The Nagpur forest division is planning to develop grasslands and waterholes in Mogarkasa, a natural spot situated 20 km away from Paoni on Nagpur-Jabalpur Highway, to increase the population of herbivores in the forest area. In recent times, man-animal conflict has increased manifold in Nagpur forest division due to venturing of big cats near human settlements. To avoid such encounters, grassland development is needed and the Forest Department is now working in this regard. “Pench Tiger Reserve (PTR), Paoni, Deolapar and Ramtek forest ranges have very less spread of grasslands. Grasslands are of utmost importance for herbivores as they depend on grass in the forest. If the forest has no grass then the herbivores start entering agriculture fields for feeding,” Dr Bharat Singh Hada, Deputy Conservator of Forest told The Hitavada.

 

“The major reason behind increased man-animal conflict in our forests is that the big cats are now coming closer to villages in search of herbivores, where they are getting cattle as easy prey. To curb man-animal conflicts, the grasslands must be developed in forest areas,” said Dr Hada. Talking about Mogarkasa, the DCF said, “Paoni range has thick forest but less grasslands. Around 5-6 tigers are frequently visiting this forest and a tigress with her cubs is residing near Mogarkasa. There is a need to increase grassland here from wildlife management point of view.” “We are seeking the expertise of Dr G D Muratkar, a grassland expert, who worked for development of grassland in Kuno National Park for Project Cheetah, for development of grassland in Mogarkasa too,” said Dr Hada. “To keep the tiger population inside the forest and to increase its number, grassland development is required. There are 10-12 patches we have identified in the forest near water holes where these grasslands will be developed,” said the senior officer. “We will grow edible grass in these 10-12 locations which are spread in an area of 1-2 ha. The land patches should be open areas with very less tree cover. Total 20 such locations have been identified for grasslands but the 10-12 locations will be selected by the expert,” he added.

 

The Department will also remove the non-edible variety of grass from the identified patches and will grow new ones. Mainly, the grasslands will be developed near the water holes for better accessibility of food and water both for big cats. Recently, the Forest Department revived Mogarkasa forest for tourism activities. The secluded spot with scenic beauty is now open for tourism and tourists are visiting the spot, informed the senior forest officer. With thriving wildlife around the lake and circular road now, the Forest Department (Territorial), Nagpur, has decided to transform it into a tourist spot. “The grassland development will also help to promote eco-tourism on the spot. There is movements of tigers, herds of spotted deer, wild boars, blue bulls, peacocks with avian diversity in the area in and around Mogarkasa,” claimed Dr Hada.