MP: Heads of 10 lakh Sal borer beetles bought for Rs 20 lakh: unique campaign to save Sal forests in Dindori
Dindori Sal Borer News: The Forest Department in Dindori district has launched a unique initiative to save the Sal forests. The department is spending approximately Rs 20 lakh to procure 10 lakh Sal borer beetle heads. Villagers are being given an incentive of Rs 2 for each beetle head. So far, villagers have deposited the heads of over 10 lakh beetles at the Forest Department's collection centers.
According to the Forest Department, the Sal borer beetle has affected around 30,487 hectares of forest area and over 1.46 lakh Sal trees in the district. A special 'Trap Tree Operation' is being conducted from June 20 to July 30 to reduce the beetle population and protect the forests.
Sal borer beetles are attracted by sap oozing from the tree
Under this campaign, one Sal tree is felled in every two-hectare area, and its bark is beaten. Attracted by the scent of the sap oozing from the tree, the Sal borer beetles gather there. Between 5 AM and 7 AM, villagers catch these beetles, detach their heads, and deposit them—strung together like garlands—at the Forest Department's collection centers.
Insect heads are being collected at five centers established in Kharidih, Chauradadar, Kabir, Jagatpur, and Karanjia. The Forest Department will pay Rs 2 per head directly into the villagers' bank accounts. According to the department, payments totaling approximately Rs 20 lakh have been processed so far.
Proposal to fell 1.46 lakh trees
In view of the rising infestation of the Sal borer, a proposal has been sent to the Government of India to fell 1 lakh 46,784 affected Sal trees. Felling operations will commence once permission is granted, in order to prevent the infection from spreading further.
Sal borer attacks only Sal trees
Forest Department officials state that the Sal borer attacks only Sal trees and hollows out the trunk from the inside. If not brought under control in time, it could spread rapidly across the entire forest. For this reason, a special campaign is being conducted with the participation of the villagers.