Bihar: Decline In Number Of Mahua, Khair Trees In Non-Forest Areas A Matter Of Concern

According to an estimate, the number of Mahua and Khair trees that also have economic importance has reduced by 25 to 30 per cent in non-forest areas in the last 10 years in the state, a senior official of the Bihar State Biodiversity Board (BSBB) said.

PTI

Updated on: 30 April 2023 7:36 am

Trees will be felled in Delhi during the construction of the six-lane

The rapid decline in the number of Mahua (Madhuca longifolia) and Khair (Senegalia catechu ) trees in the non-forest areas in Bihar is becoming a matter of serious concern for the Bihar government which is afraid that this could harm the ecosystem.

Mahua flowers with high sugar content are used in making foods, medicines and traditional liquor. Khair is utilised as an ingredient in preparing various types of ‘paan’ (betel leaves) and medicines. It has other usages as well.

“Mahua and Khair trees are found in abundance in forest areas in the state. But, we have observed a significant decline in their number in non-forest areas in the last 10 years. It’s a matter of serious concern. Trees are one of the main components of forest ecosystems,” BSBB Secretary K Ganesh Kumar told PTI.

A plan is afoot to conduct a study to ascertain the number of existing Mahua and Khair trees and also to identify the reasons behind their decline in non-forest areas in the state, he said.

“We are also taking measures to ensure their conservation and cultivation in non-forest areas,” the BSBB secretary.

People are being encouraged to plant these two trees in non-forest areas to maintain the richness of biodiversity. Plants of Mahua and Khair are available in abundance at all government nurseries in Bihar.

These two trees are available in large numbers in the forest areas of Jamui, Banka, Nawada, Gaya, Rohtas, Kaimur, West Champaran and East Champaran.

The significant decline in numbers in non-forest areas has been observed in Darbhanga, Madhubani, Saharsa, Madhepura, Supaul, Begusarai, Katihar, Araria, Samastipur, Muzaffarpur, and Purnea districts.

“Mahua tree is known to be a treasure of multiple medicinal properties, which can be used for the treatment of a number of diseases. Similarly, Khair tree is very useful in various ways,” Kumar said.

Khair forms an important ingredient of adhesives for plywood and is also extensively used in drying canvas and sizing fishing nets and ropes, said Kumar.