E-Paper
FRI on verge of closure
THE MOST prestigious institute for promoting research in forestry is on the verge of closure due to apathy of the State Government. Despite the fact that the scientists at this institute provided valuable research results, but at present the institute has virtually become a ?defunct? body and a liability for the state exchequer.
THE MOST prestigious institute for promoting research in forestry is on the verge of closure due to apathy of the State Government. Despite the fact that the scientists at this institute provided valuable research results, but at present the institute has virtually become a ‘defunct’ body and a liability for the state exchequer.
The institute popular as Forest Research Institute (FRI) was set up in 1966 with five posts of senior scientists. An exclusive hi-tech laboratory was also set up at the institute in the year 1970 to facilitate the research programmes for producing quality forest wood in Indo-Gangatic plains and in Vindhyachal region.
The thrust was given on researches in unfertile land, ravines and brakish water areas so that good quality of vegetation could be grown there.
The Government allocated handsome budget for research activities, but gradually the Government lost its interest in promoting research due to loss of forest cover area following the division of the State. This blocked all avenues for researches in the targeted areas. The govt ignored the institute and did not bother to fill the posts fallen vacant due to retirement or any other reasons.
At present, the institute has only one scientist, who is also to retire in November this year. One of the scientists has gone on deputation other one joined CSA Agriculture Technology University, while one of them took voluntary retirement considering the poor condition of the institute.
Above all, the institute does not have a full-time director. The government, who seems to be highly unconcerned, did not appoint any of the scientists against the vacant posts. In absence of required scientists at the institute all the prestigious projects were gathering dust.
However, in the year 2001 the then principal chief conservator of forest, training and research K Prasad had submitted a proposal to the State Government to convert the FRI into the first forest university in order to make up the loss of Dehradun Forest Institute, which went to Uttrakhand. Besides, making the institute financially viable. But the proposal could not be materialised .The Government did not pay any attention to stabilise the declining position of the FRI. Now the victim of utter neglect presents a barren look.
Even today, the FRI is known for its contribution to make use of fire as management tool for enhancing the productivity of bamboo, developing the most advanced nursery techniques, and for raising the production of prosopis juliflora.
