Forest department launched Project ‘Vanikaran’ in Kerala: To eradicate invasive species, particularly Senna spectabilis, and restore natural forests, the Forest department and Noolpuzha grama panchayat have launched the “Vanikaran” (afforestation) project. The project was being executed on 30 hectares of forestland under the Sulthan Bathery forest range of the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, where exotic invasive plants, including Senna spectabilis, Eupatorium, Mikania micrantha, and Lantana camara, were posing a serious threat to the local species of trees, S. Ranjith Kumar, Assistant Wildlife Warden of the sanctuary.
December 2022 Current Affairs Quiz
About the Vanikaran project:
- As many as 87 workers of Kadambakkad, Golur and Kalichira tribal hamlets had planted 3,000 bamboo seedlings and 1,000 fruit plant saplings on 3.5 hectares of forestland so far, said Ms. Satheesh.
- As part of the project, the authorities ensure plant protection for the following five years in addition to planting the saplings. The workers have also constructed soil bunds and pits for harvesting rainwater to ensure availability of water for the saplings.
- She added that in the upcoming years, the department had suggested expanding the project to 200 hectares in the Sulthan Bathery, Kurichyad, and Muthanga forest areas within the sanctuary. The panchayat was able to provide 2,756 working days to tribal families under the project.
Important takeaways for all competitive exams:
- Kerala Capital: Thiruvananthapuram;
- Kerala Chief Minister: Pinarayi Vijayan;
- Kerala Governor: Arif Mohammad Khan.
