Natural Vegetation of Bihar | BPSC Preparation: All subjects - BPSC (Bihar) PDF Download

Natural Vegetation in Bihar

Bihar is characterized by a diverse environment. The natural vegetation of Bihar is significantly influenced by rainfall due to its continental monsoon climate. The Government of Bihar is actively undertaking various measures to protect and develop forest areas, including rehabilitation and conservation efforts.

• Bihar is home to Tropical Monsoon or Dry Deciduous Forests due to its continental monsoon type of climate. Forest areas in Bihar are predominantly found in the Terai belt of the Himalayas and the Southern Plateau region. 
• The state receives approximately 85% to 90% of its rainfall within a span of 3 to 4 months, while the remaining months are relatively dry. The vegetation in the Kaimur Hills region and the Shiwalik range of Bihar is significantly impacted by the high elevation.

Forests in Bihar

Bihar, covering an area of 94,163 square kilometers, has a recorded forest area of 6,877 square kilometers, which constitutes only 7.30% of the state's total geographical area, according to the India State of Forest Report 2017. This is significantly low compared to the National Forest Policy of 1988, which recommends that each state should have at least 33.33% of its area under forest cover for better environmental management.

Forest Cover in Bihar

• As per the India State of Forest Report 2017, Bihar's total forest cover is 7,299 square kilometers, making up 7.75% of the state's geographical area. This includes: Very Dense Forests: 332 square kilometers (0.035% of the total area) Moderately Dense Forests: 3,260 square kilometers (3.46% of the total area) Open Forests: 3,799 square kilometers (3.94% of the total area) The combined forest and tree cover in Bihar is 9,562 square kilometers, which is 10.15% of the state's geographical area. 
• Kaimur district (Bhabua) has the largest forest cover in the state, with 1,071 square kilometers, while Jehanabad district has no forest cover at all.

District-Wise Forest Cover In Bihar (in sq km)

Tree Cover in Bihar

According to the India State of Forest Report 2017, tree cover in Bihar is estimated to be 2,263 square kilometers, which is 2.40% of the state's geographical area. Tree cover refers to small patches of trees and isolated trees outside the Recorded Forest Area, each covering less than one hectare. This estimate is based on the Tree Outside Forest (TOF) inventory data collected over six years.

Forest and Tree Cover

Classification of Bihar Forest

Bihar's forests are categorized into two types based on administrative factors and geographical conditions.

Administrative Classification

Bihar's forests, based on protection levels, are classified into three groups:

• Protected Forests: These forests allow grazing and cultivation rights with some minor restrictions. According to the India State of Forest Report 2017, protected forests cover 6,183 sq km, constituting 89.91% of Bihar's total forest area.
• Reserved Forests: These forests are designated for the production of timber and other forest products, where grazing and cultivation rights are not permitted. Reserved forests account for 693 sq km, or 10.08% of the total forest cover in Bihar, as per the same report.
• Unclassed Forests: These forests do not fall into the categories of reserved or protected forests, and there are no restrictions on tree cutting or cattle grazing. Unclassed forests cover 0.68 sq km, or 0.01% of the total forest area in Bihar.

Geographical Classification

Based on climate and rainfall, forests in Bihar are classified into two types:

Moist Deciduous Forests

Found in the Terai belt and the Someshwar and Doon hill ranges, these forests receive over 120 cm of rainfall, leading to dense vegetation. The predominant tree species is Sal, which sheds its leaves in the summer. Other tree varieties include Semal, Champa, Ashok, Ken, Mango, Jamun, and Karanj.
Sal mixed moist deciduous forests, also known as Northern moist Sal-bearing forests, are mainly found in West Champaran and parts of the Kaimur, Rohtas, Aurangabad, Gaya, Nalanda, Nawada, Jamui, Saharsa, Purnea, Banka, and Munger districts.
These forests are further divided into:

• Someshwar and Doon Range Forests: Located in West Champaran, these forests receive over 160 cm of rainfall. Due to their altitude, Savannah-type forests with small trees and grasslands are also present. Important tree species include Sal, Khair, and Shisham. The Someshwar region consists of shrubs, grass, and reeds and is younger than the Parasnath, Rajmahal, and Kharagpur mountain ranges.
• Terai Region Forests: These forests are situated in the North-West and North-East Highlands and swampy areas of the Terai regions of the Shiwalik Himalayas. They are characterized by swampy grounds and are found in a narrow belt in the districts of Saharsa, Purnea, Araria, and Kishanganj. Key tree species include bamboo, giant reed (Narkat), Semal, bushes, and grasses. Sal trees are found only in the northernmost marginal areas of the Terai region. Canebrakes, or tropical seasonal swamp forests, are predominantly located in the West Champaran district of Bihar.

Dry Deciduous Forests

• These forests are the most prevalent in Bihar and are found in both the plains and the peninsular region, particularly in the southern districts. They thrive in areas receiving less than 120 cm of rainfall and are characterized by smaller tree heights.
• Dry deciduous forests are mainly found in the east-central and western parts of the Southern plateau region of Bihar, which are situated in hilly areas. Key tree species include Amaltas, Shisam, Mahua, Khair, Palash, Amla, Harra, Baheda, Sawai, and Kush. Sal mixed dry deciduous forests, also known as Northern dry mixed deciduous forests, cover a significant portion of the natural vegetation and are predominantly found in the Kaimur, Rohtas, Aurangabad, Gaya, Nalanda, Nawada, Jamui, Banka, Sheikhpura, and Munger districts, as well as the northern part of the Chota Nagpur plateau and Kaimur hills. Dry deciduous forests are present in both the plains and the peninsular region of the Southern districts of Bihar.

