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Pankaj
Oudhia
Updated
versions of old research documents 10
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Important
observations and information noted during visit to
Biodiversity rich Niyamgiri Hill region (District
Kalahandi) of Indian state Orissa. [Updated
document, year
2009]
Pankaj
Oudhia
Table of
Contents
Introduction
Methodology Adopted
for Surveys
Unique Features of
Niyamgiri Biodiversity
Rich Floral
Diversity
Unique Tree Complex
(UTC)
Free from Exotic
Flora
Traditional Way of
Farming
Unique Faunal
Diversity
Suggestions
Acknowledgement
Related References
Introduction
The
Mother Nature is having answer of every problem
and in our earth there are very few places from
where we can learn from the experiments of Mother
Nature. In these places Nature is in its original
form, far from human interference. Niyamgiri hills
are one of such places. This region is rich in
biodiversity and is one of the best places to
study Nature's arrangement with the help of
Allelopathy. Thousands of herbs having medicinal
properties and traditional medicinal uses are
growing in this region since time immemorial.
Insect, mites and spider depending on this flora
are also having unique medicinal properties with
enough potential to treat so-called modern
incurable diseases like cancer and AIDS. Even
different types of soils in this region having
Allelochemicals of plant species have therapeutic
values. The detailed study in such places can
guide the researchers and conservation experts to
manage degraded ecosystems in other parts of
earth. The natural forest in this region is
managed by Mother Nature and also by the tribal
living with the forest since time immemorial.
Under their management forest is flourishing in
its natural way. Unfortunately the biodiversity
rich region of Niyamgiri hill is in danger due to
proposed Bauxite mining. Although the project is
in initial phase but signs of destruction are
clearly visible and detailed studies of these
signs suggest that there is need to stop any type
of human activity specially activity of modern
society in this virgin forest region. In order to
study the rich flora and fauna of Niyamgiri hills
(Orissa) and impact of increasing human activities
on it two day Ethnobotanical and floristic surveys
were conducted in the region on March 15 and 16,
2007.
Methodology
Adopted for Surveys
Return To Table of
Contents
Random surveys were
conducted in different parts of Niyamgiri Hills
(District Kalahandi) during season of fall.
Surveys were focused on three major tribes of
Hills i.e. Dongaria Kondh, Jharnia Kondh and Kutia
Kondh and their close association with forests
present in surroundings. Medicinal herbs having
traditional uses were listed and digital pictures
were taken. Impacts of human activities on virgin
forests were studied in terms of felling of old
trees and introduction of exotic weeds.
Information of medicinal insects was also
collected.
Unique
Features of Niyamgiri
Biodiversity
Rich Floral
Diversity
Through surveys over
1500 species of medicinal plants including herbs,
shrubs, climbers and trees were listed. All these
species are part of Traditional systems of
Healing. List of some important species is given
at the end of this report. Most of these herbs are
well mentioned in ancient literatures related to
different systems of medicine in India.
The Traditional Healers as well as natives of this
region use these herbs alone and in combination
with other medicinal herbs in treatment of common
as well as complicated troubles. For example with
the help of medicinal herbs Krichli and Kuraya the
natives treat common menstrual problem especially
excessive bleeding. Root bark of both species are
mixed in equal proportion and given internally as
medicine. Traditional Bonesetters of this region
use many herbs in treatment of bone fracture.
Hadjod (Cissus quadrangularis) is one of these
herbs. The Healers of Jharnia Kondh use it
directly in bone setting. In form of paste crushed
stem is applied on affected part before making
plaster. The Healers of Dongaria Kondh Tribe use
Hadjod in combination with Mandua water. This
internal use helps in bone reunion. The Healers of
Kutia Kondh Tribe use this herb in form of
traditional food. This herb is also popularly used
as Ethnoveterinary medicine. Medicinal herb
Bhandari is used by the natives of Niyamgiri Hills
region in treatment of excessive heat. Its use in
treatment of Migraine is popular. Leaf paste is
applied on painful head as treatment. The
Traditional Healer of Alabeli village Shri Laxa
Manjhi treats the patients having old problem of
Lumbago with the help of this herb. Leaves in form
of thick paste are applied externally on affected
part many times in a day. The Healers of this
region add different parts of medicinal herb
Lajjawati (Mimosa pudica) in over 100 types of
herbal formulations used in advanced stages of
cancer.
According to these
Healers wild animals of this region are also
having rich traditional medicinal knowledge about
medicinal herbs. The Healers have learnt a lot
from monkeys and bears about medicinal uses of
wild tubers and fruits. After giving birth to
child elephants of Niyamgiri prefer consumption of
Siali (Bauhinia vahlii) herb for its tonic
properties. Siali is used by human beings also for
same purpose. Its use in form of platters is
popular among natives. Food is served in these
platters (Picture 8) especially when guests
come.
