Uttarkashi District Of Uttarakhand Research Articles

Rarest of the rare: People's awareness and perceptions about the woolly flying squirrel in Uttarakhand Himalaya, Northern India

AbstractThe Western woolly flying squirrel (Eupetaurus cinereus) was rediscovered after seven decades of presumed extinction and remains one of the least studied mammalian species. This study was conducted in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand, India, and aimed to assess local communities' awareness of the species and their potential role in its conservation. From August 2023 to January 2024, we conducted surveys in four villages, interviewing 65 individuals from Pahadi and Nepali communities. Results revealed limited familiarity with the squirrel, highlighting the need for targeted conservation education. Despite extensive camera trap surveys, conclusive evidence of the species' presence was not found, prompting concerns about its population status in the study area. Our findings show the importance of further research and community engagement for effective conservation. This study emphasises the need to align conservation efforts with community involvement for sustainable outcomes.

Empirical Data Suggest That the Kashmir Musk Deer (Moschus cupreus, Grubb 1982) Is the One Musk Deer Distributed in the Western Himalayas: An Integration of Ecology, Genetics and Geospatial Modelling Approaches.

Insufficient research has been conducted on musk deer species across their distribution range, primarily because of their elusive behaviour and the fact they occupy remote high-altitude habitats in the Himalayas above 2500 m. The available distribution records, primarily derived from ecological studies with limited photographic and indirect evidence, fail to provide comprehensive information on the species distribution. Consequently, uncertainties arise when attempting to determine the presence of specific taxonomic units of musk deer in the Western Himalayas. This lack of knowledge hampers species-oriented conservation efforts, as there need to be more species-specific initiatives focused on monitoring, protecting, and combatting the illegal poaching of musk deer for their valuable musk pods. We used transect surveys (220 trails), camera traps (255 cameras), non-invasive DNA sampling (40 samples), and geospatial modelling (279 occurrence records) to resolve the taxonomic ambiguity, and identify the suitable habitat of musk deer (Moschus spp.) in Uttarkashi District of Uttarakhand and the Lahaul-Pangi landscape of Himachal Pradesh. All the captured images and DNA-based identification results confirmed the presence of only Kashmir musk deer (KDM) (Moschus cupreus) in Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh. The results suggest that KMD inhabit a narrow range of suitable habitats (6.9%) of the entire Western Himalayas. Since all evidence indicates that only KMD are present in the Western Himalayas, we suggest that the presence of other species of musk deer (Alpine musk deer and Himalayan musk deer) was wrongly reported. Therefore, future conservation plans and management strategies must focus only on KMD in the Western Himalayas.

Hydro-abrasive erosion modelling in Francis turbine at different silt conditions

Hydro-abrasive erosion creates problems for the safe and effective running of hydropower projects. This is of even greater concern in hilly regions. The huge losses in the revenue of the hydropower plant have become a burden on the hydropower project developers. These losses are mainly due to the reduced capacity of the generation of electricity units (kWh). The high amount of silt entering the plant, especially in the monsoon season causes heavy hydro-abrasive erosion in the turbine and other underwater components. The deterioration of underwater plant equipment due to this kind of erosion can also lead to a total shutdown of the hydropower plant. In the current scope of the study, efforts have been made to validate the existing erosion models for the Francis turbine with the operational hydropower plant and carry out the numerical erosion modelling in the Francis turbine to predict the turbine efficiency losses at maximum and part-load conditions. Various developed erosion models are analyzed for the study period of FY 2018–19 based on influencing parameters like silt concentration, silt size, hardness, and site-specific flow constant. The site chosen for this purpose was the MB-II hydropower plant, a 304 MW hydropower project having four generating units of Francis turbine located at the foot of the Himalayan hills in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand, India. The calibration factor is calibrated for the MB-II hydropower plant using GRG Nonlinear algorithm using a multi-start solver.

Genetic monitoring of Himalayan goral (Naemorhedus goral) from Western Himalayas, India.

