Garhwal Himalaya Research Articles

Assessment of active tectonics based on GIS and statistical model: A case study of upper Alaknanda catchment (western Himalaya, India)

Due to continuing deformation of the Earth’s crust, degradation and aggradation processes, the upper part of the Alaknanda basin lying in the Garhwal Himalaya, India, is considered to be tectonically active. Active tectonics in this region made a considerable impact on the drainage system and the topographic expression. Using a digital elevation model (DEM) with a resolution of 30 m * 30 m and based on eight geomorphic indices [hypsometric integral (HI), drainage texture (Dt), asymmetry factor (AF), ruggedness number (Rd), circularity ratio (Rc), valley floor width/height ratio (Vfw), lemniscate coefficient (k) and basin shape index (Bs)], we evaluated active tectonics. Application of Index of Active Tectonic (IAT) and clustering model disclose the sub-watersheds in the southern part covering watersheds 16, 17 and near Badrinath sub-watershed 4, 9 and 8 are tectonically highly active (Class-1, 1.500-1.781). Cluster analysis defines two prominent clusters of sub-watersheds: 2, 4,14 and 15 in cluster 1; and 6, 7, 8 and 18 in cluster 2. Cluster 1 includes sub-watersheds 2, 4, 14, 15, and 16 and very high, high, and moderate IAT magnitudes. Sub-watersheds 6, 7, 8, and 18 are included in Cluster 2, which has very high and high tectonic activity

Linking Body, Memory, and Divine Embodiment: Two Cases of Ritual Healers from the Garhwal Himalaya

Linking Body, Memory, and Divine Embodiment: Two Cases of Ritual Healers from the Garhwal Himalaya

Impact of External Triggering Factors on Landslide Hazard in Garhwal Himalayas

Impact of External Triggering Factors on Landslide Hazard in Garhwal Himalayas

Forest Composition and Resource Utilization Patterns in Relation to Anthropogenic Pressure in Moist Temperate Forests of the Garhwal Himalaya

This study investigates the intricate dynamics of vegetation composition and ecosystem services in temperate forests, focusing on the influence of elevation, forest types, and anthropogenic pressures on vegetation composition across different strata in moist temperate forests of Chamoli District, Garhwal Himalaya, Uttarakhand, India. Spanning an altitudinal range of 1500-3000 m asl. Species richness varied from 5 to 33 across forest types, with Shannon and Simpson diversity indices ranging from 1.38-2.81 and 0.69-0.93 for trees, 1.54-3.98 and 0.71-0.90 for shrubs, and 2.23-3.43 and 0.88-0.96 for herbs, respectively. Mixed broad-leaved forest (FT5) had the highest tree density (1450 ind ha⁻¹), while mainly Quercus semecarpifolia forest (FT10) recorded the largest basal area (116.36 m² ha⁻¹). Local communities depend on these forests for fuelwood, fodder, non-timber forest products (NTFPs), and medicinal plants. However, widespread anthropogenic disturbances, including lopping and stump extraction, were observed, with an average disturbance index of 10.60%. Mixed broad-leaved forest (FT4) experienced the highest disturbance (18.18%), while Quercus floribunda forest (FT9) had the lowest (6.45%). Lopping intensity was highest (29.73%) in Mixed Quercus leucotrichophora forest (FT1) and lowest (7.28%) in Mainly Abies pindrow forest (FT7). The findings highlight significant biodiversity in the region, but also substantial anthropogenic pressure, especially near settlements. The study emphasizes the urgent need for targeted conservation measures and sustainable management strategies to balance community reliance on forest resources with the preservation of forest health and ecosystem services.

Variation in Fruit and Seed Morphology of (Buch-Pyrus pashiaHam ex D. Don) in Alaknanda Valley of Garhwal Himalaya, India

Variation in Fruit and Seed Morphology of (Buch-Pyrus pashiaHam ex D. Don) in Alaknanda Valley of Garhwal Himalaya, India

Spatial analysis and soft computational modeling for hazard assessment of potential toxic elements in potable groundwater

