MADIKERI (KARNATAKA): A good forest cover is the ultimate solution to recurrent drought and perhaps, everyone thinks it’s the government’s responsibility alone. But a couple who has been staying in Srimangala, a border town between Kodagu district in Karnataka and Wayanad of Kerala, has shown individuals can chip in too. The SAI (Save Animals Initiative) Sanctuary near Nagarahole National Park in Kodagu district stands testimony to growing forests without banking on the government. Spread over 300 acres, the first private sanctuary in South India is a result of the efforts of the couple, Pamela and Dr A K Malhotra. The sanctuary with lofty trees is now teeming with wildlife, demonstrating the inter-dependence of forest and wildlife.
It all began more than three decades ago when A K Malhotra, an NRI then, decided to return to India from the USA with Pamela. The government granted Pamela an Overseas Citizens of India status and the couple started planning a sanctuary in the Himalayas. But the law there does not allow individuals or private organisations to own more than 12 acres which were too little for them to do what they intended to.
They turned to South India and found Kodagu, a bio-diversity hotspot. Initially, they bought 55 acres at Theralu village in 1993. They continued to buy land which was not conducive for farming and the sanctuary expanded.
Now, the lush green forest is home to sambar, muntjac, wild boars, leopards, wild dogs, tigers and elephants. The couple has also grown coffee on 10-12 acres and cardamom on 15 acres, apart from fruits, vegetables and paddy in the sanctuary through organic farming.
The non-profit SAI Sanctuary Trust founded by the couple runs the sanctuary now. Pamela says they did not chop any trees when they bought land. The forest grew naturally with abundant wildlife. A river flowing through the sanctuary helps the animals.
The sanctuary runs completely on non-conventional sources of energy, mainly solar. There are three mini-hydro power generators and two small windmills providing electricity during monsoon.The couple also set up a homestay in the sanctuary where smoking and consumption of alcohol are not allowed. Pamela attributes drought to denuding of the Western Ghats. Kodagu’s forest cover has dropped from 86 per cent in late 1970s to only 16 per cent now and the situation is similar in the rest of Sahyadri range. This has taken a toll on water sources and resulted in rivers in the plains running dry. “The solution is simple and clear—protect, preserve and expand our forest cover and promote wildlife essential to the forest cover,” says Pamela.
Dr Malhotra says forests need wildlife as much as wildlife needs forests. Wildlife which is critical to pollination and propagation of trees helps in regeneration of forests. “Our aim is to preserve the flora and fauna for future generations. Without forests and wildlife, humans will not have fresh water sources. Violent conflicts like in Bengaluru recently will happen more often,” he says. Pamela said, private forest sanctuaries are a key strategy to increase the forest cover. SAI Sanctuary is a model that can be replicated across India, she says. PES programmes (Payment for Ecosystem Services) can be instituted with locals to preserve and expand forest cover, she says.
Payment can be made in the form of goods, like bee boxes for beekeeping, which is also a great way to discourage any elephant intrusion, she says. She also feels tree-planting days shouldn’t be just media events but true reforestation projects.