Himalayan goral (Naemorhedus goral), solitary cliff-dwelling species and are distributed throughout the Indian Himalayan region. Its populations across the range are facing severe threats due to habitat loss, fragmentation and changes in the land-use patterns by various anthropogenic activities. We carried out genetic analyses of Himalayan goral using the mitochondrial control regions and microsatellite loci (n = 10) in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand. We reported a moderate genetic diversity at nuclear (Ho 0.602 ± 0.057) and mitochondrial markers (Hd-0.6931 ± 0.053; π-0.0048 ± 001). Bayesian skyline plot indicates a sharp decline in the goral population in the last 100years. Our results indicate the population of Himalayangoral in Uttarkashi is under panmictic condition, plausibly due to long-ranging behaviour. The present study laid the foundation for future non-invasive genetics monitoring and detailed population genetic assessment of goral from the entire range in the Western Himalayas.

A Study on Socio-economic Condition of Sheep Rearers of District Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand

Background: Uttarakhand is a hilly state and a very little land is under cultivation but animal husbandry appears to be a good source of livelihood for farmers and sheep rearing is one of the major components of animal husbandry in Uttarakhand which help farmers to run their life. Sheep rearing is very much prevailing in hilly regions of the State.
 Aim: To find the socio-economic condition of the rearers.
 Methodology: A study was conducted in Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand. A total of 80 rearers were selected randomly from the Bhatwari block of Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand and a pre structured questionnaire was used to collect data from the rearers. Respondents were classified into three categories on the basis of number of sheep viz. small (having less than 50 sheep), medium (between 50-100 sheep), and large (more than 100 sheep).
 Results: Study showed that small rearers have 46.86 average numbers of sheep whereas medium size rearers have 73.88 and large rearers have 258.52 average numbers of sheep. Out of which number of Ram were lowest. Most of the rearers were from 35-50 years of age group. 48.74 % of rearers had completed their primary education and 14.11% of rearers were illiterate. Majority of rearers (i.e., 68.75) were engaged with two occupations. On an average 57.48 % of rearers were OBCs (Other backward class) and 29.99 % were from tribal community(i.e.,Bhotiya). The average income of small, medium and large farm group is ₹53,440, ₹89,627 ₹1,96,802 respectively.
 Conclusion: It was concluded that there is need to eradicate the lack of awareness about the new technologies and educate the rearers about more efficient way of sheep rearing. With this women participation and youth should also be encouraged to involve in sheep rearing.

Adaptability of wilt resistant variety VL Arhar-1 of pigeon pea under rainfed condition in Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand

Weather extremes are essential drivers determining the crop’s yield, both quantity and quality, and thereby, impacting farmers’ income and livelihood. Hill agriculture primarily depends on rainfall and consequently is more vulnerable to adverse impacts of erratic rainfall patterns. To recognize the effect of uncertainties and extremities of rainfall on VL Arhar-1 (Pigeon pea), a study was conducted by Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Chinyalisaur under NICRA project in adopted villages of Block Dunda and Bharkhot of District Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand. The aim was to promote climate resilient practices by introducing short duration and wilt resistant Pigeon pea variety in mainstream pulse cultivation of the district. Observing the lack of irrigation facilities and uneven rainfall for a long period in the area VL Arhar-1 was introduced among the farmers with rationale of not only enhancing the yield but also reduces the risk of protein malnutrition. After sequence of demonstrations and year wise data collection, VL Arhar-1 was found to perform better in terms of yield and economic returns as compared to traditional wild race, popularized as Tur among locals.

