Mega Plan to Remove 30–40 Lakh Fallen Trees in Gir Forest Post Tauktae Disaster

The state forest department of Ahmedabad has begun cutting down around 30-40 lakh fallen trees in Gir Forest uprooted by cyclone Tauktae and pose a threat to species like Asiatic lions. The cyclone was bigger than the one in 1982, where nearly 28 lakh trees were uprooted.

Dushyant Vasavada, the chief conservator of forests, said that they are planning to clear the trees that were uprooted. The damage seems to be worst than the one in the 1982 cyclone. The department stated that they will do an extensive assessment of the damage detected and how they can clear the affected areas.

Image: Gir National Park

The state forest department recalled thinning of the Gir sanctuary in the forest management plan, as lions like to roam around in open forests. Bizarrely, the cyclone Tauktae seems like a blessing in disguise for the lions as fallen trees have made it easier for them to find herbivores. However, the fallen trees can hinder the movement of big cats if left in their current state.

One of the key aspects of the plan is to make sure that the key protected areas will not be disturbed while clearing the trees. According to the plan, it is desirable to put habitat manipulation that benefits the lions. Habitat manipulation and intervention are essential to improve the capacity of the Asiatic lion in Gir protected areas and control herbivorous.

Hopefully, the project of clearing fallen trees in Gir Forest after Tauktae will run its course smoothly, without disturbing the unique flora and fauna in the region.

Via: Times of India