Pithoragarh District Research Articles

Heterodermia upretii, a new species from India (Physciaceae, Ascomycota)

Taxonomic studies on the lichen genus Heterodermia in India revealed a hitherto unknown species, which is here described as new: H. upretii Y. Joshi, S. Upadhyay & K. Chandra. It is characterized by a grayish, ±pruinose thallus, corticated lower surface, yellowish-orange P+ red medulla and Polyblastidium-type ascospores with sporoblastidia. The species is reported from temperate regions of Champawat and Pithoragarh districts of Kumaun Himalaya and was found colonizing rocks, barks and twigs of various trees. Description and figures are provided and the new taxon is compared with similar Heterodermia species.

An ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants used in sacred groves of Kumaon Himalaya, Uttarakhand, India

Ethnopharmacological relevanceInternational organizations recognize the importance of sacred groves and place them into the context of sustainable development and also emphasize to conserve biodiversity through protection of sacred groves and sties. The significance of medicinal plants from Himalayan region is well known to the world. Therefore, present study was conducted in identified sacred groves of Kumaon Himalaya to investigate and document the utilization of medicinal plants by various local communities and tribal people. Materials and methodsThe study was conducted during 2008–2011 in four seasons of the year. Information was collected from 70 locals from different sacred groves by using free listing interviews with randomly selected informants and semi-structured questionnaires; plant specimens were collected, identified and deposited at the CSIR-NBRI herbarium (LWG), Lucknow, India. ResultsSeven sacred groves viz., Dhwaj, Haat Kali, Hokra, Malay Nath, Nakuleshwar, Narayan Swami Ashram and Patal Bhuvneshwar were identified from the Pithoragarh district of Kumaon Himalaya. 89 medicinal plants belonging to 52 families and 77 genera of which, 2 are lichens, 4 are pteridophytes, 3 are gymnosperms and remaining 80 plant species are angiosperms. 6 plant species are reported with new therapeutic uses for the first time in this paper. Highest informant׳s consensus factor value was found in liver disorder (0.55) and least by body pains (0.23). 55 ethnomedicinal plants are showing 100% fidelity level against various diseases. ConclusionSacred groves in Kumaon region of Indian Himalaya are rich sources and best repository of ethno-medicinally important plants with many rare, endangered and threatened species. It is an excellent example of unique traditional way of in situ conservation of different plant species.

An efficient in vitro system for somatic embryogenesis and podophyllotoxin production in Podophyllum hexandrum Royle

Podophyllum hexandrum Royle known as Indian mayapple is an important medicinal plant found only in higher altitudes (2,700 to 4,200 m) of the Himalayas. The highly valued anticancer drug Podophyllotoxin is obtained from the roots of this plant. Due to over exploitation, this endemic plant species is on the verge of extinction. In vitro culture for efficient regeneration and the production of podophyllotoxin is an important research priority for this plant. Hence, in the present study, an efficient plant regeneration system for mass multiplication through somatic embryogenesis was developed. We have screened P. hexandrum seeds collected from three different regions in the Himalayas to find their regenerative potentials. These variants showed variation in germination percentage as well as somatic embryogenic frequency. The seeds collected from the Milam area of Pithoragarh district showed better germination response (99.3%) on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium fortified with Gibberellic acid (GA3 [5 mg/l]) and higher direct somatic embryogenic frequency (89.6%). Maximum production of embryogenic callus (1.2 g fresh weight [FW]) was obtained when cotyledons containing the direct somatic embryo clusters were cultured in MS medium supplemented with 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D [1.5 mg/l]) after 4 week of culture in complete darkness. In the present investigation, somatic embryogenesis was accomplished either by direct organogenesis or callus mediated pathways. The latter method resulted in a higher frequency of somatic embryo induction in hormone-free MS medium yielding 47.7 embryos/50 mg of embryogenic callus and subsequent germination in MS medium supplemented with GA3 (5 mg/l). Seventy-nine percent of embryos attained complete maturity and germinated into normal plants with well-developed roots. Systematic histological analysis revealed the origin of somatic embryo and their ontogenesis. The higher level of podophyllotoxin (1.8 mg/g dry weight [DW]) was recorded in germinated somatic embryos when compared to field grown plants. The present system can be widely used for mass propagation, transgenic recovery, and podophyllotoxin production for commercial utilization.

