in the Western and South-Western parts of Odisha also have
these type of forests.
l
Teak and Salia bamboo are mostly found in these forests. Important species of
these forests are Teak, Sal, Salia bamboo and Daba bamboo.
The Tidal Mangrove Forests/Coastal Forests
l
These forests cover the smallest area in Odisha. These forests are found in the
sea-coast and found mainly in the Bhitarkanika, delta of Mahanadi, mouth of river
Devi, mouth of river Dhamara, Budhabalanga and Subernarekha rivers.
l
Bhitarkanika has the maximum mangrove forest area about 14,987 hectares.
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Mangroves are salt-tolerant plant species which are found in the inter-tidal regions
along the creeks and estuaries near the coast on the river mouth. They can thrive
on both freshwater and brackish water.
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These mangroves are found in a limited and scattered form in Kendrapada,
Bhadrak, Jagatsinghpur and Balasore districts of Odisha.
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These are important as they protect the remote areas against cyclones, the entrance
of sea water during tidal surge and also stabalise the coastal landmass against sea
erosion.
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These forests can survive on both fresh water and brackish water.
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Due to varied species of creepers, canes and other minor types of trees the tidal
forests of the Mahanadi mouth is known as the Little Sundarbans.
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Hental (Phoenixpaludosa) is the predominant species of these forests, due to which
the mangrove forests are locally known as Hental Van.
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Important species of these forests are Sundari (Heritiera), Karika (Bruquiera), Bani
(Avicennia), Rai (Rhizophora), Guan (Excoecaria), Palm and Coconut. Iron wood
(Casuarina) plantation, which is found on the Puri coast, provides fuel to the people.
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A narrow strip of grassland is also found between the mangrove forests and
the cultivated zone, which extends from Chilika lake to the mouth of the
Mahanadi river.
110 Know Your State ODISHA 111 Forests of Odisha
Forest of the Eastern Ghats
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The Eastern Ghats stretch from the Northern Odisha through Andhra Pradesh to
Tamil Nadu in the South. In Odisha, the hilly areas of Eastern Ghats have flat
tops locally known as Pats or Mulis. The areas of these hill tops has very rich
vegetation with sub-tropical and temperate species.
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With good soil, higher rainfall and altitude, valuable and ecological openings have
been formed in Eastern Ghats in which medicinal and economical plants are
grown. However, these forests face destruction due to mining.
Problems of Forests of Eastern Ghats
Someproblemsof forestsof EasternGhatsaregivenbelow :
Podu Cultivation(ShiftingCultivation) This has resulted in the destruction of forests
resources as well as soil erosion in the area of Bhuyia Pidh and Juang Pidh subdivisions
of Keonjar, the Padwa region of Koraput, Paralakhemundi and Phulbani district.
Rubber, Tea and Coffee Cultivation The cultivation of rubber, tea and coffee in
Koraput and Keonjhar districts reduce forest cover and surface run-off.
Forest Resources
Sal and its related species occupy 33% area of the total forest cover of the state.
Bamboo occupies about 26% area of the forests of both dry as well as moist
deciduous forests. Odisha has a number of resources from its forests.
s FORESTOF ODISHA