Garhwal Himalaya Research Articles

Community-Based Approaches to Climate Change Adaptation and Livelihood Security in the High-Altitude Bhagirathi Valley of Garhwal Himalaya

Community-Based Approaches to Climate Change Adaptation and Livelihood Security in the High-Altitude Bhagirathi Valley of Garhwal Himalaya

Landslide susceptibility analysis in the Bhilangana Basin (India) using GIS-based machine learning methods

Landslides are frequent natural hazards in mountainous regions, and harshly upset people's lives and livelihoods. In the present study, we have carried out an analysis of seven GIS-based machine-learning techniques; and asses their performance for landslide susceptibility mapping (LSM) in the Bhilangana Basin, Garhwal Himalaya. A landslide inventory consisting of 423 polygons was prepared using repeated field investigations, and multi-dated satellite images for the periods between 2000 and 2022. The landslide dataset was classified into two groups: training (70%) and test dataset (30%), and 12 predictive variables were used for the LSM. The methods used to produce LSM are boosted regression tree (BRT), Fisher discriminant analysis (FDA), generalized linear model (GLM), multivariate adaptive regression splines (MARS), model-architect analysis (MDA), random forest (RF) and support vector machine (SVM). The sensitivity and performance of these models to predict landslide susceptible areas were carried out using the area under the curve (AUC) method. The RF model (AUC = 0.988) has given the highest precision indicating the best performance. Though MARS (0.974), SVM (0.965) and MDA (0.952) models have also performed adequately for the LSM (all have AUC values above 0.95), however, it is recommended that the RF model is highly suitable for LSM in the mountainous region.

Estimation of background radiation in the indoor air in geo-sensitive zones of the Garhwal Himalaya, India

Estimation of background radiation in the indoor air in geo-sensitive zones of the Garhwal Himalaya, India

Effect of Crown Layers on Reproductive Effort and Success in Andromonoecious Aesculus indica (Wall. ex Camb.) Hook (Sapindaceae) in a Temperate Forest of Garhwal Himalaya.

The andromonoecy is an unusual sex expression in trees in which an individual plant bears both functionally staminate and hermaphrodite flowers on the inflorescences. This study aims to investigate the effect of crown layers on the floral biology and reproductive effort of Aesculus indica (Wall. ex Camb.) Hook. The results revealed that the peak period of anthesis was between 06:00 and 08:00 h of the day. Male flower production was predominantly higher as compared to the perfect flowers on the inflorescences. There was no significant variation between total pollen production in staminate and perfect flowers. Features like protogyny and inter-level asynchrony promote xenogamy; however, intra-level asynchrony results in geitonogamy. Controlled pollination treatments revealed the existence of self-incompatibility in flowers. Pollination syndromes in flowers support ambophily. A trend of consistent improvement in reproductive success from lower canopy layers to upper crown layers in the analyzed trees was recorded. The crown layers have a significant impact on flower production, fruit, and seed set. An increase in male flower production due to the increment in the crown is a mechanism of reproductive assurance as a pollen donor and pollinator recipient and also due to the differential cost of expenditure of reproduction in crown layers. Andromonoecy in A. indica promotes self-incompatibility, and there was a tapering trend of reproductive success in the crown layers.

Community participation in sustainable tourism development: an application of MOA model in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand, India

Community participation in sustainable tourism development: an application of MOA model in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand, India

Diversity and Spatial-Temporal Distribution of Hydrachnidia Fauna in Laster Gad, a Spring-Fed Stream of Garhwal Himalaya, Uttarakhand, India

Diversity and Spatial-Temporal Distribution of Hydrachnidia Fauna in Laster Gad, a Spring-Fed Stream of Garhwal Himalaya, Uttarakhand, India

Effect of Inorganic Fertilizers, Azotobacter and GA3 on Growth, Yield and Quality of Sprouting Broccoli (Brassica oleracea L. var. italica Plenck) under Subtropical Conditions of Garhwal Himalaya