‘The Himalayan Tsunami’- Cloudburst, Flash Flood & Death Toll: A Geographical Postmortem

People of Grarhwal in Uttarakhand state of India and several pilgrims, those who were present there would never forget the four days of June 2013. This part of India is very famous for several high altitude pilgrimages and mass tourism. For its spiritual importance this region is commonly known as 'Dev Bhumi'- Land of Gods. From May to October this entire region always remains busy with the 'Char Dham Yatra and tourism activities. Like every year, June of 2013 was no different, pilgrimages and tourist spots were crowded with thousands of people. They were totally unknown what was going to hell their life after the cloudburst on and from 14 th June to 17 th June. After the Multi days cloudburst and heavy rainfall, the entire region especially the Kedarnath area faced devastating flash flood and associating landslide. Rudraprayag, Uttarkashi, Chamoli, Pithoragarh districts were badly affected. The death toll is reached up to10, 000 and 3000 persons were missing and several hundreds were injured. The flash flood was so treating and massive that it was called 'The Himalayan Tsunami'. This paper explores the geographical causes of the Uttakhand-flood and issues related with this great

Hill cattle of Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand

The Pithoragarh district had 2.23 lakh of cattle and 0.86 lakh buffaloes in 2003. Among the cattle there were 92.81% indigenous and most of them (more than 99%) were non- descript and need their characterization. A survey, including 82 farmers and 194 animals of different age and sex was conducted in 8 villages of Munsyari block of Pithoragarh district to characterize the hill cattle. The survey revealed that large number of hill cattle were available in the remote areas like in Munsyari block of the district and in surrounding areas there were large number of crossbred cattle mainly reared for milk production. In the surveyed area cattle were reared for milk, bullock power and manure. Animals were reared mainly on semi-intensive system of management i.e. grazing from morning to afternoon and thereafter stall feeding. In some villages there were no grazing, all the animals were stall fed. Animals were small in size with cylindrical-shaped body. Body colours vary in different colours i.e. brown, black and white or black & white. Tail was long touching to ground with black or white switch. The ranges of different biometric traits showed that animals were closer to Vechur and Punganaur breeds of cattle for their shape and size but smaller than the Hariana and Sahiwal breeds of cattle. The hill cattle available in Pithoragarh area were smaller in size as compared to hill cattle of Almora and bigger to that of cattle of Rudarprayag district. The average birth weight was 9.14 kg The average age at first calving, daily milk yield, lactation length, dry period, service period and calving interval were 40 months, 1.41 kg, 208 days, 138 days, 105 days and 485 days, respectively. Bullocks of the breed were used for 25–40 days in a year for different agricultural operations. A pair of bullock could plough about 6–8 Nali (0.4 acre) of land in a day.

Rediscovery of two endemic species of Berberis from Uttarakhand, Western Himalaya, India

Abstract Two endemic Berberis species (Berberidaceae) viz., Berberis ahrendtii R. R. Rao and Uniyal and Berberis lambertii Parker, are first time rediscovered after ca. 100 years since their type localities were found. These species are recorded from the Chamoli and Pithoragarh districts of Uttarakhand, India. Taxonomic description, synonyms, distribution information, locality details of specimens examined and photographs are provided for each species.

<p class="HeadingRunIn"><strong><em>Rhododendron rawatii</em> (Ericaceae), a new species from the Western Himalaya, India</strong></p>

A new species of Rhododendron, R. rawatii is illustrated and described from the Western Himalaya. The species is sporadically found in the subalpine–timberline zone of Uttarakhand state. Fascicled white cottony hairs on the abaxial surface in between lateral veins of leaves, bright pink and shine-less corolla and comparatively large calyx with hairy margins distinguish the new species from its nearest ally R. fulgens . The populations of the species were found in two geographically distinct localities in the Rudraprayag and Pithoragarh districts of Uttarakhand state. The distinguishing morphological characters, affinities with other species and various ecological aspects of the new species are discussed here.

Lichen Distribution in Milam Glacier Valley of Pithoragarh District in Uttarakhand, India

An enumeration of the diversity and distribution of lichens in Milam Glacier valley of Pithoragarh district in Uttarakhand is provided. The area shows an occurrence of 232 species of lichens belonging to 36 families and 73 genera. Parmehaceae with 18 genera and 49 species and Physciaceae with 7 genera and 26 species dominate the area. Among different growth forms of lichens, foliose comprises the highest number of 104 species, followed by 87 crustose lichens. The valley exhibits maximum number of bark and rock inhabiting lichens represented by 132 and 123 species respectively.

Disaster Risk Analysis (DRA): Case Studies from Pithoragarh district, Uttarakhand, India.

