Winch-Based Removal of Lantana – A Scalable Solution

Addressing these priorities, we adopted a semi-mechanised approach involving a winch-pulling method, which has proven to be a balanced solution for both ecological and practical considerations. This method was particularly effective in areas with moderate to dense Lantana infestations. It has been successfully implemented in the Biligiri Rangaswamy Temple (BRT) Tiger Reserve, Mudumalai Tiger Reserve, and Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary—three critical regions of the Western Ghats known for their rich biodiversity.

The Winch-Based Removal Method

The winch-based method integrates manual effort with mechanical power, making it a versatile and efficient solution. This approach involves bundling several Lantana bushes together with belts and attaching them to a mechanical winch mounted on a tractor. The winch then pulls the tied plants, uprooting them along with their root systems. By combining the precision of manual labour with the strength of machinery, this method ensures the thorough removal of Lantana with minimal disturbance to the soil and minimises the physical strain on workers. This technique is particularly effective in areas with moderate to dense Lantana infestations, where fully mechanised equipment might be excessive, and manual labour alone may prove inadequate. The winch-based method strikes a balance between efficiency and adaptability, making it suitable for varying terrains and densities. One of the significant advantages of the winch-based method is its scalability. Unlike manual removal, which is labour-intensive and time-consuming, or fully mechanised removal, which can cause considerable soil disturbance, the semimechanised approach offers a middle ground. It allows for the removal of large quantities of Lantana in a relatively short period while maintaining ecological sensitivity. In regions like BRT Tiger Reserve, Mudumalai Tiger Reserve, and Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, where Lantana covers significant portions of the forest floor, the winch-based method has proven invaluable. These areas often feature challenging terrains, including slopes and dense thickets, which are more manageable with the semimechanised approach.

Addressing these priorities, we adopted a semi-mechanised approach involving a winch-pulling method, which has proven to be a balanced solution for both ecological and practical considerations. This method was particularly effective in areas with moderate to dense Lantana infestations. It has been successfully implemented in the Biligiri Rangaswamy Temple (BRT) Tiger Reserve, Mudumalai Tiger Reserve, and Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary – three critical regions of the Western Ghats known for their rich biodiversity.

The Winch-Based Removal Method

The winch-based method integrates manual effort with mechanical power, making it a versatile and efficient solution. This approach involves bundling several Lantana bushes together with belts and attaching them to a mechanical winch mounted on a tractor. The winch then pulls the tied plants, uprooting them along with their root systems. By combining the precision of manual labour with the strength of machinery, this method ensures the thorough removal of Lantana with minimal disturbance to the soil and minimises the physical strain on workers. This technique is particularly effective in areas with moderate to dense Lantana infestations, where fully mechanised equipment might be excessive, and manual labour alone may prove inadequate. The winch-based method strikes a balance between efficiency and adaptability, making it suitable for varying terrains and densities. Why Focus on Semi-Mechanised Removal?

One of the significant advantages of the winch-based method is its scalability. Unlike manual removal, which is labour-intensive and time-consuming, or fully mechanised removal, which can cause considerable soil disturbance, the semimechanised approach offers a middle ground. It allows for the removal of large quantities of Lantana in a relatively short period while maintaining ecological sensitivity. In regions like BRT Tiger Reserve, Mudumalai Tiger Reserve, and Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, where Lantana covers significant portions of the forest floor, the winch-based method has proven invaluable. These areas often feature challenging terrains, including slopes and dense thickets, which are more manageable with the semimechanised approach.

Removal site	Labour cost per hectare (in Rs.)	Operational cost per hectare (in Rs.)	Total cost per hectare (in Rs.)
MTR (Mandradiar)	54,000	8,000	62,000
MTR (Gavihalla)	23,500	26,000	49,300
Wayanad WS	10,100	8,000	18,100
BR Hills TR	58,700	27,100	85,800