Saal trees in the reclamation area of mines over the past decade, with many now reaching heights of 20 to 30 feet.
TFP Bureau, Ambikapur, June 12, 2024: In a remarkable achievement, the Horticulture Department of MDO Adani Enterprises Limited and Rajasthan Rajya Vidyut Utpadan Nigam Limited (RRVUNL) have successfully created a nursery for wild Sal trees, challenging the long-held belief that Sal can only thrive in dense forests. This innovative effort has resulted in the planting of over 87,000 Sal trees in the reclamation area of mines over the past decade, with many now reaching heights of 20 to 30 feet.
The initiative took root at the Parasa East Kete Basen (PEKB) open mine project in Udaipur tehsil, Surguja district, which began operations in 2012. Traditionally, Sal trees are known for their resistance to termite infestation and their longevity, often standing for 100 years and remaining viable as wood for another century. This project, however, has demonstrated that Sal trees can be successfully cultivated outside their natural habitat.
PEKB mine, a five-star mine awarded by the Coal Ministry for four consecutive years, has set a new record in tree plantation, with more than 11.50 lakh trees planted in the reclaimed area by October 2023, achieving a success rate of over 90%. In the 2023-24 period alone, the mine planted over 2.10 lakh trees under the guidance of the Forest Department.
The project has transformed over 1,100 acres of land into a dense, mixed forest, featuring a total of 43 species including Sal, Khair, Bija, Harra, Bahera, Banyan, and Teak, along with fruit trees like Mango, Guava, Jackfruit, and Papaya. A special transplanter machine from Germany has also been used to relocate about 10,000 trees from forests to this new location, with over 7,000 of these being Sal trees.
The success of this project is attributed to the detailed study and understanding of Sal tree seed regeneration, which typically begins in May-June. Local communities collected these seeds, which were then nurtured into saplings at the company’s nursery. This initiative has not only created a new forest but also reinstated the area’s biodiversity, with various bird species and wild animals like bears and monkeys returning.
The public is now being invited to witness this environmental success story, which stands as a testament to the potential of combining scientific research with community involvement in ecological restoration.
