1,500 saplings of endangered species planted in Kinnaur

The JICA forestry project has achieved success in reviving the rare and endangered tree species Betula utilis, also known as Himalayan Birch. “For the first time in the state, JICA has successfully raised a nursery of this species and carried out plantation at natural sites,” said a JICA spokesperson. With the technical support of the Himalayan Forest Research Institute (HFRI), Shimla, a special initiative was taken to propagate and replant the endangered species.

The spokesperson said as many as 1,500 saplings had been planted in district Kinnaur. “Under Kinnaur Forest Division, 500 saplings each were planted at Taranda, Nigulsari and Jani. To spread awareness, a one-day workshop was organized at Bhavanagar, Nichar Forest Range,” he said. On this occasion, HFRI Shimla Acting Director Dr Sandeep Sharma, Senior Scientist Dr Pitambar Negi and Technical Officer Jwala Singh shared detailed insights on plantation and conservation of Betula utilis.

SK Kapta, Head of the Herbal Cell under the JICA forestry project, said Betula utilis plantations will be taken up in Spiti, Kullu and other natural habitats in the coming years. He added that a target of planting 30,000 saplings of this rare species has been fixed. “Planting of 1,500 saplings in Kinnaur district is the first successful step in this direction,” he said.