1
Review of History of Forests, Wildlife and Biodiversity, and
Issues Related to their Management and Conservation in
Warna Basin
Study Carried out Under LiveDiverse Project in collaboration
with SOPPECOM
Draft Report
December 2010
2
Wildlife Research and Conservation Society,
Flat No.1A, Shriyog Society,
127/3, Sus Road, Pashan,
Pune411021
Maharashtra
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Mr. Jayant Kulkarni
CO-INVESTIGATOR
Dr. Prachi Mehta
FIELD BIOLOGIST
Mr. Tushar Pawar
REQUESTED CITATION
Kulkarni Jayant, Prachi Mehta and Tushar Pawar, 2010. Review of the History of
Forests, Wildlife and Biodiversity, and Issues Related to their Management and
Conservation in Warna Basin. Wildlife Research and Conservation Society, Pune.
3
Content
Content
4
Chapter: 1 Background
6
1.1 Background
6
1.2 Warna Basin
6
1.3 Topography and Drainage
8
1.4 Climate
8
Chapter: 2 Major Issue Relating to Loss of Forests and Biodiversity
10
2.1 Anthropogenic Pressures on Forest and Biodiversity
10
2.2 Habitat Connectivity
12
2.3 Mining
14
2.4 Tourism
14
2.5 Loss of Private Forest and Shifting Cultivation
15
2.6 Quantification of Forest Loss
16
Chapter:3 The Forests Department and its Activities
17
3.1 The Forest Division and Ranges of Warna Basin
17
3.2 The Forest Divisions
17
3.3 Division-wise Forest Area in Warna Basin
19
3.4 Vegetation: Forest Type
20
3.5 History of Management
23
3.6 Wildlife Of Warna Basin
25
3.7 NTFP Collection
26
3.8 Mandate and Structure of the Forest Department
28
3.9 Activities of Forest Department
28
3.10 Management of Forest
36
3.11 Management of Wildlife in Chandoli NP
37
3.12 Joint Forest Management
38
Chapter:4 Development Project in the Warna Basin and Their Impact
40
4.1 Chandoli Dam
40
4.2 Irrigation Project in Warna Basin
41
4.3 Wind Mills
41
4
4.4 Tourism
42
Chapter:5 Local People’s and Forest Departments Issue
43
5.1 Case study of Village Relocation
43
5.2 Case Study of JFM Committee
44
5.3 Mandur and Panumbre
45
5.4 Udgiri
46
5.5 Male, Kolne and Patherpunj
47
5.6 Forest Department View at Amba
48
5.7 Summary and Conclusion
49
References
51
Appendix;1 List of mammals Found in Kolhapur Division and Chandoli NP
52
5
Chapter 1
Background
1.1 Background
LiveDiverse is a collaborative project coordinated by Linköpings University, Sweden
with several other education institutes and research organizations in Italy, United
Kingdom, Japan, India, Vietnam, South Africa, Netherlands and Costa Rica. As the name
suggests, the project focuses on the interface of livelihood and biodiversity in
developing countries. The developing countries are faced with a plethora of challenges
one of which is conflict of interest between people’s livelihood and conservation of
natural resources. Often these two situations are incompatible with each other and
result in conflict situations. The main objective of LiveDiverse is to gain an
understanding on the processes between livelihood securities and biodiversity
conservation. This is being done by assessing critical regions that provide ecosystem
services to the inhabited region and also support valuable biodiversity in the area.
LiveDiverse therefore will help in designing strategies for understanding, preventing
and resolving conflict between local communities and existing bio-diversity within the
area. The project outcome will help in suggesting ways to promote sustainable
livelihood while protecting the biological values of the region. The project is being
implemented in four developing countries namely India, South Africa, Costa Rica and
Vietnam (Joy and Paranjpe 2009).
In India, the proposed study location is the Warna River Basin in the State of
Maharashtra. The river basin includes the Warna Dam and the Chandoli National Park.
Warna River originates at the extreme western part of Sangli District in Maharashtra
State and meets another large river, Krishna, 3 kms from Sangli City. The LiveDiverse
Project will be implemented in Warna Basin for its detailed study of socio-economic,
cultural and spiritual sustainability of the local communities and impact on local
biodiversity (Joy and Paranjpe 2009).
1.2 Warna Basin
The Warna River Basin overlaps Sangli and Kolhapur Districts in South-Western
Maharashtra. A very small part of the river basin consisting of the northern-most tip of
Chandoli NP lies in Satara District. Figure 1.1 shows the location map of Warna Basin.
6
Figure 1.1: Location Map of Warna Basin
The Warna Basin lies to the east of the Western Ghats, which is the north-south
mountain range that runs parallel to the western coastline of Maharashtra. The basin
shows a variety of geographical features, topography, climatic conditions, land use types
and lifestyles. The westernmost part of the basin is a hilly region situated on the eastern
slopes of the Western Ghats. As one moves eastwards the Western Ghats merge with the
Deccan Plateau and the terrain becomes more or less plain.
7
Warna River has its origin inside Chandoli NP. Its general direction of flow is from West
to slightly south of East till it joins the Krishna River at Haripur. A major irrigation dam
was built on the Warna River at Chandoli and completed in the year 1998. Chandoli NP
lies to the upstream of the Chandoli Dam in the catchment area of the dam. The
reservoir created by Chandoli Dam provides irrigation by canal system to the
downstream villages around the Warna River.
The agricultural land in the hilly western region consists mostly of crop fields of rice,
nachni and other cereal and food crops. Wherever irrigation is available from wells or
streams people cultivate sugarcane. The valley portion around the Warna River that
receives irrigation consists mostly of sugarcane cultivation.
1.3 Topography and Drainage
The Warna river originates at the Patharpunj in Chandoli NP at an altitude 900 meters. The
Warna river runs generally north-west to south-east and flows for a distance of 150 km
through the Warna basin. It meets the Krishna River at Haripur near the Sangli.
The upper (western) part of the basin lies in the Western Ghats. For a narrow zone of width 5
km or so the terrain is very undulating with flat-topped mountains and acute ridges. The
lower (eastern) portion of the basin is more or less flat.
The larger sub-tributaries of the Warna River include the Kardi Nala inside the Chandoli
National park, Kansa River in Shahuwadi Range and the Kadvi River. Smaller tributaries like
Potphogi, Shuli and Amberde supplies water to the Kadvi. From Sangli Sub-division two subtributaries, Meri and Morna in Shirala Range, join the Warna River.
1.4 Climate
The Climate of this area is moist and hot of the monsoon type. The rainfall occurs mainly in
the monsoon season from June to September. The annual average rainfall in western part of
the Warna basin, in the Western Ghats, is 4000 mm. it decreases sharply to 600 mm on the
eastern side of the basin (Anon 2008, Khot 2000). In some years the rainfall may go above
6000 mm.
Humid and moderate climate prevails in the area. Heavy rains take place during the
south-west monsoon season which lasts from June to September. The cold season is from
December to February. This is followed by the pleasant summer season from March to May.
8
Kolhapur forest division records 31.5 C annual max temp and 19.2 C annual minimum
temperature. The maximum temperature in Kolhapur Division is 40.7 C and the minimum
about 10 C.
9
Chapter 2
Major Issues Relating to Loss of Forests and Biodiversity
2.1 Anthropogenic Pressures on Forests and Biodiversity.
Illicit Tree Cutting
The forest crop comprises of mainly of miscellaneous species. The percentage of
commercially valuable trees in the forest is low. Therefore the extent of illicit felling for
timber in the district is not very serious. Yet illicit-felling and lopping of the trees for small
timber, poles, firewood and fencing material is often resorted to, mainly for fulfilling the
domestic requirements of constructing or repairing the huts and firing the hearth. It results in
depletion of the growing stock and degradation of the forest area.
Local people cut trees for timber for construction of their homes, making agricultural
implements and for firewood. Firewood is a major source of domestic fuel for local
community. Firewood collection beyond sustainable limits causes degradation of forests.
Degradation of forests due to firewood collection takes place in most forests in Warna Basin
except in well protected areas of Chandoli NP and some well undisturbed forest blocks in
Malkapur Range.
In the last decade a large number of Narkya (Mappia foetida) trees were cut by local people.
There is a high demand in the international market for Narkya which is used for extracting
the anti-cancer drug campothecin. A major racket for Narkya cutting was uncovered by the
Forest Department in the year 2007.
Forest fires
Forests are susceptible to fires during the summer season when the vegetation is dry. Fires are
generally man made. They may be caused intentionally for various reasons, sometimes to get
good flush of grass, for collecting NTFP, for hunting wildlife or for making encroachments.
Sometimes fires are caused due to raab burning or burning agricultural wastes accidentally
stray into the adjoining forests. Accidental fires take place by careless throwing of lighted
cigarette or bidi butts in the forests by the villagers or passersby also causes fires.
Recurrent fires damage the vegetation. They reduce the density of forests and burn the
undergrowth and ground cover. Fires affects the regeneration status of the forest by killing
the young recruits and seedlings. Fires also destroy the soil cover as well as humus on the
forest floor as a result of which there is less moisture absorption and more run-offs thereby
10
resulting into soil erosion and degradation of the site. Forest fires also kill small animals and
young ones in the forest that cannot escape fire.
Grazing
Unregulated grazing in the forests is more prominent along the western side of the district.
On the eastern side, milch cattle are usually stall-fed due to well developed milk dairies. In
this part green leaves of sugarcane, lops and tops of Jowar and Bajara and other minor crops
on field bunds are used as fodder.
Unregulated grazing by the cattle in the forest areas badly affects the regeneration status of
different species. Frequent trampling and browsing destroys the young seedlings, results in
compaction and hardening of soil, thus hampering the establishment and growth of the
young recruits and seedlings and thereby affecting the natural process of restocking of the
