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SEMIEVERGREEN/KAN FORESTS

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In the Linganamakki catchment especially in the eastern side there are some isolated small patches of semi-evergreen forests. These forests commonly known as kans, were formerly conserved by the local communities considering them as sacred. These forests indicate the local climate to be favorable for sustaining evergreen to semi-evergreen forests. The latter type of forests has greater watershed and ecosystem value than deciduous forests. Therefore all efforts should be made to conserve the existing semi-evergreen forests and also enrich them with more evergreen species. The creation of such forests in all potential areas should be considered seriously. The species recommended for planting in the kans and semi-evergreens are listed in the table 2.

Table 2: Species recommended for the planting in kans and semi-evergreens

• Compensatory Forest in Non-forest Area: Compensatory forest raised by KPCL to make up for the loss of forest submerged (700 ha) in Sharavathi Tail Race project is undertaken in the non-forest area of 700 ha in Thirthahalli taluk of Shimoga district at an estimated cost of Rs. 77 lakhs. Subsequently these lands have been transferred to the Forest Department.
• Afforestation in Wastelands and Degraded Area: The suitable species for such areas within the different forest types are given in the tables.
• Restitution of corridors of animal migration as depicted with maps.
• Restoration of Disturbed Patches by Planting Native Species –Details on the species to be planted in such patches falling within various vegetational regimes are given in the tables referred to.
• Degraded and vulnerable areas to be considered as priority areas for afforestation and soil conservation program.
• Environmental Safeguards related to Dam Safety and any possible usage of Hazardous or Toxic materials in any activity in the region.