Allapalli & The Glory of Allapalli – Nature and Conservation Spot

 Allapalli & The Glory of Allapalli – Nature and Conservation Spot

The Glory of  is a 6-hectare permanent preservation plot located in compartment no. 76 of the Allapalli Forest Range, approximately 16 kilometers from Allapalli on the way to Bhamragad in Gadchiroli district, Maharashtra. Established in 1953, it was designated to study the Allapalli forest under its natural condition, with protection from grazing, fire, and other disturbances to preserve its original vegetation and ecological succession. The site is renowned for its old-growth teak trees, including one measuring 39.70 meters in height and another with a girth of 5.27 meters at breast height, representing some of the largest teak trees in the state. The area supports a rich biodiversity, with over 130 floral species identified, including teak, tendu, dhawala, kusum, yen, gunj, tarota, and gulwel, along with various shrubs, herbs, climbers, and grasses. The forest floor features a thick layer of humus due to long-term fire protection, and the ecosystem includes diverse fauna such as the giant Malabar squirrel, Malabar pied-hornbill, egrets, kingfishers, and numerous insect and fungal species.

In recognition of its biological, ethnical, and historical significance, the Glory of Allapalli was declared Maharashtra's first Biodiversity Heritage Site (BHS) in 2014, following in-principle approval by the Maharashtra State Biodiversity Board in March 2013 and formal notification on May 21, 2014. This status ensures scientific management under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002, and aims to strengthen conservation in traditionally managed areas. The site is situated near the Madia tribal habitation of Mirkal, where local communities maintain a sentimental attachment to the forest, which also serves as a source of livelihood. The area is also home to a small perennial pond and a Hanuman temple, contributing to its ecological and cultural significance. The site is accessible by road from Allapalli, with buses and private vehicles available, and is located about 116 kilometers from Gadchiroli and 306 kilometers from Nagpur Airport, the nearest major airport.