Dehradun: Forest Research Institute (FRI) in Dehradun is preparing a Sal tree nursery for the first time in the country. This is aimed to compensate for the loss of green cover which occurred to enhance the road connectivity in the state.
In the beginning of this project, over 11,000 precious Sal trees were axed for the elevated road construction under this expressway. Now, this nursery will compensate for this huge loss of forest cover. So far, FRI has prepared more than 15 thousand Sal saplings. Since, Sal trees cannot be planted and it grows on its own, therefore, plantation of Sal trees is considered very difficult but FRI has accepted this challenge.
NHAI entrusted FRI for preparation of nursery
Over 11,000 trees had to be cut down for the construction of a 12 km long elevated road as part of the Delhi-Dehradun Expressway. Among them, Sal trees posed a significant challenge, as planting them is considered nearly impossible. To address this, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) took up the challenge and entrusted the Forest Research Institute (FRI) with the task of preparing a Sal tree nursery, funding it with one crore rupees. Since June 2024, FRI has successfully prepared around 15,000 Sal saplings.
Successful plantation of Sal has not been done in the country till now
Since Sal trees need a moderate temperature and balanced amount of water for its plantation, its plantation is not possible. Dr. Dinesh Kumar, senior scientist of FRI plantation, said, “Sal tree plantation is threatened by cold in winter and high temperature in summer. During the rainy season, Sal plants need to be protected from excess water. Therefore, successful plantation of Sal has not been done in the country till date. However, FRI has accepted this challenge and has put in efforts to prepare Sal nursery.”
Out of lakhs of plants, only a few survive
These plants are being grown in all environmental conditions in FRI. Dr. Dinesh Kumar, informed, “These Sal plants are being grown from seeds. Care is being taken that Sal plants are grown according to different environmental conditions. This approach aims to develop nursery technology for Sal that could revolutionize its plantation. Out of millions of seeds in Sal forests, only a few plants survive and become trees. However, with the nursery technology developed by FRI, every Sal Forest will benefit significantly.”
FRI needs five hectares of forest land
Dr. Dinesh explained that vacant spaces in Sal forests are increasing due to the insufficient growth of new plants as old Sal trees reach the end of their lifespan. Once the Sal plant nursery is ready, these saplings will be planted in the forest. FRI will also oversee their care. Scientists have requested five hectares of forest land from the Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh Forest Departments for this purpose. In the first phase, FRI plans to plant 20,000 trees.
Environment activists protested against felling of trees; matter reached NGT
When the expressway project got started in the state, various organizations working for environmental protection had opposed the axing of hundred year old Sal trees for the elevated road. Even this matter reached NGT and taking the cognizance of the matter related to environmental concern, NGT asked NHAI to plant new trees in place of the trees to be cut. But, NHAI refused, lacking the technology of Sal trees plantation in the country. The permission to axe the precious trees was given only after the assurance of NHAI to develop a nursery with the help of FRI.
