FORESTS OF ODISHA

Odisha is a state with a lot of different kinds of land and weather, which means it has many types of forests. These forests include tropical semi-evergreen, tropical moist deciduous, tropical dry deciduous, and coastal or mangrove forests. Each type of forest is important for both the environment and the economy.

Forests in Odisha are really valuable because they provide things like timber, pulp for paper, herbs, fuelwood, and food for animals. They also help prevent soil from washing away, make the soil richer, cut down on pollution, and even help with rainfall.

Here’s a simplified version of the information on forests in Odisha, designed for 9th and 10th standard students:

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Forest Areas in Odisha

1. Recorded Forest Area

According to the India State of Forest Report, 2017, the total forest area in Odisha is 61,204.17 sq km, which is 39.31% of the state’s total area. This forest area is divided into three types:

• Definition: Forests designated for timber production and other forest products. Grazing and cultivation are allowed under certain conditions.
• Area: 36,049.25 sq km
• Percentage of Total Forest Area: 58.90%

2.Protected Forests

• Definition: Forests where grazing and cultivation have minor restrictions.
• Area: 24,940.69 sq km
• Percentage of Total Forest Area: 40.75%

1. Unclassed Forests

• Definition: Forests that are largely inaccessible or unoccupied.
• Area: 214.214 sq km
• Percentage of Total Forest Area: 0.35%

3. Forest Cover

The forest cover in Odisha is 51,345 sq km, which is 35.54% of the state’s total area and 6.90% of India’s total forest cover. It is divided into three categories:

• Very Dense Forest (VDF): 6,967 sq km
• Moderately Dense Forest (MDF): 21,370 sq km
• Open Forest (OF): 23,008 sq km

District-Wise Forest Cover (2017)

Here’s a table showing the forest cover in different districts of Odisha:

District	Total Forest Cover (sq km)	% of District’s Area Covered by Forests
Angul	2,755	43.22%
Balangir	1,131	17.2%
Baleshwar	380	9.98%
Bargarh	1,031	17.66%
Boudh	1,289	41.61%
Bhadrak	75	2.99%
Cuttack	796	20.24%
Debagarh	1,472	50.07%
Dhenkanal	1,417	31.83%
Gajapati	2,520	58.27%
Ganjam	2,103	25.63%
Jagatsinghapur	136	8.15%
Jajpur	303	10.45%
Jharsuguda	322	15.23%
Kalahandi	2,418	30.53%
Kandhamal	5,392	67.22%
Kendrapara	305	11.54%
Kendujhar	3,212	38.68%
Khordha	457	16.25%
Koraput	2,089	23.72%
Malkangiri	2,342	40.44%
Mayurbhanj	4,080	39.16%
Nabarangpur	1,103	20.85%
Nayagarh	1,710	43.96%
Nuapada	1,273	33.05%
Puri	214	6.15%
Rayagada	3,126	44.2%
Sambalpur	3,280	49.52%
Subarnapur	350	14.98%
Sundergarh	4,264	43.9%

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Types of Forests in Odisha

According to the Forest Department of Odisha, forests in the state can be broadly classified into four main types based on relief, rainfall, and vegetation. Here’s a look at each type:

1. Northern Tropical Semi-Evergreen Forests

• Location: Found in lower hills and valleys, at elevations above 600 meters. These forests are in areas like Dhenkanal, Athgarh, Puri, Mayurbhanj, Nayagarh, Parlakhemundi, Koraput, and Kalahandi.
• Characteristics:
• Top Storey Trees: Deciduous trees (lose their leaves for a short time).
• Second Storey Trees: Evergreen trees.
• Notable Trees: Mango, Mankarkendu, Arjun, Champa, Rai, Nageswar, and Manda.

2. Tropical Moist Deciduous Forests (Monsoon Forests)

• Location: Found in lower elevations, such as in Mayurbhanj and Keonjhar, and in districts bordering Madhya Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh. They cover about 80% of the state’s forest area.
• Sub-Types:
• Sal Forests:
  • Location: Mainly in North and North-East of Brahmani river, East of Tel river, and Sabari basin.
  • Important Tree: Sal.
• Male Bamboo and Thorny Bamboo:
  • Location: Eastern Ghats, basins of Mahanadi and Rushikulya rivers.
  • Uses: Paper pulp, house building, fencing, rafting material.
• Mixed Zone:
  • Location: Keonjhar, West of Deogarh, Bhuban, East of Dhenkanal, Nayagarh, Parlakhemundi, Bhubaneshwar, Sonepur, Athmalik, and Phulbani.
  • Notable Trees: Sal, Piasal, Kusum, Asan, Dhawra, and Daba Bamboo.

