GENERAL

FORESTS

The forests in this district are in scattered patches. Percentage of forests to the total area of Akola district is 7.8. Most of the 'area is confined to the compact blocks of Patur and Karanja ranges lying in the middle and the south-east corner of the district and rest of the forests are scattered in patches all over the district. Forests are mainly in Balapur, Akola and Mangrulpir tahsils on the. Balaghat plateau of Ajanta hills, the Narnala reserves of the Satpuda ranges and in the Payanghat along the plains of the Purna river.

The type of vegetation is mainly governed by the soil formation, configuration of the ground drainage and the influence of man. The variations of rainfall are very little in the district, average rainfall being about 30" to 40" received from the south-western monsoon. The forests in the district fall in the "South Indian Tropical dry deciduous" type. The chief species of the forests is teak. It is found all over except the forests thicketed with babul trees and grass ramans. The following broad local types are distinguished.

(1) Teak Forests.—In these forests, teak trees are found comparatively more in number than other species. This is the most common pole type in the division with few trees attaining bigger sizes. The general quality is IV-b (M. P.) but there are long stretches of V quality (M. P.) and small patches of IV-a and III quality. This is most commonly worked out as coppice with Reserve System. Principal associates in these are Salai (Boswellia serrata), Dhaora (Anogeissus latifolia), Ain (Terminalia tomentosa), Tendu (Diospyros melanoxyton), Palas (Butea frondosa) and Lendia (Lagerstroemia parviflora).

(2) Mixed Forests.-ln these forests percentage of teak trees is comparatively less than that of other miscellaneous species. This type of specie is found interspersed with teak forests and occurs in all four ranges. Growing stock consists of generally young and middle aged sound crop Salai (Boswellia serrata) and is the most common species. Dhaora (Anogeissus latifolia), Ain (Terminalia tomentosa), Khair (Acacia catechu), Lendia (Lagerstroemia parviflora) and Mokha (Schrebera swietenioides) are the other common species. The general quality of forests is of IV-b (M. P.) quality.

(3) Anjan Forests.—A small portion adjoining Buldhana division, lying to the west of Chikhalwal Reserve of Patur range has Anjan growth. Except few patches of III and IV-a quality (M. P.) where Anjan has attained good height, the growth of Anjan is of IV-b quality (M. P.). Teak, Am and Dhaora are common associates. But in fair patches, Anjan grows pure. Reproduction is generally scattered. Under-shrubs are few and climbers are almost absent.

(4) Babul Forests.—Principal species of babul forest is Acacia arabica. There are 5 felling series in the babulbans which form the patches of compact blocks in the plain areas of the district. Soil is quite rich and black. These forests are managed on the agri-silvi bans with rotation of 30 years. Regeneration is artificial by direct sowing of babul trees at 18' apart.

(5) Bamboo Forests.—These are not much in extent (0.34 sq. miles) and are confined to eight felling series which are overlapping with the other felling series. Bamboo that is found in this area is of the type of Dendro calamus strictus. Growth of bamboo is not very dense and the quality is also medium. It is not available in large quantity and not even sufficient to meet the local demand.

(6) Sandal Forests.—Sandal wood found in this district is largely the result of sowings done in suitable areas in all ranges. This is exploited after maturity and the material derived from this alongwith the material seized in offence cases is sold annually in open auction. This yields a good revenue in this division and amounts on an average to Rs. 22,500 per annum.

Forest produce is transported by trucks to Akola and Washim which are the important forest produce collection centres. Most of the produce is consumed within the district and very small proportion is exported by trucks to Nagpur, Poona, Bombay and Marathwada region. Forest produce to meet local demands is imported from neighbouring forest divisions. Forest produce worth about Rs. 9 lakhs is extracted annually.

Classification of Forests.—Under the Indian Forests Act (XVI of 1927) forests of this circle are divided into two categories viz., reserved forests and protected forests. Before forests are classified they have to be subjected to regular settlement by a Forest Settlement Officer who enquires into the existence of all public and private rights. In case of reserved forests the existing rights are either settled, transferred, or commuted. In case of protected forests rights are clearly recorded and regulated. The details of reserved forests and protected forests in the district are as under: —

The reserved and protected forests of the division are organised and managed under the prescription of working plan.

The exploitation of forests in charge of the Forest Department is regulated under the working plan which applies to 'A' class forests. The 'A' class forests have an area of 225.34 sq. miles and are primarily intended for the production of timber and firewood. Under the scheme the forests are mainly divided into three working circles:—(1) Coppice with reserves, (2) Babul forests wherein system of clear felling with artificial regeneration with agri-silvi method is used and, (3) Bamboo overlapping working circles. In case of sandalwood forests only thinnings are prescribed.

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