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Some further glimpses for the forest
The area is very arid, graced by very little rainfall throughout the
year. The trees that manage to survive the dry climate also need to fight
against the termites and caterpillars. Indeed, termites seem to be bane of
any large tree in the western end of West Bengal. It is not at all
difficult to be a Balmiki here if you have the patience to sit still for a
few months. And then there are the caterpillars.
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Caterpillars
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The forest, as I have said, has been grown without much planning. As a
result certain parts of it has become difficult to reach. This has
motivated the Bhalopahar people to make a walkway through the forest. The
walkway is still in the making. It would also help in keeping an eye on
all the nooks and corners of the forest to save it from local people
intruding to fell trees. This practice, however, is surprisingly low as
yet.
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The walkway through the forest
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Notice the white patches on the trees. These are not man-made, but rather
are the result of some natural process.
It was already dark when we got back to the guest house. Bhalopahar has
electricity, but fortunately the electric lights were few in number,
letting one to enjoy the serene beauty of the dark night. It was Guru
Purnima, a big bright moon had obliterated all the stars from the
sky. There is a little watch tower in the guest house campus--one needs
to climb up a rough-hewn wooden ladder in order to get up. It was very
romantic to sit up there.
The Dalma range looming large near the horizon against the backdrop of a
moonlit night...listen intently...and you'll discern the sound of madals
(a local percussion intrument) being played at some distant village...
Dinner was ready...chapati and chicken...the meal was good but
costly...Rs 150 per head per day...and then zzzz....
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