Uttaranchal Himalaya Research Articles

Influence of canopy cover on vegetation in P. roxburghii sarg (chir-pine) dominated forests in Uttarakhand Himalaya, India.

Increasing anthropogenic pressure and dependence on plant products have led to widespread exploitation of natural forests in the Uttaranchal Himalaya. The present study was carried out to study the influence of canopy cover on tree, shrub and herb vegetation. For this three different canopy types, open canopy (<30%, cover), moderate canopy (30-60%, cover) and close canopy (>60%, cover) were identified in Pinus roxburghii (chir-pine) dominated forests. The study area is located between 290 20’and 290 30’ N latitude and 790 23’ and 790 42’ E longitude between 1350-2000m elevations in Uttarakhand a newly created hill state. Total tree density was high in close canopy sites basal area was greater in open canopy sites. Total shrub density varied from 26107 to 28560 shrub/ha. It was maximum for open canopy sites and minimum for moderate canopy sites. Total shrubs cover varied from 45.8 to 50.6%. Shrubs cover was maximum for moderate canopy sites and minimum for open canopy sites. Herbs density was greater in open canopy and total herbs cover was greater in close canopy. Tree and shrub diversity was high in close canopy sites and herbs diversity in open canopy sites.

Diversity of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi associated with the rhizosphere of tea growing in ‘natural’ and ‘cultivated’ ecosites

The colonization and diversity of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) associated with the rhizosphere of tea [Camellia sinensis (L.) O. Kuntze] growing under ‘natural’ as well as ‘cultivated’ conditions in the Kumaun region of Uttaranchal Himalaya (India), during the periods of active growth and dormancy were investigated. Root and rhizosphere soil samples, collected from both the ecosites (natural and cultivated), were monitored for root colonization. While the percent root colonization was quite high (77.66 ± 4.40 and 86.40 ± 3.02%, in the natural and cultivated tea, respectively) during the period of active growth in both the ecosites, relatively higher colonization (97.33 ± 0.78 and 98.13 ± 0.80%, in the natural and cultivated tea, respectively) was recorded during the period of dormancy. The rhizosphere of cultivated tea bushes was found to be dominated by Glomus morhpotypes (88.89% of the total isolates) along with three morphotypes of Acaulospora; occurrence of 35 morphotypes belonging to four genera viz. Acaulospora (11.43%), Gigaspora (11.43%), Glomus (68.57%) and Scutellospora (8.57%) was recorded in the rhizosphere of tea plants from the natural ecosite. A total of 51 AMF morphotypes were detected. Shannon–Weaver index of diversity was higher (1.80 ± 0.13 and 2.05 ± 0.10 during periods of active growth and dormancy, respectively) at the species level for the natural ecosite over its counterparts from the cultivated ecosite. Values for the diversity indices of natural and cultivated ecosites did not show much variation in the period of dormancy. These data suggest that collectively, various cultural practices negatively affect AMF diversity at the genus level in tea plantations of the colder regions.

A Study of Source Parameters, Site Amplification Functions and Average Effective Shear Wave Quality Factor Qseff from Analysis of Accelerograms of the 1999 Chamoli Earthquake, Himalaya

The accelerograms of the 1999 Chamoli earthquake and nine of its aftershocks, which occurred in Uttaranchal Himalaya, have been analyzed to investigate their source parameters, the site amplification functions and the average effective shear-wave quality factor Qseff in the region. The fault plane solution of the main shock is obtained using the spectral amplitudes of SH waves (approximated by transverse components of accelerograms) of the high-energy packets observed in the accelerograms of the main shock. It is found to be comparable with the reported solutions in other studies. Similarly the other source parameters (viz., seismic moment = (5.03±1.7) × 1025 dyne-cm, stress drop = 65 bars, source duration = 5.2 s and moment magnitude = 6.4) estimated for the main shock are consistent with the values obtained in other studies. The stress drops estimated for the aftershocks vary from 23 bars to 153 bars and the seismic moment from 1.4 × 1023 dyne-cm to 2.9 × 1023 dyne-cm. The average estimated values of the effective shear-wave quality factor Qseff vary from 655±359 in the Uttaranchal sector of Himalaya and 1475±130 in the Delhi region. In general, the Qseff value increases with an increase in the epicentral distance reflecting the penetration of the waves into deeper layers of the crust as the epicentral distance of the observation point increases. These values of Qseff indicate that in general the curst is at low temperatures that will promote brittle behavior and conditions for episodic failure as compared to creep, under the accumulated strains from plate collision at the Himalaya plate boundary. The site amplification characteristics at sites have been identified from the frequency bands of significant amplification observed in the spectral ratios of the horizontal to the vertical component records. The decay of peak ground acceleration (PGA) values with distance has been investigated using the empirical regression curves vis-a-vis the site amplification factors.

