Forest as a Resource and Component of a Watershed, its Degradation and Conservation: A Case of Somb Drainage Basin

Abstract

This paper explains about the present status of forest conditions in the study area, which is one of the most striking resources of present watershed. The methodology used to the study of forest is satellite image interpretation, intensive field investigations and secondary data collection from forest department. The forest in watershed area have mainly four types viz.- Siwaliks Chir-pine, Siwaliks Sal, Northern Dry Mixed Deciduous, and Dry Bamboo Brake. The present watershed occupies 167 km 2 (2004-2005) forest area. It is almost 32.62 percent of the total area of watershed, which is very high than the national level (19 percent) and approximately equal to the standard level of 33 percent area set under national forest policy, 1952. More then 80 percent of the hills and foothills are covered by forests in present watershed, which is much higher than the recommended figure of 60 percent in hills, as prescribed by National Forest Policy. However, it is a matter of concern that the quality, in some areas, is not good. Presently, increasing mismanagement as well as stealthily cutting of forest trees is also serious problem in the watershed. So, there is a need to maintain the quality and quantity of trees in the watershed