Swiftly increasing population and industrial developments of urban areas has accelerated the worsening of the water quality in recent years. Groundwater samples from different locations of the Doon valley, Garhwal Himalaya were analyzed to measure concentrations of six potential toxic elements (PTEs) viz. chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), arsenic (As), molybdenum (Mo), cadmium (Cd), and lead (Pb) using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer (ICP-MS) with the aim to study the spatial distribution and associated hazards. In addition, machine learning algorithms have been used for prediction of water quality and identification of influencing PTEs. The results inferred that the mean values (in the units of µg L−1) of analyzed PTEs were observed in the order of Mo (1.066) > Ni (0.744) > Pb (0.337) > As (0.186) > Cr (0.180) > Cd (0.026). The levels and computed risks of PTEs were found below the safe limits. The radial basis function neural network (RBF-NN) algorithms showed high level of accuracy in the predictions of heavy metal pollution index (HPI), heavy metal evaluation index (HEI), non-carcinogenic (N-CR) and carcinogenic (CR) parameters with determination coefficient values ranged from 0.912 to 0.976. However, the modified heavy metal pollution index (m-HPI) and contamination index (CI) predictions showed comparatively lower coefficient values as 0.753 and 0.657, respectively. The multilayer perceptron neural network (MLP-NN) demonstrated fluctuation in precision with determination coefficient between 0.167 and 0.954 for the prediction of computed indices (HPI, HEI, CI, m-HPI). In contrast, the proficiency in forecasting of non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic hazards for both sub-groups showcased coefficient values ranged from 0.887 to 0.995. As compared to each other, the radial basis function (RBF) model indicated closer alignments between predicted and actual values for pollution indices, while multilayer perceptron (MLP) model portrayed greater precision in prediction of health risk indices.

Machine learning-based rapid visual screening for building damage assessment: study of Joshimath town of Garhwal Himalaya, India

Machine learning-based rapid visual screening for building damage assessment: study of Joshimath town of Garhwal Himalaya, India

Effect of altitudes and aspects on carbon sequestration potential of Quercus floribunda forests of Garhwal Himalayas

The forests are major resources for carbon sequestration and help to mitigate the adverse effect of atmospheric carbon and reduce global warming. The present study was conducted to estimate the carbon sequestration potential of the Quercus floribunda forests at two different aspects and three altitudes. Ten quadrates of 10 × 10 m size were laid out in each forest for the estimation of stand density, tree biomass, and soil samples were collected from each quadrate. Q. floribunda was the dominating tree at studied altitudes and aspects with the IVI values of 161.14 and 124.96 in the southern aspect and northern aspects, respectively. the highest values of above-ground biomass density (AGBD), below-ground biomass density (BGBD), total biomass density (TBD), and total carbon density (TCD) was recorded at the upper elevation (2500–2700 m) of southern and northern aspects. In the southern aspect values of AGBD (476.67 < 575.67 Mg/ha), BGBD (124.8 < 148.9 Mg/ha), TBD (601.53 < 724 Mg/ha), TCD (300.83 < 362.03 Mg/ha) were higher than northern aspect. The values of AGBD, BGBD, TBD, and TCD were reported maximum (638 Mg/ha, 163.1 Mg/ha, 800.5 Mg/ha, and 400.35 Mg/ha; respectively) in the upper elevation. Soil organic carbon (SOC), soil organic matter (SOM), and soil organic carbon stock (SOCS) decreased with increasing altitudes and depths which were found higher in the southern aspect. Bulk density (BD) and P increased with altitudes and depth however bulk density was equal (1.29 g cc-1) in both aspects whereas P was also found higher (31.43 kg/ha) in the southern aspect. Highest available nitrogen (398 kg/ha) was recorded in the northern aspect at middle altitude. The available potassium was highest in the northern aspect. At lower altitudes, available potassium ranges between 246–615 kg/ha. Soil pH was found slightly acidic in all the sites ranging from 4.91 to 5.74 in different soil depths. Dehydrogenase activity was ranged between 1.35 and 8.74 µg/g/h from lower to upper soil depth and decreased with an increase in soil depths and increased with altitudes, whereas found highest in the southern aspect. The present study suggested that tree density, tree biomass, carbon sequestration potential, and soil health in Q. floribunda forests were substantially influenced by the altitude as well as the aspect. These findings contribute valuable insights for climate change mitigation and forest management strategies in the study region.

Study the Potential of Tangible and Intangible Folk Heritage in Promoting Tourism in Yamuna River Basin of Garhwal Himalayan Region

In order to develop sustainable tourism in the Yamuna River Basin of the Garhwal Himalayan area, this research explores the possibility of using both physical and intangible cultural heritage. Architectural wonders, traditional crafts, oral traditions, performing arts, and celebratory events are all part of the region's rich cultural fabric, which is explored via qualitative analysis of secondary data sources. The study's overarching goal is to inform policymakers and practitioners on how to best promote culturally sensitive tourism that creates jobs and protects local traditions without compromising the integrity of historic sites.

Assessing the Impact of Anthropogenic and Climate Change on Spider Diversity in Garhwal Himalaya

The state of Uttarakhand in India was created in the year 2000 with Dehradun as its capital, prompting increased human activity in the Doon Valley and dramatic shifts in land use patterns. Spiders are good indicator species for habitat quality and they can offer insights into disturbances in habitat either due to anthropogenic activities or climate change phenomenon. To assess the impact of anthropogenic activity in the Doon Valley, we conducted a long-term study, comparing it with Uttarkashi District. The study revealed 31 species and 28 genera of spiders across 13 families in the Doon Valley, while Uttarkashi District exhibited 37 species and 31 genera across 17 families, including the rare Asian Tarantulas (Haplocosmia himalayana, Pocock, 1899), a member of the Theraphosidae family. Pholcidae and Salticidae were consistently found in both regions, with Araneidae predominating. Changes in species distribution, influenced by anthropogenic activities and climate variations, indicate ongoing ecosystem shifts.