3. Tropical Dry Deciduous Forests

• Location: Found in drier regions like Balangir, Kalahandi, Sambalpur, Khariar, Gobindpur, and Deogarh. Also in the upper Tel, Nagavali, and Sabari basins.
• Characteristics:
• Notable Trees: Teak, Sal, Salia Bamboo, and Daba Bamboo.

4. Tidal Mangrove Forests (Coastal Forests)

• Location: Found along the sea-coast in areas like Bhitarkanika, delta of Mahanadi, and the mouths of rivers like Devi, Dhamara, Budhabalanga, and Subernarekha.
• Characteristics:
• Area: Bhitarkanika has the largest mangrove area (14,987 hectares).
• Importance: Protect against cyclones, stabilize coastal land, and prevent sea erosion.
• Notable Trees: Sundari, Karika, Bani, Rai, Guan, Palm, Coconut, and Ironwood. The mangrove forests are locally known as Hental Van.

Forests of the Eastern Ghats

• Location: Stretch from Northern Odisha through Andhra Pradesh to Tamil Nadu. The hilly areas in Odisha are known for rich vegetation and valuable plants.
• Problems:
• Podu Cultivation (Shifting Cultivation): Causes forest destruction and soil erosion.
• Cultivation of Rubber, Tea, and Coffee: Reduces forest cover and affects surface runoff.

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Forest Resources of Odisha

Odisha’s forests provide a variety of valuable resources. Here’s a simplified breakdown of the key resources:

1. Timber

• Important Trees:
• Sal: Found mainly in Southern Odisha.
• Teak: Mainly in Koraput, Balangir, and Kalahandi districts.
• Other Species: Piasal, Bandhan, Kangad, Kasi, Asana, Sissu, Kusum, Kendu, Canes, Sandalwood, Myrobalan.

2. Bamboo

• Coverage: Bamboo makes up about 26% of both dry and moist deciduous forests.
• Uses:
• Paper Production: Bamboo from tropical forests is used in paper mills in Cuttack and Rayagadh districts.

3. Tobacco

• Kendu Leaves: Odisha is the third-largest producer in India, after Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh.

4. Orchids

• Variety: Out of 1200 species in India, about 120 species are found in Odisha, including rare types.
• Special Areas:
• Orchidarium: Areas like Simlipal and Mahendragiri are designated for orchid cultivation to boost tourism.

5. Medicinal Plants

• Location: Over 200 medicinal plants identified in Gandhamardan and Simlipal hills.
• Notable Plants:
• Sarpagandha (Patalgaruda): Endangered, used for snake bites and other traditional remedies.
• Others: Swasamari, Kochila, Korean, Thalkudi.

6. Aromatic Plants

• Kiya: Found in Ganjam district, used in local products.
• Sal: Resin used to make Chua oil, which is used in perfumes, tobacco, and medicine.
• Citrus Species: Used for perfumes and pharmaceuticals.
• Vetiver: Grown in swampy areas, its roots are used in high-grade perfumes.
• Lemongrass: Mainly used for thatching; oil quality is poor. Found in cold hill regions.
• Pignut (Chan): Edible oil used in Gandhamardan hills.

7. Other Resources

• Examples: Gum, resin, mahua (a flower used for food and drinks), firewood, and honey.

Government Departments for Forest Development in Odisha

1. Department of Forest and Environment, Odisha

• Purpose:
• Protect, regenerate, and expand forest and tree cover in Odisha.
• Encourage local involvement in environmental management and conservation.
• Guidelines Followed:
• National Forest Policy, 1988
• Odisha Forest Sector Vision 2020
• Joint Forest Management Resolution, 2011

2. Odisha Forest Development Corporation Limited (OFDC)

• Established: 1990
• Formation: Merged various forest corporations:
• Odisha Forest Corporation (1962)
• Simlipal Forest Development Corporation Limited (1979)
• Odisha Composite Board (1983)
• Odisha Plantation Development Corporation Limited (1985)
• Objectives:
• Exploit forest resources scientifically.
• Provide fair wages to forest laborers.
• Promote forest-based industries.
• Generate revenue for the government.

