Similipal Biosphere : Genesis of Historicity

Orissa Review * June - 2008

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The countless interferences and thereby itsconsequent infringement on nature have been ahabitual trend with the man, and this phenomenonknew no bounds during the last one and halfcenturies of the Darbar Administration inMayurbhanj. The Similipal hill reserve 2,750sqkms. compact patch of broad leaved tropicalnatural forest classified by Champion and Sethas type-3/C North Indian Tropical MoistDecidious forests with its sub-types at differentelevations, clads the massif with varied flora andfauna with species of Temperate forests also. Itsunique geological formation, typical ecosystemscontrols and regulates the ecology of the North-east region. The imbalanced ecology, could berestored with the help of scientific forestmanagement and by devoted knowledgeableforesters, improving the level required. Theprotected area, 50% of the massif, under TigerProject came under Sl. No.1 - ConservationForestry, classified in 1976 by NationalCommission on Agriculture and balance areaunder production forestry, ranking 3rd in the list,2nd being social forestry. This protected area withV.H.F. and telephone connections all over theproject area keeps the staff alert and encouraged.The offenders and intruders are scared and keepaway. The declaration of Similipal as Biospheregot international status and provided more security

and protection to the core, the national park, andthe buffer, the sanctuary, as there shall betransitional zone around these two existingconcentric pro tected areas with moreconservational activities for conservation of thetypical ecosystem in its natural form for good.

From the hoary past till the present, throughout the annals of history of Mayurbhanj, many achronicle and document referred to Similipalextensively at its various forms. At the rise andfall of Mayurbhanj in its glories and glooms,Similipal always remained as epicenter of activities.It witnessed as a mute spectator to the politicaldevelopment of Mayurbhanj; it shaped andgroomed the economy and the culture of thepeople. Similipal at its fullest version is no lessthan an organic whole. For common man ofMayurbhanj; Similipal is a symbol of reverenceand awe to them. It has the appeal of the religioussanctity, a coherent bend of cultural assimilationand a perinnial source of livilihood. Hence,Similipal, is not only hills and valleys, streams andrivers, ravines and waterfalls, but a bewilderingpanaroma of many hundreds of millions of trees,depicting a huge and mammoth canopy bloomedin green veils; it is more than a wordly endeavour,as it represents the heart throb and the emotionsof the people of Mayurbhanj.

Similipal Biosphere : Genesis of Historicity

Samarendu DasBalabhadra Prasad Das


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History of Mayurbhanj

Mayurbhanj is a small spot on the surfaceof the earth where the man has lived over fiftythousand years. The stone axe(hewn) and left overhearth to melt iron for arrow-heads andploughshares are the evidences, speak of the earlyman living in the area. The tribal people of thearea namely : - the Santals, the Kols, the Mundasand the Savaras speak Austro-Asiatic language.From the discovery of Kusan coins in Mayurbhanjand in other districts of Orissa, Dr. A.S. Altekarbelieved that one Indo-Scythian tribe calledMurandas were ruling over the area during 2nd.and 3rd century A.D. But a tribe called "Bhanna"who were the probable ancestors of the Bhunjatribes, inhabiting this region during 6th centuryA.D. Two ruling families i.e. Mayuras and Bhanjasruled over Bonai and Khijinga Mandalsrespectively. The capital of the later was KhijingaKotta, the present Khiching. These two rulingfamilies had close social and cultural relations.During 1361 A.D. the capital, Khijinga Kotta wasdestroyed by Sultan Firoz Saha Toghluq. So itwas shifted to Haripur on the bank of riverSubernarekha during 1400 A.D. and the nameof the kingdom was changed to Mayurbhanj incommemoration of the traditional relation ofMayuras and Bhanja families.

The Bhanja dynasty ruled the statecontinuously since 9th century A.D. in succession

which was then known as Khijinga Mandalacovering the present area of Mayurbhanj andKeonjhar Districts as well as parts of Singhbhumand Midinapur districts now in Bihar and WestBengal states. During the Moghul period, theBhanjas extended their teritory as far as the seawith capital at Haripur. During the reign ofMaharani Sumitra Devi the capital was shifted toBaripada during the last part of 18th century andon 25th November 1803, it came under Britishoccupation.

The history of Mayurbhanj, part-I,compiled by late Ramprasad Chand basing onrecords of British regime, gives an early accountof the extensive deep jungle of Mayurbhanj,describing the expedition of Aliverdi Khan againstRaja Jagardhar Bhanj in 1741. The writer quotesthe following from the contemporary history Raiz-us-Saltin.

"The latter (Raja of Mayurbhanj) was atHaripur which contained his mansion and was atthat time plunged in pleasures and amusements.His knowledge of the denseness of the forest thatsurrounded him coupled with his command ofnumerous hordes of Chawars and Khandaitsmade him feel insolent ... Raja seeing thesuperiority of the Aliverdi Khan's army, with hiseffects, followers and dependants fled to the topof the hill and hide himself in a secret fastness,beyond the keen of discovery. Similarly, cessationof Orissa by Marahattas in 1751 and during theirstruggle for independence, the Raja ofMayurbhanj had occasion to flee into the hillsbefore the depredation of the Marahatta army.The author, therefore, records in his introductionto the above history. Thanks to the hills and junglesthat spread across it and the indomitable spiritand political vision of the chief, it managed tosurvive the greed of either (British andMarahattas) powers. Later on, after the


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annexation of Orissa in 1803 at the conclusion ofthe 2nd. Marahatta war, conditions continued tobe the same and Mr. W.W. Hunter, the 1st.British Commissioner in his history of Orissa Vol.-II, page 113 writes :-

"Herds of elephants still roam throughforests and mountains of Mayurbhanj and theEnglish Officer in charge of the operation forcatching them lately bagged upward a hundredfine animals during two seasons." (Senapati &Sahu-67).

Situation

The Similipal massif lies between 200-17'and 220-34' North latitudes and 850-40' and 870-40' and 870-10' Eastlongitude comprising ofnearly 2,750 Sqkms ofcompact forest, perhaps thelargest single mass of naturalforests, still left in this partof the country, This massif,not part of the Eastern Ghatsor Gadjat hills, stands out inthe north east corner of theDecan Plateau with its gloryof varied tropical flora andfauna. The entire massif isseparated from the BengalBay by a narrow strip ofcoastal plain. The monsoonand moisture laiden Baywind have definite influenceon the vegetation pattern. Nature has epitomisedall her living resources in this massif.

Topography

The hills rising very precipitiously from theplains of Baripada and Udala extend as far asJashipur in North and Bisoi in the East andThakurmunda in the West covering a total area

of 2750 sqkms. with their innumerable crests andvalleys and perinnial streams. Sir William Hunterdescribes Similipal Hills during 1872 as - "Thehitherto almost unexplored mountains ofMayurbhanj heaped upon each other in noblemasses of rock from 3,300 ft to 4,000 ft. high ....The peaks are densely wooded to the sumit, andexcept the regular passes, are inaccessable tothe beasts of burden."

The Khairiburu, in south Similipal, amidstthe group of hills is 1178 mtrs. whereas Meghasaniis 1,165 mtrs. high. The elevation in the centralregion at Dhudurchampa is 1000.8 mtrs, that inthe North at Chahala is 774.5 meters.

Drainage

The Similipal hills aredrained eastward by a largenumber of perinnial streamsand nalas flowing in alldirections. They ultimatelyjoin with one of the mainriver systems such as - theBudhabalang, Baitarani andSubernarekha. The Khairi,Bhandan, Birol, West-Deo,Salandi, Khadkai and itstributaries flow intoSubernarekha while theBudhabalang forms itself ariver.

