Plantation initiative aims to conserve and revive Mahua trees in decline

Raipur: The Mahua conservation initiative in the Manendragarh Forest Division is emerging as a pioneering effort, marking the first extensive mahua tree conservation project in Chhattisgarh. Mahua trees are crucial for the tribal communities of Bastar and Surguja, recognized for their economic, religious, and social importance.
But the declining mahua production and the scarcity of new saplings have posed a threat to these essential trees.
In response, Manendragarh divisional forest officer (DFO) Manish Kashyap has initiated a unique programme that involves planting 30,000 mahua saplings across forest areas, barren lands, and village outskirts, with the participation of local communities and farmers. This initiative aims to restore the mahua population while providing economic benefits and protection from wild animals, directly impacting over 2 lakh residents. The Mahua tree holds a special place in the tribal regions of Bastar and Sarguja. According to the DFO, during the Mahua season, village streets are empty as all family members are engaged in collecting the flowers and seeds. The tree is considered a valuable gift from nature, and in some Indian communities, it is even revered as a "Kalpavriksha" (wish-fulfilling tree).
Every part of the tree is utilized, making it a significant source of income for the tribal communities. The declining number of Mahua trees is a pressing concern, with the primary issue being their reproduction. While there are sufficient Mahua trees in the forests, most of the collection by tribals occurs on empty lands and field edges in the villages, where young and medium-aged trees are almost non-existent.
The villagers' practice of burning the land before Mahua collection results in the destruction of Mahua saplings, and the collection of all Mahua seeds further contributes to the decline of the species. With an average lifespan of 60 years, the aging Mahua trees in Chhattisgarh are at risk of disappearing if attention is not given to their reproduction outside forests.
Kamdu, a villager from Musra village, expressed, "Mahua is the foundation of our livelihood. It provides us food and is our primary source of income. When we saw that the Mahua trees were decreasing, we became very worried. We are working day and night to save these trees."
Subhadra Bai from Badkabahra village shared, "Mahua sustains our family. Without it, our lives are incomplete. Now through this campaign, we are giving new life to these trees. We women are working tirelessly, day and night, to care for these plants, so they remain healthy and our children can also enjoy the fruits of Mahua."