Chhattisgarh Forest Dept Battles Girdling with Bridge Grafting

A recent inspection of the Udanti Sitanadi Tiger Reserve revealed that approximately 2,500 trees were found in a girdled condition, with 500 recently damaged. The forest department used DGPS-enabled drones and ISRO satellite images from 2010 and 2016 to assess the damage. These images showed dense forest cover in the past, suggesting thousands of trees were cleared over the last decade. USTR Deputy Director Varun Jain stated that protecting these forests is vital for biodiversity and the origin of the Mahanadi river. Legal action is being pursued against those responsible for the encroachment and tree damage in Karka village.