Vol. 12, Issue 5 (2023)

Author(s):
Satish K Sharma, Gyanendra Tiwari, KC Mahajan, Aradhna Kumari and Aparna Jaiswal

Abstract:
The Vindhya Plateau is one of the 11 agro-climatic zones in Madhya Pradesh, extending across districts such as Sehore, Bhopal, Raisen, Vidisha, Damoh, Sagar, and parts of Ashok Nagar. A project funded by the World Bank and run by PICU WRD of MP Govt Bhopal, coordinated by CAE, JNKVV Deptt of Soil & Water Engineering Jabalpur conducted extensive reconnaissance surveys from 2012-2015 to assess the diversity of vegetative cover and soil conservation aspects taken into consideration in the natural habitat of this region. The surveys revealed that the Vindhya Plateau is home to 135 species of medicinal and aromatic plants and 17 species that aid in soil conservation and groundwater augmentation. These species vary in frequency and occurrence, and include sweet basil, parijat, mandukparni, brahmi, jyotishmati, safed musli, kali musli, palmarosa grass, jangli haldi, kali haldi, jangli piyaj, shankhapushpi, and Vishnukanta. Farmers in this agro-climatic zone also cultivate species like tulsi, asgandh, kalongi, chandrasur, and aloe. These vegetative cover species play a vital role in conserving natural resources such as soil, water and naturally help augmentation of groundwater recharge as well as offering easier solutions to various ailments. The fibrous roots of these grasses hold the soil particles together protecting soil cover against landslide and gully erosion hazards. The objectives in this paper is exploring the diverse vegetative cover of the Vindhya Plateau of Madhya Pradesh and its significance in soil & water conservation and biodiversity preservation.