The changing seasons of Changa Manga
 

[B]The changing seasons of Changa Manga[/B]

Sprouting medium-sized trees of mulberry laden with fruit, numbering thousands; complete calmness; rushing streams; the chirping of wild birds, flowering plants; stately Shaftal trees; rest houses; wild animals and the pleasant whistling of the tram are just a few characteristic glimpses of Pakistan’s largest planted irrigation forest — Changa Manga.

This tourist station, fitted with modern recreational facilities, is visited by nature lovers all year round due to its easy accessibility. Changa Manga is a heaven for all those who want an escape from the busy, congested and polluted city life. The plantation is located between 712.4 and 717.4 miles on one side on the Karachi to Lahore railway lines.

Changa Manga is 50 miles away from Lahore when travelling by the Lahore-Chunian road. Upon reaching Changa Manga town, we had to drive a little further till we approached the rest houses. Turning left and after driving another 3 km on the poorly maintained road along the main irrigation canal that springs from Central Bari Doab Canal, we reach our destination.

We can hire a tram at the tram station, which is just a half kilometre away from Changa Manga town. This tram would take us to Mahtabi Lake — an artificial, circular lake having green water, with some suspension bridges over it and encompassing a terrain of well laid-out lawns.

The road that leads to Chunian provides an enchanting view at noon when thousands of cattle trample over the leaves that fall on the footpaths with the sun slowly going down. In autumn, trees without leaves portray a mysterious sight.

Historically, Changa Manga was an open irregular scrub forest consisting of arid zone woody species such as Jand, Van, Peru, Frash, Kharir etc. The place was properly planned in 1866 under government supervision. After successful experiments of plantation, work was undertaken; but till 1870 only 550 acres had been planted showing not much substantial progress. It was only in 1871 that proposed plantation with roads was carried out in a systematic manner. By 1880 the area of the plantation rose to 9,000 acres. Presently, the total area of the plantation is 13,000 acres. The forest also caters to the timber demands and fuel wood requirements of the surrounding population.

The forest is a valuable treasure worth millions. Shisham, Mulberry, Bakaian, Simbal, Caster, Frash, Berry and Eucalyptus trees are found in abundance. The Mulberry and Bakaian trees support our internationally recognized sports industry in Sialkot. Furthermore, the forest department is doing a good deal of work locally for its 1500 employees as it has set up about seven residential colonies. This plantation also provides raw materials to the nearby chipboard, hardboard and match industry. Due to the thick forest, the climate of the surrounding areas remains pleasant with a pollution free environment.

People from all over Pakistan, particularly Lahore division, visit this ideal picnic point. Foreigners and students of forestry and wildlife also pay a visit to Changa Manga. It is really an ideal place for those who want to spend their leisure time in the company of nature. Swimming, boating, fishing, observing wildlife, and enjoying modernized merry-go-rounds, car drives, water sports may be the best pastimes here. Fishing permits can be obtained immediately after paying 50 rupees for each allowance. Afloat on a nicely adorned pagoda-shaped Mahaiab Mahal in the lake, during boating is an enjoyable and memorable experience.

Coal-fired and wood-fired engines pass through the jungle, roaring and thundering and producing hissing sounds. They carry many tourists on their tiny compartments. Thirteen miles in length, the tram-track was originally laid for the transportation of wood.

The little patches of flowers, a number of benches, five tourist huts and an aesthetic layout add to the place’s beauty. Stately built, majestic restaurants are a good addition to the already serene atmosphere of the jungle. A suspension bridge is the centre of attraction for visiting tourists. The beautifully located rest houses on Chunian road which have three suites each are equipped with modern facilities with spacious, well kept lawns. The bamboo huts also provide accommodation. These can also be reserved prior to your arrival there.

While camping deep in the jungle, you have an opportunity to observe the wildlife. Blackbuck, spotted deer, wild boars, jackals, porcupine, peacock, partridge, woodpeckers and what not, are all your neighbours.