The word Disaster Risk Analysis is combination of three stipulations, having their unique entity impact, where disaster signify natural and manmade disasters, risk indicate the exposure, resistance, resilience, vulnerability, hazard concentration level of the disasters and analysis means used methodologies and techniques. They all are unified in DRA. Pithoragarh is a Himalayan district lies in MCT (Main Central Thrust) zone of Uttarakhand where climate, vegetation and community status greatly vary with elevation. Highly prone to landslides, earthquakes, forest fire, flash flood, drought etc. The main purpose of this paper is to illustrate the vulnerability and risk scenario of Pithoragarh, community participation echelon, administrative set- up and suggest a disaster management action plan. Keywords- Case studies, Disasters, Exposure, GIS, GPS, PRA tools, Resilience, Resistance, Risk analysis. Vulnerability.

Disaster Risk Analysis (DRA): Case Studies from Pithoragarh district, Uttarakhand, India.

Disaster Risk Analysis (DRA): Case Studies from Pithoragarh district, Uttarakhand, India.

P005 Associations entre concentrations plasmatiques en lutéine et zéaxanthine et consommations de légumes verts et d’aliments jaune orange : l’étude PIMAVOSA

International organizations recognize the importance of sacred groves and place them into the context of sustainable development and also emphasize to conserve biodiversity through protection of sacred groves and sties. The significance of medicinal plants from Himalayan region is well known to the world. Therefore, present study was conducted in identified sacred groves of Kumaon Himalaya to investigate and document the utilization of medicinal plants by various local communities and tribal people.The study was conducted during 2008–2011 in four seasons of the year. Information was collected from 70 locals from different sacred groves by using free listing interviews with randomly selected informants and semi-structured questionnaires; plant specimens were collected, identified and deposited at the CSIR-NBRI herbarium (LWG), Lucknow, India.Seven sacred groves viz., Dhwaj, Haat Kali, Hokra, Malay Nath, Nakuleshwar, Narayan Swami Ashram and Patal Bhuvneshwar were identified from the Pithoragarh district of Kumaon Himalaya. 89 medicinal plants belonging to 52 families and 77 genera of which, 2 are lichens, 4 are pteridophytes, 3 are gymnosperms and remaining 80 plant species are angiosperms. 6 plant species are reported with new therapeutic uses for the first time in this paper. Highest informant׳s consensus factor value was found in liver disorder (0.55) and least by body pains (0.23). 55 ethnomedicinal plants are showing 100% fidelity level against various diseases.Sacred groves in Kumaon region of Indian Himalaya are rich sources and best repository of ethno-medicinally important plants with many rare, endangered and threatened species. It is an excellent example of unique traditional way of in situ conservation of different plant species.

Determination of Q β(f) in Different Parts of Kumaon Himalaya from the Inversion of Spectral Acceleration Data

This paper presents the results of a modified two-step inversion algorithm approach to find S wave quality factor Qβ(f) given by Joshi (Bull Seis Soc Am 96:2165–2180, 2006). Seismic moment is calculated from the source displacement spectra of the S wave using both horizontal components. Average value of seismic moment computed from two horizontal components recorded at several stations is used as an input to the first part of inversion together with the spectra of S phase in the acceleration record. Several values of the corner frequency have been selected iteratively and are used as inputs to the inversion algorithm. Solution corresponding to minimum root mean square error (RMSE) is used for obtaining the final estimate of Qβ(f) relation. The estimates of seismic moment, corner frequency and Qβ(f) from the first part of inversion are further used for obtaining the residual of theoretical and observed source spectra which are treated as site amplification terms. The acceleration record corrected for the site amplification term is used for determination of seismic moment from source spectra by using Qβ(f) obtained from first part of inversion. Corrected acceleration record and new estimate of seismic moment are used as inputs to the second part of the inversion scheme which is similar to the first part except for use of input data. The final outcome from this part of inversion is a new Qβ(f) relation together with known values of seismic moment and corner frequency of each input. The process of two-step inversion is repeated for this new estimate of seismic moment and goes on until minimum RMSE is obtained which gives final estimate of Qβ(f) at each station and corner frequency of input events. The Pithoragarh district in the state of Uttarakhand in India lies in the border region of India and Nepal and is part of the seismically active Kumaon Himalaya zone. A network of eight strong motion recorders has been installed in this region since March, 2006. In this study we have analyzed data from 18 local events recorded between March, 2006 and October, 2010 at various stations. These events have been located using HYPO71 and data has been used to obtain frequency-dependent shear-wave attenuation. The Qβ(f) at each station is calculated by using both the north-south (NS) and east-west (EW) components of acceleration records as inputs to the developed inversion algorithm. The average Qβ(f) values obtained from Qβ(f) values at different stations from both NS and EW components have been used to compute a regional average relationship for the Pithoragarh region of Kumaon Himalaya of form Qβ(f) = (29 ± 1.2)f(1.1 ± 0.06).

