The Forest Department (FD) held an open house meeting at Arekere Reserve Forest yesterday (15th May 2014), to share its concerns and invite suggestions for the healthy existence of this huge urban Reserve in our vicinity.
This initiative has been taken by the individual forest officers who believe in taking inputs from citizens for the betterment of these places. This is a great opportunity to help the FD and in turn help the region to regain some of its past biodiversity glory.
The concerns expressed by the Addl. Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (APCCF)
* Surrounding residents insensitiveness in disposing garbage inside the Reserve.
* Depletion and even lack of water table – this made the FD abandon its Nursery.
What APCCF expects from the citizens
* Be a part of the decision-making group for rejuvenating the Reserve.
* Give them a hand in areas such as spreading awareness amongst people to keep the place clean and help them do the initial cleaning up.
Expected benefits to the public
* Public will have access to this huge Reserve to enjoy the health benefits.
* Children will have a superb place to discover nature within a stone's throw from where they live.
* As nature lovers we will have a great biodiversity region to observe birds, butterflies and insects, plants and trees and much more.
Facts about this Reserve
* Approximately 40 + 10 hectares.
* Once called Jalari Kaadu – named after the Jalari trees (Shorea Talura).
* Once connected to Bannerghatta National Park.
* Unfortunately the indigenous Jalari and other trees have been mostly replaced with Acacia and Eucalyptus variety of trees.
* The water bodies that were around the forest a few decades back have been drained out and the urban sprawl has taken over.
* Officially called 'Doresanipalya Forest Campus'.
The next informal get together with the officials and public is scheduled for Saturday, 24th May 2014 at 4:45 pm at the Reserve. Mr. Sarvanan who has taken the initiative will be updating us on this and other initiatives. Some entertainment and fun for the family is planned to make it an enjoyable evening.
Please come with children and enjoy the evening at the Reserve, and also be part of the group to help save this fantastic forest.
Prasanna
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