Geology, Rock, Soil

The sequence of rock of Similipal basinbeginning with a well developed dark carbonphyllite as base and followed by a quartzite bandwhich is conglomorate at places. Overlying thisthere is lower layer of spilitic lava with volcanicbroceia. The three concentric cups ofmetamorphic rocks inter-beded with sub-metamorphic layer helps to increase the water

Fully - Grown Tusks Capital & Bold


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holding capacity. This geological formation isunique in the world. Out-crops of metamorphicsand stone and quartzites are to be found all overSimilipal hills. They produce a redish and sandysoil in which Sal appears to be doing well. Mostof the areas in Similipal have rich spread of redloam. Extensive pockets of laterite soil also comeacross on the plateau. Heavy clay is also found inthe wide flat basin.

Climate

The climate of the massifis warm and humid. Summeris tolerable as the temperaturehardly goes above 400C.Three distinct seasons are feltduring the year. Rainy seasonstarts from middle of June tillOctober with rain fall of about1250 mm in the monsonicleeward valleys, over 2000mm is the general spread ofthe rainfall in the plateau.Frequent annual receiptal of2500 mm is exprienced insome pockets and more in higher elevations insideSimilipal. Winter creeps in gradually fromOctober mid and becomes severe in Decemberlowering temperature to 50C in many parts of thehill, with forest in valleys and open grass lands.The spring is pleasant. The southern and westernaspects are cooler and north eastern aspects arewarmer in Similipal is uncommon deviation dueto its stategic situation. This geophysical conditioninfluences floral and faunal distribution formicroclimatic condition prevailing in this locality.

Similipal Forest during British Rule

What really has happened to the extensiveand dense forests of Mayurbhanj between 1803to the close of the last century is a matter ofspeculation and guess. With the advent of peace

and settled conditions, agriculture flourished andnew settlements came to exist. In this process lotsof forest areas vanished, giving rise to new villagesand cultivation. Mr. C.C. Hart at the time of hisvisit about the year 1895-1896 describes theforest of the state as follows :-

"The plain and accessable parts havealready been denuded of mature Sal, except in

one place in the plains of southwest, where there is a little,which is three parts ruined by"Jhum" cultivation. The greaterpart of the mature Sal is to befound in the south westernportions of the reserve forestsand also in the central group ofthe hill forests. At a place calledBaraipani for instance, there isas magnificent a Sal forest as itis possible to imagine, thoughcertain areas which are situatedin the more accessablelocalities have been partlydenuded of their mature Sal."

Mr. Hart further describes that "All maturesal from the plain forests, which later comprisedparts of Banahari, Muruda, Deoli and Udalaranges (of present Baripada Division) havedisappeared by over exploitation except in theplains of south west i.e. in the present Panchpirand Thakurmunda ranges (of present KaranjiaDivision) where three quarter of the forests havebeen 'Jhumed'. About Similipal Hills he describesthat except the accessable parts which was at thetime very much limited, rest of the hill forests quitewell preserved." (Mishra & Bose - 1975-74)

Forest Management during DarbarAdministration

Beside the above, the annual administrationreport for 1885-86 of Mayurbhanj state gives an


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idea of the forests of the state. The timber leaseswere granted to the contractors and traders fromoutside at nominal rates till 1885. The damagecaused by the lessees of the forests wasconsiderable as against the revenue realised. Sothe forests were worked departmentally till 1904including Similipal and some other forests. Thequantity exploited departmentally was less whichused to be floated in shape of round logs in theriver Budhabalang or by cart to Balasore depotfor sale. In the year 1888 one Forest Ranger anda peon were oppointed for management of forests.The reserve forests of Mayurbhanj were underthe management and control of the ForestDepartment whereas protected forests were underthe charge of Revenue Department. The reserveforests were more or less stable and parmanentin nature but the protected forests maintained tomeet the requirement of the royats and residentsand were also subject to clearance for cultivation.The forest area being given under 'Amalanama'lease by the revenue authorities and leases forreclamation of reserve forests were being givenunder the special sanction of the ruling chief. Thusthe extent of reserve forests and protected forestsdecreased.

In 1907 a State Forest Department wascreated with Mr. J.A. Martin, State Engineer ashead of the Department. As the forestmanagement intensified, the protective staff cameunder the jurisdiction of Mayurbhanj to manage :

1. Reserve Forests 1,152 sqml.

2. Protected Forests 675.5 sqml.

3. Cultivated area 1,944.5 sqml.

4. Waste Lands 471 sqml.

About 43% of the area of the state was coveredby forests. The state followed the Indian ForestAct 1927 and had own Forest Manual. The forestsettlement, survey and demarcation etc. used to

be done in accordance with the Mannual andoffences were punishable as provided under theAct. In 1906 a survey party demarcated theboundery line from Talabandh to Similipal Garhto form another working circle for giving lease toM/s B. Borooah & Co.

The history of long term leases for forestworking to earn revenue for development of thestate, is the past History of Mayurbhanj StateForests. The developmental activities like layingof roads, construction of buildings, rest houseswere mainly confined to the Similipal only,besides, regular exploitation and intensification ofthe organisational set up for removal of contractualquantity of timber per annum. The terms andconditions for working Similipal forest under leaseby several contractors shall speak how the forestbecame commercially less valuable, loosing treesbelow approach class. (Senapati & Sahu'86).

In 1904, the Mayurbhanj narrow guage linewas built upto Baripada. This line was of immenseuse in transportation of timber in huge quantityextracted from plain forests, mainly reserves. Forextension of the light railway line upto Bangiriposiand then to Talabandh M/s B. Borooah & Co.agreed to finance as a partner with condition thathe should be given 30 (thirty) years monopolylease of Similipal Reserve Forests on the existingterms and conditions of the 10 (ten) years leasegranted to him during 1906. Further he wantedguarantee for a minimum of 5 to 7 lakh cft. ofsawn timber annually under the proposed leaseso as to make running of the railway profitable.He further wanted 30 (thirty) years lease ofMyrobalans for collection and export and forother minor forest produces also. The followingcorrespondances between the lessee and lessorshows the rigidity of each party to safe guardinterest.

Mr. Borooah wanted 30 (thirty) years leasefor Myroblans for collection and export and for