Importance of Forests in Bihar

Forests play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance and providing raw materials to various industries. The forests of Bihar are known for producing many fine products, including:

• Semal: This tree is soft, light, and white in color. It is called the 'Cotton Tree' because the white fiber extracted from its fruits is used in hospitals and for home treatments.
• Sal: The wood of the Sal tree is hard and durable. Its resin is used to make incense sticks and medicines, while its wood is used for making furniture, buildings, boats, and railway tracks.
• Shisham (Indian Rosewood): Shisham wood is very hard and is used to make furniture and buildings. The leaves and roots of the Shisham tree are also important; the leaves are rich in protein and are used as pasture for animals.
• Toona sinensis (Chinese Mahogany): This tree, found on the mountain slopes of Bihar, has durable and hard wood used for making furniture and toys.
• Lac: Lac is formed by Laccifer lacca insects that colonize the branches of trees such as banyan, kusum, sacred tree (Palash), and cluster fig (Gular). These insects secrete a resinous pigment that is processed into lac.
• Tussar: Tussar silk is obtained from the larvae of various silkworm species found on Arjun trees in the Bhagalpur forests of Bihar.
• Bamboo, Tendu Leaves, and Sabai Grass: These materials are used to produce various products like baskets and toys. Sabai grass is primarily grown in the Bhagalpur district.

Forest Development Agency in Bihar

• The Forest Development Agency in Bihar was established by the Indian Government to promote, develop, and secure forestry in the state with the help of local communities. This agency implements various forestry development programs and schemes in Bihar, such as the National Afforestation Scheme, the National Mission for Green India (GIM), and Tussar Food Plantation.
• Under the Green India Mission, a comprehensive plan has been developed for four regions in Bihar: Aghava (Kaimur), Dharahara (Bhagalpur), Banka, and Imamganj (Gaya). To raise awareness about environmental and wildlife conservation, Bihar celebrates Earth Day every year on August 9th.

Department of Environment, Forest and Climate Change of Bihar

The government of Bihar has recognized the importance of forest conservation due to increasing issues such as soil erosion, ecological imbalance, surface runoff, floods, and droughts. In response to the recommendations of the National Commission on Agriculture in 1972, many state governments, including Bihar, established Forest Development Corporations in 1975. The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change was formed in 1985, and each state, including Bihar, plans and implements its environmental policies according to its specific needs.
The objectives and functions of the Department of Environment, Forest and Climate Change in Bihar are as follows:

Objectives

• To maintain environmental stability and ecological balance.
• To conserve natural heritage and endowments.
• To substantially increase forest/tree cover.
• To meet the requirements of the growing population.
• To encourage efficient utilization of wood and to maximize wood substitution.

Functions

• To provide protection for wild birds and animals.
• To control Forest Development Corporation.
• To manage Zoological and Botanical gardens.
• To plan policy and planning for Human Habitation.
• To ensure Environmental Conservation and its Protection.
• To conduct Environment Research and Education.
• To coordinate Environment Planning in Urban and Rural Areas.

Forest Development Schemes in Bihar

Har Parisar, Hara Parisar

• Launched in 2015 by the Environment, Forest, and Climate Change Department of Bihar.
• Aims to increase plantation in state campuses such as schools, colleges, religious institutions, offices, and NGOs.
• Focuses on beautifying urban areas and purifying the environment.

Mukhya Mantri Niji Paudhshala Yojana

• Launched in 2013 by the state government.
• Aims to plant more poplar trees and enhance forestry.
• Encourages farmers and entrepreneurs to set up nurseries and grow high-quality plants.
• Target species include Semul, Amaltas, Mahua, Indian Rosewood, Shisham, and Bamboo.

Agro Forestry Scheme

• Initiated in 2013-14 with the help of Bihar’s farmers.
• Aims to make the ‘Hariyali Mission’ successful.
• Target to plant 6 crore plants in 5 years (3.6 crore poplar trees and 2.4 crore other species).
• Part of a 10-year agriculture roadmap (2012-2022) for afforestation.

Hariyali Mission

• Aims to increase Bihar’s forest cover from 10.15% to 15%.
• Objectives include boosting farmers’ income, providing livelihoods to Below Poverty Line (BPL) families, supplying raw materials, and industrial development.
• Involves afforestation along rivers, canals, roads, and unused agricultural lands.
• Establishes ecological balance and promotes forestry research on high-quality trees and climate change.
• Research conducted with the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education on species like Poplar, Indian Rosewood, China Berry, and Eucalyptus.

Chief Minister Urban Forestry Scheme

• Launched in 2013-14.
• Aims to transform traditional urban forestry into ‘Green Belt’.
• Districts covered include Patna, Gaya, Bhagalpur, Darbhanga, Rajgir, and Muzaffarpur.

Chief Minister Student Plantation Scheme

• Launched on 15th August 2006 by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar.
• Aims to promote Environmental Conservation Programmes at the school level.
• Targets students of Class-6 in government and non-government schools across the state.