Out of the 1,075 sq km area stretch of Rajaji National Park and Tiger Reserve, over 200-250 sq km area is infested with lantana weed. Despite measures undertaken by park authorities, a large stretch still remains non-fodder area for the elephants. The denuded shisham trees along the tracks and vast stretches of grasslands in the park area bear testimony to the fact that if some measures are not taken immediately elephants would move out of the Chilla range slowly and the park range would ultimately lose its charm.
Speaking to The Pioneer, Haridwar forest range officer D P Uniyal said, “We have been trying to eliminate lantana weed for the past many years, but have not been able to achieve much success. This is because the drive the costs the department a lot of money. C R Babu technique is being followed in which the plant part between the root and the shoot is cut and kept in upside down condition so that the vegetative growth of the plant weed stops.”
In the past 10 years, the park authorities had been able to de-weed only 10 sq km area. This year a three phase plan has been chalked out by the park authorities for deweeding of lantana grass. “The first phase of deweeding began in January month this year. Three year plan 2015-16, 2016-17 and 2017-18 has been made. A target of 1000 hectares of uprooting of weed is given in every forest range. Once the weed is uprooted Hathi ghas, bamboo and other fodder for the elephants shall be planted.
As per wildlife scientist Bivash Pandav, there are about 30 species of plants which can act as elephant fodder. While Rajaji National Park has a good habitat for the elephant, the lantana has acted as a major threat to the elephant fodder.
A Shisham takes a few years to grow into full tree so other fast growing species must be grown, advise the forest conservators. “In the past two years, we have developed Chillawali nursery by growing bamboo seedlings. This year’s target is to improve habitat for the wild life by taking 1000 hectares in every forest range by replanting the elephant fodder plants. This season, grass seeds would be broadcast along with Ber and Shisham trees,” said Uniyal. Amongst the favorite wild plant species of elephant, bamboo and Ficus grass are the favorite and sugarcane is amongst the favorite agricultural species.