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other forest produce of the state and prospectinglicence for three years convertable to 30 (thirty)years mining lease for minerals of everydescription except those given to Tatas. The rulerin replay, wrote - "in the event of yourguaranteeing goods trafic which will yeild a netprofit of 3½% per annum on the capitalexpenditure on the railway, I shall have noobjection to grant you lease of entire Similipalforests (subject to the limitation of the existingleases and termination) for timber operation for aperiod of 30 (thirty) years under similar termsand conditions as those attached to the one, youalready hold, subject to such alternations as theBritish Government may propose. As regards tothe additional clause you propose to add to theeffect that the state will find sufficient trees topermit you being able to cut at least 5 to 7 lakhcft. of timber annually for 30 (thirty) years, I haveto say that I can not accept the clause. I will alterthe additional clause to the effect that in the eventof your not being to secure 5 lakh cft. of timber inany year during 30 years, from timber of 6ft girth,the state will grant you permission to cut timberof any girth not below 5 ft. in girth for that year tomake up the deficit. Excepting the monopoly ofMohua flowers and export of Lac, all otherconcessions including the prospecting licence areagreed to." To this the company wrote - "Webeg to submit that it is only in anticipation of gettingsuch guarantee from your Highness, that weaccepted the undertaking (construction of railwayand 3½ of annual profit on capital cost) we havetherefore the honour to accept the alternative youhave pleased to propose subject to the conditionto the effect that if in any year we can not turn 5lakh cft. of timber even by cutting trees upto 5 ft.in girth, our guarantee to your Highness to theextent of such deficit would stand cancelled."Although the company so writing wriggled out ofthe original undertaking regarding the construction

of the railway the Chief in his letter 2nd. November1907 accepted the modified proposal for 30(thirty) years monopoly of Similipal forests. Theproposed lease could not be executedimmediately as 13 (thirteen) other contractors'leases were current in Similipal. The Maharajadied in 1912. The lease was finally executedduring the Court of Wards management on 7th.February 1916, after further verificationguaranteeing sufficient sal trees of 6 ft. and abovegirth to ensure a certain minimum return of sawntimber. This lease with further modification in1936, guaranteeing a lower exploitable girth limit(4½ ft. girth) and permiting 8(eight) lakh cft.annually remained in force with all advantage tothe lessee till February 1945.

In 1920-21 Mr. R.C. Ramsay, PolticalAgent of Orissa Feudatory States, during his visitobserved that -" The forests contain many finetrees and there is a vast quantity of Sal timberavailable, at the same time, it is patent of any onethat the state will sooner rather than later, be facedwith a very long period when there will be no salof merchantile size. The forests also containnumerous number of stag headed hallow, badlygrown and dry rot is common. The younger treeswhich should form the drop 10 to 15 years hence,are exceptionally bad in this way and are utterly


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valueless and only encumber the ground. True,we are in the 'Long period' referred to by thethen political agent." Further wasteful conversion,recorded by Mr. Gagliardi (Additional ForestOfficer) in his report in April 1929 is quoted here- "As the company do not extrect planks andscantlings, although according to lease, they weresupposed to convert to the maximum, the wastagefrom log to sawn sleeper is 75%. I personallymade a few measurements and found that thisfigure was correct. If the careful measurementwere taken of a few thousand trees, the wastageI am convinced, would be over 80%". So thequantum of wastage was not given importancethen. (Senapati & Sahu - 1967).

Worst of all, the sleeper conversion fromround logs in Similipal by the lessee was done byportable sawmills, six in number, used to be shiftedfrom place to place, depending on the number oflogs stacked at the site. The sawers were recruitedfrom Ranchi, Kolhan and Midinapur, of Bihar andWest Bengal, mainly Santals, Kols and Mundas.These labourers were staying in temporary hutsin camps in close proximity to work site. In northSimilipal, Chahala, was one of the main activecenters for execution and supervision of workwith hundreds of recruited camp labourers.Sleepers used to be transported by wet slidesfrom Baraghati to Talabandh. In transportationof timber, tractors were in use. The Eucallyptusvilla, at Chahala near Forest Rest House, wasconstructed on the old plinth of the camp officeof M/s B.B.T.T.Co. The Eucallyptus trees aroundthe villa were planted by the company, which havewitnessed all the ravages done to the flora andfauna of the massif and clearance of forests tobegin the settlement and cultivation by the recruitedcamp labourers who were required to stay incamps round the year for extension of lease for30 more years. So they resorted to stay in groupsmaking clearances which paved path for gradual

growth of villages inside Similipal from 1906.Added to this, Maharaja of Mayurbhanj gave 250Acres. of Salami free 'Sardari-Jagiri to Sri PeterDubraj, a labour contractor to establishpermanent labour camp to facilitate sleeperoperation. So he brought more Kols from Ranchiand settled them at Garh- Similipal, during 1922.

The major portion of Similipal massif wasdense vergin natural forests infested with highdensity of wildlife. With the advancement of fellingfor sleeper conversion and clearance of forestgrowth for settlement at Garh-Similipal, Nawanaetc. associated with indiscreminate hunting ofherbivours, the tiger of Similipal started killinghuman-beings - the newly introduced timberworkers to the valley. To stop the human killingsand control the tigers, the timber contractorrecruited one professional tiger killer from Ranchi.It is said, within one year this sikari eleminatedmore than 400 tigers to provide protection to thetimber operators. The desendant of this tiger killer,one Sri Bhim Gunj alia Bhima Baghua and anotherBaghua are still practising the same methodologyof killing tigers with poisoned bow-trap which isthe full proof method to eleminate. The 30 yearlease of Bholanath Borooah & Co. expired during1946. There was no systematic working of theforests for which Similipal reserve during 36 years(1910-1946) lease, was worked twice and northSimilipal three times. East Similipal which waswithdrawn from the lease in the year 1922 wasworked like the rest of the Similipal forests throughseveral contractors. For this annual plans weredrawn up fixing different areas to be exploited tokeep engaged the recruited camp labourers ofthe contractor in timber operation round the year.Sri B.M. Dasgupta prepared the first working planfor whole of Similipal reserve forests for 20 yearsfor working under Selection-cum-Improvementsystem. But after about six years Mr. Dasgupta'splan was replaced by the working plan of reserve


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forest of Mayurbhanj district written by Mr. SripalJee during 1953-54, after integration ofMayurbhanj state to the Union of India on 6thNovember 1948 and became part of Orissa as adistrict on 1st January 1949 only. (Mishra &Bose' 75)

Introduction of Silviculture ManagementSystems

Similipal reserve and other forests of thedistrict are being administered by Baripada andKaranjia Forest Divisions with the riverBudhabalang as the natural boundary between theDivisions. In Similipal R.F. the scientific silviculturalmanagement aimed at sustained yeild commencedfrom 1953-1954, on introduction of Jee's Planwhich for the first time divided the Similipal reserveinto felling series, Blocks and Compartments forworking under selection-cum-improvementsystem with 20 years felling cycle and regulartending operations. Marking rule fixing exploitablegirth area and species-wise with retaintion in 3 ofexploitable size was prescribed only for Sal and12" (30 cm.) dia was for improvement felling inSimilipal R.F. But these prescriptions of theworking plan were not followed properly and themarking done by un-trained staff was revenueoriented. The plan did not prescribe for retaintionof the non-sal species which resulted in removalof valuable spp. lime Pia-sal, Champa, Gambhari,Kurum, Sissoo, Bandhan etc., yeilding higherrevenue but the Sal of exploitable size andapproach class and below were of less quantityfor removal during Darbar rule. The annual yeildis regulated by area. So annual coupes aremarked and formed into lots notified in Gazetteefor auction sale. The highest bidder takes thecoupe on contract for specific time. After expiryof Jee's Plan it was revised during 1973-74 andseparate plan for Baripada and Karanjia Divisionswere compiled by Sri S.Bose and Sri R. Mishra,

IFS respectively. The sample stock enumerationfor first time was done and exploitable girth limitfor different marketable spp. was fixed. TheSelection-cum-Improvement system of workingwas prescribed with retaintion per cent calculatedto prescribe yeild by Smythies' formula using thesample enumeration figures, was observed bythe I.G. forest to be at higher side as the value of't' the time taken by the approach class to attainexploitable size, was incorrect as a result morenumber of stems of exploitable were removed.The C.C.F., Orissa ordered for upward revisionof the exploitable were removed. The C.C.F.,Orissa ordered for upward revision of theexploitable girths of different species. Theavailability of non-sal exploitable size tree inSimilipal R.F. Like the one mentioned hereincreased the revenue with low percent of salattracted attention of many. That the then D.F.O.Sri, Trilochan Rath, I.F.S., Karanjia Divisionrecorded -" Tree No.152, species - Champa(Michelia champaca), girth - 540 cm, markedduring 1974-75 in coupe No.III, lot No.1 ofKendumundi Felling Series, Jamua Block, TelsimCompartment No.9 yeilded 33.4008 cum. oftimber from 54 logs. Such trees still exist, thoughrare. The removal of such mature over size treesfrom top story created lasting gap in the canopy.The endemic species invaded the area and filledup the gap for favourable conditionals. Thusmaking good to replanish the volume of lostbiomass and rebuild the lost/dislinked ecologicalsystems of the massif's house hold.