3. Odisha State Forest Department

• History:
• Originated in 1883-84 when Odisha was part of Bengal.
• Became a separate department in April 1936 when Odisha became a state.
• Primary Objectives:
• Maintain environmental stability and restore ecological balance.
• Preserve natural forests and heritage.
• Increase forest/tree cover through afforestation and social forestry.
• Meet rural and tribal needs for fuel, fodder, and timber.
• Prevent soil erosion and manage sand dunes along coastal areas.

Government Initiatives for Forest Development in Odisha

1. Sabuja Odisha Mission

• Launched: November 2013
• Objectives:
• Increase green cover by expanding forest and tree areas.
• Conserve and regenerate bamboo forests.
• Manage medicinal plants sustainably.

2. Odisha Bamboo Development Agency (OBDA)

• Purpose:
• Promote bamboo sector with a focus on commercial cultivation on private land.

3. State Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (State CAMPA), Odisha

• Established: 2009
• Objectives:
• Conserve and manage existing natural forests and wildlife.
• Conduct compensatory afforestation.
• Tools:
• e-GreenWatch: Web-based portal for monitoring CAMPA activities.

4. Ama Jungle Yojana (AJY)

• Purpose:
• Restore forests and promote participatory forest management.
• Improve livelihoods of forest communities.
• Implemented By: Odisha Forestry Sector Development Society (OFSDS).

5. Ekamravan at Bindusagar

• Location: Bhubaneswar
• Features:
• Developed on the western bank of Bindusagar Lake.
• Exhibits medicinal plants with aesthetic and heritage designs.

6. State Medicinal Plant Board

• Activities (2016-17):
• Raise awareness about medicinal plants.
• Organize Kalinga Herbal Fairs at various locations.
• Support Home Herbal Gardens in five forest divisions.
• Maintain a medicinal plant garden in Bhanja Bihar University.

FAQs

What is the Total Recorded Forest area of Odisha as per India State of Forest Report, 2017?
Answer: 61,204.17 sq km

According to the India State of Forest Report, 2017, what is the reserved Forest cover in Odisha?
Answer: 58.90%

Those forests where the right of grazing and cultivation is subjected to a few minor restrictions are known as?
Answer: Protected forests

Which of the following forests covers the maximum area of forest cover in Odisha?
Answer: Open forest

As per India State of Forest Report, 2017, which among the following districts has the lowest forest cover in Odisha?
Answer: Bhadrak

As per India State of Forest Report, 2017, which district of Odisha has the highest forest cover?
Answer: Kandhamal

Forests in Odisha are classified into how many broad divisions?
Answer: 4

Which of the following forests are found at an elevation above 600 m in Odisha?
Answer: The Northern Tropical Semi-Evergreen Forests

Which type of forests are found in the divisions of Dhenkanal, Athgarh, Puri, Mayurbhanj, Nayagarh, Parlakhemudi, Koraput and Kalahandi?
Answer: Northern Tropical Semi-Evergreen Forests

Absence of Bamboo growth is the most striking feature of which type of forests?
Answer: Northern Tropical Semi-Evergreen Forests

Which type of forests cover the largest forest area of Odisha?
Answer: Tropical Moist Deciduous Forests

Which species of tree is found in the North and North-East of the Brahmani river?
Answer: Sal

What is the dominant species of tree in the Tropical Moist Deciduous forests in Odisha?
Answer: Both Male Bamboo and Thorny Bamboo

Which of the following tree species is the predominant species of Tropical Dry Deciduous Forests in Odisha?
Answer: Both Teak and Salia bamboo

Which forests are locally known as ‘Hental Van’?
Answer: Tidal Forests

The predominant species of mangrove forests is?
Answer: Hental

What is the local name of the hills with flat tops in Eastern Ghats region of Odisha?
Answer: Pats

Which districts of Odisha face destruction of forests due to practice of podu cultivation?
Answer: Phulbani

Which tree covers almost 33% of the forest cover in Odisha?
Answer: Sal

Odisha is the third largest producer of?
Answer: Kendu leaves

Which among the following regions is an orchid-rich forest found in Odisha?
Answer: Both Simlipal hills and Mahendragiri hills

The Odisha Forest Development Corporation Ltd. came into existence in which year?
Answer: 1990

Which among the following is not a forest division of the Odisha State Forest Department?
Answer: Rayagadh

When was Sabuja Odisha Mission launched by Odisha State Government?
Answer: November 2013

When was the State Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority constituted?
Answer: 2009

In which place of Odisha is the Ekamravan Scheme meaning one-mango-tree forest developed?
Answer: Bhubaneswar