Forestry research, in Karnataka

   Using satellite data the Forest Survey of India (FSI), Dehradun, since 1983 has been assessing forest cover of the country on a two-year cycle. The first assessment was published as the State of Forest Report (SFR) 1987. Since then, fourteen assessments of the countrys forest cover have been made. The mode of visual interpretation was gradually replaced by the technique of digital image processing (DIP). For State of Forest Reports 1995 and 1997, digital data was used for two states. For State of Forest Report 1999, digital data was used for fourteen states. For State of Forest Report 2001 and subsequent reports, digital data has been used for the entire country. The paper presents salient points of the report in general and forest cover and Tree cover scenario in Karnataka in particular. 

   The Karnataka Forest Department has a fairly long tradition of forestry research. In the early 1900s, the then Conservator of Forests and ex-officio Secretary to the Government of the princely state of Mysore, Mr. Muthanna had encouraged research works to control the dreaded, Spike disease, which had seriously affected the sandalwood trees. During the year 1938, the Forest Research Laboratory was set up in Bengaluru, which was the second forest research institute in the country after the Forest Research Institute at Dehradun established in 1906. The Forest Research Laboratory, Bengaluru had carried out research works on various subjects including, investigation on Spike disease, finding alternative wood such as Yethyaga (Adina cordifolia), Buruga (Bombax malabarica) and Sampige (Michelia champaca) for Battery Separators, development of tool handles with Dindiga (Anogeissus latifolia) and Dhaman (Grewia tiliaefolia), development of Eucalyptus hybrid, decorative small wood work, use of bamboo cellulose for rayon, work on lac development with host plants such as Jalari (Shorea talura), Kusum (Schleichera trijuga), bore (Zizyphus jujuba) and Ficus species, essential oils from Bursera delpechiana and Pogostemon patchouli. The Forest Research Laboratory was transferred to the Central Government in 1956. It is now under the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE), Dehradun and has been renamed as Institute of Wood Science and Technology, Bengaluru.

   After Independence, the State government decided to have an officer exclusively to conduct and supervise forestry research and related works in the state. One State Silviculturist with headquarters at Bengaluru was appointed during 1948. During early 1970s, two more posts of Silviculturists were created and the jurisdictions of the three Silviculturists were re-organized as follows:

(1) Silviculturist, Southern Zone, Headquarters at Mercara (Madikeri), 

(2) Silviculturist, Central Zone, Headquarters at Bengaluru and

(3) Silviculturist, Northern Zone, Headquarters at Dharwar. 

   The Silviculturists were forest officers of the rank of Deputy Conservator of Forests (DCF). They were working under the supervision of the Conservator of Forests (CF), Research and Utilization with headquarters at Bangalore. Subsequently, one more post of DCF, Research with headquarters at Bellary was created by reorganizing the zonal jurisdictions of the Silviculturists. During the last two decades the Research wing has undergone significant transformation. It is now headed by an officer of the rank of Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests. The posts of Silviculturists / DCF, Research have been upgraded and re-designated as Conservator of Forests (CF) / Chief Conservator of Forests (CCF), Forest Research. There is also a Deputy Conservator of Forests with headquarters at Bengaluru who looks after various aspects of production, development and certification of seeds. In addition, there is an Assistant Conservator of Forests, Forest Utilisation with headquarters at Bangalore. The number of sub-divisions and ranges dedicated to forestry research has also increased over the years in keeping with the expansion of research activities of the department.