Biodiversity conservation through a traditional beliefs system in Indian Himalaya: a case study from Nakuleshwar sacred grove

Sacred groves are well recognized in the world in terms of biodiversity conservation. The present study was conducted in the Nakuleshwar sacred grove, in the valley of Thal kedar hill in the Kumaon region of Pithoragarh district in Indian Himalaya, in appreciation of its role in biodiversity conservation. The study aimed at the documentation and inventory of the sacred grove, its phytodiversity, threats and conservation in the Himalayan region, and to achieve this, systematic field surveys were conducted during 2007–2010 covering all four seasons. A total of 83 species from 71 genera and 50 families were identified, of which 43 species are flowering plants, including 7 trees, 7 shrubs, 4 climbers and 25 herbs, and 40 species are non-flowering plants of which lichens are represented by 12 species from 8 genera, bryophytes 6 species from 5 genera, and pteridophytes 7 species from 9 genera, while gymnosperms are represented by a single species. Acer oblongum, Cinnamomum tamala, Cedrus deodara, Coriaria nepalensis act as keystone species in the grove. Ophiopogon inermis is a common herb during the rainy season while Goodyera hemsleyana (Orchid) is a new distribution record for the western Himalaya. A total of 43 species from 38 genera are used ethnobotanically by local people for various ailments. Mahonia nepaulensis, Asparagus adscendens, Thalictrum foliolosum, Cinnamomum tamala and Berberis asiatica are highly exploited species and need to be conserved. Climatic conditions of the grove are moderate and the floristic patch of the grove is completely different from the plant diversity of the surrounding area and matches with the diversified floral wealth of comparatively higher altitudes. Due to anthropogenic pressure, this grove is facing new threats of degradation, hence needing special attention.

The vital role played by caste and patriarchy in the emerging women leadership in the governance of local self-government of Pithoragarh and Almora district of Uttarakhand

This paper discusses the bearing of the primordial institutions of caste and patriarchy on the emerging women’s leadership in local self- government in Uttarakhand. The state of Uttarakhand was established in the year 2000 dated 9th November. The introducing of reservation for the women in local self- government for the first time in the country, has also led to make similar provisions in the Uttarakhand panchayati raj act, 2003 following the 73rd constitution amendment in relation to panchayati raj act, 1992 in the constitution of India. This has enabled larger participation of women of deprived sections of our society in local self-governance. However, the caste and patriarchy have larger implication in the emergence and performance of women leaders at the gross root level. This paper is based on the women leaders who hail from the lower stratum of the society who are more democratic and people centered, whereas those people from the upper caste are more conservative and family centered. The lower caste women leaders outnumber their male counterparts in the panchayats which provides explanations for the presence have more than one third women elected members in panchayats. The paper is based on the fieldwork carried out in the Almora and Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand during 2003-2008. Key words: Primordial Institution, caste, patriarchy, emergence, leadership.

Berberis rawatii sp. nov. (Berberidaceae) from India

In India, 55 species of Berberis have been reported and 22 species are found in Uttarakhand state. Berberis rawatii (Berberidaceae), a new species from Chamoli and Pithoragarh districts of Uttarakhand state of India (western Himalaya) is here described and illustrated. In terms of leaf and inflorescence, Berberis rawatii shows affinities with B. cretica L. Both these species have entire leaves, fascicled inflorescences, conspicuous style and black berries, but B. rawatii differs in the presence of a petiole, the dorsal surface of leaf pruinose, presence of elongated‐ovate glands, presence of prophylls, three ovules and pruinose fruits.

Goodyera biflora (Lindl.) Hook.f.- An interesting jewel orchid from Kumaun Himalaya, Uttarakhand

Goodyera biflora (Lindl.) Hook.f. (Orchidaceae) - a beautiful and rare orchid belonging to the 'Jewel Orchid' group is collected from Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand. Its distributional significance is discussed with a brief description and illustration with information on its phenology, habitat and conservation status.