Vegetation is the parameter of ecology. Thevegetative cover of Similipal is of muchimportance as it contains rich tropical broadleaved forest types broadly classified byC.H.Champion and S.K. Seth as "3C- NorthIndian Tropical Moist Decidious", covers a largechunk of area in the massif. This forest comprisinga compact block contains Semi-Evergreen forest,


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Sal sheds leaf and becomes leafless for 10 to 15days during summer. It gets preference over otherspecies as the principal species in forestrymanagement. Further it is a very good coppicer,drought resistant, tolarant to frost, fire and grazing.Though sal is common in Similipal valley, is ableto servive with a few other frost resistant speciesfound in Tinadhia, Jamua, Nawana, Similipal-Garh, Meghasani areas. (Mishra & Bose-1973).

Ecology of Similipal Hill Forest

The biodiversity of Similipal reserve forestswith its typical ecosystems, is the benevolent giftof nature to living beings. The regulatory andfunctionary role of the massif in maintaining theecological balance and regulating the ecosystemssuffer from temporary set back and dislinkscaused by the biotic factors specially by fire,grazing, poaching, clearfelling and frost. The neftymassif covered by forest growth stands as abarrier on the tropic of cancer on the north easternedge of the Decan Plateau. The south westmonsoon wind passing over the Bay of Bengal innothernly direction hits the hill range and getsdeflected inducing rain in coastal areas and ininteriors of south west Orissa. The low pressurecyclonic storms created in the Bay of Bengal whenpasses over the sea coast near Balasore getobstruction from the massif causing heavy rain.The vegetative cover influence and regulate therainfall, modulate atmospheric temperature,checks the velocity of wind flow, holds up waterby rootsystem at high altitudes, provides shed,shelter and food to birds and animals, enrichesatmosphere with moisture by transpiration. Thepurification of air by plant photosynthesis madeby assimilation of Carbon Di-oxide from theatmospheric air and in the process Oxygen isreleased to the air for use by animal kingdom -the great inter dependant relation of plant andanimal. Thus the quantum of Oxygen, so released

to the atmosphere by the plant kingdom, is veryhuge and its correct estimation is difficult.

Hence, the availability of pure Oxygen tothe organisms under the zone of influence of thehill reserve, shall reap the benefit of utilisation ofOxygen, till existance of the forest cover in theSimilipal massif with the living ecosystems.Further, aspectual deviation is noticed only forthe strategic situation of the massif, southern andwestern aspects being cooler. So the differencein vegetation pattern with forest types is met.

Besides the above, the forest cover of theSimilipal hill reduces the velocity of the rain drops,speed of the run-off, prevent erosion of land fromwater and wind, reduces flood intensity, chargesthe ground water reserve by uptimum percolationof rain water which later serve as perinnial watersupply source of nallas and streams throughoutthe year. The mode of perinnial water flow is thepart of typical ecosystems of the Similipal-hill-forests which is sending down the following river-systems in all directions which poet Radha-nathRay describes as under.

Salmali Sainlu tini sthane tini tatini jhare,Langhi nana bane janapade mishe banga sagare.

Uttare balangi madhye gangahara shona dakshine,Jala beni barne kurangi nayana nilima jine.


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From different parts of the Similipal hillsthree rivers rise and flow through wooded andinhabited regions and fall into the Bay of Bengalin the east. The Budhabalang which forms itselfinto a river, flows in the north, Gangadhar in themiddle and the Sone flows in the south. But theKharkai, the Salandi and numerous othertributaries rising from the Similipal hills fall intoBaitarani and Subernarekha. Other rivers originatefrom Similipal are - Deo, Khairi, Bhandan andJamira. These water ways meet the requirementof the plains encircling the massif and centralplains. The storms and cyclones cause immencedamage to the forest cover, besides, occuranceof dust storm in summer. It is stongly presumedby the ecologists that due to heavy storm in thepast the vast stretches of forest cover weredamaged and such patches have given rise to grasslands in higher altitudes, slopes and valleys of themassif, embracing a typical ecosystem with variedflora and fauna of Savanna forest. The Similipalgets good precepitation from dews, frost, mistetc., over and above, it receives from rains. Theedaphi conditions are favourable to the soilorganism namely - soil bactrias, fungii,actinomycetes, protozoas, soil arthopoda etc. formoist and humid condition suitable for them togrow and act. Thus the condition has cataliticaction to accelarate the process of conversion leaflitters to soil by these soil organisms, with otherspresent, to complete the process. The healthycondition of the soil is apparent from the fact thatthe biomas, of about 12 (twelve) tonnes / hacter/ annum, is actively decomposed by the organismsto prepare the top soil layer and supplimentingthe nutrients to maintain the fertility gradient. Thisecosystem is more rapid and juvenile in the moistvalleys of the Similipal hill forest. The moist andhumid condition enables the Similipal to proudlyembrace the leaches as the ecological parameterof Tropical Ever-Green Forest. In this ecosystem,

about 90 species of epiphytic and teresterrialorchid flora with several colour and fragrance isfound on stems, branches of trees and also onforest floor. This ecosystem provide healthycondition for growth of several variety of ediblefungii inside the valley which is collected by thepeople and suppliment their protin requirement.Similipal produces tonnes of edible variety whichhas much demand as it is delicious and nutrient.Further this ecosystem bear the major honeyproduction area in Similipal. The inhabitants atand around the massif depend very much on thishill reserve to collect several kinds of roots andtubers, flowers and fruits, leaves and barks, gumsand resins, honey and ax lac and cucoons etc. toearn livilihood, which the ecosystem providesfrom time immemorial. The tender structer andfunction of natural systems are very fine anddelicate which gets interupted if the interactionamong the living and non-living organisims isdisturbed which takes time for restoration.

Forest Types in Similipal

During 1958, the Botanical Survey of Indiamade survey of vegetation and flora of the Districtof Mayurbhanj besides the floral survey of Dr.Mooney and Haines during 1950 and 1924respectively. But the standard classification of thebroad leaved tropical forest types and sub-typesin the single compact block of Similipal has beenmade by Mr. C.H. Champion and S.K. Seth as"3C-North Indian Tropical Moist Decidious". Thisforest covers prominently a large area in themassif. (The types and sub-types met in Similipalhill range with crop composition are as follows :

Floral Diversity

The vegetation of Similipal comprises ofNorthern tropical semi-evergreen forest,Northern tropical moist deciduous forest, Drydeciduous hill forest, High level Sal forest, andgrassland and Savannah. It is the abode of 94


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species of orchids and 1076 species of otherplants. These include 3 species of orchids, whichare endemic, 8 plants which are endangered, 8plants species whose status is vulnerable and thereare 34 other rare species of plants. Endemism ishigh among tree ferns, orchids and medicinalplants. The endemic orchids are Eriameghasaniensis, tyna hookeriena andBulbophyllum panigrahianum. The endemicpaddy plants are Oryta officianalis and O.granulata. Similarly there is an endemic aquaticgrass namely Coix aquatica.