Among large trees Sal
(Shorea robusta), Mahua (Madhuca indica). Palsa
(Butea monosperma) (Picture 9), Saja (Terminalia
alata), Dhawda (Anogeissus latifolia), Beeja
(Pterocarpus marsupium) etc. are major trees.
These trees are very closely associated with the
tribal life. By collecting minor forest produces
like Mahua and Sal they earn additional income.
These large trees in forest support lives of
millions of animals including microorganisms and
play vital role in keeping the forests healthy.
They play both direct and indirect roles. Their
spreading roots prevent erosion of soil.
These forests are
having many endangered species of medicinal herbs
mainly Rauvolfia serpentina and Caesalpinia
digyna. It is not wrong to say that it is one of
the few places where natural population of these
rare herbs mentioned in IUCN red list are present
in natural form. Slight disturbance in this area
may result in loss of these Natural Gifts
forever.
Link to Pictures taken during survey
in Niyamgiri Hills.
Unique Tree
Complex (UTC)
Presence of UTCs is
unique feature of Niyamgiri Hills. Large number of
old trees exists in this region. As epiphyte many
species of other herbs grow on these trees. Such
association is known as UTC. During surveys more
than 500 such UTCs were spotted in different parts
of Niyamgiri Hill. In many places over 35 types of
different plants growing on single tree were
observed. For the Traditional Healers such UTCs
are very important. They consider each component
of UTC valuable. They worship it and try to
protect them, as they know that such creation is
beyond power of common human being. During surveys
Pipal (Ficus religiosa) and Bar (Ficus
benghalensis) based UTCs were found in Kendu Bardi
and Balrampur village regions. (Picture 18, 19, 20
and 21). Mahua and Beeja based UTCs were found in
higher elevation. It is not wrong to say that each
UTC is having its own system and removal of any
one component of this system may result in great
loss to entire system. There is need to declare
such UTCs as natural heritage so that no one can
dare to disturb it. Old trees are unique character
of these UTCs. The natives of this region are
aware that it is easy to destroy these UTCs but
very hard to generate new one. They informed that
these UTCs are results on thousand years effort of
Mother Nature.
Free from
Exotic Flora
Except population of
forest weeds like Chromolaena and Lantana in few
pockets Niyamgiri Hill is still free from exotic
flora. As you know very few Indian forests are
free from interference of exotic weeds. There is
need to prevent introduction of these weed species
in Niyamgiri Hill region. Chromolaena and Lantana
population are not dominating native flora in this
region. In general introduction of exotic weeds
leads to destruction of native flora. With the
help of lethal Allelochemcials these weeds smother
the growth on native flora and very soon occupy
large areas. Directly and indirectly they cause
damage to entire ecosystem.
Traditional
Way of Farming
In
Niyamgiri Hill tribal practice Traditional farming
practices. They adopt shifting cultivation. Only
poison free organic farming is practiced. They
grow traditional cereal as well as pulses. Kosla
Dhan , local type of Pigeon pea named Kandul,
Mandua, Kulthi etc. are among these. They are
aware of its therapeutic values. After childbirth
Khichdi prepared from Kosla Rice and Kulthi Dal is
given to new mother as tonic. Kosla Rice is
considered beneficial for the patients having poor
vitality. The Healers treating AIDS patients are
suggesting internal use of this rice. Introduction
of new high yielding varieties has yet not
affected the Traditional farming as well as crops.
There is need to conserve these traditional crops
as well as knowledge about it. In modern world
well aware of harmful effects of chemical farming
modern societies are in search of organic farming
methods the knowledge of Tribal of Niyamgiri can
help them a lot.
Unique Faunal
Diversity
Niyamgiri Hill region
is rich in faunal diversity. Very less work has
been done to enlist this diversity. During this
survey over 550 species of medicinal insects,
spiders and mites, 25 types of snakes including
python, rich population of Elephant, Tiger and
other wild life were listed through interactions
with the natives. Natural forests are having
enough capacity to support this faunal
diversity.
During this survey we
listed out plant species preferred by elephants.
Salap (Caryota urens) (Picture 29), Ficus
benghalensis, Buchanania lanzan (Picture 30),
Dhaman, Bauhinia vahlii, Madhuca indica, Diospyros
melanoxylon etc. are among the species most
preferred by elephants. Rich population of these
trees in natural forests is giving opportunity to
multiply these elephants. Due to this rich
population they are not attacking on crop fields
and human population.
