1 No. 257 of 1872-73.
2 From
3 Captain J. C. DOVETON, CONSERVATOR or FORESTS,
4 Central Provinces.
5 To
6 Tut SECRETARY 10 ruts CHIFF COMMISSIONER,
7 Central Provinces.
8 : Dated Négpir, 20th May 1872.
9 IR,
10 I have the honor to submit the Annual Report onthe Forest
11 administration for the official year ending 3lst March 1872.
12 Introduction.
13 During the year the State forests have been increased by taking up and
14 reserving the following new areas :—
15 Moharli forest, estimated area 150 square miles.
16 Pandratola reserve, area about 72 square miles.
17 Ranipura forest, area 114 square miles.
18 Rangir forest, area 144 square miles.
19 Huthku forest, estimated area 314 square miles.
20 2. The prospective mining operations in the vicinity of Ghugus and Warora,
21 in the Chanda district, necessitated action being taken
22 to secure the maintenance of an adequate supply of pit-
23 wood, and it was accordingly determined to take up the tract known as the
24 Moharli forest, situated to the east of Warora, in the Chanda district. It is
25 easy of access, and the farther portion of it is on’y 30 miles from the last men-
26 tioned town. Owing to the departure of Mr. Davidson before he had completed
27 his detailed examination of this tract, full information regarding its timber bearing
28 capabilities is not at present available, but itjs reported to contain every variety
29 of timber common to the Central Provinces, with a luxuriant growth of bamboos.
30 It scems probable that this tract will eventually supply a considerable quantity
31 of material to the large town of Hinganghat, with which it is aorta by the
32 Southern road.
33 Moharli forset.
34 8. This tract is situated on the banks of the Wainganga river, about 20
35 miles to the north of Burha, the head-quarters of Bala-
36 ghat. It was found to contain a most promising natural
37 growth of young teak and also of Katang bamboos, To render the reserve com-
38 pact, 600 acres of land which belonged to private individuals have been taken
39 up and included. The former owners have been compensated, partly by a money
40 sua of Rs. 325, and partly by a grant of other land higher up the river.
41 -Referring to the situation of this tract and the natural growth it contains,
42 Mr. J 9 aftcr a careful cxamination, writes as follows :—
43 Pandratole reserve,
44 “1 feel no hesitation in according to this tract, area for area, a higher value
45 than any other State forest we now have in the Provinces.”