Non‐monsoonal landslides in Uttaranchal Himalaya (India)

PurposeClimatic conditions as also the agrarian economy of the Indian subcontinent is greatly affected by the monsoonal winds that are characterized by heavy rains between June and September. The paper is an attempt to break the myth that landslides are only confined to monsoonal months that normally have concentrated rains and can be expected in other seasons as well and, therefore, disaster alert levels cannot be relaxed during non‐monsoonal season. The communication also attempts to identify slowly ongoing weathering processes that might cause to slope failure without rains and, therefore, paves way for identifying similar landslide prone areas.Design/methodology/approachThe paper discusses two landslides of the recent past; Uttarkashi landslide of 23 September 2003 and Ramolsari landslide of 30 March 2005 that took place after the seizure of the monsoonal rains and is based upon the first hand field observations of the authors. The paper discusses the likely causes of the slides along with the implications of this new trend of landslides taking place in the non‐monsoonal season upon the disaster management strategy of the state.FindingsThe investigations reveal that precipitation could be considered the trigger in case of Uttarkashi landslide but there exist no evidences to suggest that the Ramolsari landslide could have been triggered by increased pore water pressure. Slow ongoing and hard to observe processes of weathering seem to have initiated this slide.Research limitations/implicationsFor the purpose of metrological parameters, the study relies upon the data of the state run rain gauges that do not have an appreciably good spatial distribution. Rainfall data of the nearest observation points is, therefore, taken as representative of the rainfall in the area under present focus. For Ramolsari, the rainfall data of Tehri is used while Uttarkashi has a rainfall recording observatory.Originality/valueThe paper highlights the importance of keeping the preparedness levels high for prompt post‐disaster operations all through the year. This paper advocates redefining high alert period for landslide hazard and for following high alert all through the year particularly in areas prone to landslides.

Natural resource conditions and economic development in the Uttaranchal Himalaya, India

Uttaranchal is bestowed with numerous rivers, huge forest resources ranging from tropical to temperate, tourists’ places, pilgrimages and feasible climatic conditions for growing fruits, vegetables, food grains, livestock rearing, tea garden practices, etc. The economic development, on the other hand, could not take place partly due to lack of modern technology with innovation in agricultural system and also unwillingness of the people towards using it. Furthermore, due to its harsh climatic conditions, rigorous terrain and distinct identity, as a part of Uttar Pradesh state, the development could not take place and today the state is believed to be one of the poorer states. Infrastructurally, this region is lagged behind due to its inaccessibility. The ideal geographical and agrarian conditions might be used evenly for the developmental processes. Ecologically, the whole region is fragile. The diverse socio-economic activities, harsh traditional beliefs and hard working potentials further change the entire scenario of the state. Only the need of the hours is to frame and implementation of the rational policies and planning for sustainable development of the state. What had a:eared during the past, pertaining to the economic development, needs radical changes in policies, planning and beliefs. This paper aims to evaluate the present conditions of resources as a form of natural vegetation, agricultural crops, horitcultural farming, herbs, tea garden practices, livestock rearing, hydropower projects and economic development of the Uttaranchal Himalaya.

Calamagrostis nagarum (BOR) G.Singh (Poaceae) - Rediscovery of a Rare and Endemic species

Calamagrostis nagarum (Bor) G. Singh a rare and endemic species of Naga Hills (North-East India) that had never been collected earlier after its type, has now been rediscovered from Uttaranchal Himalaya (India).

A multifaceted review on the biodiversity conservation of the Valley of Flowers National Park, India

The Valley of Flowers National Park (VOF) in the Uttaranchal Himalaya is renowned for its marvellous display of flowering plants and its scenic beauty. For the past two decades it has been caught in a controversy over policies designed to protect the region's botanical diversity and scenic beauty from livestock grazing. The present analysis reviews similar research carried out in the VOF and in its fringes. This multifaceted review indicates that the VOF harbours 520 vascular plant species, 13 large mammals and 40 bird species. Of the 24 plant community types of the VOF, Polygonum polystachyum – mixed forb community type (the centre of present conservation controversy due to increasing comments on its proliferation after imposing a ban on livestock grazing in the VOF) is restricted to the disturbed habitat types. The manual removal of P. polystachyum from the VOF by the Forest Department has led to an advance in the Impatiens sulcata – mixed forb community type and the generation of biodegradable waste. The comparative analysis of floral diversity of the VOF and its adjacent grazed alpine meadows reveals that effect of migratory livestock grazing is species-specific, and that species diversity of natural herbaceous communities does not depend on livestock grazing.

Microbial diversity of soil from two hot springs in Uttaranchal Himalaya

Soil samples collected from two hot springs, Soldhar and Ringigad, both located in the Garhwal region of Uttaranchal Himalaya were analysed for their physical, chemical and microbial components. The alkaline pH, total absence of carbon and nitrogen, and high temperature were features common to soil samples from both sites. The Soldhar samples contained higher amounts of Cu, Fe and Mn. Ringigad soil was devoid of Cu, but had much higher phosphate. While the optimum incubation temperature for isolating the maximum microbial counts from soil samples from the two sites was 50°C, microbial growth in broth was also observed when incubated at 80°C. Microscopic examination revealed three types of microbial populations, i.e., bacteria, yeast and filamentous organisms. The soil samples were found to be dominated by spore forming rods. Out of 58 aerobic isolates, 53 were gram positive bacilli. Gram positive anaerobic oval rods were also observed up to 60°C. Soil dilution plates revealed the presence of antagonistic and phosphate solubilizing populations.