Possible
Harmful Effects of Human Interference in Niyamgiri
Hill region and Remedial
Measures
Initial phase of
mining related activities are becoming curse for
biodiversity of the region. One can imagine the
level of destruction when such activities will
start in full swing. Senior Native of Kendu Bardi
village Shri Kumuti Manjhi informed that due to
initial phase of mining activities the population
of houseflies has increased many folds. This
increase in Housefly population is resulting in
new types of diseases particularly different types
of fevers. Establishment of new colonies in
foothills (Picture P) and regular movement of
mining vehicles are helping in introduction and
spread of obnoxious weed Parthenium hysterophorus
(Picture 31 and 32). This weed is harmful to human
beings, native plants and cattle. This weed causes
allergy. Earlier this region was free from this
exotic weed. The natives are in surprise that how
it has reached in the region. Now it is spreading
everywhere. The research work done in Australia
on this weed has revealed that mining vehicles
play important role in spread of this weed. Its
seeds are carried by the vehicles. During surveys
mining vehicles were found in virgin forest region
engaged in supporting workers making road to
hilltop. Knowingly and unknowingly Parthenium
seeds are reaching in biodiversity rich hill
parts. Parthenium is one of the ten worst weeds of
the world and once established it is very hard to
get rid from it. As the mining activity will
increase, its spread will also increase. There is
immediate need to stop movement of mining
vehicles. Washing it thoroughly before entering in
forest, is one of the ways to prevent entry of
Parthenium seeds in new areas but it not very
feasible. There is need to destroy the existing
population of Parthenium is base region specially
where new colonies have been established and
punish the agencies responsible for its spread in
biodiversity rich region like Niyamgiri.
Increased human
activities are leading in illegal felling of
trees. During surveys signs of these felling were
seen in many places. There is need to keep close
view on this illegal felling. One possible way of
protection is to keep record of old trees. With
the help of environment activists and researchers
every tree must be allotted specific number.
Modern Satellites can help in keeping close view
on millions of these trees. There must be emphasis
on protection of UTCs from people engaged in
illegal felling.
Initial blasting and
regular movements of mining vehicles are resulting
in disturbed movement of wild animals. The natives
of Ambuguda village informed that elephants have
changed their conventional track due to these
activities. Disturbing flora and fauna by any mean
is crime. Hence there is need to keep close view
on this.
The
Traditional Healer Shri Laxa Manjhi informed that
proposed mining project would have very bad impact
on floral diversity. Most of the species are very
sensitive to disturbance. He showed medicinal
herbs with poor growth and less medicinal
properties growing in areas where mining vehicles
pass very frequently. Spread of Diesel fumes in
virgin forest is making natural herbs sick. There
is need to impose immediate ban on entry of Diesel
vehicles in forest region.
The
natives informed that destruction of natural
forest specially trees preferred by elephant
population will force elephants to move to nearby
crop fields and the cases of human-elephant
conflict will increase. Hence natural forest must
be conserved by adopting all measures.
Senior natives are
also worried about the fate of hundreds of springs
present on hill and also on fate of Bansdhara
river (Picture Q), which originates from
Niyamgiri. Illegal felling of old trees will lead
to landslide and soil erosion.
Bauxite mining is far
less profitable than profits we are getting by
presence of Niyamgiri hills and its rich
biodiversity. There is need to convert the gains
from these forests in terms of money so that such
mining projects can be discouraged. The senior
natives of region said that even by comparing
immense benefits of Mahua tree on environment of
Niyamgiri and surrounding areas one can defeat
such projects in terms of environmental
benefits.
Suggestions
1.
Seeing rich floral and faunal biodiversity,
Niyamgiri must be declared as sacred hill and only
researchers and nature lovers willing to learn
Nature's experiments must be allowed in these
Hills.
2.
There is need to enlist natural wealth on this
Hill without any delay.
3.
There is need of formation of monitoring committee
having members from different components of
society in order to monitor the destruction in
progress.
4.
In situ conservation of endangered herbs and UTCs
must be done.
5.
There is need to aware the new comers in the
region about the importance of Niyamgiri Hill and
to adopt measures to restrict entry of exotic
flora in the region.
6.
There is need to conserve and promote traditional
farming systems.
7.
The Traditional Healers giving their free services
in the region must be recognized and there is need
to take advantage of their expertise in forest
management for biodiversity conservation of
Niyamgiri Hills.
Link to Pictures taken during survey
in Niyamgiri Hills.
Acknowledgement
Author is thankful to
ActionAid especially to Ms. Brantindi Jena for
giving opportunity to conduct this survey. He is
also thankful to Shri Ashok Nath of ActionAid for
support during fieldwork.