Story Ranjan (Oougenia), Amla (Emblicaofficinalis; Sunari (Cassia fistula), Chara(Buchnania lanjan). Shurbs met are Carissaspinarum, Holarrhena antidysenterica, etc.Bamboo is absent. Climbers are - Eauhinia vahli,Butea superba, smilax zylanica,

(iii). Moist Peninsular Sal

Sub-type 3C/2e (iii)

This sub-type is found all over the area inSimilipal hills up to an elevation of 800 metersabove M.S.L.Sal comes up very well in fertiginousloams and loamy clays. The quality of Sal is good(QII/III) and natural regeneration is adequate.This sub-type constitute the major forest crop andis of economic value. The associates of Sal are :-Terminalia alata, (Asan), Terminalia belerica(Bahada), Adina cordifolia (Koima/Kuruma),Pterocarpus marsupium (Piasal/Bija), Schleicheraoleosa (Kusum), Bombax malbarica, (Simul),Michelia champaca (champa), Alstonia scholaris(Chhatina) etc. The middle storey is representedby - Syzygium cumini (Jamu), Gugeinia cojeinesis(Panjan/Bandhan), Miliusa velutina (Dosal/Com-sal), Trema orientalis (Kakara, Rukuni), Emblicaofficinalis (Aonala), Cassia fistula (Sunari),Helicteres isora (Murmundi, Modimodika) etc.The shrub and under growth are -

Indigofrapulchella (Gibri, Gira), Moghniachapper, Ardisia solanacea, Flemingia chappar,Strobilanthes species, Clerodendron viscosumetc. and Wendlandia excerta (Zilam), Imperataarundinacea (Joon Grass) is very common.Cymbopogon martini (Rusa Grass), Eulaliopsisbinata (Sabai Grass), Anthistiria gigantia are alsofound. Thysandelaenea (Phulajhadu/FlowerBroom) occurs in small quantity near watercourses. Among rhizomatous plants - Curcumaaromatica (Palua) are found more commonly nearnalas. In very moist places orchids and farns arefound. The common climbers are Bauhinia Valhi(Siali climber), Milletia auriculata (Gora), Smilaxmacrophylla (Muturi/Juchuri /Ram Dantan)Combretum decandrum (Atundi) on moist red soiland laterite and Dioscora bulbifera (Pita alu),Asparagus spp. is found.

(iv). Moist Sal Savannah

Type - 3c/DSI.

This type occurs in hill tops, dry hill slopesand high valleys above 800 meter elevation insideSimilipal hills. The cause of these vast openingsare presumed to be either the old village clearancesor the cyclones in the past, frost and fire. Insuitable river bank graziers set fire to the dry grassevery year and maintain those in their own interest.These grass lands are excellent grazing grounds,devoid of tree cover, the frost and annual fire havecompleted the retrogation. Frost is problematicfor sal to regenerate and establish. Factors likedying - back, frost lifting and blisters kill Salsapling/poles up to 8 meters height. But it occursscattered in the grassy land with species likeEugenia uperculata, Phoenix sylvestris, Simplocosracemosa and Dilliena pentagyna. In patches overthese areas dense bushy seedlings of Sal withstunted growth, growth restricted by annual frostsare found around Nawana, Jamu, Tinadhia andupper Budhabalang basin.The common grasses


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found are Imperata Arundinacea, Anthes tiriagigantea and Sacharum spontaneum. Fragmiteskarka are near water courses only.

(v). Orissa Tropical Semi-Evergreen Forest

Type - 2 B / 3C.

This type is confined to deep and dampvalleys of the perennial streams and nalas foundin small pockets inside Similipal hills having anumber of decidious trees in the top storey. Theyare leafless for a short period, but the secondstorey is evergreen. The ground storey is coveredwith evergreen shrubs. Sal is absent/rare. Nograss for the shade of the closed canopy. Thespecies in the top canopy found are - MicheliaChampaca, Artocarpas lacoocha (Jeota), Cedrelaciliata (Toon), Mangifera indica (Amba)Allanthaus excelsa (Magaki/Mahanim), Brideliaretusa (Kasi), Mesua ferrea (Nageswar), XyliaXylocarpa (Bakhira/Kangada), Polyaltheacerasioides (Champati), Macaranga peltata(Manda), Litvala nitida, Anthocepalus indica,Amoora dohituka Bischophia javanica, Syziziumcuminii etc. Under storey is mainly with Leeacrispa, Curcuma aromatica, Salix tetrasperma andTrewia nudiflora which are found on streambanks.

(vi). Very Moist Peninsular Sal

Type - 2 B / 3 C

This type occupies pockets in the deep anddamp valleys like (2B/3C) type with differencethat Sal is absent. According to Champion andSeth, much of the area occupied by this type is astable Sub-Climax to Semi-Evergreen (2B/3C)conditioned by burning. On introduction of fireprotection, progression rapidly starts withestablishment of a dense evergreen under growthincluding tree species. This fact indicates that partsof Sal forest may be of secondary origin, anedaphic climax occurring only on well drained

ridges and slopes. It gradually merges with theMoist Peninsular type.

The main associates of Sal in the top storeyare :- Dillenia pentagy, Terminalla alata, Brideliaretusa, Adina cordifolia (Kaim/Kurum), Bombaxceiba (Simul), Alstonia scholaris (Chhatiana),Anthocephalus Indicus (Kadamba),Lagerstroemia parviflora (Sidha), Polyalthia spp.,Litsea nitida, etc. Bamboo is absent. The commonshrubs found are - Webera corymbosa, Ardisiasolanacea, Leea spp, Macaranga peltata andStrobilanthes spp.. Grass such as Panicum andImperata and climbers like - Bauhinia vahlii, andButea superba. This type is of greater importancethan the Semi-evergreen type because it containsrich percentage of good quality Sal.

(Vii). Moist Mixed Decidious Forests.

Type - 3C / 3C

This type is found in patches all over thehills having favourable edaphic conditions mainlydrainage and moisture congenial for sustainanceand growth of Sal. The deep damp valley withmoisture and inadequate drainage is not suitablefor Sal. Such tracks are occupied by the tropicalsemi-evergreen species whereas in moist mixeddeciduous forests, Sal is rare or absent, appearto be seral with favourable condition can comeup with dominance and characterize the climaxformation. It is noteworthy that although south andeast Similipal hills gets maximum rain, being firstto intercept the monsoon winds, it supports a verydry mixed type of forests with many of its species,tending to be xerophytes due to poor waterretaining capacity of the soil making stuntedgrowth of Sal in vast stretch as it is not suitablefor Sal. This type occuring in portions of severalcompartment of the massif namely - Khairi,Balang West, Khadkei, contains low per centageof Sal. The top canopy of the type is representedby - Xylia xylocarpa, pentagyna, Bridelia retusa,


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Terminelia alata, Hymenodictyon excelsum,michelia champaca, etc. The middle storey isrepresented by kydia calycina, Anogeissuslatifolia, Alangium lamerkii, Polyalthia Spp. Theunder storey comprises species like Nyctanthesarbortrut is, Helcteres isora, Colebrookiaoppositifolia, etc., and common climbers are -Bauhinia vahlii, Millettia auriculata, Dioscorea spp.etc.