forests.
Encroachments
The state of boundary demarcation is not satisfactory in almost all the ranges. Such situation
leads to encroachments in forest areas. Encroachments in the forest lands for cultivation as
well as for habitation cause a lot of damage to the forests.
Encroachments lead to forest fires, illicit cutting of trees as well as lopping. Raab-burning i.e.
burning the field before planting, paddy and tarav-cutting are common practices along the
western side of Chandgad, Ajra, Gargoti and Malkapur ranges. The areas under sacred
groves, acquired private forest, eksali plots, Sheri lands etc. need to be protected against the
encroachments.
Poaching
The Kolhapur Division was historically a Sansthan ruled by a king. The ruling class enjoyed
hunting wild animals. Some forests like Radhanagari were reserved as hunting grounds of the
ruling class. In some villages inside the Chandoli National Park like Male, Patherpunj and
Kolane the people are traditionally Shikaris. During some traditional festivals such as
Nagpanchami and Holi the peoples indulge in group hunting.
The jungles of the district were known to be the favorite hunting grounds of the shikaris in
the past. The hangover of these shikar traditions still persists. Though the incidents of
poaching have comparatively reduced over the years it is probably because of the dwindling
population of wild animals in the district. The wild boars, hares and peacocks are still found
11
in good numbers in and around the forests and are hunted secretively. The preys are hunted
either by electrocuting them using live wires around the fields, by shooting them using guns
procured for crop protection or self-defence, as well as by using small explosive bombs,
locally called ‘daru-che-gole’. Pet dogs are also used sometimes to chase the prey to a point
where it can be shot easily.
As compare to the Kolhapur Division, Sangli Division are rarely involve in the poaching
practices because of the Sangli Division have less forest area and except part Chandoli
National park.
Chandoli National Park is thought to be fairly well protected against poaching. But here also
incidents of poaching are reported by knowledgeable people. Poaching in Chandoli NP is said
to be carried out by people from Konkan who climb up from the Western Ghat scarp.
2.2 Habitat Connectivity
Corridors and Connectivity
Figure 3.1 shows a map of the area around the Warna Basin, especially to its North and
South. Koyna Sanctuary is located about 8 km to the North of Chandoli NP. This is a fairly
close distance. The corridor between Chandoli and Koyna has fairly good patches of forest of
Dhebewadi and Patan Ranges. There are also fairly good patches of private forest also in this
corridor. There is therefore good connectivity between these two sanctuaries, which is an
important reason for the declaration of the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve consisting of Chandoli NP
and Koyna Sanctuary. Mahabaleshwar an important hill station with extensive forests is
located to the north of Koyna Sanctuary. Radhnagari Sanctuary is located about 75 km to the
south of Chandoli NP. It is connected to Chandoli by a narrow belt of forest along the
crestline of the Western Ghats.
Thus Chandoli NP is part of a large landscape stretching from Mahabaleshwar in the north to
Amboli forests in the south. Its connectivity to the north till Mahabaleshwar is quite good
because of the presence of large forest blocks of Koyna Sanctuary and Mahabaleshwar. To
the south the connectivity is somewhat poorer with relatively narrow belt of forest and
occasional breaks. In the larger context this landscape stretches the entire length of the
Western Ghats from Dangs forest of Gujarat in the north till the southernmost end of Western
Ghats in Kerala.
12
Figure 2.2: Map of Forest Landscape Around Warna Basin
Habitat Fragmentation and Loss of Connectivity
Loss of forests and tree cover leads to habitat fragmentation and loss of connectivity between
habitats. This is a serious issue for wildlife conservation. Large landscape species such as
tiger, wild dog and leopard need large tracts of natural habitat for their existence. Loss of
connectivity isolates these species into small forest blocks preventing their natural lifestyle.
The effects of loss of connectivity can be drastic and immediately apparent for such species.
Smaller species that live in smaller habitats also need connectivity. Loss of connectivity
isolates the species into smaller populations. The islanding effect eventually leads to local
extinction of populations.
13
In Warna Basin wildlife is found mainly in the larger forest blocks in the Western Ghats that
are connected to one another. The forests of the plains are fragmented and isolated into small
blocks. These small fragments cannot support wildlife. Among large mammals only the wild
boar is found here, which uses these areas as shelter habitat during the day and raids
agricultural fields at night.
2.3 Mining
Bauxite deposits are found mainly in Udgiri Village in Malkapur Range in the Warna basin.
The bauxite mines operating in this area are legal entities that have received all the
permissions from the Central and State governments. Permission fort mining is a policy issue
of the government.
Bauxite mining, in private land as well as on forest land causes damage to forests,
fragmentation of forests, loss of connectivity and loss of biodiversity. Contract labour and
outside people engaged in mining and peripheral services put pressure on forests for firewood
and may indulge in poaching. Heavy traffic of transport trucks along haul roads causes
environmental problems.
As stated in an earlier section bauxite is found only on lateritic plateaus of the Western Ghats.
In the process of mining this fragile and biodiversity-rich habitat is being destroyed and the
species found on these plateaus are being lost.
At the same time mining generates raw material for industries, generates royalty for the
government and generates employment directly and indirectly.
Table 2.1: Mining Leases From Kolhapur district
Minerals
No of Leases
Bauxite
18
Iron Ore
1
Total
19
(Source: Bulletin of Mining Leases & Prospecting Licences, 2006, Indian Bureau of Mines, Nagpur)
2.4 Tourism
Tourism is growing at several places in the Warna Basin. Amba, Panhala and Vishalgad are
the major tourism centres in the Basin. Panhala does not have much forest around it.
However Amba is surrounded by good quality forests and unplanned tourism is causing
degradation of the forests and environmental problems. Lot of private lands at and around
14
Amba have been purchased by businessmen for investment and for development of tourism.
Some of these lands used to harbour tree cover while others have potential to be restored as
forests. The road to Vishalgad passes through Amba. The traffic of visitors to Vishalgad as
well tourists to Amba causes disturbance to the wildlife in Amba forests. Tourists enter the
forests and visit secluded waterholes such as Wagh Zara cause disturbance to forests. Local
hotels take people for parties inside the forest where food is cooked for the people, sometimes
with drinking and noise-making inside the forest. Careless smoking and cooking may lead to
forest fires. Wildlife watching trips are conducted at night without permission of the Forest
Department.
On one hand tourism is a beneficial activity creating income for local people. However
unplanned tourism is causing forest degradation and loss of biodiversity.
2.5 Loss of Private Forests and Shifting Cultivation
While the major portion of forests of Kolhapur Division was with the government a
substantial area is also in private ownership. Since the laws for protection of private forests
are not very strict considerable loss of private forests has taken place over the last few
decades. In fact the major loss of forests has been due to this reason. Government forests are
more or less well protected and do not experience severe degradation or encroachment (SR
Yadav pers. comm.).
Private forests, while providing habitat for biodiversity also used to provide continuity
between blocks of government forest. Therefore loss of private forests has a major impact on
overall forest cover.
Shifting cultivation (Kumri Sheti) was a widespread practice in the Maharashtra Western
Ghats. Nachni was the main crop cultivated. Large areas of private malki land was
maintained as secondary vegetation because of shifting cultivation. Shifting cultivation has
been on the decline for the last two decades because local people have migrated to cities in
large numbers for employment.
Malki land is being purchased on a large scale by businessmen all over the Maharashtra
Western Ghats. This is a disturbing trend. Local people may get disowned from their own
villages if this trend continues. The business plans of these buyers may also result in loss of
biodiversity in the long run depending on their business plans.
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2.6 Quantification of Forest Loss
Old data on area under forests is not available. However Forest Survey of India has published
area under various forest categories for last decade or so. The changes in forests of Kolhapur
District are given in Table. The forest area referred to in the table is actual forest cover,
whether in government or private forests. The figures may be considered representative of
Warna Valley. Table 3.1 shows that a major percentage of the forests are medium density
forests, followed by open forests. The area under very dense is quite low in Kolhapur District
and non-existent in Sangli District.
There has been a loss of 52 sq. km or 2.9 % of total forests area of Kolhapur District over a
period of nine years. This is a substantial loss. The area under forests in Sangli District is
more or less constant.
Table 2.2: Change In the Forest Area From One Decade
(Abbn- VDF-Very Dense Forest/MDF-Moderately Dense Forest/OF-Open Forest)
District
Type of Forest
Year
2001
2003
2005
Very Dense Forest
Kolhapur
65
65
1038
1038
672
672
1778
1775
1775
0
0
0
Medium Dense Forest
95
95
95
Open Forest
49
49
49
144
144
144
Medium Dense Forest
Open Forest
Total
1827
Very Dense Forest
Sangli
2009
Total
143
Source: State of Forest Reports, 2001, 2003, 2005 and 2009. Forest Survey of India,
Dehradun.
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Chapter 3
The Forests Department and its Activities
3.1 The Forest Divisions and Ranges of Warna Basin