Related
References
Bredenkamp G.J.,
Robbeson R.A.J., de Frey W.H. (2000). Description
and Impact Assessment of Vegetation for the
proposed Kriel South Mining Area, Mpumalanga.
Report commissioned by Oryx Environmental for
Anglo Coal (Pty) Ltd and Sasol Coal (Pty) Ltd.,
Kriel South EMPR.
Faith DP, Dostine PL,
Humphrey CL (1995). Detection of mining impacts on
aquatic macroinvertebrate communities: results of
a disturbance experiment and the design of a
multivariate BACIP monitoring programme at
Coronation Hill, Northern
Territory. Indian Forester
115: 12, 934-935.
Oudhia, P. (1999).
Possibilities of providing an additional income to
Lathyrus farmers of Chhattisgarh through medicinal
weeds. FABIS Newsletter 42:39-42.
Oudhia, P., Tripathi,
R. S., Choubey, N. K. and Banwari Lal (2000).
Parthenium hysterophorus: A curse for the
bio-diversity of Chhattisgarh plains. Crop
Research. 19(2) : 221-224.
Oudhia, P. (2001)
Useful weeds in rice fields and bunds: A boon for
Indian farmers. In Souvenir cum Abstracts.
National Research Seminar on Herbal Conservation,
Cultivation, Marketing and Utilization with
Special Emphasis on Chhattisgarh, ‘The Herbal State’.
Srishti
Herbal
Academy
and Research Institute (SHARI) and Chhattisgarh
Minor
Forest
Produce (Trading & Dev.) Co-operative
Federation Ltd., Raipur (India),
13-14 December 2001. P.131.
Oudhia, P.
(2002-2005). Research Articles - Indian Herbal
Research & Methods.
http://botanical.com/site/column_poudhia/poudhia_index.html
Oudhia, P. (2005).
Impact of Globalization on Biodiversity with
Special emphasis on Livelihood of poor and
marginalized: A case study of Raigarh Region,
Chhattisgarh,
India.
http://ecoport.org/ep?SearchType=earticleView&earticleId=735&page=-1&checkRequired=Y
Oudhia, P. (2006). Are
we doing enough for Parthenium Management?
http://ecoport.org/ep?SearchType=earticleView&earticleId=924&page=-1&checkRequired=Y
Oudhia, P. (2006).
PLANT VS. PLANTS: Results of Survey conducted in
Lohandiguda and Tokapal (Bastar) regions during
August 2006.
http://ecoport.org/ep?SearchType=earticleView&earticleId=927&page=-1&checkRequired=Y
Oudhia P. (2006).
Immediate Need to revise the list of endangered
medicinal herbs in Indian state Chhattisgarh.
http://ecoport.org/ep?SearchType=earticleView&earticleId=1118&page=-1&checkRequired=Y
Varma SK, Jha RR,
Pandey AK (1989).
Impact of mining on the flora of Motijharna,
Rajmahal Hills (Bihar). Indian Forester 115:
12, 934-935.
Original
Research Document
http://ecoport.org/ep?SearchType=earticleView&earticleId=1863&page=-1
New comments
added on December 10,
2009
This report is a
result of very short visit to Niyamgiri. I was
informed that this visit in hot summer is for
preliminary observations. Main visits will be
organized in coming rainy season when floral
diversity is visible. In this visit I took
hundreds of pictures and also prepared a report
and written many articles. I submitted it to
sponsoring organization but possibly due to
communication gap even after getting pictures as
well as report they refused to pay the complete
honorarium. I have no complaint with them as I got
opportunity to visit this biodiversity rich
heaven.
I
translated this report in different languages and
published in India
and abroad. I got good response. I am not sure
whether sponsoring organization achieved their
purpose or not but through them my work reached to
different forums.
The
fight of indigenous people is still on. They have
got much success. Hundreds of supporters from
inside as well as outside are with them.
I
visited to Niyamgiri after this visit many times
from my own expenses. I took pictures and
documented the biodiversity and knowledge about
it. The details are in CGBD database. The efforts
are on to make this database online.
During my visits I
found increasing human activities in Niyamgiri. It
resulted in decreasing diversity. I also found
fast spread of exotic invasive species in dense
forest due to increased vehicle movement.
How to Cite
this Research Document
Oudhia, P. (2009).
Important observations and information noted
during visit to Biodiversity rich Niyamgiri Hill
region (District Kalahandi) of Indian state
Orissa. [Updated document, year 2009]. http://www.pankajoudhia.com
© Pankaj
Oudhia
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