(viii). Dry Peninsular Sal Forests

Type - 5 B/ Cic.

This type of forest is confined to parts ofhill blocks outside the Similipal reserves, wherethough the rainfall is high, the condition is notfavourable for development of moist Sal due toedaphic factors. Blocks like Satakosia, Jari,Kanapat, Tunguru, Sarali, etc. receives goodrainfall but the soil is shallow with laterite strataor is calcareous. It bears Sal in good proportionbut of poor quality (QIV) and unsoundness iscommon even in low age. The steep slopes andridges of the hills where the drainage and moisturecondition becomes acute Sal give room toassociate species.)

Scientific Management of Wildlife

The flora and fauna are inter-connected,inter-related and inter-dependant. Healthy forestcover embraces verieties of fauna depending onit, subject to limitation of its carrying capacity.Extinction of one species of plant kingdom causeselimination of 30 (thirty) faunal Spp. Governmentvisualizing the trend of Biological depletion startedthe systematic and scientific management, to lookafter the wildlife of the Similipal reserve forestsby creating a National Park during 1957 withHead quarters at Jashipur. A handful of staffheaded by one Asst. Conservator of Forest weredeployed to look after the protection of SimilipalForest and simultaneously engaged in collection

of arrowroot, honey, wax, resin etc. During 5thPlan period the Similipal Tiger Reserve wascreated in 1973 under the scheme Project Tiger,launched by Government of India, with full centralfinance. But the central finance was reduced to50 % and the rest of 50 % became the Stateshare from 6th Plan period. On creation of thetiger reserve the national park Division with itsinfrastructure merged with tiger project, as thewildlife management remained with the SimilipalTiger Reserve.

Tiger Project

The Tiger Project had two demarcatedzones namely- Core and Buffer. The managementof wild life of the whole project and protection ofthe core area remained with the Director of TigerProject. The habitat study and preparation ofmanagement plan was prepared by LateS.R.Chaudhury, I.F.S., the first Field Director ofSimilipal Tiger Project. The model of advancedstrategy of management was coined for growthof wild life and improvement of the ecosystem ofthe Similipal Hill Reserve. The protective staff ofthe Project Tiger effectively controlled thepoaching and improved the habitat by developingpasture grounds, salt licks and water bonds. TheV.H.F. and net work of telephone connectionsto staff head-quarters all over the project area,to communicate the incident of poaching or illicit


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cutting could be curbed down the forest to theminimum. The supply of weapons to the staff forself-protection from wildlife and poachers/offenders gives enough moral confidence tocombat with the offenders and poachers. Theroads developed over 360 kms out of 947 kmsby the S.F.D.C. Ltd. facilitated for protection andpatrolling in the interior areas of the massif roundthe year.

Similipal soon became familiar in and outside the country for the tigress reared and broughtup by Late Saroj Raj Choudhury, the FieldDirector, The cub presented to him by the Khariasof Similipal was maintained for study ofbehaviour, habit and instinct as well as aspects ofreproductive biology, senses and inter- specificintractions of the free-living tigress.

The conservative eco-conservation strategyaugmented by the managers of the tiger project,resulted in the increase of the number of the highestpredator of the biological pyramid, the Tiger, from17 in 1973 to 99 in 2002. The increase in thepopulation of Royal Bengal Tigers (Panthera tigris)amply speaks of the revived healthy ecologicalcondition where the tiger and other carnivour andherbivour live. Any change in the ecosystem willadversely influence the biodiversity, causing lossor even extinction of the epecies. To reduce theman-animal conflict, proposal was mooted to evictand resettle the 62 villagers outside the projectarea as about 95% of the inhabitants are Adivasis.Most of the plain forests have been encroachedfor agriculture thus shrinking the wildlife habitate.When the animals stray in to their crop field, theykill those and even the elephants with poisonedarrow or bullet shots. More disappointing is thatthese villagers being directed or accompanied byShikaries/poachers kill the male elephant for ivory,the tusk. The tusk hunting racket is operating allover the country. During crop season of October

- November, the elephants are shot with poisonedarrows in the temple and under the ears as a resultof which is grounded after a month or two andsuccumb to the injury. Till then the gang membersof the arrow hitter keep track of the animal whoin right moment extract the tusks and hand overthose to the trader to get the balance dues. One70 year old elephant, who met his last on 30th.December 1983 in Gorumahisani R.F. ofRairangpur Sub-division after being hit by thepoachers. The Forest Officials were moniteringthe movement of the animal. After his death theD.F.O. and his staff salvaged the tusks measuring6ft. 2" (R) and 5 ft. 8" (L) weighing 38.600 kg.

Project Elephant

The elephant is an Schedule - I animal underthe Wildlife (Protection) Act. 1972. The ProjectElephant was launched in February 1992 byGovernment of India for Conservation ofElephants. Since 1991 the ivory trade is completlybanned. The impact of conservation and thesecurity of their habitat is the primary necessityfor survival of the elephants in our country. Theirmigration paths and the corridors need to beprotected and poaching for tusks is to beprevented. The impact of conservation was onSimilipal and 700 sq.kms. was covered under theProject Elephants. Initially the Project Tiger in


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Similipal extended over only 330 sq.kms whichwas latter extended to 2750 sq.kms with corezone of 845 sqkms and buffer zone of 1905sqkms being overlapped by tourism zone. Theelephant population in Similipal is an increasingtrend because of the healthy ecologicalbiodiversity. There are more than 512 elephants.the carrying capacity of the area under theprevailing ecosystem keeps the elephants andother fauna in healthy condition.

National Park, Sanctuary - ProtectedArea - The Indian Board of Wildlife definedNational Park as "an area dedicated by the statutefor all time to conserve scenery, national andhistorical objects of national significance andwildlife and where provision is made for enjoymentof the same by public." The project core areahas been notified as National Park by Govt. on6.8.80 and buffer as sanctuary, both under theWildlife (Protection) Act. 1972 dated 13.12.79.The Indian Board of Wildlife had also definedSanctuary as "an area where killing or capturingof any animal species of bird or animal isprohibitated except under orders of competentauthority and whose boundaries and charactershould be sacrosant as far as possible." The Boardhas further clarified the position by stating thatwhile the management of sanctuary does notinvolve suspension or restriction of normal forestryoperation it is desirable to set aside a completelysacrosant area within a sanctuary to be known as"Abhayaranya." It is also indicated that thesanctuaries should be made accessible to thepublic ... (Stracey-63)

Thus the protected area of 2,750 kms. ofSimilipal Reserve Forests is the conglomerationof National Park, Project Tiger and Sanctuary.In wildlife management national parks are givenhigh level of protection and, prohibitions andrestrictions have been made under Clause (6 &7) of Section 35 and provisions of Section 27,

28 and 30, 31 and 32 and Clause a, b, c, ofSection 33 and 34 of Wildlife (Protection) Act1972 is being applied in the protected area -Similipal, as required in the best interest of themanagement of the park.

