About Dasuya Forest Division
The Dasuya Forest Division is one of the significant forest administrative units under the Punjab Forest Department, covering parts of Hoshiarpur district in the northeastern corner of the state. Sitting at the meeting point of the Kandi uplands and the Shivalik foothills, the forests under this division play a critical ecological role for Punjab—acting as a buffer between the fertile plains and the fragile Shivalik hills.
Location
The Dasuya Forest Division is named after Dasuya , a historic town in Hoshiarpur district. This region lies close to the Himachal Pradesh border and includes mixed forest blocks spread across hilly and undulating terrain.
Key nearby towns include
* Dasuya town (historic town associated with the Mahabharata)
* Hoshiarpur (the main district headquarters)
* Mukerian (nearby urban center)
Ecological Significance
Mixed Deciduous & Shivalik Forests
The forests here typically include species like:
* Shisham (Indian Rosewood)
* Khair (Acacia catechu)
* Kikar (Acacia nilotica)
* Sal patches in some moist tracts
* Scrub forests and grasslands in foothill areas
These forests form part of Punjab’s Kandi belt , which is known for its erosion-prone soil. The forests help prevent soil erosion, regulate water flow from the Shivalik hills, and protect downstream agricultural land from flash floods.
Wildlife Habitat
Dasuya’s forest blocks support a range of fauna typical to the Shivalik zone:
* Jackal, hare, wild boar
* Occasional leopards straying in from adjoining Himachal hills
* Rich birdlife: peafowl, partridges, drongos, hornbills, and woodpeckers
* Reptiles like monitor lizards and various snakes
Role in Conservation & Local Livelihoods
* Community Link: Many villages surround or lie within the buffer of the Dasuya forests. Locals rely on these forests for firewood, minor forest produce, and grazing — which makes community-based conservation critical here.
* Soil & Water Conservation Projects: The forest division actively undertakes soil binding, check dams, and plantation drives to combat the heavy monsoon runoff that threatens the fragile slopes.
Travel & Visitor Experience
Unlike big national parks, Dasuya Forest Division is not a typical tourist destination with safaris or elaborate infrastructure. However, for nature lovers and explorers, it offers:
* Scenic drives through quiet village roads flanked by wooded hills.
* Birdwatching opportunities, especially near seasonal streams and forest clearings.
* Visits combined with nearby spots like Takhni-Rehmapur Wildlife Sanctuary , Dholbaha Archaeological Site , and small dams like Damsal or Chohal.
Many environmental groups and schools also organize nature walks and educational visits in parts of Dasuya’s forest blocks to learn about the Shivalik ecosystem.
Historical Note
Dasuya town itself is historically significant — it’s believed to be the ancient Virat Nagar, the legendary capital in the Mahabharata where the Pandavas spent their exile incognito. While the forest division isn’t directly tied to the town’s mythological sites, its surrounding landscape adds a timeless backdrop to this heritage.
How to Reach
* Nearest City: Hoshiarpur (~30–50 km depending on the forest block)
* By Road: Well connected by local roads to Dasuya, Mukerian, and nearby villages.
* Nearest Railway Station: Dasuya or Mukerian railway stations.
* Nearest Airport: Amritsar or Chandigarh (around 130–150 km).
Best Time to Visit
Winter and spring (October to March) are best — pleasant weather, clear skies, and good chances to spot birds and enjoy nature walks.
Why It Matters
The Dasuya Forest Division is a reminder that Punjab is not just about sprawling fields and bustling towns — it also protects pockets of quiet wilderness that sustain water, soil, and the very lifeline of agriculture in the plains below.