FOREST UTILIZATION PATTERN IN RELATION TO SOCIO-ECONOMIC STATUS OF PEOPLE IN DUDHATOLI AREA OF GARHWAL HIMALAYA

Abstract

ABSTRACT Over the past few decades, the Himalaya has experienced unprecedented land use changes driven by rapid population growth and intensified human activities. Pressure on forests and their products has dramatically increased. Understanding forest products consumption is thus fundamental for assessing human-environment interactions and designing effective conservation policies in the Himalaya. This case-study focused on the relationship between the socio-economic status of the inhabitants, the forest utilization pattern and the anthropogenic pressures on the forest in the Dudhatoli area of Garhwal Himalaya, between 1750 m and 2200 m asl. Agricultural production and labour employment were the main occupation of the villagers in the study area. Approximately 82% (35,48 Quintals/annum/household) of total fuel wood and 78% (39,81 Quintals/annum/household) of the total consumed fodder was extracted from the forest, Dudhatoli forest is thus facing tremendous anthropogenic pressure. A total of 22 forest tree species were recorded to be used for a variety of purposes by the villagers. Anthropogenic pressure was highest in the forests close to the villages, and Quercus species were the most affected. Tree species richness and canopy cover was higher whereas stem density was lower in the undisturbed forests than in forests near the villages.