Akhand Sikar

The tribal hunt on the day following PanaSankranti in Mayurbhanj district is widely knownas Akhanda Sikar which is in vogue since DarbarRule and is observed for one day. But theAkandaSikar now-a-days spreads over more than onemonth, with indiscriminate killings of all types ofgame without discrimination, followed by picnicsand merry-makings. To resist and combat the masskilling operation of Adivasis the governmentmechinary remain very busy and alert even afterdeployment of Forest, Police and A.P.R. forcesin large number all armed, to save the animals butlittle effect. Of course some offenders are usedto be booked during this preventive operation.The killing and poaching inside protected area ofSimilipal has not been stopped completely forreasons earlier mentioned. The history of the Statedescribes about the engagement and involvementof the local people in Akhanda Paridhi, Hakaand Kheda operation besides Sikar which wassports for royal family and their guests. Elephantcapturing though costly was also practised inMayurbhanj. Such methods have been imprintedin the minds of the people of the area who usuallynever hesitate to eleminate even the species likeelephants without fear. Such incidents are alsonot very uncommon in the other Protected areas.Such people are still in operation in the protectedareas.

Similipal Development Corporation

During seventies, Similipal forest wasconsidered suitable by the National Commissionon Agriculture for aggressive man-made forestry


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with tropical pine and other first growing hardwood species, for plantation project. It wassuggested that the lower slopes of Similipal upto300 meter elevation should be clearfelled andplanted with teak which has high value anddemand inside and outside the country and toplant up the upper slope with tropical pine. Theyeild per hector was estimated as 10 cum. perhector per annum with annual yeild of more than20 lakh of cubic meter as against the recordedannual yeild of about 50,000 cum. This proposalwas strongly protested by Sri Sripal Jee, IFS,the Chief Conservator of Forests who put forthhis views that the clearfelling of the natural forestand planting up with other species shall badlyaffect the ecosystem and environment. So, it wassuggested to fully exploit the sal seed potential ofSimilipal forests by improving the infrastructuralfacility and to attract the institutional finance forall round development of Similipal. The SimilipalDevelopment Corporation was registered on14.12.1979 with authorised capital of rupees twocrores. Accordingly, production orientedmanagement plan for the natural forests wasprepared for saving Similipal from ecologicaldisaster. The S.F.D.C. started its ecofriendlyoperation from 1st April 1980 for environmentalupgradation and improvement of the ecology ofthe area as well as socio-economic condition ofthe people. For all round development of Similipal2228 sqkms area, excluding protected area, wasgiven on lease for 20 years. The S.F.D.C.undertook stock mapping and enumeration of thestanding crop. According to enumeration figurethere were as many as 3.41 crores of trees above30 cm girth out of which 2.83 crores were soundand 0.58 crores were unsound. Of these, treesof 150 cm and up in girth were 14.77 lakh soundand 4.85 lakh unsound. Trees above 150 cm andabove girth 73000 sound and 24000 unsoundwere available for exploitation with 20 years felling

cycle, without affecting the future yeild.(Kanungo'85).

The objective of the corporation was toincrease the timber and firewood production,maximisation of M.F.P. collection from theSimilipal forests to develop and improve the roadlinks inside the massif for all-weathercommunication and other need-basedinfrastructural developments. The Corporationaimed to improve the growing stock by silviculturaloperations and compensatory planting, besidesgiving protection to forests from illegal felling,poaching and fire. As such the management andprotection of Similipal Reserve Forest, except thecore area of the Project Tiger, which covers thesanctuary, became the responsibility of theS.F.D.C. Ltd. For effective management ofwildlife, the Project Managers of the S.F.D.C.were declared as Wildlife Wardens in theirrespective jurisdictions. Further, the DeputyManagers were also delegated with concurrantpowers of forest officers under the Wildlife(protection) Act 1972. The road length insideSimilipal is 947 kms out of which about 360 kmswere developed by S.F.D.C. under the processof infrastructure development which facilitatedamply for protection and patrolling. In persuanceto the objectives, the corporation continued tomaximise the collection of M.F.P., timberextraction, setting up M.F.P. processing, packing,bottling units, construction of culverts and bridgeswith widening and improvement of roads forextraction of forest produce and facilitatedevelopment of tourism. Necessary programmeand plan was prepared by the corporation foreconomic development of the local people whoare mainly Adivasis. To reduce pressure on theforest, schemes were made to provide alternative,to earn livilihood. During its working for threeyears only, generated 10, 18 and 23 lakh mandays during 1980-81 to 1982-83, respectively


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benefiting the local tribals and Adivasis, livingbelow the proverty line. The eco-friendly and eco-development measures of the corporation withphased programme of socio-economicdevelopment of the local people to keep awayfrom forest and gain support of the public forprotection and conservation of the forests ofSimilipal could not be materilalised, as the treefelling in Similipal was stopped by Government,by issue of ban order from April 1982, basing onthe recommendation of the House Committee ofthe State Assembly and at least it was mergedwith its libility and assets with the ForestDevelopment Corporation Ltd. and functions asan unit only.

People in Similipal

The bulk of the people inside and in theperiphery of Similipal are of aboriginal status.Some of them are in their authocathonalprimitiveness as in the case of Eranga Kharias,the Mankidias and the Sabharas who mainly livein the forests. The Eranga Kharias considerSimilipal as their primordial home and they live inthe forest and depend entirely on it. Most of theminor forest produce like - honey, wax, resin,arrowroot etc. are collected by Kharias. Bhagatas,Bhumija, Dals, Desua Bhumija, Dharuas, Kisans,Kondhs, Matyas, Omantyas, Orangs, Parajas,Prengas, Rajuars and Saharas are not many anddo not have any influance on Similipal. The Santalswho constitute more than half the population oftribals of the district are the most advanced amongthe tribals. They are hard working, cleanly dressedagriculturists - with high sensitivity to environmentalaesthetics. The Bhumijas, Bhuiyans, Hos andGonds are major groups, who are settledagriculturists and are advanced. The PauriBhuiyans live near the forests and collects foodfrom forest. The Mahalis are basket makers andthe Sounties are mostly landless labourers who

live on wage earning. Mankidias lead nomadiclife, collect siali fiber, make ropes and keepmonkey as pets, hence called Mankidias. TheSaharas collect fire wood, herbal plants, roots,fruits, leaves, gums, resin and flowers and sellthose in the local market to earn living. (Mishra& Bose'76).

Similipal Biosphere

After prolong deleberation and sincereefforts over the years, Similipal was declared asBiosphere, a concept of bigger protected area,on 22nd June 1992 by Government. TheBiosphere is an international concept conceivedby UNESCO and aims at conserving samples ofecosystems with genetic diversity for promotionof research and to ensure management of livingresources, imparing knowledge for sustainabledevelopment and to promote international relation.The Man and Biosphere Committee examinedand considered the following requisites to approveSimilipal to function as Biosphere.

1. Presence of genetic diversity and potentialfor conservation of ecosystem in its totality.

2. Effectiveness as conservation unit -availability of legal protection, freedom fromhuman interference.

3. Representativeness.

4. Naturalness (least modified by man).

5. Importance - Unique richness in geneticresources; areas which need immediate attentiondue to continuing threat to species containedtherein; preservation of accumulated knowledgeby specific ethnic groups.

The level of management and managementobjectives of the biosphere shall be like otherprotected areas under the Wildlife (Protection)Act 1972, till it is covered under the Act. Unlikeother protective areas, Biosphere is comprised


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of three distinct zones namely - (a) core, (b) bufferand (c) manipulation / transition Zones, all withdemarcated boundaries. These zones are set asidefor specific function, such as : Core - the sacrosantarea - fully protected. The Buffer - for research,environmental education and training, tourisim andrecreation. The Transition zone should haveresearch facility, sustainable eco-developmentand peoples participation, silvicultural operation,management of settlements etc.