The Warna river basin overlaps Sangli and Kolhapur Forest Divisions. These Divisions are
coterminous with Sangli and Kolhapur Districts. Satara Division lies to the north of the
Warna basin. A small part of the river basin consisting of the northern-most tip of Chandoli
NP lies in Satara Division.
From the Kolhapur Division Malkapur Range is included in the Warna basin while Panhala
and Kolhapur Ranges lie partly in Warna Basin. From Sangli Sub-division a major part of
Shirala Range lies in Warna Basin while a small part of Sangli Range lies partly in the basin.
Chandoli NP lies entirely in Warna Basin.
The forests of Kolhapur Division and Sangli Subdivision have status of Reserved forest and
Protected Forest under the Indian Forest Act, and also unclassed forest under revenue
records. The forests of Chandoli NP, while having status of reserved forest also have status of
National Park under the Wildlife Protection Act. Some of the forests also are unclassed
forests and process for notification as reserved forest is in progress.
3.2 The Forest Divisions
Kolhapur Forest Division
The boundary of Kolhapur Division is coterminous with Kolhapur District except the area in
Chandoli NP and Radhanagari Sanctuary. The total geographical area of the Kolhapur
division is 7746.4 sq km of which Warna basin is 1189.5 sq km. The total forest area of the
division is 1329 sq km. (17.17%) of which 339 sq. km. area is Reserved Forest (under
Section 20), 579 sq. km. is Reserved Forest (under Section 4), 310 sq. km. is Protected Forest
(Under Section 29), 55 sq. km. is Acquired Forest and 47 sq. km. is Unclassed forest.
The Sangli Subdivision
The boundary of Sangli Subdivision is coterminous with Sangli District except the area in
Chandoli NP. The total geographical area of the Sangli forest Subdivision is 8610 sq. km.
The forest area in the Subdivision is 428 sq. km. (5.0%) of which 348 sq. km. is Reserved
Forest, 10 ha is Protected Forest and 80 sq km society is unclassed forest.
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Chandoli National Park
Chandoli Sanctuary was carved out of Kolhapur and Satara Forest Divisions and Sangli and
Chiplun Forest Subdivisions and declared a Sanctuary in 1985. Subsequently its status was
upgraded to National Park in 2004. It was included in Sahyadri Tiger Reserve in May 2010.
The break-up of forest area that came from each of the Forest Divisions/Subdivisions is given
in Table2.2. The major chunk has come from Sangli Subdivision and Kolhapur Division.
Table 3.1: Division-wise Break-up of Forests from Which Chandoli National Park Was
Formed
Sr.
Forest Division
Area (ha)
No.
Reserved
Forests
1.
Kolhapur Forest Division
2.
Sangali Forest Division
10274.34
3.
Satara Forest Division
1986.36
4.
Chiplun Forest Division
TOTAL
-
12260.70
Protected
Forests
Unclassed
Forests
330.34
Total
6574.80
6905.14
-
219.08
10493.42
-
20.43
2006.79
-
102.44
102.44
6916.75
19507.79
330.34
Chandoli NP lies entirely in the catchment area of the Chandoli Dam. There were originally
32 villages in this area. The area was always less developed and had poor transport because
of lack of roads. There was one road from the east till Zolambi and another road from the
south till Udgiri. This position remains till today. The roads are plyable only in Summer.
Construction of Chandoli Dam started in 1976-77 and was completed in 1985. The gates for
water storage were activated in 1998. The dam was completely filled with water in 2002. The
construction of the dam forced relocation of 8 villages which were submerged in the reservoir
formed by the dam. Subsequently residents of the remaining 26 villages also requested for
their relocation also citing hardship due to poor transport and communication facilities. Their
request was accepted by the government in 1995. The process of relocation started in 1997
and by 1999 only 8 villages remained to be shifted. Today only four villages remain to be
shifted namely Male, Kolne and PatharpunjVillages from Satara District and Gothne Village
from Ratnagiri District. These villages have not yet been shifted because of shortage of funds
and lack of agreement with the villagers about the resettlement package.
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Sahyadri Tiger Reserve
Koyna Sanctuary in Satara District is separated from Chandoli NP by just a few kilometers
and the area between them has several blocks of territorial forest creating good connectivity
between these protected areas. In May 2010 Sahyadri Tiger Reserve was notified by
Maharashtra Government, comprising Chandoli NP and Koyna Sanctuary due to presence of
the tiger, large combined size and relatively undisturbed status. This declaration has
highlighted the status of these protected areas for biodiversity conservation and raised their
profile. A buffer area is in the process of being declared around the tiger reserve, consisting
of well protected and good quality forest blocks. This area will receive enhanced protection
and other measures for wildlife protection will be implemented.
Fig. 3.1: Map of Warna Basin showing Forest Division & Range Boundaries
3.3 Division-wise Forest Area in Warna Basin
Table 2.1 gives the breakup of Warna Basin into forest divisions and ranges. The maximum
geographical area occurs in Kolhapur Division followed by Sangli subdivision and Chandoli
NP. The maximum forest area however occurs in Chandoli NP followed by Kolhapur and
Sangli.
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The percentage of forest area in the basin is 22.6%. This is slightly higher than the Kolhapur
District of 17.17%. The high percentage of forests is primarily due to Chandoli NP, which
has 62% forest area. Among the reserved forests outside Chandoli NP Malkapur Range has a
fairly high forest cover of 27.0 %. The other ranges have relatively low forest cover between
0 to 12%. The forest areas tabulated in Table 2.1 are the legal forest area in possession of the
Forest Area. The actual tree cover may be different.
Table 3.2: Break-up of Geographical and Forest Area of Forest Divisions and Ranges in
Warna Basin
Sr
No.
Forest Division
Kolhapur
Forest Range
Geographical Area
in Warna Basin
(sq. km.)
Govt. Forest
(sq. km.)
% Forest
Malkapur
671.4
181.0
27.0
Panhala
172.7
7.0
4.1
Kolhapur
345.4
35.0
10.1
1189.5
223.0
18.7
Shirala
594.2
72.0
12.1
Sangli
70.7
0.0
0.0
664.9
72.0
10.8
314.6
195.1
62.0
2169.0
490.1
22.6
1
Total Division Area
Sangli
2
Total Division Area
3
Chandoli
Chandoli Wildlife
Total Warna Basin
Derived from: (1) Forest Maps of Kolhapur Division, Sangli Division and Chandoli NP. (2)
Map of Warna Basin.
3.4: Vegetation: Forest Type
The basic forest types of the Western Ghats are governed by climatic factors and edaphic
factors such as topography and geology. The forests are also highly affected by the pressure
of human activity causing variations of the vegetation types. The main vegetation types
observed in the area are given below.
i.
2A/C2 – Southern tropical West coast semi-evergreen forests
ii.
8A/C2 – Western tropical hill forests(DATA NOT AVAILABLE)
iii.
3B/C2 – Southern moist mixed deciduous forests
iv.
5A/C3 – Southern dry mixed deciduous forests
v.
6A/C1 – Southern tropical thorn forest and its degraded types
20
(Khot AB; Kakodkar et al)
The crestline of the Western Ghats receives average rainfall up to 4000 mm and have cloud
cover for most of the rainy season. It supports semi-evergreen but stunted forests for a width
of 4 to 5 km where the rainfall falls to around 2500 mm. As we move further eastwards, when
the rainfall is between 2500 to 1250 mm moist deciduous forests are found.
Further
eastwards in the rainfall zone 1250 to 650 mm mixed dry deciduous forests are seen. At about
60 km east of the Western Ghats the rainfall reduces to 250 to 500 mm is irregular. The
forests in this zone are stunted and thorny type.
In these region most of the tree covered areas are found in a North-South belt of width 25 to
30 km parallel to the Western Ghats. A description of the main forest types according to the
Champion and Seth classification is given below:
2A/C2 – Southern tropical West coast semi-evergreen forests
This type of the forest found in the Warana Basin on the top of the Western Ghats where the
annual rainfall is 3000 to 5000 mm. This most of the area is under constant cloud cover and
the vegetation is evergreen but stunted. This forest type is found for a eastward distance of 5
km from the Western Ghats Crest-line. The tree species found are Jambhul, Amba, Hirda,
Anjani, Surangi. Karvi, Chiva bamboo and Makad Limbu.
8A/C2 Western Tropical Hill Forest
This forest is dense evergreen woody type of forest. The forest height generally does not
exceed 15 m. This type of forest is found in the Western Ghats at 1000 m elevation where the
annual average rainfall is above 5000 mm especially northern part of the Western Ghats in
Maharashtra. The trees found are Jambhul, Pisa, Ajnai, Gela, Tambat, Hirda etc. (Champion
and Seth 1968).
3B/C2 - Southern moist mixed deciduous forests
This type of the forest is found in a zone parallel to the Western Ghats beginning at a distance
of 5 km and ending at a distance of 15 to 30 km from the Crest-line of the Western Ghats.
This region is received the 1250-2500 mm rainfall annually like Malkapur, Ambarde,
Panhala, In this region the climate is humid and the area experiences high moisture level in
the monsoon season but the summer season is dry. Many species are leafless between March
and June. The main tree species are Teak, Ain, Kinjal, Hirda Bibla, Nana, Beheda.
Occasional trees of Jambhul, Amba, and Umbar are also found.
21
5A/C3 – Southern dry mixed deciduous forests
This zone is found to the east of the Western Ghats starting at a distance of 15 to 30 km from
the Western Ghats crest-line. The topography region is mostly plain and receives the 1250600 mm annually. In this zone the forests are in small scattered blocks because of the
agricultural activity. The vegetation is Teak, Ain, Dhawda, Bondara, Payar, Moha, Awala,
Sawar, Bahava, Shiras, Shisham and Chandan.
6A/C1- Southern tropical thorn forest and its degraded types
This vegetation type is found in the eastern part of the Warna Basin i.e. 50-60 km from the
Western Ghats crest-line with rainfall of about 500-700 mm. The trees in this vegetation type
are thorny and bushy. The tree species found include Ghatbor (Zizyphus xylopyra), Bor
(Zizyphus jujuba), Gela (Randia dumetorum), Khair (Acacia catechu), Hivar (Acacia
leucophloea), Apta (Bauhinia racemosa) and Prosopis (Prosopis juliflora). Prosopis juliflora
