Field Visit to Langha Range

April 03, 2023

Field Visit to Langha Range

On the 25th of March 2023 we went for a field trip to the Langha Range. The Langha Range is a part the Kalsi forest range and is a part of the Vikasnagar tehsil of Dehradun district. We were accompanied by 2 forest officers who guided us along the trek.

At the start of the trek we were informed about the main trees found in this range which is the Sal tree. The other trees found in this area have been planted by the forest department. They explained that the trees which are planted by the forest department are also chosen according to the weather. Only trees which can be naturally found in the area are planted. We also found that teak is not planted anymore as it takes too much water because of which there is no undergrowth near the tree. The other trees planted here include silver Oak and bamboo.

Teak

Bamboo

We were also informed on how from 10th February till 15th June people are not allowed to roam around forests as this is the period where the fire season takes place. They also reiterated that littering is not allowed in the forest and how we should be grateful to live in a state which is full of trees as we get a lot of fresh oxygen from them. They then showed us the fire lines which had been constructed all around the route. These firelines are basically patches of land where there is no tree and they have burnt some litter. The main purpose of these firelines is that they prevent forest fires from spreading.

As we walked through the forest the officers showed us both a Sal tree and a Teak tree and showed us how we can differentiate both these trees . They also told us how both these trees are used for furniture and told us the difference in the leaf size and in the strength of their trunks.

We were then shown a tree which had been infested by an insect. This insect made the bores all over the tree. They explained how once a tree is infested by this insect , the tree becomes weak as they reproduce and the offspring also increase the number of holes on the tree. These insects only trap trees that are full of green leaves . Hence , the only action which can be taken as treatment is that the tree is cut when the monsoon starts . After cutting the trees, the leaves are used to trap the insects so that these insects don't spread further.

After reaching Doonga we also visited the haveli . The haveli belonged to a royal family but now belongs with the government. The haveli had a dysfunctional fountain and also had a pool and a well for rainwater harvesting. The haveli also had a few murals which had been recently painted.