Bamboo in Orissa: Trade and Livelihood Perspective - Vasundhara

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decided to try bamboo rhizomes which are otherwise left unused by the people. The
underground part of bamboo has the advantage of a slightly rugged surface similar to that
found on the skin of many wild animals, hence it can give a natural look and feel of the
back of some wild fauna if properly crafted. Further, its use saves the usable parts of
bamboo thereby reducing the cost of production and resource available. Nayak succeeded
in his effort which inspired his fellow artisans like Dhaneswar. Dhaneswar saw the film
'Jurassic Park' and crafted a dinosaur using bamboo rhizomes. Gradually the knowledge
passed on to their brethren in Khuntgaon village(per comm..).
Govt policy on bamboo:
In ancient defense strategy, bamboo had a well-recognised role as bamboo thickets used to
act as natural barriers for the intruders. The thickets gave strong resistance even to the axe
and hence some kings are supposed to have encouraged plantations of bamboo along their
state boundaries (Vasundhara 2000 draft, Aspects of Garjat Forestry, 48).
Bambusa bambos(kanta baunsha) was enlisted as a reserved species in the Athmallik State,
a very exceptional policy decision of its kind(Vasundhara 2000, op.cit.,p. 55).
The Indian Forest Act, 1927 has recognised bamboo and cane under the category of
trees(section 2/7). This has been interpreted to consider bamboo as equivalent to timber. It
is this legal obstruction, which is supposed to a major factor behind unfavourable bamboo
policies of the govt.. This has also led to a great confusion resulting in the conclusion by
some that bamboo is neither a timber nor an NTFP. However, the Hon'ble Supreme Court
has clarified in February 2002 that the ban on cutting of timber trees would not be
applicable for bamboo and cane since these species actually belong to the grass family.
Science dismisses law
Timber is produced by trees which are essentially dicotyledons, whereas bamboo,
which belongs to the family of grasses, is a monocotyledon(per comm., Dr. Jim
Chamberlain and Pravat Sutar). Hence, science does not recognise bamboo as
timber/tree.
Being a grass, bamboo is supposed to be a non-timber item. However, given its
ecological & commercial importance, as well as capacity to build up forests of its own
unlike other NTFPs, foresters have often advocated to treat it on the same footing as
timber trees.
Bamboo has been a major leased out item in the past. The long-term leases were mostly on
behalf of the paper mills. However, for the tenants and other non-industrial bamboo users,
provisions were there to supply them the required quantity(often specified by an upper
limit) of bamboo either at specified rates, or 'free of cost' in lieu of an annual forest cess
otherwise known as 'nistar'. Departmental working was introduced in some cases either to
save the forests from the unscientific and unsustainable exploitation of the
contractors/lease-holders, or for ensuring supply to the tenants/artisans.
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