is an exotic species that was introduced for providing green cover. It is highly invasive and
has taken over large tracts of land in Gujarat.
Lateritic Plateaus
A large number of lateritic plateaus are found in the Western Ghats, known locally as sadas.
The lateritic plateaus harbor unique form of herbaceous flora during the monsoon season.
During most of the year these plateaus are dry. However during the monsoon season a large
variety of herbaceous species grow on these plateaus and create a colourful carpet of flowers.
Many of the herbaceous flora species found on these plateaus are endemic and some species
such as are endangered. Lateritic plateaus are biodiversity-rich and fragile habitats; they need
protection. In Maharashtra Western Ghats bauxite is found on many lateritic plateaus.
Therefore many such lateritic plateaus and the biodiversity of these plateaus are being
damaged by bauxite mining.
Sacred Groves
Other vegetation like the Devrais and Sacred Groves are small patches of forest they are
maintain by the villagers in belief of the gods in some sacred groove are maintain by the
Panchayat, Devasthan Samitis. As many as 68 Devrais covering 346.74 hectare have been
recorded in the Kolhapur Division (from working plan).
Status of Forests
22
The forests of Chandoli NP are well protected. There are some excellent forests in the area
that are in nearly pristine state. Other areas are covered with grasslands because of the
presence of villages in the past. Over a period of time many of them are likely to be gradually
converted to forests by natural succession.
Malkapur Range also has some large blocks of forest that are fairly well preserved around
Amba and Manoli. In other areas the forests are highly fragmented, occurring in small blocks
and in a degraded state because of anthropogenic pressure for firewood collection, grazing
etc. Such degraded and fragmented forests are incapable of supporting much wildlife.
However they supply some requirements of local community for firewood and fodder for
livestock.
The forests in a belt of 15 km from the crestline of the Western Ghats experience heavy
rainfall. Clearing the forest cover in this belt causes rapid soil erosion. Repeated exposure to
rains causes laterisation of the rock which is not conducive to tree growth. Hence maintaining
tree cover on the soil is very important.
3.5 History of Management
Kolhapur Division
The forests of Kolhapur Division were originally the properties of Jahagirs and Sansthans
(Princely kingdoms). The main such rulers were Kolhapur Sansthan, Vishalgad Jahagir and
Azra Jahagir. Throughout most of the 19th century the forests were not managed and were
more or less free for all.
The history of forest management of these areas begins in 1884 when classification of forests
into Reserved and Protected Forests started. This was an important step in management of
forests. The survey and demarcation of these areas was however never done properly. There
was a practice of giving forests in southern Kolhapur on one-year lease for agriculture and
known as eksali plots. This practice continues till today. There was a category of land called
Sheri land, which was used for meeting the timber and wood requirements of rulers. Later
these lands were transferred to the Revenue Department. Most such lands is still with the
Revenue Department though efforts have been made to transfer it to the Forest Department.
The forests were managed with the intention of yielding a certain fixed revenue to the
Sansthan or Jahagirs. Each year, areas suitable for working were selected and coupes were
laid out and the standing trees were sold. This type of management was seen till 1930-40.
There was no restriction on diverting notified forest land for agriculture, which was
23
abandoned after 2-3 years. Soil erosion in such areas created barren and open lands. This
encouraged the habit of Kumri or rotational agriculture.
In the initial years the working plans were not very successful in improving the quality of
forests. Due to lack of knowledge some of the prescriptions caused harm to the forests. Other
practices such as protection-oriented practices were helpful for promoting and improving
forest quality.
The first working plan for areas of Kolhapur Sansthan was written in 1936. Since then
various working plans were written periodically. Some of the standard practices followed
were as follows:
i. Felling of trees by selection method to increase percentage of economically important
tree species in the forest such as teak, sandalwood, ain, khair, bija and shisham.
ii. Cutting of climbers and lianas
iii. Dressing of malformed stumps
iv. Planting seedlings of important species
v. Afforestation of degraded forests and protection of steep and erosion-prone areas
vi. Auctioning of grass growing areas to gram panchayats and milk cooperatives
vii. Bamboo plantation and exploitation
viii.
Cashew plantation
ix. Extraction of NTFP
x. Soil and moisture conservation work
Chandoli National Park
The reserved forests of Sangali and Satara district were declared in the year 1896 and 1898.
Forests of Kolhapur and Ratnagiri Districts in Chandoli NP are not yet notified as Reserved
Forests. After declaration as reserved forests these forests were gradually brought under
systematic management. Restrictions were imposed on the removal of timber, fuelwood and
bamboo. Non timber forest produce (NTFP) continued to be removed without restriction.
During 1934-35 to 1972-73 the area was brought under systematic management as per the
working plan prepared by J. A. Singh. He put most of this area in evergreen zone and in the
sInexploitable Working Circle. Only Hirda and Shikekai collection was the prescription.
Then Mr. B.P. Desai, Divisional Forest Officer, revised J.A. Singh’s plan. The plan period
was 1975-76 to 1989-90. As per this working plan the area was put under selection cum
improvement working circle. The area was divided into four felling series. Much of the area
remained unexploited because of its remoteness.
24
Since the declaration of sanctuary neither felling of trees nor removal of bamboo operations
were carried out but NTFP collection was continued till 1988-89. The National Park has
scattered bamboo growth. Hence extraction of timber, firewood and bamboo was mostly done
through the local labourers residing in the area. Therefore, the need of establishing labour
camps and camping sites did not arise.
After construction of Chandoli Dam the submergence area was clear-felled on contract basis.
Now, due to relocation of villages out of sanctuary, firewood collection by local people is not
a problem. According to management plan prescription only survey and demarcation and fire
protection operations are still in continuance.
3.6 Wildlife of Warna Basin
Chandoli National Park is a very important area for biodiversity conservation in Maharashtra
Western Ghats. Its forests are well preserved. It is relatively free from anthropogenic pressure
because most villages have been relocated and only four are still remaining inside the
National Park. These are also likely to be shifted out as soon as possible. Wild animals are
also found in Malkapur Range of Kolhapur Division.
The management plan of Chandoli NP reports twenty-two species of mammals in the national
park. These include endangered species such as the tiger, leopard, sloth bear, mouse deer,
Malabar Giant Squirrel, Indian Pangolin, Gaur and Sambar. Since the inventory of the area is
not complete many more species are likely to be found there. Appendix 1 gives the list of
mammals species found in Chandoli NP.
A study by Mehta Prachi and Jayant Kulkarni (2010) indicated that Chandoli NP is the
richest among all protected areas in Maharashtra Western Ghats for bird species. They
predicted that the national park 123 resident species alone. Including migratory species the
list of birds in Chandoli was 187 species. This included new records such as Fishing Eagle.
The checklist of birds of Koyna, Radhanagari, Koyna and Sagareshwar lists 323 birds
species. These include forest birds, waterbirds and birds found in agricultural fields. The list
is a good indicator of the species that are likely to be found in Warna Basin. The rare and
endangered species found in the list include White-bellied Sea Eagle, several species of
vultures, which are considered highly endangered, Imperial pigeon, Ceylon frogmouth,
Malabar Grey Hornbill, Malabar Pied Hornbill, Malabar Trogon, Malabar Lark, Nilgiri wood
Pigeon, White-bellied Blue Flycatcher, Crimson-backed sunbird etc. (Patil Pramod).
25
Several species of reptiles including the Indian Rock python, Monitor Lizards and 7 species
of the Amphibians are reported from Chandoli NP. The actual diversity of reptiles and
amphibians is likely to be much more since not much study has been done in this area.
The Management Plan of Chandoli lists 96 species of trees, 25 shrub species, 14 herb species,
23 climber species, 7 grass species, 3 bamboo species (total 168 species). The working plan
of Kolhapur Division lists 137 tree species, 61 shrub species, 39 climber species, 6 bamboo
species and 24 grass species (total 267 species). The actual number of species is likely to be
much more since herb species have not been included in the list.
3.7: NTFP Collection
The forests of Malkapur Range are fairly rich in NTFP like Karvand, Tamalpatra, Shikekai,
Hirda, Karanj, Kadipatta, Gum, Amsol etc. NTFP collection generates employment for the
local peoples and as well as revenue to the government. At the same time increased demand
of Medicine and Spice industries has caused decline of NTFP species and degradation of
forests. NTFP items are not common in forests in the plains, because of small size of forest
blocks and relatively degraded forest blocks.
Important NTFP Species
Some of the important NTFP species found in the Basin are described below:
1) Hirda (Terminalia Chebula) - Hirada trees are common in the Warna Basin. Hirda fruits
are used in triphala churna, a common ayurvedic medicine.
2) Shikakai (Acacia concinna) – This plant commonly occurs in the Malkapur Range in the
Warna Basin. The pods of this plant are used for the manufacture of shampoo for the cleaning
hair.
3) Tamal Patra/Tej Patta (Cinnamomum tamala) – The leaves of this plant are used as spice
for flavouring food. It is an important spice and has high demand in the market.
4) Kadipatta (Murraya koenigii) – It occurs commonly in the Warna basin. The leaves are
commonly used for for flavouring daily food items. Recently it has been discovered that