The present research was accomplished on Sprouting Broccoli to investigate the effect of Inorganic, Azotobacter and GA3 on Growth and Yield Parameters of sprouting broccoli. The experiment was conducted in Randomized Block Design (RBD) and replicated 3 times with 16 treatments. The significant increase in plant height (35.20cm) and number of leaves (9.18) at 30 DAT was recorded in T14 in (NPK 75% + GA3 50ppm + Azotobacter). The minimum (38.75 days) days taken to primary head formation was recorded in T15 (NPK 50%+ GA3 50 ppm+ Azotobacter) followed by 40.43 days in T4 (Azotobacter) and T2 (NPK 75%). While The minimum (58.43 days) days taken to secondary head formation was recorded in treatment T14 (NPK 75% + GA3 50 ppm+ Azotobacter) followed by 58.50 in T2 (NPK 75%) and 40.43 in T4 (Azotobacter) whereas the maximum days taken to secondary head formation (72.21 days) was noticed in treatment control (T16). The maximum (325.51g) weight of primary head and secondary head (166.31 g) was recorded in T14 (NPK 75% + GA3 50ppm + Azotobacter); maximum head diameter and maximum (10.10) number of secondary heads per plant (10.10) also recorded in same treatment. Furthermore, the maximum yield per plant (491.11 g), maximum yield per plot (4.91 kg/plot) and maximum yield per hectare (122.95 q/ha) was recorded in treatment T14 (NPK 75%+ GA3 50 ppm + Azotobacter). While the minimum yield (69.80 q/ ha) was found in treatment control T16.

Household livelihood resilience of pastoralists and smallholders to climate change in Western Himalaya, India

Smallholders and pastoralists are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change due to their high reliance on socio-ecological systems for their livelihood. Building their resilience to these adverse effects of climate change is crucial for mitigating their vulnerabilities, especially in remote and fragile ecosystems. This study aims to assess the climate change livelihood resilience of smallholders and pastoralists in the Indian Himalayas. We build a livelihood resilience index, using the three dimensions of resilience, namely assimilative capacity, autopoiesis and cognitive ability, and weighed using entropy-TOPSIS approach The dimensions of resilience was estimated through indicators by a household survey of 289 randomly selected respondents across the three districts of Garhwal Himalayas. The results showed that the livelihood resilience of smallholders was greater than pastoralists. Among pastoralists, settlement brought positive changes to their livelihood, opening the gateway to access basic facilities. Key findings of the study indicate that public policy should focus towards information accessibility, encouraging environmental awareness and conservation, promoting social inclusion and cooperatives, and fostering grass root organization structures like forest-level organisation through informality to strengthen the resilience of communities to climate change.

Analysis of size-composition of endangered Tor putitora in the critical breeding and nursery grounds of the Nayar (Western Himalaya)

Size composition gives an overall estimate of the prevalent length of individuals in the fish stock and, hence, the stock's health. The present study analyzed the size-composition and population structure of Golden Mahseer, Tor putitora in the river Nayar that form their breeding and nursery grounds. The Nayar is located in the critical stretch of Devpryaag and Rishikesh (Garhwal Himalaya), free of any dam/barrage in the river Ganga. The Nayar basin is undergoing rapid land use changes due to increased mining and fellow land formations. This analysis was based on length frequency analysis data obtained from three sampling stations, S1, S2, and S3, in the Nayar River. The highest length frequency (53.3%) of Mahseer was recorded from the size class ranging between 10-20 cm, like earlier records, while only one individual measuring 121.9cm was procured. The length frequency decreases with increasing size beyond 30cm. In contrast to the past, the present study revealed a comparatively distorted population structure in the Nayar, where the pre-reproductive size groups showed dominance over the reproductive population. The reduced spawning biomass could jeopardize the recruitment of the next generation.

Risk assessment due to ingestion of uranium and radon in the drinking water samples of the Budhakedar region in Garhwal Himalaya, India

Risk assessment due to ingestion of uranium and radon in the drinking water samples of the Budhakedar region in Garhwal Himalaya, India

Effect of altitudinal variation on soil nutrient properties at various sites in Garhwal Himalaya, Uttarakhand

The studied area is a crucial component of the Himalayan Mountain system, which has a broad altitudinal range that produces fluctuation in its climate. The study was conducted in October 2022 at a total of 10 sites, with altitudes ranging from 328 m (Chilla, Haridwar) to 3510 m (Ghangaria, Chamoli). Nutrient characteristics of the soil from each site were collected and analyzed. In terms of macronutrient findings, sites 2 and 7 performed better, but sites 1, 3, 4, 5, and 6 performed better in terms of micronutrient results. The P content was recorded very high in all the sites while the N content was low in all sites except site 2. The majority of the variables had a good association between them. The random sample selection from the various sites, some of which may or may not be fertile, caused variations in the results, changing the nutrients.