Indigenous uses and structure of chir pine forest in Uttaranchal Himalaya, India

SUMMARY The various indigenous uses and structure of chir pine forests were studied in Uttaranchal state of the Indian Republic. A questionnaire survey was conducted in 50 villages of Uttaranchal to gather information on the indigenous uses of chir pine. For the study of community composition and structure of chir pine forest, at least 15 quadrats of 10 x 10 m were selected randomly across various localities, and the number of individuals, along with other dominant tree and shrub species, were enumerated in each quadrat. About 10 indigenous uses of chir pine were prominent in Uttaranchal. Besides resin, an important non-wood product, different parts of chir pine, such as cones, trunk, stems, wood, leaves and bark, were used by the local people. Chir pine is a subject of the folklore and mythology of indigenous cultures in Uttaranchal. Chir pine forest formed three major communities in Uttaranchal viz., sal-pine (Shorea robusta-Pinus roxburghii), pine pure stands and oak-pine (Quercus leucho-trichophora-Pinus roxburghii). These communities sustained various multiple-use trees and shrubs along with various edible mushrooms (eg. Agaricus campestris, Morchella esculenta and Sparassis crispa). The results of this study are discussed in the light of chir pine conservation and management policies.

Prioritization of medicinal plants on the basis of available knowledge, existing practices and use value status in Uttaranchal, India

In order to understand the pattern of indigenous uses of medicinal plants available in the Uttaranchal state of the Indian Himalaya, this study was undertaken through literature survey and fieldwork in various parts of the state. A list of all the major and most of the lesser categories of ailments was prepared and categorized with the help of medical practitioners. A total of 300 plant species used in curing 114 ailments prevailing in various ethnic and non-ethnic communities of Uttaranchal were documented. These 114 ailments were further grouped into 12 broad classes of diseases in order to project the indigenous uses of medicinal plants for various ailments. It was found that herbs contributed the highest number of medicinal plants (65%), followed by shrubs (19%) and trees (16%). The maximum number of plant species were used to cure generalized body aches and colic, followed by gastrointestinal and dermatological problems. Vitex negundo was the most important species, used for the treatment of more than 48 ailments. Azadirachta indica, Woodfordia fruticosa, Centella asiatica, Aegle marmelos, Cuscuta reflexa, Butea monosperma, Phyllanthus emblica, and Euphorbia hirta were among other important medicinal plants based on their high use values. The underground parts of the plant were used in the majority of cases. Of 300 medicinal plants, 35 were rare and endangered species, of which about 80% was restricted to the high altitude alpine region of Uttaranchal Himalaya. A priority list of 17 medicinal plant species was prepared on the basis of endemism, use value, mode of harvesting and rarity status. Strategies for long-term conservation of these valuable medicinal plants are discussed.

Regional imbalances and sustainable crop farming in the Uttaranchal Himalaya, India

In Uttaranchal state of the Indian Himalayas, where population pressure continues to increase, significant agro-ecological features of rainfed hill crop farming include continuously changing land use patterns, high cropping intensity (161%), the dominance (>70%) of small size landholdings (<1 hectare (ha)) and scarcity of arable land (0.10–0.15 ha capita −1). Using various agricultural regionalization techniques, cropping patterns and their productivity have been analyzed by different methods to ascertain regional imbalances and gaps in the spatio-temporal distribution of sustainable crop systems. While there are various cropping patterns in the study area—a wheat–paddy combination, involving the two important staple crops is dominant in six of the eight districts analyzed. In some other districts, a few other crops have very high concentration. Crop diversity as a whole is low in the Uttaranchal Himalaya. Regarding crop productivity, five districts out of eight can support only five persons ha −1, as measured by the standard nutrition units (SNUs) per ha, which is below the sustenance level. These five districts have been identified as the weakest productive regions of the study region and require additional development attention. SNUs per person are poor in the same regions of the hills, with the exception of Nainital district. The Kumaun region of Uttaranchal, which has a relatively moderate topography compared to the Garhwal, hill region is productive enough to nearly provide adequate food for its people.

Traditional Wisdom, Equity and Community Participation Making the Commercialization of Grasses in Bhyundar Valley, Uttaranchal Himalaya a Success

Traditional Wisdom, Equity and Community Participation Making the Commercialization of Grasses in Bhyundar Valley, Uttaranchal Himalaya a Success

Loss of cultural values a threat to biodiversity in Uttaranchal Himalaya

The flower festival is one of the important festivals of Hindu communities in Uttaranchal Himalaya celebrated especially to welcome the spring season. The celebrations by various ethnic groups have been studied in detail along with the ethnomusicology of the festival. About 35 plant species or plant-based products have been identified to be associated with this festival. It has been observed that westernisation and urbanisation has had a drastic effect on the ethnic, cultural heritage and religious rituals are on the verge of termination. This paper deals with the ethnobotany of these species in detail.