Chhattisgarh: Forests, Vegetation, Wildlife, and Ecotourism | Chhattisgarh State PSC (CGPSC) Preparation: All subjects - CGPSC (Chhattisgarh) PDF Download

Forests and Vegetation of Chhattisgarh

• Chhattisgarh, located in the Deccan bio-geographical region, is a state rich in biodiversity, with a significant portion of its flora and fauna being unique to the area. 
• The state is particularly notable for its high level of endemism, especially in plants that have medicinal properties.

Biogeographical and Wildlife Diversity

• Biogeographically, Chhattisgarh is part of the Deccan bio-region, which includes a diverse array of central Indian fauna such as tigers, leopards, gaur (Indian bison), sambar deer, chital (spotted deer), nilgai (blue bull), and wild boars. 
• The state is also home to rare and endangered wildlife species like the wild buffalo and the hill myna. In addition to species diversity, Chhattisgarh boasts a rich genetic diversity, with significant variation in the genetic composition of both its floral and faunal species.

Forest Cover and Types

• The recorded forest area in Chhattisgarh spans 59,772 square kilometers, accounting for 44.21% of the state's total geographical area. The forest area is classified into three categories: Reserved Forests (43.13%), Protected Forests (40.21%), and Unclassed Forests (16.65%). The district of Dantewada has the highest forest cover, while Janjgir-Champa has the lowest.
• Chhattisgarh's forests fall under two major types: Tropical Moist Deciduous Forests and Tropical Dry Deciduous Forests. The state is also home to about 22 different forest sub-types.

Tropical Moist Deciduous Forests (Sal Forests)

• These forests are found in areas with moderate rainfall, ranging from 100 to 200 cm annually, a mean annual temperature of around 27°C, and an average annual relative humidity of 60 to 75%. These conditions are typical of the southern part of Chhattisgarh. The trees in these forests shed their leaves for about 6-8 weeks during spring and early summer when moisture levels are insufficient. The sub-soil water in these areas is not enough to sustain the leaves throughout the year.
• These forests are highly valuable due to their timber and various other forest products. The dominant species include sal, padauk, laurel, white chuglam, badam, dhup, chikrosi, kokko, haldu, rosewood, mahua, bijasal, lendi, semul, irul, dhaman, amla, kusum, tendu, paula, jamun, and bamboo. These forests are relatively easy to exploit due to the high degree of gregariousness among the tree species.

Tropical Dry Deciduous Forests (Teak Forests)

• Tropical Dry Deciduous Forests are similar to their moist counterparts but are found in areas with comparatively less rainfall, typically between 100-150 cm annually. These forests represent a transitional type, giving way to moist deciduous forests on the wetter side and degenerating into thorn forests on the drier side.
• These forests are characterized by a closed and uneven canopy, composed of a few species of deciduous trees that can reach heights of about 20 meters. The ground receives enough light to support the growth of grass and climbers, and while bamboo is present, it is not abundant. Key species include teak, axlewood, tendu, bijasal, rosewood, amaltas, palas, haldu, kasi, bel, lendi, common bamboo, red sanders, anjair, and harra.

Mixed Forests

• The majority of Chhattisgarh's forests are mixed forests, where species like teak or sal are found alongside other species such as saja, bija, lendia, haldu, dhaora, salai, aonla, amaltas, gamhar, and others. The striking white kulu trees stand out among the various green hues of these forests. 
• The forest floor is a dense mix of grasses, plants, bushes, and saplings. Pterocarpus marsupium, a species found here, has been traditionally used in India to control blood sugar levels in diabetes.

Medicinal Plants

• Chhattisgarh's forests are abundant in medicinal plants and trees, with notable species including Aegle marmelos (Bael), Azadirachta indica (Neem), Bixa orellana, Butea monosperma (Flame of the Forest), Asparagus racemosus (Shatavari), Argemone mexicana, Buchanania lanzan (Chironji), Aloe barbadensis (Aloe Vera), Acorus calamus (Sweet Flag), Cassia tora, Curculigo orchioides, and Curcuma longa (Turmeric).

State Forest Policy

Chhattisgarh’s State Forest Policy outlines several key objectives:

• Sustainable Resource Utilization: Unlocking the vast forest resources on a sustainable basis to enhance the well-being of local communities by converting open access resources (OAR) into community-controlled, prioritized, protected, and managed resources.
• Shift in Focus: Moving the focus from major to minor forest produce, from crown to multi-tier forestry, and from flagship species to smaller forest inhabitants.
• Environmental Stability: Maintaining environmental stability by preserving and, where necessary, restoring the ecological balance disrupted by serious forest depletion in the state.
• Bio-Cultural Heritage Conservation: Preserving the biologically rich natural forests that provide essential cultural context to the tribal populations of the state, thereby conserving Chhattisgarh's bio-cultural heritage.
• Soil and Water Conservation: Preventing forest denudation and soil erosion in the catchment areas of rivers and reservoirs to aid in soil and water conservation, mitigate floods and droughts, recharge water bodies and aquifers, and slow down reservoir siltation.
• Increasing Forest Cover: Enhancing forest and tree cover in forest-deficient districts through afforestation, agroforestry, and farm forestry programs, especially on denuded, degraded, and unproductive lands.
• Meeting Rural Needs: Ensuring that the needs of the rural and tribal population for fuelwood, fodder, minor forest produce, and small timber are met while respecting the forests' carrying capacity.
• Prioritizing Environmental Stability: Economic benefits derived from the forests of Chhattisgarh must be secondary to the needs of environmental stability and the maintenance of ecological balance in the state.
• Policy and Legal Framework: Establishing appropriate policy and legal frameworks to achieve these objectives.