kadipatta leaves are useful in the diabetes medicines.
5) Narkya /Amruta (Nothopodytes nimmoniana) – Narkya is a large shrub or small tree.
Wood of the Narkya contains campothecin, an important anti cancer drug. There is a high
demand for this plant. Narkya was common in the past but the over-collection by local
people has made it rare. The Forest Department has recently banned Narkya cutting and
collection.
26
6) Karanj (Pongamia pinnata) - Karanj seeds is useful for medicinal oil making it is common
in the Warna basin mostly in the Western Ghats.
7) Kokum/Amsul (Garcinia indica) - Kokum fruits are used for making sherbet. The fruit
skins are dried and used as Amsul, an important spice.
8) Adulsa (Adhatoda vasica): This is a common shrub. Its leaves are used for making
ayurvedic medicine.
9) Shatawari (Asparagus racemosus) - The roots of this plant are used in ayurvedic medicinal
systems.
10) Lemon grass (Cymbopogon citratus) – The leaves of this grass species are used for
extracting essential oil.
11) Guduchi, Gulvel (Tinospora cordifolia) – The of this species are used in ayurvedic
medicines.
12) Gum (Dhavda, Ain, Kulu) – Gums are obtained from many trees species. Some, such as
Dhavda, are used in food while others have industrial uses.
13) Honey – Found commonly in the forest.
14) Madi – This is the liquor obtaining by fermenting the juice obtained by tapping the
fishtail palm (Caryota urens).
Institutional NTFP Collection Mechanism
Traditionally the Forest Department auctions NTFP collections to contractors. Each forest
division is divided into a number of units, each forest unit generally being one forest range.
Right for collection of NTFP from a unit is sold to the highest bidder. The contractor is
authorized to collect NTFP from the unit allotted to him by engaging labourers or through tieups with local communities. The contractor or local communities collecting the NTFP are
expected to exercise due care so as not to damage the trees or vegetation. In practice NTFP
collection may cause damage to the vegetation due to carelessness or ruthless exploitation.
The contractor is also expected to maintain a record of NTFP collected by him and submit the
returns to the Forest Department.
In practice it is difficult to maintain control on who is carrying out exploitation. Local people
may collect NTFP and sell it to unauthorized persons but it is difficult to prevent this.
27
3.8 Mandate and Structure of the Forest Department
The Forest Department is the custodian of forests in the State. It is responsible for protection
and management of forests. Production of forest produce is also an objective of the Forest
Department. It carries out various activities for these objectives. Since the 1970s protection
and management of wildlife has also become an important objective of the Forest
Department.
The forests of the state are divided into several divisions (or subdivisions in case there is less
forest in a district). Each division is headed by an officer of rank Deputy Conservator of
Forests or Conservator of Forests. Each subdivision is headed by an officer of rank Assistant
Conservator of Forests. Divisions and subdivisions are further divided into ranges, headed by
an officer of rank Range Forest Officer. Each Range Forest Officer has several Foresters and
Forest Guards under him for executing the field work and protection of forests in the range.
The Territorial wing and the Wildlife Wing are the two main wings of the Forest Department.
The forest divisions under the Territorial Wing are responsible for management of forests and
wildlife outside protected areas (sanctuaries and national parks) and their primary objective is
management of forests followed by protection and management of wildlife. The divisions in
the Wildlife Wing are responsible for management inside protected areas and their primary
objective is management of wildlife and its habitat.
The main activities of the Forest Department in Warna Basin are as follows:
i. Management of forests
ii. Forest Protection
iii. Control of Forest Fire
iv. Plantation
v. Joint Forest Management
vi. Wildlife Protection and Management
vii. Tourism
3.9 Activities of Forest Department
Forest Management
In a general sense management of forests is everything that the Forest Department does for
care and upkeep of forests. Management of forests is carried out according to an approved
working plan in case of territorial divisions. In case of wildlife sanctuaries or national parks
28
management is carried out according to an approved management plan. Each working plan or
management plan is written for a specific period, typically 10 years. When this period comes
to an end a new working plan or management plan needs to be written.
Following the Supreme Court’s decisions in Godavarman Case (1996) the Working Plan has
acquired great importance. No tree felling is allowed unless it is prescribed in an approved
working plan for the division. Earlier if a working plan expired it used to receive extension
and the operations used to be continued until a new working plan was written. Nowadays
working plans need to be revised as soon as possible otherwise tree felling operations cannot
be carried out.
In a more specific sense management of forests is the term employed to forestry operations
such as tree felling, thinning, tending, planting of seedlings and regeneration. The tree felling,
thinning and regeneration practices govern the timber and firewood production from forests
as well as the composition and structure of the forest.
The forests in the Western Ghats are sensitive and tree felling, if it has to carried out, needs to
be done carefully. The working plan of Kolhapur Division does nor prescribe green felling. It
only prescribes thinning and felling of dead and dying trees such as wind fallen trees or
diseased trees (Gupta et al).
Staffing Pattern
A hierarchical staffing pattern is followed for carrying out field activities and administration.
Table 3.3 gives the staffing pattern of the three divisions. The staffing pattern giving is for the
entire division including areas outside Warna Basin.
Table 3.3: Stafffing Pattern
Range Forest Officer
01
Kolhapur Division
(Entire Division)
11
Round Officers
02
38
23
Forest Guard
10
147
54
Forest Laborer
01
194
123
Clerks
02
21
06
Driver
01
02
01
Chandoli NP
Vehicles
Sangli Subdivision
(Entire Division)
07
29
Vechicles are an essential requirement for management of forest areas. By and large the
number vehicles is always less than required. This is because of the operational cost of
vehicles is quite high and the government avoids giving vehicles. Jeeps are available only for
officers upto ACF level. Range officers have to use departmental or personal motorbikes.
Only mobile squad Range officers are allocated jeep for apprehending forest and wildlife
crime cases. Table 3.4 gives the list of vehicles in Kolhapur division and Chandoli NP.
Chandoli NP is in the fortunate position that they have a large number of motorbikes for the
field staff.
Table 3.4: Vehicles
Chandoli NP
Kolhapur Division
(Entire Division)
1
Jeep/Gypsy
2
4
Pick-up Van
1
Mini-bus
1
Motor cycle
10
2
Tractor
1
-
Motor boats
2
-
Bolero
Communication tools
A wireless network is proposed for management and protection of Chandoli NP having 7
base stations. The stations will be at Check Posts at Udgiri, Tambve, Mandur and, Male. The
other three points will be Shirala Range office and Nandoli, and Nivale proposed tourism
centres. Handsets will be provided for mobile squad vehicles. Most Range offices nowadays
have telephones and almost all staff have mobiles so communication is much better thatn it
used to be.
Watch Tower / Hides / Machan
For the improvement of eco-tourism, sighting of the wildlife, to watch the panorama of
Chandoli forests and for monitoring wildlife the Forest Department proposes to
construct.watch towers, hides and machans at different places inside the forest. Watch towers
have been built at Zolambi and Nivale and are proposed at Chandel and Gothane region.
Check Naka
30
Check posts are created by the Forest Department on important transport roads and entry
points of sanctuaries and National Parks for checking vehicles to control illicit transportation
of forest produce and control poaching. For controlling biotic pressure and preventing
wildlife crime Chandoli NP has three check posts at Male, Mandur and Gothane. In Kolhapur
Division there is one Check Naka at Amba on the Kolhapur-Ratnagiri Highway to control
illicit transportation of forest produce such as timber, bamboo, NTFP and wildlife products.
Plantation
Plantation of degraded forests is a widespread practice of the Forest Department. Objectives
of plantation include restocking of forests, providing tree cover, control of soil erosion,
enhancing NTFP content, providing firewood and forest produce to the local people etc.
Plantation is carried out under various schemes, some funded by the state government and
others by the Central government. Normally plantations are fewer in sanctuaries and national
parks because the habitat is already quite good.
The extent of plantation carried out in Kolhapur and Sangli Divisions in the ranges included
in Warna Basin is given in Table 3.5. The extent of plantation often depends on availability
of funds in various schemes. The area of plantation in Warna Basin for Malkapur and Shirala
Ranges is as given in Table 3.5. For the other ranges the plantation inside the basin will be
somewhat less than that given in the table because only a part of these ranges is included in
the basin. The area of plantation within the basin will also be somewhat less than that given
in the table. Malkapur and Shirala ranges have the highest area of plantation because they
have more forest area compared to the other ranges. Table 3.6 gives the scheme-wise breakup of plantation in Kolhapur Division and Sangli Subdivisions.
Table 3.5 Plantation in Ranges of Warna Basin by Kolhapur Division and Sangli
Subdivision (Ha)
Division
Range
Plantation Area (Ha)
2006-2007
Kolhapur
Sangli
2007-2008
2008-2009
2009-2010
Total
Karvir
92
244
60
396
Malkapur
115
549
220
884
Panhala
30
257
70
357
Sangli
143
135
346
140
764
Shirala
270
341
347
396
1354
413
713
1743
886
3755
Total Plantation
31
Table 3.6: Scheme-wise Plantation in Ranges of Kolhapur division in the Warna Basin
(2006-07 to 2009-10)
Scheme
Funding
Plantation Area (Ha)
Agency
Kolhapur
Sangli
Division
Subdivision
Joint Forest Management (JFM)
State Govt.
135
100