Assessment of Lichen Diversity in a Part of Madhyamaheshwar Valley of Garhwal Himalaya, Uttarakhand, India

A comprehensive survey was carried out to evaluate the distribution pattern and diversity of lichens in the Madhyamaheshwar valley, Rudraprayag district, Uttarakhand. According to the data gathered, there are 60 species total, divided into 21 families and 33 genera. The extensive diversity of lichen growth types in the region is demonstrated by the presence of 25 species of crustose lichen, followed by 19 foliose and 16 fruticose. The data gathered from the survey indicates that the Parmeliaceae family, with 8 genera and 12 species, is the most prevalent family in the area, followed by the Cladoniaceae family, which has 1 genera and 8 species. The enumeration of lichens from Madhyamaheshwar valley survey reveals that as the altitude increases the number of lichen species also increases. More taxa will undoubtedly be added to the lichen flora of this valley by conducting a thorough study of lichen species in the surrounding areas. Future biomonitoring and bioprospecting studies in the area will be supported by the baseline data provided by the current lichen count.

Southernmost limit of felsic magmatism along North Almora Thrust in the Himalayan domain

We present significant findings of the Kausani Granite Gneiss within the Inner Lesser Himalayan Sedimentary Zone (iLHSZ) just north of the North Almora Thrust (NAT). The Kausani Granite Gneiss body lies within the quartzite of the Someshwar Formation and has a tectonized contact and a discordant relationship on the north side. Detailed seismic profiling across the body also confirms a similar result. Cathodoluminescence images of zircon from the Kausani body show no inheritance of older cores. The U–Pb ages from the zircon populations separated from the Kausani body give a crystallization age of 1866 ± 3 Ma. Along with the Upalda granite gneiss and Toneta granite gneiss near the Alakhnanda Thrust in the Garhwal Himalaya and the Dungeshwari granite gneiss near the Dailekh Thrust in Nepal, the Kausani Granite Gneiss north of NAT Kumaun Himalaya forms a major terrain boundary. These gneissic bodies mark the southernmost extent of felsic magmatism at NAT, rather than the Main Central Thrust. An about 1.8 billion years‐old magmatic event in the LHSZ suggests that it is a currently active continental margin inside the ‘Greater India’ region, now situated in the Himalayan domain. However, the Pb‐loss modelling of the U–Pb zircon data reveals thermal events during the Himalayan Orogeny (~45 Ma).

Pollen morphology and systematic implications of Impatiens species native to the Garhwal Himalaya, Northwest India

Pollen morphology and systematic implications of Impatiens species native to the Garhwal Himalaya, Northwest India

Demographic Profile, Clinical Features, Imaging, and Outcomes in Patients with Traumatic Brain Injury Presenting in Garhwal Himalayas in Tertiary Care Hospital

Abstract Introduction Traumatic brain injury (TBI) poses a significant global health challenge, accounting for over 50% of trauma-related deaths and emerging as a leading cause of mortality and disability. Objective This article studies the demographic characteristics, clinical features, imaging findings, and outcomes of TBI patients. Materials and Methods This was a retrospective observational study conducted on 490 patients with TBI. Data regarding age, gender, socioeconomic status, and residential location were extracted from medical records. Neuroimaging reports, including computed tomography (CT) scans results, were analyzed for structural and functional insights. Results The majority of TBI cases involved individuals aged 21 to 40, with a higher incidence in males. Road traffic accidents were identified as the most common mode of injury, followed by falls. Most of the patients had moderate Glasgow Coma Scale scores at admission. CT scans indicated skull fractures, cerebral edema, and subdural hematomas as common findings. Most patients did not require ventilator support, and the majority had a hospital stay of less than 10 days. At discharge, 89.8% exhibited favorable outcomes, while 4.3% experienced mortality during treatment. Follow-up data demonstrated an overall mortality rate of 8.8%, with 89.2% achieving complete recovery within a month. Conclusion The study underscores the importance of understanding the multifaceted aspects of TBI, emphasizing the need for integrated approaches in tertiary medical care to optimize patient outcomes and contribute to effective public health strategies.

