Koraput, June 25 (UDN): Odisha’s efforts to conserve and promote aromatic wood plantations have received a major boost with a recent survey revealing the presence of nearly 1.8 lakh sandalwood trees across Koraput district.
The sandalwood trees have been identified across 605 hectares of forest land spread over 12 hills under the Nandapur Forest Range in the Semiliguda forest section of the Koraput Forest Division.
A detailed census conducted by the Forest Department found that the district possesses one of the state’s significant natural sandalwood resources. The survey was carried out by a team led by Koraput Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Siddhartha Jain, along with Assistant Conservator of Forests (ACF) Jagannath Prasad Bisoi, Forester Gopinath Pangi and other field staff.
Following the survey, forest officials have proposed a series of measures to strengthen the protection and conservation of the valuable aromatic species. The recommendations include installation of solar-powered fencing, deployment of CCTV surveillance systems in vulnerable locations, appointment of dedicated security personnel and revival of inactive forest protection committees to enhance community-based monitoring.
The proposals have reportedly been forwarded to the state Forest Department for approval.
The conservation initiative assumes significance amid concerns over the gradual depletion of sandalwood resources in Koraput’s hill forests. Allegations regarding illegal felling and smuggling of sandalwood had earlier prompted intervention by national and state authorities.
Acting on complaints related to the decline of sandalwood trees, senior forest officials had directed a comprehensive assessment of the ground situation and recommended immediate protective measures.
During the extensive field survey, officials observed that while a large number of sandalwood trees continue to survive in the region, several trees were found in poor condition with exposed and damaged roots, allegedly due to illegal extraction activities.
Forest officials expressed concern that continued illegal interference could threaten the long-term survival of the species if adequate protection measures are not implemented.
Nandapur Forester Gopinath Pangi said effective conservation, scientific management and strengthened protection mechanisms could help revive the declining sandalwood population while restoring the ecological and economic importance of Koraput’s aromatic wood resources.
Officials believe that with sustained conservation efforts, Koraput has the potential to emerge as a major hub for sandalwood conservation and aromatic wood resources in the state.
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