Classification of Forests in West Bengal | WBCS Preparation: All Subjects - WBCS (West Bengal) PDF Download

The forests of West Bengal are categorized into six groups based on factors such as soil, moisture, altitude, and climatic conditions. These categories include:
i. Tropical Moist Deciduous Forests
ii. Tropical Dry Deciduous Forests
iii. Sub-tropical Broad-leafed Wet Hill Forests
iv. Montane Wet Temperate Forests
v. Littoral and Swamp Forests/The Mangroves Forests
vi. Sub-alpine Forests

Tropical Moist Deciduous Forests 

Tropical Moist Deciduous Forests are primarily located in the lower reaches of North Bengal, particularly in Jalpaiguri, Alipurduar, and Coochbehar districts (Terai region). These forests are predominant in the Duars and Terai areas, featuring species such as champ, sissoo, simul, teak, sal, mango, jackfruit, coconut, betel nut, mahua, etc.

Tropical Dry Deciduous Forests 

Tropical Dry Deciduous Forests are found in the Western plateau regions of Bankura, Purulia, East and West Midnapore, Birbhum, and Bardhaman districts. Sal, peasal, kend, mahul, kusum, karam, asan, bahera, rahara, dhaw, mango, jam, etc., are the main species in these forests, and their products are utilized in timber, paper mills, matchbox production, bidi, rope making, and silk production factories.

Sub-tropical Broad-leafed Wet Hill Forests 

Tropical Dry Deciduous Forests are found in the Western plateau regions of Bankura, Purulia, East and West Midnapore, Birbhum, and Bardhaman districts. Sal, peasal, kend, mahul, kusum, karam, asan, bahera, rahara, dhaw, mango, jam, etc., are the main species in these forests, and their products are utilized in timber, paper mills, matchbox production, bidi, rope making, and silk production factories.

• Montane Wet Temperate Forests 
  Montane Wet Temperate Forests are situated in the upper reaches of North Bengal hills at an altitude between 1650 m and 3000 m. Key sites include Selimbong, Kankibong, Little Rangit, Lopchu, Mahaldiram, Paglajhora, etc., in Darjeeling and Kalimpong. Oak, maple, pine, fir, deodar, and spruce are prevalent species.
• Littoral and Swamp Forests/ The Mangrove Forests 
  Littoral and Swamp Forests, also known as The Mangrove Forests, are found in the Ganga-Brahmaputra delta (Sundarbans) in South 24 Parganas and the Southern region of North 24 Parganas. Sundari mangrove trees are predominant, with breathing roots adapted for standing in deep mud. The Sundarbans, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987, is home to tribal communities engaged in fishing, honey and wax collection. Kewra or keya bushes are common, along with casuarina trees, goran, gnewa, baen, dhundal, etc.  
• Sub-alpine Forests
  Sub-alpine Forests thrive in the high reaches of North Bengal hills at an altitude between 3000 m and 3700 m, mainly in the northern part of Darjeeling district, including Sandakphu, Sabarkum, Phalut, etc. Species such as junipers, birch, rhododendrons, berberis, maling bamboo, laurel, oak, magnolia, and dwarf rhododendrons are commonly found in these forests.

West Bengal Forest Department 

The West Bengal Forest Department, established in Kolkata in 1864, focuses on maintaining environmental stability by preserving and restoring ecological balance and conserving natural heritage. Various projects run under the department's purview, including:

• West Bengal Forest and Biodiversity Conservation Project 
  In collaboration with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) since 2013, it aims to develop forest ecosystems, conserve biodiversity, and enhance local livelihoods.
• West Bengal Wasteland Development Cooperation Limited 
  Established in 1989, this organization manages forestry and related activities, creating green shelter belts, landscaping, and engaging in timber harvesting.
• West Bengal Forest Development Corporation Limited 
  Established in 1974, it focuses on allied forestry activities such as eco-tourism, wood-based industries, plantation management, and overall forest area development.
• Wild Bengal 
  This department oversees six national parks and 15 wildlife sanctuaries in the state, established under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. It manages animal rescue centers, vulture conservation centers, and conducts estimations of tigers, elephants, leopards, and rhinos. 
• West Bengal State Forest Development Agency 
  Organizing eco-tourism centers and jungle camps in the Terai region of Jalpaiguri district, this agency aims to conserve forests while creating income opportunities for local communities.
• Namami Gange 
  Managed by the West Bengal Forest Department, this mission, part of the Central Government's initiative, operates in five states to sustain the biodiversity of the Ganga river ecosystem and ensure its purification.

Consolidation of Joint Forest Management 
West Bengal pioneered Joint Forest Management (JFM) in India, starting in 1996 and revised in 2008. JFM aims to reduce biotic pressure on forests, conserve them at productive levels, and preserve biodiversity. Currently, JFM is active in the Darjeeling hills and Western plateau areas of the state.