Fencing Work - Afforestation, Reforestation and Forest Restoration in Arid and Semi-arid Tropics - page 76

Chapter 4
Fencing Work

Abstract Executing fencing work requires correct technique and proper workman-
ship. The former includes use of proper method, proper tools, and adhering to the
specifications. The latter is largely an output of experience and skill of workers.
Fencing is an expensive, often labour-intensive, item of work. The amount of care
and meticulousness that goes into execution of fencing work will have great impact
on success of plantation.

4.1 Stone Wall Fence

Stone wall fence (Fig. 4.1 ) is suitable in hilly tracts where adequate stone is available
at convenient distance. The average collecting distance will depend upon the avail-
ability of loose stones in the area. Larger distances will mean higher labour costs, and
beyond a certain point, fencing work may become uneconomical. The size as well
as shape of the stones will affect the quality and throughput of work. Flat and large
stones would be ideal for the wall, whereas small and round stones should never be
used.
Terrain also affects the feasibility and success of stone wall fence. In areas with
very steep slopes, it is difficult to construct a wall, and the wall will not be stable
and lasting. However, if a hill or hummock is enclosed within the fence, the wall
can run around it, for most part running in the lower slopes, and its construction will
be successful. It will have to cross the streams that drain the slopes, and at all such
crossings, care should be taken to ensure safe passage of the runoff. It may also be
desirable to construct loose stone checkdams or stopdams at such crossings.
Marking alignment of the fence on the ground is an important operation. White-
wash can be used to draw two lines separated by a distance equal to the width-at-base
of the wall. Before proceeding with the actual operation of marking, careful inspec-
tion should be carried out examining whether the wall is along the survey stations
marked for the proposed area and whether it will be feasible to build the wall in all
stretches. Marking should also indicate the points where drainage openings at the
base of the wall will be left, specifying the number and the size of such openings.
The wall should then actually be built following the principles of dry stone rubble
masonry. Larger stones should be used at the base and all other stones should interlock
with each other. It will not be possible to lay stones in straight and parallel courses,
but the finishing on the vertical surfaces should be flush, even, and compact. If one