Untitled Design PDF - Forest Classification in Madhya Pradesh

Aspect Details Classification of Forests Forests in Madhya Pradesh are classified based on legal status, canopy density, and forest type: 1. Legal Classification a. Reserved Forests: High...

Aspect Details Classification of Forests Forests in Madhya Pradesh are classified based on legal status, canopy density, and forest type: 1. Legal Classification a. Reserved Forests: High degree of protection; no activities are allowed without prior permission. Area: ~65.26% of total forest. b. Protected Forests: Somewhat lesser protection; local people can access forest produce under certain conditions. Area: ~32.84%. c. Unclassified Forests: Forests that are not under specific legal protection. Area: ~1.90%. 2. Canopy Density a. Very Dense Forests (VDF): Canopy density more than 70%. b. Moderately Dense Forests (MDF): Canopy density 40-70%. c. Open Forests (OF): Canopy density 10-40%. 3. Forest Types (Based on a. Tropical Moist Deciduous Champion and Seth Forests: Found in parts of the Classification) eastern and southern regions. b. Tropical Dry Deciduous Forests: Dominates central and western MP. c. Tropical Thorn Forests:  Present in areas with low rainfall. d. Subtropical Broadleaved Hill Forests: Found in hilly regions. Major Locations Madhya Pradesh has rich forest cover in the following regions: a. Vindhya Range: Covers forests of districts like Rewa, Sidhi, and Satna. b. Satpura Range: Forests in districts like Hoshangabad, Chhindwara, Betul, Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve. c. Narmada Valley: Mixed forests along Narmada basin. d. Chambal Valley: Drier regions with thorny vegetation in northern MP (Morena, Sheopur). e. Western MP: Deciduous forests in districts like Dhar, Jhabua, and Alirajpur. f. Eastern MP: Dense forests in districts like Mandla, Dindori, and Balaghat (famous for teak and bamboo). Area under Forests (State of Total Forest Area: 77,493 sq km. Forest Report 2021) Percentage of Geographical Area under Forests: 25.14%. Forest Cover Density: Very Dense Forest: 6,675 sq km. Moderately Dense Forest:  34,169 sq km. Open Forest: 36,649 sq km. Scrub Area: 1,135 sq km. Madhya Pradesh has the largest forest area in India, contributing significantly to the overall green cover. Key Highlights of Forest Report 1. Forest Area Increased: An 2021 increase of 68 sq km in forest cover compared to the previous assessment. 2. Tree Cover: MP has around 15,944 sq km under tree cover (outside recorded forest areas). 3. Largest Forest Area: Madhya Pradesh remains the state with the largest forest area in India. 4. Biomass Stock: The biomass stock of Madhya Pradesh forests is about 720 million tonnes, contributing to carbon sequestration. Forest Produce 1. Major Timber Species: Teak, Sal, Bamboo, Tendu (leaves), Indian Laurel, Palash, Mahua. 2. Non-Timber Forest Produce (NTFP): a. Tendu Leaves: MP is the largest producer of tendu leaves (used in making bidis). b. Bamboo: Widely found in Satpura and Vindhya regions; used in handicrafts, paper, and construction.  c. Gum: Gum karaya, extracted from trees, is a valuable export item. d. Medicinal Plants: Forests of MP are rich in medicinal plants like Amla, Harra, Baheda. e. Mahua: Flowers and seeds used for liquor and oil extraction. f. Lac: Forests of MP produce lac, used in natural dye and cosmetics. forest produce mp Category Forest Produce Details Timber Teak (Tectona grandis) Major timber species; used in construction, furniture, and boat building. Sal (Shorea robusta) High-quality wood; used in house construction, railway sleepers, etc. Saj (Terminalia tomentosa) Medium hardwood; used for furniture, plywood, and construction. Khair (Acacia catechu) Provides timber and catechu (used in tanning and dyeing). Fuelwood Babul (Acacia nilotica) Used as fuelwood, provides charcoal and small-scale timber. Neem (Azadirachta indica) Used as fuelwood; leaves, seeds, and bark have medicinal properties. Mahua (Madhuca indica) Provides fuelwood; the wood is also used for making implements. Non-Timber Forest Tendu Leaves (Diospyros Used for rolling bidis (local Produce (NTFP) melanoxylon) cigarettes); an important source of livelihood. Mahua Flowers (Madhuca Used to make local liquor; indica) flowers and seeds are edible and nutritious. Lac A resin used to make varnish, polish, and shellac;  collected from Kusum Aonla (Phyllanthus Fruits are used for emblica) medicinal purposes and in food products. Bael (Aegle marmelos) Fruits used in medicine and drinks; leaves have religious significance. Chironji (Buchanania Seeds used in cooking, lanzan) especially desserts; valuable in the spice market. Sal Seed (Shorea robusta) Seeds are processed for oil, used in soaps and cosmetics. Medicinal Plants Neem (Azadirachta indica) Used in medicines for antibacterial and antifungal properties. Amla (Phyllanthus Rich in Vitamin C; used in emblica) traditional medicine and as a food additive. Harra (Terminalia chebula) Used in Ayurvedic medicines; effective for digestive issues. Baheda (Terminalia Fruits used in traditional bellirica) medicine; has astringent properties. Gums and Resins Gum Karaya (Sterculia Used in the food industry urens) and medicine (laxatives, adhesives). Gum Acacia (Acacia Used in the food industry nilotica) and in pharmaceuticals as a binder.  Resin from Pine (Pinus Used in varnish, adhesives, roxburghii) and other industrial products. Fruits and Nuts Tamarind (Tamarindus Fruit pulp is used in indica) cooking and as a traditional medicine. Jamun (Syzygium cumini) Fruits are edible and used in beverages and medicines. Kullu Gum (Sterculia Used in various industries, urens) including textiles, and pharmaceuticals. Bamboo Bamboo (Dendrocalamus Used in construction, strictus) handicrafts, paper production, and household items. Honey Wild Honey Collected by tribals; used as food and medicine. Other Minor Produce Kusum (Schleichera Seeds are processed for oil; oleosa) host tree for lac production. Palash (Butea Flowers yield dye; wood monosperma) used for fuel and timber. Dhawda Gum (Anogeissus Source of gum used in the latifolia) food and pharmaceutical industries. Mango (Mangifera indica) Fruit is consumed fresh and dried, and has medicinal uses.