Reforestation in Kodar, Earthquake Area
Kodar children watching. Plants being brought to Kodar.
During the first two weeks of March 15,000 plants were distributed to the community in Kodar. In the beginning we had thought of providing Chir (Pine) saplings and accordingly 5,000 plants were distributed. Later, the community requested that trees which grow more quickly were preferable, since Chir takes a long time (between 15 to 20 years) to grow. Accordingly, 10,000 saplings of local Keekar, Darawa and Sufaida were distributed. These trees can grow considerably within one year. Keekar is particularly useful because it reproduces itself. It is also useful as firewood and, since most of the people do not own the land that they occupy, they are more interested in trees that provide them short term benefits. Since our objective is reforestation and growing as many trees as possible to stabilize the soil in case of earthquakes, with community cooperation there is a greater chance that majority of 15,000 trees supplied to the community will survive.
A tree audit will take place in June to assess the survival rate. If the mortality rate is low, another 15,000 trees or more will be planted in July/August during the monsoon season this year. Plants distribution.
Karavan staff planting saplings in Primary School area.