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The Social Forestry Programme of the Sundarban
Development Board was initiated in late 1981-82 under
IFAD-assisted Project. The primary
objective was to create provision for constant supply of
fuel wood for the rural folk and
maintenance of ecological balance. Other objectives of
the programme were to prevent soil
erosion and increase plant population etc. Three
programmes e.g. creation of Mangrove
Plantation, Strip Plantation and Farm Forestry
[distribution of plants]
have been
adopted under Sundarban Development Board.
■ Mangrove Plantation - In the Sundarban, the mangroves have been deforested to a great extent and the entire ecosystem has been under serious threat.
This has
affected the coastline as well as the surrounding
environment. Afforestation is, therefore, largely
needed. Initially this plantation had started in the
inter tidal zone, later extended along
the foreshores of the embankment and in some islands
where floods at high tides inundate the land.
■ Strip Plantation - The Strip
Plantation Programme has been implemented generally
on both sides of metal roads, earthen roads, brick paved
roads, irrigation canals and
embankments close to the agricultural fields etc.
■ Farm Forestry - The launching of the
farm forestry even as a late starter appears to
be very successful. In this programme seedlings raised
in the nurseries are distributed
amongst the farmers for plantation in their own land. |
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