Traditional Uses of Animal and Animal Products in Medicine and Rituals by the Shoka Tribes of District Pithoragarh, Uttaranchal, India

Inter-linkages between cultural diversity and the environmental ethics or traditional conservation, has been very less understood, lest studied (Negi 2003). Traditional mode of living or sustenance, invariably relates to the immediate nature and the resources that reside therein. Traditional people, thus have been using the myriad resources- be that the timber, fibres, medicinal plants, edible plants and others, but more importantly have been engaged in bringing forth the subtle and innovative uses of the same so that the maximum benefit is accrued. One such innovation is the use of wild fauna or their parts in the traditional medicine and rituals. The present paper thus attempts to inventorize this little left out resource base among the Shoka tribes of Darma and Johaar valleys, in Pithoragarh district in the state of Uttaranchal, India, with an aim that this knowledge bank could be put to more efficacious use through sustainable harvest. A total of 38 species (mammals-20, birds-6, reptiles-5, insects-4, fish-2, and a lone amphibian), belonging to 16 families, led by bovidae (6), equidae, felidae and leporidae (2 each), and the rest being constituted by a single species, were either being used by the common-folks in the treatment of different diseases or were in possession of the knowledge base of the usage of the same. A total of 19 different diseases or disorders were being treated using the animal products. Out of the total 38 species, only a minuscule 3 species had multiple uses, as regards the treatment of different diseases.

Distribution Of Some Mosses In Nainital, Almora And Pithoragarh District Of Kumaon Region, India

Mukteshwar and other collection sites of Almora hills shows vegetative dominance over study sites of Nainital and Pithoragarh district, which leads to luxuriant growth of mosses in particularly these sites. Despite of weather conditions variability in vegetation may be more or less due to tourist activity and pollution rate persist in these areas of Kumaon hills. The present study of the distributional pattern of the various taxa of bryophytes clearly indicates that in term of luxuriance and frequency the Western Himalayan territory is floristically very rich.

Palynostratigraphy of the Spiti Shale (Oxfordian–Berriasian) of Kumaon Tethys Himalaya, Malla Johar area, India

Palynological investigations of the Spiti Shale exposed around Laptal (Malla Johar area, Pithoragarh district, Uttar Pradesh) have revealed the presence of low- to moderate-yield and generally diverse spore-pollen assemblages. Although the lower part of the formation (Spiti Shale A) is devoid of palynomorphs, the middle and upper parts (Spiti Shale B and C) have yielded well-preserved assemblages. In general, Callialasporites (represented by C. dampieri, C. segmentatus, C. turbatus and C. trilobatus) is the most common taxon; other key taxa embrace Contignisporites cooksoniae, Murospora florida, Ruffordiaspora (Cicatricosisporites) australiensis, Ruffordiaspora ludbrookiae and Aequitriradites spinulosus. The relative diversity of the spore-pollen species recovered from the Spiti Shale has led to the identification of three successive assemblages in the formation. Assemblage I, obtained from the basal part of Spiti Shale B, contains only Callialasporites spp. Assemblage II, from the upper part of Spiti Shale B, includes Ruffordiaspora australiensis, which is significant as this species is reported for the first time from the Tethys Himalayan succession. Assemblage III, recognised in Spiti Shale C, is qualitatively more diversified. Correlation with the spore-pollen succession in Australia and the Indian peninsula suggests a Late Jurassic–Early Cretaceous (Oxfordian–Berriasian) age for Spiti Shale B and C. Also submitted is an integrated biostratigraphy, based on dinocysts, ammonoids and spore-pollen assemblages.

Darma, Chaudangsi, and Raji

Dharchula is a sub-divisional head-quarters of Pithoragarh district, where the main population consists of the Byangs (Byang-khung), Chaudangs (Bangba:mi) and Darma (Darma:) tribes. Other ethnic groups, who speak the Indo-Aryan languages Kumauni and Nepali, live side by side with these tribes. The Kumauni people call the tribals names such as Sauka:, Sakya:, and Sa:k. The river Kali flows to the eastern side of Dharchula town. This river serves as a natural boundary between India and Nepal. The township across the river in Nepal is known as Darchula, only a phonetic variation of the Indian word Dharchula. Nineteen kilometers upriver from Dharchula is the town of Tawaghat, at the confluence of the rivers Kali and Dhauli, the river Kali coming from the eastern side of Mount Puloma and the river Dhauli coming from the western side. Mount Puloma divides Byangs/Chaudangs Valley on the eastern side from Darma on the western side. The tribals in the valleys are both settled and migratory. In Darma Valley there are eighteen villages inhabited by the Darma tribe. This valley is divided into two geographical regions, Malla Darma (Upper Darma) and Talla Darma (Lower Darma). Talla Darma consists of eight villages which are settled permanently, whereas the ten villages of Malla Darma migrate to the lower regions around Dharchula and down to Jaulzibi, which is 28 kilometers downriver from Dharchula, and stay there during the winter months (October to April). During the winter months most of the people are engaged in the spinning and weaving of woolen clothes, carpets and blankets. During the summer they cultivate crops in the upper