Noise analysis of the observatory superconducting gravimeter in the normal mode frequency range using gravity data of Ghuttu, Garhwal Himalaya, India

We present a study on gravity data from the Observatory Superconducting Gravimeter (OSG-051) located at MPGO Ghuttu in the Garhwal Himalaya, India. Ambient noise observed at this site is compared with other worldwide SGs and computed seismic noise magnitude for the OSG-051. Instrumental noise has been observed at frequencies ranging from ∼0.0239 to ∼0.03207 Hz in the form of parasitic mode for the lower and upper sensors of SG, whose quality factor has been estimated in different modes of oscillations. The signal is enhanced at noise reduction below 2.0 mHz using local barometric pressure data and modelled tidal effect of the site. Other seismic noise factors are discussed through data analysis of OSG-051. OSG-051 and trillium 240 Broad Band Seismometer data are analysed and compared in the seismic normal mode frequency band. Several observations have been made regarding noise sources that affect the gravity data in the seismic normal mode’s frequency band. Residual gravity data after removal of atmospheric pressure, tidal, and co-seismic effects, respond very well to long-period seismometers than any conventional seismometer. This characteristic and low noise level of the MPGO Ghuttu site makes it a suitable station for long-period seismometer studies.

Measurement of radon mass exhalation and gamma dose rates in the Chakrata region of Garhwal Himalaya, India

Measurement of radon mass exhalation and gamma dose rates in the Chakrata region of Garhwal Himalaya, India

Forest figures of the past (and present): Consequences on the future of settling with/in forests of the Garhwal Himalayas, India

This research unfolds the notion of ‘settling with/in forests,’ shaped by the dynamic environmental and socio-political interactions in India’s Garhwal Himalayas. Garhwal’s forests perform diverse ecosystem functions that characterise the regional landscape. Settling with/in forests is fundamental to Himalayan communities as, directly and/or indirectly, forests structure the ecology, livelihoods, settlements, and seasonal mobilities across the mountainous landscape. Today, Garhwal’s forests are endangered by the cascading impacts of global warming, increasing urbanisation, natural disasters, and extensive infrastructure construction. Using a “thick description” approach, the research seeks to examine the intertwined layers of forests, local habitats, practices, and institutions, provide insight into the region’s unique environmental history, and identify the challenges associated with settling with/ in forests. The research combines fieldwork, archival materials, and interpretive mapping to examine a case study in the Garhwal Himalayas.The findings highlight the conflicts and coexistence of State policies and non-state adaptations, as well as the vulnerability of the region’s forests to climatic stress and future anthropogenic change. The forests of Garhwal are critical to the larger Himalayan ecology, and the research findings point the way forward for developing potential adaptations that strengthen the concept of settling with/in forests.

Pollen morphology of Ipomoea L. from Garhwal Himalaya, India

Pollen morphology serves as a valuable tool for identification, phylogenetic analysis and evolutionary studies. The present study aims to investigate the pollen morphology of 12 species of the genus Ipomoea L. (a diverse and economically important genus within the family Convolvulaceae) from Garhwal Himalaya, India. Fresh flower buds were collected from the study area and pollen preparation completed using the acetolysis method. The morphology of the pollen grains were examined using light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Pollen grains of all the studied species were apolar, spheroidal, pantoporate, subtectate with fine reticulation and echinate, but they differed from one another in their size, number of spines and pores, spine length and spine types. The size of grains ranged from 53.3 to 128.7 μm. Cluster analysis was performed based on pollen characters to show the relationship among the species; a key was prepared and is discussed. The observed variation in pollen morphological traits gives important taxonomic information that is useful for distinguishing Ipomoea species and establishing taxonomic and phylogenetic relationships.

Traditional wisdom of conserving biodiversity through sacred groves: Ethnobotanical treasure in Garhwal Himalayas

Traditional wisdom of conserving biodiversity through sacred groves: Ethnobotanical treasure in Garhwal Himalayas

Measurement of radon concentration in soil gas and radon exhalation rate from soil samples along and across the Main Central Thrust of Garhwal Himalaya, India.

