Rehabilitation of Changa Manga Forest Park

It was expected that planting the 131,800 trees with a survival rate of 90% will attain carbon sequestration to mitigate climate change and afforestation to blank areas (4). Afforestation of 200 acres was achieved, which increased the green area in the region. The selected sample plots of size (50 sq. ft.) showed that on average, 37 plants were available in the pits against the Forest Department’s standard of 10x6 i.e., 41 plants per 2,500 sq. ft. This indicates that about 91% achievement of the objective of afforestation was attained with plantation height (4).
There was also an effort in terms of upkeeping the forest as Changa Manga has common species of flora such as Sheesham (Dalbergia Sissoo) and Kikar (Acacia Nilotica). Both of these species are native to the sub-continent and are members of the Fabaceae. Furthermore, white mulberry (Morus Alba) was also introduced to the plantation along with several other species of Eucalyptus and Populus.
In terms of fauna, Changa Manga has been serving as a breeding and conservation centre for the Asiatic and White-rumped Vultures (Gyps bengalensis). Both of these species are critically endangered. However, the forest hosts the conservation centre in association with the WWF SAVE program. SAVE is the program for Asian vultures, named Saving Asia’s Vultures from Extinction. The conservation efforts in the forest are extremely crucial for the vultures, as a decline in the population of both G. bengalensis and G. indicus has been reported. Around 90% decline in the Asiatic vulture species has been observed in Pakistan, thereby making this effort an important one on an international scale. (1)
The project also aimed at improving the area for the pollinators as well as to expand the habitat for bees as the honey produced here is also sold in abundance in the local market. (2)