( 97A ) 



only means of afforesting this area would be to plant out on high 

 mounts or banks such species which are known to thrive on 

 waterlogged soils. The area is at present treeless except for a 

 stunted growth of " Tarnarix." I am informed that during the 

 monsoon about 3 feet of water lies over the whole country. I 

 proposed to take up an area of about 3 acres in the khadir, and I am 

 in communication with the sylviculturist for his assistance in 

 choosing the most suitable species to experiment with. 



7. It is quite impossible to prepare any detailed forecast of 

 the financial return without any basis to work upon, so I will 

 not attempt to do so ; but if it is found possible to raise forest 

 plantations without undue difficulty, their success is assured owing 

 to the ideal situation with regard to the markets. 



8. My proposals are to take up an area of 3'0 acres in various 

 . parts of the khola and khadir. In order to supervise this work it 



would be necessary to put a Supervisor in charge for five months in 

 order to see that the necessary operations were carried out during 

 the rains and also a forest guard should be appointed to assist him 

 in carrying out the 'work and protecting the plantations which 

 should be fenced either with wire or thorns. 



The cost of establishment and cultural operations for one year 

 would be as follows : 



Rs. 



1 supervisor at Rs. 20 per mensem for 5 months ... 100 



1 forest guard at Rs. 8 per mensem for 12 months - 96 



Cultural operations, inclusive of all charges at Rs. 35 per 



acre, over 30 acres ... ... ... 1,500 



Total ... 1,246 



Owing to the possibility of failures during the first year it would 

 probably be necessary to continue experiments during the next and 

 subsequent years. It may be that no difficulties will arise, but I 

 would strongly advise that operations should be on a small scale 

 for at least three years until it is seen how the plantations develop. 



Assuming that no unforeseen difficulties arise it would be pos- 

 sible to afforest the khola ravines at a cost not exceeding Rs. 35 

 per acre, inclusive of all charges. This expenditure at the end of 

 40 years at 4 per cent, would accumulate to Rs. 168 : even allowing 

 no return in the inbervening years for grazing, and from thinnings 

 I think that there would be a possible return. 



9. There is a point which has to be considered and that is the 

 effect of an afforestation scheme on grazing. Grazing canno? be 

 permitted in any newly raised plantations until the plants are 

 sufficiently well established to withstand damage. No grazing 



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