The present study focuses on measuring radon concentrations in soil gas at various depths, radon exhalation rate (surface and mass) from soil samples, and gamma dose rate along and across the Main Central Thrust of Garhwal Himalaya, India. Radon concentration in soil gas, surface, and mass exhalation rates was measured using a portable SMART radon monitor (RnDuo). Furthermore, the gamma dose rate was measured using a pocket radiation monitor. The soil gas radon concentration varied from 15 ± 4 to 579 ± 82Bqm-3 at a depth of 25cm, 10 ± 2 to 533 ± 75Bqm-3 at a depth of 30cm, and 9 ± 1 to 680 ± 95Bqm-3 at a depth of 35cm. The surface and mass exhalation rates were found 3 ± 0.7 to 98 ± 3Bqm-2h-1 (with AM ± SD = 36 ± 28Bqm-2h-1) and 1 ± 0.2 to 95 ± 2mBqkg-1h-1 (with AM ± SD = 30 ± 22mBqkg-1h-1), respectively. The gamma dose rate for the present study area varies from 0.11 ± 0.05 to 0.28 ± 0.05µSvh-1 with a mean value of 0.17 ± 0.05µSvh-1. The correlation analysis between the exhalation rates (mass and surface) and radon concentration of soil gas at various depths was carried out in the current study.

Impact of Edaphic Parameters on the Natural Regeneration of Terminalia chebula Retz. across Garhwal Himalaya

The study aims to identify the impacts of edaphic parameters on the natural regeneration of Terminalia chebula Retz. in the Garhwal Himalaya region. The study is designed as an analytical study based on observation of the edaphic and ecological parameters. It is a backward-direction study to observe the impact of the selected parameters on natural regeneration. The study has been done in the Department of Forestry & Natural Sciences, HNB Garhwal University (A Central University), Tehri, Garhwal, Uttarakhand, between February to April 2022. The study was performed by using simple random sampling for data collection and standard published methods for testing the edaphic parameters. After that statistical inference and impact of the edaphic parameters on natural regeneration of Terminalia chebula Retz. has been drawn by using multiple correlation. The study concluded that the selected sites across the Garhwal Himalayas can be considered as 'good natural regeneration spots' for Terminalia chebula Retz. An intricate harmony observed between the prevailing soil conditions and the growth characteristics of this particular plant species.

Sedimentary Parameters and Evolution of the Outwash Plain Deposits during Late Holocene in the Gangotri Glacier Region, Garhwal Himalaya, India

Abstract Gangotri glacier located in the Uttarkashi District of the Garhwal Himalaya, is one of the longest valley glacier. It exhibits Lateral Moraines (LM), Recessional Moraines (RM), Kame Terraces (KT) and Outwash Plains (OWP) as important landforms. The sediments coded in these landforms, provide the information about sedimentary characteristics, and the evolutionary history of the Gangotri Glacier Region (GGR). The Gangotri is a well studied glacier, however the sedimentological characteristics and evolution of many landforms are yet to be understood. Therefore, present paper aimed to explain the sedimentological characteristics and the evolutionary history of the outwash plain deposits. The OWP deposits were studied by making a trench near Bhujbas and collecting the samples from it. The granulometric analysis explain that the mean grain size of the OWP sediments varies from 0.258 ϕ to 2.006 ϕ indicate coarse to medium sand. The skewness, varies from 0.138 ϕ to 0.427 ϕ indicate dominance of fine grained sediments. The kurtosis varying from 0.839 ϕ to 1.067 ϕ explain the dominance of finer sediments. The standard deviation varies from 1.210 ϕ to 1.633 ϕ thus indicating poor sorting of the OWP deposits and fluctuation in the energy of the depositional environment. Five sedimentary facies identified are gravel sandy facies, ripple laminated silty sand facies, sandy facies, poorly sorted sandy facies and silty sand facies. The study describes that the OWP deposits are stratified, consolidated to semi-consolidated, coarse to fine grained silt, sand and gravels with primary sedimentary structures, which are evolved by glacio-fluvial environment under fluctuating energy conditions during the late Holocene period.

Effect of Humic acid and Ascorbic acid on Growth and Yield of Onion (Allium cepa L.) under Valley Conditions of Garhwal Himalaya

An experiment was conducted at Horticultural Research Center, Chauras Campus, Department of Horticulture, H.N.B Garhwal University, Srinagar (Garhwal), Uttarakhand to assess the impact of humic acid and ascorbic acid on growth and yield of onion bulb. The experiment was formulated with foliar application of humic acid 0, 30, 50 and 70 ppm and Ascorbic acid 0, 25, 40 and 60 ppm concentration at 30 and 45 days after transplanting with three replications under randomized block design. The maximum plant height (39.44 cm), number of leaves per plant (10), highest bulb length (5.93 cm), bulb diameter (5.47 cm), bulb fresh weight (88.20 g), bulb dry weight (13.88 g) and bulb yield per plot (6.39 kg) were obtained with the spray of Humic acid 70 ppm + Ascorbic acid 40 ppm (T15), while minimum were recorded with control (T1).