In a first-of-its-kind move, the Research Wing of the Uttarakhand Forest Department has launched a special program to reintroduce rare and endangered plant species to their original natural habitats.
In the beginning, 14 plant species that are listed as endangered or critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) or also listed as threatened by the State Biodiversity Board — are being reintroduced. More species will be added in the future.
Sanjiv Chaturvedi, Chief Conservator of Forest (Research), said, "Earlier, such conservation programs were for faunal species only, and it is for the first time that such an initiative is being taken for plant species as well."
Many of these plants are known for their medicinal value and have been overharvested from the wild over the years, leading to a sharp decline in their numbers.
The 14 species selected are include Himalayan Gentian, Red Crane Orchid, White Himalayan Lily, Golden Himalayan Spike, Doon Cheese Wood, Kunaon Fan Palm, Indian Spikenard, Patwa, and Himalayan Arnebia. The research team has spent years learning techniques how to grow these plants at their high-altitude centres and prepare new plants with seeds, bulbs of these threatened species, and rhizomes.
Once the original habitats of these plants were identified, reintroduction process began with the arrival of the monsoon.
Chaturvedi shared that the success of this project could inspire similar efforts across the country. The first phase of plantation is expected to be completed by the end of July. After that, these sites will be regularly monitored, and more endangered plant species will be added in next phases.
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