Slow start to bamboo regeneration work

Bamboo regeneration work in tiger reserve Palamu is too slow, said sources.

There are 2,400 hectares of plot in PTR where bamboo clumps are to be regenerated. But the regeneration work of bamboo which has begun only last year in 200 hectare, will again be done in another 200 hectare this year and thus a huge 2,000 hectare will remain untouched which no official can vouch as to when regeneration work will take place in this remaining hectares said sources.

There is further a rider. The rider is if a hectare out of identified 2,400 hectares has less than 200 bamboo clumps then that hectare will not be regenerated for bamboos. Two hundred bamboo clumps per hectare are essential for regeneration work

A K Mishra deputy director North division of PTR said that regeneration be not taken for any plantation as regeneration means revival of growth of the either retarded or stunted bamboos with the help of cleansing of the clumps and the raising of fresh fertile soil on the clumps.

PTR which was once known for its bamboos is now battling to regenerate it with budget like 15 lakh which came here in PTR last year said sources.

Bamboo regeneration will improve habitat for herbivores, carnivores and other wild life as bamboo coups provide good shed for all seasons like rains, summer and winter even.

 Bamboo leaves are fondly eaten by elephants and when they eat they bring down the bamboo also.

Asked if this regeneration work can be dubbed as Bamboo Mission Mishra said Bamboo Mission was once upon a time government of India’s mission which it shelved down when reserves, sanctuaries and other forest divisions across the country could not make the best use of it.