Coordinated efforts needed for effective and permanent solution to sal borer: Experts

A high-level workshop was organised on August 17, 2026, at the Indira Gandhi National Tribal University (IGNTU) in Madhya Pradesh’s Amarkantak. The aim was to formulate a strategy for the increasing infestation of sal borer insects in the sal (Shorea robusta) forests of the state, its scientific management and conservation of sal forests.

The workshop was attended by local public representatives, Vice Chancellor of IGNTU, senior officers of the Forest Department at the level of Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Chief Conservator of Forests, Conservator of Forests, Divisional Forest Officers and scientists from research institutions and representatives of forest committees.

In the inaugural session of the workshop, the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Production) stated that sal forests are an important natural resource of Madhya Pradesh and any adverse impact on their health requires timely and scientific management. He emphasised the need to develop effective and long-term management strategies by combining field experiences with scientific research.

IGNTU Vice Chancellor Awadhesh Kumar Shukla, Member of Parliament Faggan Singh Kulaste and Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) Fundelal Singh Marko expressed concern over the increasing outbreaks of sal borer insect and stressed on the need for coordinated efforts by the Forest Department, scientific institutions, university and local communities for its effective and permanent solution.

Public representatives emphasised the need to conserve sal forests not only as forest resources, but also as important natural resources linked to environmental balance, biodiversity, and the lives of local communities.

Following the inaugural session, a technical session of the workshop was held during which senior Forest Department officials and experts shared their views and experiences on various aspects of the sal borer pest infestation, including its causes, identification, monitoring, impact, and management.

Senior Forest Department officials laid special emphasis on the need for conservation of sal forests, scientific monitoring of pest infestation and timely intervention in the affected areas.

The Divisional Forest Officers of Dindori and Anuppur presented information about the current status of the areas affected by sal borer insects, the extent of the outbreak and efforts being made by the department for its control and management.

Along with this, detailed technical presentations were given by the scientists and experts of Tropical Forest Research Institute and State Forest Research Institute on the biology, life cycle, identification of outbreaks, monitoring and scientific methods of integrated pest management of sal borer insect. Experts stressed that to meet the challenge posed by sal borer insects, instead of only remedial measures, it is necessary to develop early warning systems, regular monitoring, scientific identification of affected trees, area-wise data collection and integrated management strategy according to local conditions.

At the end of the technical session, Dindori MLA Onkar Singh Markam emphasised the need to link forest conservation with broader environmental balance and biodiversity protection.

Following the technical session, senior officials and experts visited and inspected forest areas affected by the sal borer within the Karanjia Range of the Dindori Forest Division.

During the field visit, they examined the affected sal trees, the status of the pest infestation, and ongoing management efforts in the area. Necessary technical and management guidelines were issued to the regional forest staff regarding identification of the sal borer pest, management of affected trees, regular monitoring, and controlling the spread of the infestation in the future.