P. K. Ray

Abstract

Periodicity of flowering in bamboo and the stages of establishment of a new seedling crop form interesting subjects of study. Arundinaria maling, Gamble, the commonest hill bamboo of Darjeeling hills has flowered gregariously this year. Gregarious flowering in this species has never been recorded earlier. The present article deals with the nature of flowering and gives a systematic description of the bamboo with flowers.

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P. K. Ray

Abstract

Nadia is one of the typical districts of the state of West Bengal where progressive deforestation and improper land use for centuries have led to a decline in the productive capacity of the soil, in many cases below the level of economic cultivation. Failure of timely rains and consequent crop failure is common. There is an acute scarcity of timber, fuel and fodder. The present article describes the afforestation of waste lands in the district undertaken by the Forest Department under the 5-Year Plans with a view to restore once again the much needed sylvan cover of the soil.

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P. K. Ray

Abstract

Timber extraction from the inaccessible and rugged hills of West Bengal was virtually impossible only a few years back. An intensive drive for construction of all weather motorable roads in hill forests between 1955 and 1968 brought in its wake the possibilities of log-transportation by portable ropeways in conjunction with road transport. A unit of Swiss Kupfer Skyline Crane was put into operation in the upper hill forests of Kalimpong Division in 1965. This was followed by the introduction of a Czechoslovakian Cable way in the foot-hill forests in 1968. Work has also commmenced for installation of a long distance Gravity Conveyor during the current year. The Skyline logging practised so far has not only proved very economic, but has also proved its worth in clearing forests on a difficult terrain at a fast rate. Details of working of the Cableways and economics of operation have been dealt with.

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