Compensation Afforestation (For forest lost
to developmental or commercial projects)
Industrial & Commercial Plantation
Project
Agency
97
Integrated
Watershed
Development
Program
National Afforestation Programme
104
Regeneration of Degraded forest
Central
Govt.
Central
Govt.
State Govt.
Soil conservation
State Govt.
220
80
650
656
351
153
Bhariv Afforestation Program
60
Bhargachcha Plantation Program
560
Tourism Development Program
160
Total Area (Ha)
1637
2118
Planting stock is developed in nurseries that are maintained by the Division in the different ranges.
Large quantities of plants are produced in so-called Central Nurseries, i.e. nurseries that supply plants
to a large number of plantations, generally for the entire range or sometimes for many ranges.
Species planted depend on the scheme and its purpose and also suitability for the plantation site. The
species commonly planted are: Acacia auriculiformis, Kanchan, Shikakai, Palas, Shivar, Shivan,
Jambhul, (Syzysium cumini) Nilgiri, Khair, Sisoo, Bamboo, Awla, Cashew, Hirda, Ritha.
Plantation of native species of plants is important for maintaining and enhancing the native
biodiversity. However this is not well recognized by the Forest Department. The species
planted are a mix of native and exotic species. Introduction of exotic species causes loss of
native plant diversity. Exotic plant species often do not provide resources to native fauna
causing loss of faunal diversity also.
Forest and Wildlife Protection
The forest in a range is divided into rounds and beats under control of a round officer and
beat guard respectively. The field staff carries out regular patrolling of the forests on foot,
bicycle or by motor vehicle. If they come across any offences they register offence cases and
32
levy fines under the Indian Forest Act (IFA) in case of the territorial divisions. In case of
Sanctuaries and National Parks the IFA and the Wildlife Protection Act (WPA) are
applicable. There are special mobile squads, headed by a range forest officer, and generally
allocated a jeep, whose sole duty is to patrol the forests and capture criminals with the
purpose of controlling offence cases under the IFA and WPA.
Small cases, such as firewood collection and collection of small timber have the provision of
compounding, under the IFA, whereby a compounding fee is levied on the perpetrator and he
is allowed to go. Serious offences such as timber smuggling and transportation are registered
before a court of law. Offences under WPA cannot be compounded and are registered before
a court of law.
Table3.7 gives the number of offence cases registered in Chandoli NP. The largest number of
cases are fire cases. Often, in case of fire related offences, the offender cannot be discovered.
No poaching cases were registered.
Organized ritual hunting by local the community at the time of Holi festival was reported
(pers.comm.). They hunt wild boar, barking deer, mouse deer or occasionally sambar. Local
peoples cut the trees for the firewood. There is substantial density of livestock leading to
grazing inside the forest in some pockets of the national park such as Udgiri Village, which is
on the boundary of the National Park and in Male, Patherpunj and Kolne area, which are
villages inside the national park.
Table 3.7: Number of offence cases (2007-08 to 2009-10)
Offence Type
Kolhapur Division
Sangli Subdivision
Chandoli NP
Tree cutting
313
102
-
Encroachments
4
-
-
Forest fire
28
33
26
Grazing
2
30
2
22
-
Wildlife
death/
Poaching
24
Poaching
-
Illicit Transportation
18
Miscellaneous
31
9
236
37
Total
371
Fire Protection
Table 3.7 gives the number of fire cases reported in Warna basin from 2007-08 to 2009-10.
The number of fire cases is least in Chandoli NP.
33
The Forest Department takes several measures to guard against forest fire as given below:
i. Fire lines are created along boundaries of forest compartments by burning vegetation
in the fire line. Fire lines prevent spread of fire by creating a barrier for spread of
fire. Fire lines are also created along roadside by burning ground vegetation so
that carelessly tossed matches or cigarettes do not cause fire. 93km fire line
internal and external is created in Kolhapur Division.
ii. Watchmen are employed to guard plantations against grazing, cutting and fire.
iii. Fire watchers and extra labour are employed during the fire season to keep watch
from high places for occurrence of fire.
iv. Watch towers are created to create a vantage point for keeping watch for fire.
v. The Forest Department field staff carries out fire-fighting with help of local
communities.
Census and Monitoring
As part of the wildlife population monitoring exercise the Forest Department carries out regular
census wild animals in Chandoli NP. The population monitoring is carried out by the waterhole count
method. Local nature lovers also participate in the census. The results are given in Table 3.8.
Waterhole count is nowadays considered to have drawbacks. So in recent years the National Tiger
Conservation Authority is following a double sampling approach to estimate tiger population. In the
first stage of sampling tiger population density is estimated in small study areas in each tiger reserve
by camera trap sampling. In the second stage line transects of length 2.5 km are marked in each beat.
The field staff walks along each transect and collects a variety of information regarding wildlife
sightings, wildlife occurrence signs, habitat quality and biotic pressure. This information is analysed
by Wildlife Institute of India to estimate tiger population. As of now this method is only used to
estimate tiger population.
Table 3.8: Results of Annual Census in Chandoli NP
Sr. No. Species
No. of Animals
2007
2008
2009
1
Tiger
03
03
03
2
Leopard
25
30
22
3
Gaur
192
209
200
4
Sambar
66
57
82
5
Barking Deer
92
59
73
6
Hare
0
13
15
34
7
Sloth bear
26
11
21
8
Wild Boar
111
33
82
9
Macaque
0
107
84
10
Langoor
0
0
22
11
Wild Dog
08
07
32
12
Spotted deer
0
0
04
13
Four horned Antelope
0
0
04
In Kolhapur and Sangli forest divisions the population estimation for wild animals in the
territorial division is done once every four years. The estimation of Tigers and Leopards was
earlier done using the pug mark technique. The estimation of other animals was done using
the Waterhole Count method.
Tourism
Chandoli National Park is well known for its rich biodiversity. Many trekkers and nature
enthusiasts visit it every year. The Forest Department has recently declared two eco-tourism
zones; Nandoli Tourism Zone is to the north of the reservoir and Nivale Tourism Zone is to
the south of the reservoir. Activities proposed are trekking, wildlife watching and boating.
Boat ride depends on Irrigation Department. An Interpretation Centre is proposed for
educating tourists about wildlife at Mandur near Chandoli Wildlife range office.
Nandoli tourism zone will comprise part areas of villages, Chandoli Bk., Khundalapur,
Nandoli, Konholi, and Zolambi.
The total area spread of this part is 1864 hects.
Dam-site slopes are excluded from tourist activities. Nivale Tourism will include the
areas of villages Tambave, and Nivale. The total area spread will be limited to 6.5
sq.km.
There are many tourist spots in Kolhapur Division and Sangli Subdivision. A brief
description of these spots is given below.
Amba and Vishalgad
Amba is a hill station located at a distance of 50 km from Kolhapur city on the KolhapurRatnagiri highway. The height is around 3000 ft and the climate is cool and pleasant. There
are thick forests around Amba, which add to the tourist attraction. There are several tourist
points at Amba. Vishalgad is a well known fort of Shivaji at a distance of 15 km from Amba.
35
Temple of Jyotiba
This is a famous temple in the Panhala Forest Range which is visited by lakhs of pilgrims
every year.
Temple of Kallamma Devi
At the Udgiri there is a famous temple of Kallamma on the boundary of the Chandoli
National Park. Large number of pilgrims visit it every year.
Shirala
Shirala village in Sangli District is famous for the snake festival on the occasion of
Nagpanchami. Snakes are caught and fed milk and worshipped on this day. Many tourists
visit it every year. Recently the Forest Department has banned catching of snakes on this day.
3.10 Management of Forests
The management of forests is carried out on the basis of the working plan. The working plan
divides the entire forest area into a number of zones, known as working circles. The names of
the working circles describe the forest management in each working circle. The main
working circles in Kolhapur Division and their management practices are described below:
Protection cum Watershed Management Working Circle
This working circle includes the catchment areas of various dam reservoirs and the forests
areas situated on steep to very steep and precipitous hill slopes of the Western Ghats. Such
The rainfall in these areas during monsoons is very heavy. The main objective in these areas
is to protect the forest cover and soil, improve connectivity between forest blocks and
improve the watershed role of these forests. Protection of forests is the main activity in these
areas. Wind-fallen and dead trees may be removed in accessible areas. Old plantations will
also be protected.
Improvement Circle
This working circle includes teak forests that need tending operations and other areas that
have the capacity to produce good quality timber and fuel wood. 20% of large trees overmature trees above the prescribed girth size may be felled. Diseased and dead trees are also
felled and removed. Thinning will be carried out in congested patches.
36
Old Plantations Management Working Circle
Old plantations of Acacia auriculiformis, Eucalyptus, cashew and teak are included in this
circle. Old Acacia and eucalyptus plantations are to be clear-felled and the timber removed. It
is to be replaced by planting seedlings of native species such as ain, hirda, kokum, sawar and
phanas. Old cashew plantations are to be felled and replaced by new high-yielding varieties
of cashew.
Soil and Moisture Conservation and Afforestation Working Circle
Soil and moisture conservation (SMC) works are carried out under this working circle, which
includes denuded and degraded forests. SMC works include gully plugging, nala bunding and
continuous contour trenches (CCT). Seeds of suitable species will be sown. In the next stage
the area will be planted with cuttings of ficus, Vitex etc.
Bio diversity Conservation (Overlapping) Working circle
The operations include in this circle include:

Notification of Ecologically Sensitive Areas

Identify and protect lateritic plateaus harbouring herbaceous monsoon flora

Protection of wildlife and creation of water sources

Identification of wildlife corridors

Ehancement of fodder availability for gaur to prevent of human wildlife conflict

Obtain tranquilisation equipment to tranquilise animals in case of wildlife
emergencies

Establish a rescue centre at Panhala

Create database of plant and animal species with help of ZSI and BSI

Protection of sacred groves

Establish medicinal plant areas

Promotion of tourism
3.11 Management of Wildlife in Chandoli NP
37
A large number of activities for enhancement of wildlife is prescribed in the national Park.
These are briefly listed below:

Plantation and Improvement of growing stock

Promotion of tourism by creation of tourism zone at Nandoli and Nivale, development
of camping site and creation of children’s park

Protection from fire by creating fire lines and appointing fire watchers

Maintenance of check nakas and creation of one more naka at Male

Prevention of illegal tree cutting

Control of livestock grazing

Prevention of human wildlife conflict in villages at outskirts of the national park

Habitat improvement

Tree plantation along the periphery of the reservoir

Development of meadows at site of relocated villages

Soil conservation

Vaccination of cattle outside the national park to prevent diseases to wild animals

Veterinary care of injured animals

Creation of salt licks and wallows for wild animals

Population estimation and Monitoring of wild animals

Creation of wireless network

Development of existing nature interpretation centre at Mandur

Creation of road network

Sustainable “eco-development” of villages around the national park
3.12 Joint Forest Management
The Joint Forest Management (JFM) program was promoted by the Central Government in
1990s and advised all Stage governments to implement the JFM program. Under this program
38
JFM committees are set up in each village. The JFM committees are given benefits from the
forest such as NTFP and are given a share of all profits from exploitation of the forests such
as timber and firewood working under the working plan. In return JFM committees are
expected to protect the block of forest allotted to them.
Recently the Central Government has also advised all states to form Forest Development
Agencies (FDA). These are set up as non-profit trusts or societies and are an extension of the
Forest Division with the Deputy Conservator of Forests being CEO. The main purpose of
setting up FDAs is to facilitate transfer of funds from Central Government for their plantation
scheme named National Afforestation Program (NAP). It also gives FDAs the freedom to
obtain funds from other sources. Selected JFMCs are members of the FDA. The funds
received by the FDA are transferred to the JFMCs for implementation of NAP.
JFM is being implemented in Kolhapur and Sangli Divisions. There are 442 JFM committees
in Kolhapur Division and 261 JFM committees in Sangli Subdivision. All villages adjoining
forests are expected to form JFMCs. In practice many villages have not yet formed JFMCs
several years after the inception of the JFM program. Many JFMCs have been formed only in
name and are inactive. The JFMCs were expected to become self-sustaining but this has not
happened anywhere because the forests do not yield sufficient produce to provide sustainable
income to JFMCs and their members. JFMCs are very much dependent on government funds
for plantation activities. However the government cannot provide sufficient funds to carry out
plantations in all JFMCs. When the funds dry up the JFMCs become inactive.
However general experience shows that the JFM program has brought about improvement in
relations between the people and the Forest Department field staff because the field staff has
realised that they need to work with the people to achieve their obajectives. The people are
more cooperative with the Forest Department than in earlier days. Nowadays the people are
friendly to the Forest Department. In earlier the relations often used to be hostile. Therefore
JFM program has been beneficial to the Forest Department in many ways.
39
Chapter 4
Development Projects in the Basin and Their Impact
4.1:Chandoli Dam
Construction of Chandoli Dam was started in the 1976-77 and completed in the 1985. From
1998 the closure of the gates was started and the dam was totally filled in the 2002.
Impact on the Biodiversity
Construction of the Dam has mixed impacts on the biodiversity of the region.
Due to construction of the dam the forest cover of the valley was submerged hence there was
loss of forest cover. Secondly construction of the dam has created a log reservoir which acts
as a barrier to movement of wild animals. This causes isolation of wildlife populations and
hampers gene flow between populations. In the long term it can cause loss of viability of
populations and cause local extinction.
At the same time creation of the dam and the reservoir forced people to move out of the
catchment area. This gave an opportunity to create a wildlife sanctuary at Chandoli. Later on
its status was upgraded to National Park. Creation of the National Park was of great benefit to
conservation of wildlife and biodiversity.
Impact on the People
Due to the construction of the dam nearabout the 36 villages are relocated from the Chandoli
dam catchment area they are rehabilitated in the Warna basin in Kolhapur and Sangli
Districts. Total 36 villages are relocated of which 10 villages relocated due to the
Construction of dam and 26 due to the National park. Interviews in one village revealed that
the quality of rehabilitation is poor and relocated people are not happy. They have not been
given many of the facilities that were promised to them by the government at that the time of
relocation.
40
4.2 Irrigation Projects in Warna Basin
The irrigation projects implemented by Irrigation Department in Kolhapur Division are given
below.
Table 5.1: Irrigation Projects in Warna Basin
Project type
Range
Name of Project
Command
Area (Ha)
Major
Shahuwadi
Chandoli
50131
Medium
Shahuwadi
Kadvi
12372
Minor
Shahuwadi
Manoli
700
Shahuwadi
Nandari
449
Shahuwadi
Kumbhawade
825
Shahuwadi
Kesarkarwadi
451
Shahuwadi
Manpaleshwar
1069
(Source: http://kolhapur.nic.in/htmldocs/irrgation.htm date 23/12/2010)
4.3 Wind Mills
For the past few years wind energy has received considerable attention and there is a
dramatic jump in the number of windmill projects being implemented. Wind energy has
several positive attributes because it is non-polluting.. However contruction of wind mills has
also created some adverse impacts on the forests of the region. Wind mills are constructed on
hills, generally on private land but sometimes on forest land. Many of these private lands
have standing vegetation which is damaged due to construction of wind mills. The roads
created for windmill construction also damage vegetation on the hill slopes. Some wind mills
have also been constructed on lateritic plateaus. As stated earlier lateritic plateaus are special
habitats that harbor several endemic plant species. Construction of wind mills at such
locations causes damage to the habitats. Presence of company personnel at remote locations
may increase disturbance in these areas.
Environmental impact of windmills has not received much importance so far. Since a large
number of windmills is being constructed the impact could be substantial and needs to be
studied. It is not only the wind mills but the approach roads also that creates an impact.
41
4.4 Tourism
Unplanned tourism development in Amba region is causing loss of biodiversity in the region.
Ecotourism in the true sense of the word implies responsible, environmentally sensitive
tourism that encourages the stakeholders to protect the resource that is the object of the
tourism. However such awareness and systems have not come into existence. The
government, including the Forest Department, or Tourism Department has also not displayed
the desired sensitivity or alertness to put in place systems that will conserve the biodiversity
of the place. There are also social inequalities in the tourism development wherein the
benefits are grabbed by outside business and entrepreneurs and the local people form the
working class in tourism establishments. The benefits of tourism do not directly flow to local
self-governance bodies in any systematic way.
In the neighbouring District of Satara there was a proposal for a “Second Mahabaleshwar” to
draw pressure away from the existing Mahabaleshwar. This created a land grab situation
where there was a rush of entrepreneurs to purchase land in anticipation of price appreciation
and possibility of business opportunities. The ignorant local land owners are not savvy
enough to hold onto their land and are often the losers, economically.
42
Chapter 5
Local People’s and Forest Departments Issues
5.1 Case study of Village Relocation
The village Lotiv have been relocated from the sanctuary on the Ashta-Tasgav road at
Adhishta Nagar. The relocation of the village is due to the construction of the dam and
formation of the sanctuary. The village was relocated in the 1997. The people reported that
the relocation was by the PWD Department and the Forest Department. However village
relocation is normally the responsibility of the Revenue Department, so there is some
confusion in this regard. The population of the village is about 500 of which 90% are from
Maratha community and remaining 10% Dhangar and Harijan.
The people are highly critical of their relocation because of several shortcomings. The
following are some of their grievances about the relocation process:

The Forest Department had given the following commitments about the relocation
package:

Land grant: 4 acres for family size of 7 members or less, 5 acres for family size from
7 to 11 members and 6 acres for family size from 12 to 14 members. 4 guntha (0.1
acre) was to be given for house construction.

Only 50% peoples have received the land promised to them. Since many families
have not received land they are working as farm and construction labourers.

There is no school in the relocated wadi. Children walk 2 km far from the wadi for
reaching school. Since the village and the school are near the highway it is dangerous
for children to walk on the road but there is no alternative.

People of the relocated wadi have a demand of thirteen facilities like electricity,
water, drainage system, road and primary school etc. Of these they have been given
electricity supply, but water supply is by tanker and there is no school.

People have established an association named Warna Dharangrasth Sanghatana.

People want yellow rationing card (below poverty line) but they have not received it.

Old people are emotionally attached to the forest and suffer from nostalgia for the old
life.
43

People demand that they should be given Rs. 10 lakh per person above the 18 years
and land for the owner. (This seems to have been learnt from the package announced
recently by the Central Government for relocation of villages from Tiger Reserves.

The earlier owners of the land do not permit the relocated people to enter the land and
harass them

The land given to them is degraded land.

There is political interference in the relocation and funding process.

Before relocation the people had 5 to 6acres land but they have been given only 1 acre
agricultural land which is insufficient for survival of a family.

Local people are very aggressive towards the government.

They are highly dissatisfied with the resettlement process and do not believe on the
government’s promises.
5.2 Case Study of JFM Committee
Mandur Village is situated in Shirala Taluka of Sangli District. The village is agriculturally
well off with main crops being rice, nachni, warai and wheat. There are a number of smaller
hamlets, known as wadis, that are located away from the main village near the forest.
Mandur JFM Committee was established in years ago. At the time of its establishment the
Forest Department provided Shewali (vermicelli) machine and Sewing machines through
entry point activity. People claim that no village meetings were conducted by the Forest
Department since introduction of JFM.
In 2003-04 plantation was carried out by the Forest Department through the JFMC under the
FDA scheme of Central Government. The species planted were Acacia, Nilgiri, Cashew and
Mango. A watchman was appointed by the Forest Department for the first three years.
Afterwards the plantation was handed over to the JFMCs. Nearly 75% of the plantation is
destroyed due to the grazing by village livestock.
The local peoples help the Forest Department in controlling forest fire. People do not
participate in poaching and also prevent outsiders from doing poaching. The people in wadis
are mostly involved in the JFM program. The Forest Guard said that residents of wadis are
more co operative than the villagers because their greater dependence on the forests.
44
The JFMC president said that local people are not interested in the JFM program because
they are economically well off. They have large agricultural land so they have no time for
this activity. Many social organizations have been established by the villagers and political
organizations compared to the population of the village. So villagers are more interested in
these activities rather than JFM.
Functioning of the JFM program is politicized. Often the village sarpanch becomes the
President of the JFMC. Every person has his own agenda and runs the JFMC to suit himself
and his political party.
Communication between the Forest Department and JFM members is poor; villagers think,
that forest officers are corrupt while forest officers feel that the villagers are unsupportive.
5.3 Mandur and Panumbre
People’s Perception
In Mandur and Panumbre Villages the wadis are highly affected by the animal conflict
specially Jadhavwadi and Kolekarwadi of Mandur Village, because they are situated near to
the forest. This is their main problem in relation to the forest. Peoples get their firewood
requirements from malki lands. Villagers do not collect NTFP from the forest.
The people have some issues about development and basic amenities. There are no water
supply schemes in the wadis so they are totally dependent on natural water sources. The
school is only up to the 4th class. For higher classes the children have to walk to Mandur
Village which is at a distance 3 km from the wadis. There are no medical facilities in the
wadis.
Forest Department Perception
The people from the wadis are more cooperative than those from the main village in the
Forest Department programs. The people from wadis peoples participate in the plantation
program but the people from the main village are not interested. But the people from wadis
also illegally collect firewood and NTFP such as Madi, Karvand and Jambul from the forest.
There is considerable political interference in activities of the Forest Department such as the
JFM program.
45
5.4 Udgiri
Udgiri village is situated on the boundary of Chandoli NP. It is rich in forests and wildlife.
Udgiri Village is an important place for bauxite mining in the Western Ghats. Several
companies have bauxite mines at Udgiri.
Forest officer’s perceptionLocal people are economically dependent on mining so they are supportive to mining.
However mining is damaging to forests. A large number of trucks carrying bauxite travel
daily through forests causing noise and air pollution. They are also responsible for road kills.
Outsiders involved in mining can easily enter the national park. -Some mining labourers have
tried to hunt wild animals like wild boar and barking deer. Mining activity causes break in the
corridor for wild animals. Villagers and labour force of the mining company collect firewood
from the national park. In some cases the labourers set the fire to the forests.
The peripheral regions of Chandoli national park in this pocket are highly affected by the
grazing. The Forest Department has tried to relocate this village but due to political
interference they have not succeeded.
People Perception
The villagers of Udgiri face several problems. Some of these are given below:

The residents of Udgiri are totally dependent on mining. They don’t have any other
employment source.

Agricultural fields are highly affected by depredations of wild herbivores and also
suffer due to high rainfall.

In the rainy season road are block due to the high rainfall and communication totally
break with city

There is lack of electricity in the rainy season

There is lack of understanding between the Forest Department and local peoples.
46
5.5 Male, Kolne and Patharpunj
Peoples Opinion
These three villages are situated inside Chandoli National Park. Along with Gothne they are
the last villages remaining inside Chandoli NP.
The people experience several difficulties and problems at their present location inside the
National Park. Some of them are given below:

The Forest Department does not permit development of basic facilities such as roads.
No medical facilities are available nearby. In case of emergency the nearest
government hospital is 20 km away.

Primary school is up to 7th standard but teachers do not come regularly.

There is scarcity of water inside the national park in summer. Drinking water
resources are poor. They are forced to use natural water resources in the forest. This
creates situations of conflict with wild animals.

Because of scarcity of water in late winter and summer there is no possibility of
irrigation. The villagers want to construct a small percolation dam and take a permit
for digging wells for irrigation.

There is no source of employment inside the national park or anywhere nearby. The
young generation has mostly migrated to Mumbai.

Villagers want permission to graze their livestock inside the forest only during fodder
shortage in summer but the Forest Department does not give them permission.

There is no market near to the villages so they do not have any other economic
opportunity such as sale of NTFP.

Local peoples are totally dependent on agriculture activity but nearly 70% of their
crops are destroyed by wild herbivores. This is one of the major problems facing the
villagers.

The Forest Department only gives permission to transport passengers to three jeep
vehicles from Chandoli National Park to outside places. Therefore transportation is a
major problem for the villagers.
47
The people want to be relocated and settle outside the Forest area. However they are not
convinced that they will be given a good deal. They have seen the poor quality of relocation
of other villages and are afraid they will be given a raw deal. The new relocation package of
Rs. 10 lakh per adult for relocation from Tiger Reserves has created interest in them but they
are still doubtful.
Forest Department Perception
Forest Department officers and staff also gave their version about presence of these villages
inside Chandoli NP. The main points are as follows:

The three villages are situated in the corridor area of the Sahyadri tiger reserve in
between the Koyna Sanctuary and Chandoli National Park. That is why relocation
early is desirable as early as possible.

Villagers are doing the group and individual hunting of the wild animals like the
barking deer, wild boar and occasionally sambhar on the occasion of the some
traditional festivals like the Holi, Nagpanchami and Diwali.

People cut trees for firewood causing damage to the habitat.

These villages have high area of malki (private) land. Shifting cultivation on malki
lands is the harmful to the forest environment.

Tourist enter the Naitonal Park without permission from the Konkan side (Ratnagiri
District).

Prachitgad is a well known tourism spot so many tourists visit this place throughout
the year causing disturbance to the forests and wildlife.

Sometimes tourists cause fire. In other cases villagers are responsible for forest fire
mostly due to rab burning.

In summer season the villagers illegally graze their livestock in the forest.
So far the Forest Department is not able to push for relocation because they do not have
sufficient funds for relocation.
5.6 Forest Departments Views at Amba
Tourism
48
Amba is situated on the Kolhapur-Ratnagiri highway and is scenically beautiful with
extensive dense forests so this place has developed as a tourist spot. Local people have sold
their agricultural lands to the owners of hotel industry from Pune and Kolhapur.
Unplanned tourism is having an impact on the local forests and wildlife. In Amba village
many hotels and resorts arrange jungle tours and jungle parties. These excursions create noise
pollution and disturbs the forest environment. Some resorts to arrange the Wildlife sighting
safari at night. Waghzara is a natural water spring for wild animals but tourists have parties
and picnics there. Because of this the water is getting polluted and wildlife id disturbed.
Vishalgad is the main tourist attraction. The road to Vishalgad goes through dense forests
rich in wildlife which creates disturbance to wildlife. Some road kill cases have taken place
on the Vishalgad road.
Peoples Involvement in Conservation
Villagers are not cooperative with the Forest Department. People do not have sympathy about
wildlife and forests. There is considerable political interference in activities of Forest
Department creating obstacles for managing and protecting the forests.
The Forest Department faces lack of funds and manpower. Therefore it finds difficulty in
carrying out its duties. It is necessary to provide weapons to forest guards to help them in
protection of forests.
5.7 Summary and Conclusion
The discussions in this chapter show that there are several areas of conflict and
misunderstanding between the local community and Forest Department vis-a-vis forests. The
main issue generally is the dependence of local people on forests for resources such as
firewood and fodder for livestock. Timber is also removed to a smaller extent. However the
Forest Department views these as illegal hence tries to prevent it. In fact it is one of the duties
of field staff to prevent removal of firewood and grazing. From an ecological point of view
the firewood extraction and grazing beyond sustainable limits is detrimental to the forests.
However these are a basic need of the people that they must have. Naturally there is conflict
between these two stakeholders.
49
So far the Forest Department has not been able to provide alternatives for these requirements
of the people. Nor has it been able to provide these products to the people on a sustainable
basis. The Joint Forest Management Program, while holding potential, has been by and large
unsuccessful in addressing the problem of degradation and loss of forests. It is
unimaginatively implemented and the people have been involved superficially. Most
importantly people’s requirements have not been addressed so the program is bound to fail.
The relationship between the people and the Forest Department has improved due to the JFM
program in some places while in other places it is more or less the same. In some villages
where interviews were carried out there still seems to be a conflict situation between the
people and the Forest Department.
Wildlife hunting is a traditional activity of the people. It is difficult to control it and is likely
to continue unless an imaginative awareness campaign is carried out. At present protection
and strict implementation of the law seems to be the best approach. However, outside
protected areas the field staff and even officers are not oriented towards protection of
wildlife. Moreover they have many other duties so it is difficult for them to give much
attention to wildlife protection. The protection is more strict than it used be in the 1970s and
80s. However hunting is fairly common all over and survival of wildlife in territorial forests,
outside protected areas is difficult.
Relocation from Chandoli NP has been poorly implemented. This is a common experience all
over in relocation of project–affected people. This is unfortunate and causes tremendous
hardships to the relocated people. It also acts as a disincentive for relocation of the remaining
villages such as Male, Kolne and Patharpunj. This ultimately creates a setback for wildlife
conservation.
50
References
Anon. Kolhapur Subdivision, Short Note, 2009-10
Anon. Sangli Subdivision, Short Note, 2010-11.
Khot AB. Management plan for Chandoli (Wildlife) Sanctuaryof Kolhapur (Wildlife)
Division. Plan Period 2001-2002 to 2010-201. Government of Maharashtra.
Gupta Vikas, Nitin Kakodkar and Devendra Kumar. Working for the Forests of Kolhapur
Forest Division, Vol I and II, Period 2008-09 to 2017-18. Government of Maharashtra.
Patil Pramod. Birds of our Protected Areas. Checklist of Birds of Radhanagari, Koyna and
Sagareshwar Sanctuaries and Chandoli National Park. Kolhapur Forest Division.
Mehta Prachi and Jayant Kulkarni 2010. A Study on Distribution and Status of Birds and
Assessment of Threats to their Survival in Sahyadri Hills, Maharashtra. Envirosearch, Pune.
Report Submitted to Ministry of Environment and Forests, New Delhi
51
Appendix 1
List of Mammals Found in Kolhapur Division and Chandoli NP
Common Name
Scientific Name
Tiger
Panthera tigris
Panther
Panthera pardus
Jungle cat
Felis chaus
Hyena
Hyaena hyaena
Jackal
Canis aureus
Indian grey mongoose
Herpestes edwardsi
Ruddy mongoose
Herpestes smithi
Common fox
Vulpes bengalensis
Indian wild dog
Cuon alpines
Sambar
Cervus unicolor
Barking deer
Muntiacus muntjak
Gaur
Bos gaurus
Wild boar
Sus scrofa
Sloth bear
Melursus ursinus
Common langoor
Presbytis entellus
Bonnet macaque
Macaca radiate
Indian pangolin
Manis crassicaudata
Indian crested porcupine
Hystrix indica
Giant squirrel
Ratufa indica
Indian hare
Lepus nigricollis