Economic significance and environmental impacts of the Song Dam Drinking Water Project (SDDWP) in Garhwal Himalaya

With the population growth through natural growth and migration, coupled with the city expansion, it is the fact that Dehradun City in India faces severe water scarcity. Therefore, the Song Dam Drinking Water Project (SDDWP) is proposed to provide ample drinking water to Dehradun City and its suburban areas. This paper examined economic significance and environmental impacts of the SDDWP in Garhwal Himalaya, India. To conduct this study, we collected data from both primary and secondary sources. There are 12 villages and 3 forest divisions in the surrounding areas of the proposed dam project, of which 3 villages will be fully submerged and 50 households will be affected. For this study, 50 heads of the households were interviewed in the 3 submerged villages. The questions mainly focused on economic significance, environmental impacts, and rehabilitation issues of the dam project. The findings of this study indicate that economic significance of the dam project is substantial, including providing ample water for drinking and irrigation, contributing to groundwater recharge, creating job opportunities, and promoting the development of tourism and fisheries in the Doon Valley. In terms of the rehabilitation of the affected people, there are only 50 households in need of rehabilitation. Currently, the arable land of these affected people is not sufficient to sustain their livelihoods. The entire landscape is fragile, rugged, and precipitous; therefore, the affected people are willing to rehabilitate to more suitable areas in the Doon Valley. Moreover, it is essential to provide them with sufficient compensation packages including the compensation of arable land, houses, cash, common property resources, institutions, belongingness, and cultural adaptation. On the other hand, the proposed dam project will have adverse environmental impacts including arable land degradation, forest degradation, loss of fauna and flora, soil erosion, landslides, and soil siltation. These impacts will lead to the ecological imbalances in both upstream and downstream areas. This study suggests that the affected people should be given sufficient compensation packages in all respects. Afforestation programs can be launched in the degraded areas to compensate for the loss of forest in the affected areas.

Forest Vegetation Characteristics of the Garhwal Himalaya

General aspects of vegetation of the Shiwalik ranges and the Garhwal Himalaya between the altitudes : 400-4,200 m together with detailed floristic accounts of the typical forests, are provided. Main types of forests surveyed include moist sal bearing forests, tropical fresh-water swamp forests, tropical dry deciduous forests, Himalayan montane subtropical forests, Himalayan moist temperate forests, sub-alpine forests and alpine forests. Various forest types are illustrated by field photographs. It is noted that there is a general decline in the forest cover and forest degradation is on the increase because of population pressure for more cultivable land and increased tourist flow in the region. Serious efforts at natiopal level are needed to conserve the fast dwindling forest cover.

Botany of the Valley of Flowers National Park and its Environs

The Valley of Flowers National Park is in the Garhwal Himalayas and this paper provides a list of plant species found there with their flowering time, altitude range of distribution, habit vegetation, climate and topography. The rare plants deserving conservation have also been listed.

The Genus Hovenia Thunb. (Rhamnaceae) in the Indian Subcontinent

The Himalayan Hovenia described by Lindley in 1820 as H. acerba was subsequently merged by him with H. dulcis Thunb., a species occurring in Japan and China. Y. Kimura in 1939 in his revision of Hovenia retained H. acerba distinct from H. dulcis. The authors have studied the literature and material on Hovenia in Central National Herbarium and conclude that H. acerba should be treated as a variety under H. dulcis, H. dulcis var. acerba, comb, et stat. nov. H. parviflora Nakai et Kimura from South China is reduced as synonym of H. dulcis var. acerba. H. dulcis properly named as H. dulcis var. glabra Makino is treated as a taxonomic, if not nomenclatural synonym, of H. dulcis var. dulcis, and is reported from the Indian sub-continent from the Garhwal Himalayas and Arunachal Pradesh.

Euonymus Tingens Wall, (Celastraceae), a Tree of Multi-Economic Folk Utility in Raath Region (Garhwal Himalaya)

E. tingens, a temperate arborescent plant species, collected from Raath region (Dudhatoli area) of Garhwal Himalaya (U.P.) is observed to be closely associated with the folk culture, traditions and the daily life of the inhabitants of this area. The ethnobotanical importance, obtained from the natives and medical practioners represented its multipurpose economic uses in medicine, psychomedicines, dyes, timber, fodder, fuel and in folk songs etc. Hence, this tree of multieconomic value, needs to be protected and conserved. The present paper incorporated its distribution in area, brief description with figures of some parts, and various folk utility.

Flowering Plants and Ferns of North Garhwal, Uttar Pradesh, India

The paper gives an account of the recent collection of flowering plants and ferns from the Garhwal Himalayas, made by the author during the years 1957 to 1959 in which nearly 1500 gatherings were made which on study yielded 738 species. The area covered by this study lies between 30° and 31° N., and 79° and 80° E., and includes the Alaknanda, Arwa, Bhyundar, Khiraun, Mandakini and Nandakini river valleys and their neighbouring glacial beds, mountain slopes and meadows ranging in altitude between 2000 and 4500 metres. Cypripedium elegans Reichb. f., a rare terrestrial orchid was collected for the first time in Western Himalayas.