The Similipal hillmass has status of'Protected Area' since last four decades with welldemarcated lines of Core and Buffer Zones ofthe Tiger Project (National Park & Sanctuary).For effective protection V.H.F. links are providedall over the massif. This helps in communicatinginformation to check illegal entry for poaching ortree felling, thereby facilitating the project staff totake early action. Immediate attention oncontinuing threat of illicit felling, poaching, huntingand encroachment is needed. This instant problemcan be met by deploying well trained protectivepersonnels and motivators for interaction with thepeople in and around the biosphere limit. As theconcept of protection of Biosphere is differentfrom national park / sanctuaries, peoples'participation in protection is most essential as thearea of 2750 sq.kms of Similipal Hill Reserve has

legal protection by Forest Acts. The people ofthe core villages need to be taken out of the coreearly.

Fauna and its Natural Habitat

Animals guided by instinct, are territorial inhabit, inhabit different altitudes of forest typeshaving different kinds of habitat which sustainfloras as under :

Dense Wood Land : It accomodates defusedSambar (Cervus unicolor), Kutra (MuntiacusMuntjack), wild boar (Sus scrofa cristatus), gaur(Bos gaurus), elephant (Elephas maximus),gurandi (Tragulus memina).

Open Wood Land : Though defused, but denserin this habitat, animals met are - Sambar, cheetal(Axix axis), kutra, wild boar, porcupine (Hystrixindica), refus tailed hare (Lepus nilgricollies) andalong the long valleys to south, four-hornedantelope (Tetraceros quadricornis), elephants arefound in more nocturnal occupancy of these areas.Sloth bear (Melursus ursinus), hyena (Hyaenahyaena), ratel (Mellivora capensis) and the Indianpangolin (Manis crassicaudata) are also foundhere.

The Srubs : - These are diurnal grazing ground ofSambars. Wild boar is also found here during daytime lying on grass.

Open Ground and Field : - This type coversthe annual frost bitten grass lands of extensivepatches bordering the woodlands, grass lands onnala and stream banks. Grass lands above 1000meter and higher valleys are most suitable for allthe gregarious successional species of deer andantilopes. Cheetal in small groups found nearvillages like Bakua, Garh-Similipal, Barheipani,Nawana and Chahala. Repeated tribal hunt andpoaching have cleaned off the Cheetal from thearea which had high density of the spp. earlierover the area. Four-horned antelope is found in


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the grassy openings. Sambar and Kutura makeuse of the fringe at night. Elephant occasionallyvisits. Hares and porcupines are found here inhigh density. This is a good habitat for Wild Buffalo(Bubalus bubalis). Black buck (Antilopecervicapra) and blue bull (Boselaphustragocamelus) are to be transplanted as are absentin the national park.

In general over lap on the terrestrialformation types are found in the primates likeRhesus macaque (Macaca mulatta) and thecommon langur (Presbytis entellus). The Indianpangolin (Manis crassicaudata) is dispersed inpockets all over the hills. The Indian giant squirrel(Ratufa indica) is found all over. The commongiant flying squirrel (Petanrista petanrista) is alsofound in some areas.

Avifauna - Similipal has varied avifaunaof peninsular and also of Himalayan region. Thepeafowl (Pavocristatus), red jungle fowl (Gallusgallus), red spurfowl (Galloperdix spadicea),

painted spurfowl (G. iunulata) the black patridge(France linua francolinus), grey patridge (F.pondicerianus) and quails of all types. The famousmimic bird, Hill Mayna (Gracula religiosa) isplentiful.

Similipal forest covers and terrain and idealhabitat for tiger (Panthara tigris) and panther (P.paradus) with ample prey animals. This area iswell dispersed having good ambush cover and isthe ideal abode of big cats as stated earlier withdens over the area. Some dens are in use now.

Hyena (Hyeana hyeana) - are found in all theterrestrial types.

Wild Dogs occur in small groups.

Reptiles - the species met are - Python (Pythonmolurus), Ring Cobra (Bungarus faciatus), Cobra(naja naja), Rat snake (Ptyas mucosus), CommonKrait (Bungarus caerules), Russel's viper (Viperarusselli) etc.

Mugger (Crocodilus plugtris) is found in Khairiand Budhabalang rivers. (Chaudhury-'74)

Fish : A special type fish called 'Trout' locallycalled Khajara, is found only in the rivers namely- Deo, Khairi and Bhandan of Similipal HillReserve. It is tasty but can not be kept long aftercatch as it gets decomposed soon.

Conclusion

There is one distasteful aspect that thisdevelopmental process has its appelling arroganceboth towards nature as well as traditional culture.The main point is to be considered here is to findout the means of integral yoga of economicadvancement together with environmentalprotection. With the development of civilisation,Justice as social goal has been fundamentallyrecognised.

To-day's society's interaction with natureis so intensive that the environmental question has


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assumed proportions, affecting all humanity.Industrialisation, urbanisation, depletion oftraditional resources of energy and raw-materials,the disruption of natural ecological balances, thespecies for economic reasons and sometimes forno good reason at all are factors which havecontributed to the environmental deterioration.While the scientific and technological progress ofman has invested him with immense power overnature, it has also resulted in the unthinking use ofthe power, encroaching endlessly on nature. Ifman is able to transform desert into oasis, he isalso leaving behind the deserts in place of oasis.

What is needed is the general awarenessand social consciousness to consider the problemat once. Environmental literacy on the part of thegeneral masses is an imperative. This is the goalof to-day. Development is good, but it should notbe at the cost of ravishing our natural resources.When water is pollutated air is obnoxious, foodstuff are poisoned, what is the use of economicprosperity.

When every thing was in disarry, theshrinking of the forest cover in Similipal was in anincreasing pace making its rare ecosystem injeopardy. With the unfatigued effort of more thanforty years, with sufficient caution and foresightsvarious Governmental organisations like - Project

Tiger, National Park, S.F.D.C. Ltd. and theconcerned Forest Department have jointlyundertaken the rescue operation and revival ofthe disturbed links of the ecology by ensuringeffect protection. The timely declaration of theBiosphere Reserve comes as a harbinger ofblessed hope. It is attributed to the nature's bountya water-shed mark in the centuries old history ofSimilipal. History says the reality and the reality isalways a shadeless sow. Can we save it; the onousis upon us, it needs a solemn pledge - "Live andLet Live".

References :Senapati N. & Sahu. N.K., 1967, Orissa District GazetteersMayurbhanj, Orissa Government Press, Cuttack.

Champion H.G. & Seth. S.K., 1968, General Silviculturefor India, Government of India, Publication Branch,Department of Printing & Stationary, Delhi-6.

Stracey, P.D., 1963, Wildlife in India, its Conservationand Control, Ministry of Food and Agriculture,Department of Agriculture, Government of India, NewDelhi.

Mishra.R., 1973-74, Revised Working Plan of KaranjiaDivision, FFAH Department, Government of Orissa,Bhubaneswar.

Bose. S., 1973-74, Revised Working Plan of BaripadaDivision, FFAH Dept. Government of Orissa.

Kanungo. B.C., 1975, Conserve Similipal in itsWilderness, Orissa Environment Society, 1975.

Choudhury. S.R., 1974, Management Plan of SimilipalTiger Reserve.

Sri Samarendu Das and Sri Balabhadra Prasad Das areliving at Surya Vihar, Link Road, Cuttack and Sri B.P.Das is the Ex-DFO-cum-Wild Life Warden, KaranjiaDivision.

Documents

Similipal Biosphere : Genesis of Historicity