Wildlife and Ecotourism in Chhattisgarh

• Chhattisgarh, an Indian state known for its stunning natural landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and unique tribal communities, is one of the greenest states in the country, with over 44% of its area covered by lush forests. 
• This abundance of greenery, coupled with the state’s rich biological diversity, makes Chhattisgarh a prime destination for ecotourism. Recognizing this potential, the Indian government is actively collaborating with local officials to develop Chhattisgarh into one of the top ecotourism destinations in India.

Rich Flora and Fauna

• Chhattisgarh's forests are home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including 88 species of medicinal plants. The state boasts three National Parks and 11 Wildlife Sanctuaries, providing sanctuary to several rare species of wildlife and birds. 
• The unique combination of rich cultural heritage and biodiversity makes Chhattisgarh an ideal destination for nature lovers, wildlife enthusiasts, and those interested in exploring the region’s unique tribal life. The state has identified several regions with high potential for ecotourism development.

Wildlife Sanctuaries in Chhattisgarh

Badalkhol Wildlife Sanctuary

• Located in Jashpur district, Badalkhol Wildlife Sanctuary covers an area of 105 square kilometers and lies along the banks of the Eib and Dorki Rivers. 
• The sanctuary’s vegetation is dominated by Sal forests, and it is home to a variety of wildlife, including panthers, chital, wild boar, jungle cats, monkeys, jackals, hyenas, bears, wolves, foxes, cobras, kraits, pythons, and numerous bird species such as red spur fowl, kala teetar, and green pigeons.

Sitanadi Wildlife Sanctuary

• Established in 1974 under the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972, Sitanadi Wildlife Sanctuary spans 556 square kilometers. 
• Named after the Sitanadi River, which originates in the sanctuary and flows into the Mahanadi River, this sanctuary is known for its rich biodiversity.

Barnawapara Wildlife Sanctuary

• Situated in Raipur district, Barnawapara Wildlife Sanctuary is named after the Bar and Nawapara forest villages located in the heart of the sanctuary. The forest is classified into teak, sal, and mixed forests. 
• The sanctuary is renowned for the frequent sightings of Indian bison (Gaur), chital, sambar, nilgai, and wild boar, as well as its rich birdlife with over 150 species.

Tamor Pingla Wildlife Sanctuary

• Located in Surguja district, Tamor Pingla Wildlife Sanctuary is named after two prominent features of the area: Tamor Hill and Pingla Nalla (stream). 
• The sanctuary is home to a variety of wildlife, including nilgai, chital, sambar, chinkara, wild boar, and foxes.

Bairamgarh Wildlife Sanctuary

• Bhairamgarh Wildlife Sanctuary is a prime habitat for wild buffalo, with sightings of hill hyenas, tigers, leopards, chinkaras, Indian gazelles, and chital. 
• It is located in the heart of Chhattisgarh and offers a unique wildlife experience.

Bhoramdeo Wildlife Sanctuary

• Situated in Kabirdham district, 140 km from Raipur, Bhoramdeo Wildlife Sanctuary is named after the famous Bhoramdeo temples. 
• This sanctuary is rich in flora and fauna and provides a serene environment for ecotourism.

Gomarda Wildlife Sanctuary

• Located near Sarangarh town in Raigarh district, Gomarda Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a variety of wildlife, including leopards, wild dogs, jackals, foxes, gaur, nilgai, sambar, chital, and other species. 
• The sanctuary is known for its exotic wildlife and is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts.

Pamed Wildlife Sanctuary

• Located in Dantewada district in southern Chhattisgarh, near the border with Andhra Pradesh, Pamed Wildlife Sanctuary covers an area of 262 square kilometers. 
• The sanctuary is known for its valuable tree species such as Sal and teak and its mixed forests that create a unique ambiance.

National Parks and Biosphere Reserves

Kanger Valley National Park

• Kanger Valley National Park is one of India’s most beautiful and picturesque national parks, located on the banks of the Kholaba River, about 27 km from Jagdalpur in Bastar district. 
• The park covers approximately 200 square kilometers of hilly terrain and is named after the Kanger River, which flows through its length.

Guru Ghasidas National Park

• Guru Ghasidas National Park is one of the most unique protected areas in Chhattisgarh. 
• The park’s diverse vegetation supports a wide variety of mammals, including tigers, leopards, chital, nilgai, chinkara, jackals, sambar, four-horned antelopes, jungle cats, barking deer, porcupines, monkeys, bison, striped hyenas, sloth bears, and wild dogs. 
• It is also an excellent location for observing migratory birds, with the best time to visit being from November to June.

Tiger Reserves

Indravati National Park

• Indravati National Park, located in Dantewada district, is one of the finest and most famous wildlife parks in Chhattisgarh. The park, named after the Indravati River, which forms its northern boundary with Maharashtra, spans approximately 2,799.08 square kilometers. 
• Indravati National Park attained the status of a National Park in 1981 and a Tiger Reserve in 1983 under India’s Project Tiger, making it one of the country’s most renowned tiger reserves.

Achanakmar Tiger Reserve

• Achanakmar Tiger Reserve, part of the larger Achanakmar-Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve, is located in Chhattisgarh and features tropical moist deciduous and tropical dry deciduous forests. 
• The reserve is home to a wide range of flora, including sal, bija, saja, haldu, teak, and bamboo, along with over 600 species of medicinal plants. The winding Maniyari River, which flows through the reserve, is its lifeline. 
• The reserve’s fauna includes tigers, leopards, bison, flying squirrels, Indian giant squirrels, chinkara, wild dogs, hyenas, sambar, chital, and over 150 species of birds. Even a short trek through this park reveals its extraordinary beauty and biodiversity.