Hay and Tendril Classifiable Deforestation of Pine and Its Impacts – A Survey of Himalayan Region in India

Abstract

Deforestation, forest fire hazard and exploitation of forest have been warning threats to our environment and ecosystem globally. Uttarakhand is a hilly state of India situated in the lap of Central Himalayas and Chir pine forest is the foremost species of this state. In this state, 65% area is covered mainly by forest and population wise, about 70% of its total population inhibit in its rural areas. Pine forest is found enormously in several districts of the Uttarakhand state. One of the prime means of survival hood of rural there is collection of hay stuff for cattle and growing tendrils for vegetables etc. For this purpose every year, villagers need a number of poles as a support to hay stuff and tendrils. Pine trees, bearing a pole kind of structure, are the most victims for this reason as it is easily available to the villagers. Pine has been a valuable asset internationally for many applications e.g. medicine, drugs, expensive chemicals, etc. It has been a research focus of many scientists and industrialists. It's under usage for hay and tendril purpose is, however, hardly noticed. The present study deals with estimation of poles, required for hay and tendril purpose in various districts of the Uttarakhand. A field survey is conducted to observe and estimate pine deforestation by individual family. The findings of present survey indicate: (i) pine deforestation by villages needs to be noticed and avoided (ii) villages may be provided an alternative solution (iii) instead, pine trees should be preserved and used for enhancing social, environmental and economic measures. The alternate for hay and tendril poles is discussed. The benefits of preserving pine trees and its scope is thoroughly studied. Harmful effects of pine forest degradation are highlighted. Keywords-Pine forest, Hay, Tendril, Chir pine, Himalaya