Assess forest land degradation by Soil Organic Carbon:Expert

New Delhi, Sep 6 (UNI) A conservation expert today called for assessing forest land under degradation on the basis of Soil Organic Carbon (SOC) than by canopy density of forests as done by the Forest Survey of India.

''Carbon is prime agenda of 21st century in Indian Forestry.In order to conserve existing biodiversity, the SOC must be improved, said A.Ramachandran, Forest Utilization Officer of Tamil Nadu, while presenting a paper on Carbon Management at a two-day Workshop of Principal Chief Conservator of forests and Chief wildlife wardens of states here.

He said SOC should be maintained at the identified minimum threshold levels (1.2 per cent of surface SOC or a surface to middle layer SSOC ratio of 1.66).

Areas with below minimum SOC threshold levels are to be treated with appropriate solid amendments including importing of fertile soil, addition of organic manure and supplementing major nutrients to enhance the soil health and biodiversity.

Mapping of SOC distribution on a GIS platform revealed its spatial distribution, based on which the site specific reforestation techniques for the management of degraded forest lands could be evolved, which helps in future monitoring, said the expert.

Member, Panning Commission, S K Khanduri in his 'Approach Paper of 11th Plan regarding forests and wild life' said that 11 Plan strives to fulfill NCMP commitments with empowerment of statutory gross root institutions.

The concept of participation will be visible in natural resource management and use soon, he said.

Regarding preservation of forest biodiversity, he added that it will take into account of human factors. Also, a pragmatic approach will be advocated for rehabilitation of degraded lands by policy and administrative measures.

Earlier, various presentations were made on different aspects of forestry.

Presenting changes in operational guidelines in National Afforestation Programme, K B Thampi, I G, Forests expressed concerns of various issues such as institutional, administrative inter-sectoral and financial.

He said degree of instituttionalisation was very low and there was a large gap in capacity at cutting edge level.

Giving example of traditional community organisation in North East, he said uniform institutional structure across the country fails to capitalise on local institutions.

The conference was presided over by Mr J C Kala, Director General Forest and Special Secretary, Ministry of Environment and Forest.

UNI NAZ YA MIR RAI1943