Altitudinal Variation in Soil physico-chemical properties of a Western Himalayan Forest , Uttarakhand, India

The physico-chemical properties of soil vary with the variation in the topographic features, climatic conditions and forest types. In any forest ecosystem, both vegetation and soil influence each other through nutrient cycles. The altitudinal variation in soil physico-chemical properties was analyzed in a temperate forest (Radi forest) of Upper Yamuna Forest Division in Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand (Western Himalaya, India). A total of three forest sites were selected at different altitudes (the lower, middle, and upper) to collect composite soil samples from each site covering 0–10 cm, 11–20 cm and 21–30 cm depths. The textural class of the soils was sandy loam. The colour of the soil samples varied from brown to very dark brown. The water holding capacity (r = 0.994), soil organic carbon (r = 0.967), organic matter (r = 0.966), nitrogen (r = 0.993), phosphorus (r = 0.982) and potassium content (r = 0.994) had positive correlation with altitude whereas negative correlation was observed between altitude and soil pH (r = -0.983) in the study. The present study concludes that soil physico-chemical properties in temperate forests of Uttarakhand Himalaya vary significantly with variation in altitude.

Assessment of Soil Physicochemical Properties along an Altitude Gradient in High Altitude Region of Gangotri National Park, Uttarakhand, India

The present study was undertaken in the sub-alpine and alpine region of Gangotri valley of Gangotri National Park (GNP) in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand, India. Results showed that selected soils were sandy loam (83%) throughout the region. Soil reactions (pH) vary from 5.00 – 6.28 and showed acidic to the slightly neutral condition. The mean soil Nitrogen (N), and Phosphorus (P) content were calculated 0.37 ± 0.02% and 0.35 ± 0.02%. The value of NP first increased and then decreased along the elevation. Nitrogen and Phosphorus values ranged from 0.01-0.73 and 0.13-0.87. The correlation analysis among the different soil parameters showed that Soil Organic Carbon (SOC) was positively correlated with soil moisture(r = 0.661, p = 0.038); Phosphorus (r = 0.794, p = 0.006) and Nitrogen (r = 0.964, p = 0). SOC and soil moisture increases at the middle elevation (3400-3500 m and 3700-3800 m) and further decreases along the elevation. This may be explained as the impact of long term human influence and altering the natural habitat in the form of a camping spot for trekkers at this elevation and presence of mixed forest (subalpine deodar, pine, and birch) at 3400-3500 m elevational range. This baseline information on soil parameters in Gangotri valley may further help in climate change study in the current scenario of global warming in relation with above ground vegetation and underground soil biota to understand the soil food web dynamics.

Diet Overlap Between Livestock and Wild Herbivores in the Greater Himalaya

Understanding the niche usage and dietary habits of wild ungulate populations is crucial to monitoring their response to livestock grazing and changes in habitat quality. Livestock grazing is common throughout the Himalaya and may reduce available forage for wild ungulates, but few studies have assessed the impact of livestock grazing on the diets of wild herbivores in the Greater Himalaya. We assessed forage availability and used microhistological analysis to compare the diet composition of livestock (domestic goats and sheep) and 2 wild herbivores (blue sheep Pseudois nayaur and musk deer Moschus sp.) in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand, India. We calculated the diet preference and niche breadth of each species and the diet overlap between each pair of species. Our results suggest that musk deer may browse trees more than previously understood. In addition, blue sheep consumed fewer graminoids in the autumn than has been previously published. The seasonal increase in shrub and herb consumption by blue sheep during the winter may be amplified and shifted to earlier in the year as a result of reduced graminoid availability after intensive livestock grazing. We recommend monitoring livestock numbers in the study area and limiting livestock to current numbers to avoid further reducing forage availability.

Study on Knowledge of Anganwadi Workers about Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) In Uttarkashi District of Uttarakhand

Study on Knowledge of Anganwadi Workers about Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) In Uttarkashi District of Uttarakhand

Recent records of dhole (Cuon alpinus, Pallas 1811) in Uttarakhand, Western Himalaya, India

Abstract Camera trap photographs of solitary individuals of Asiatic wild dog or dholes (Cuon alpinus, Pallas 1811) have been recorded from Kheda Tal area in Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand. This is the first photographic confirmation of the presence of this species in the Himalayan habitats of Uttarakhand. The presence of dholes here seems to be confined to a relatively small area of unprotected habitats affected by various anthropogenic uses. The population of endangered dhole is rapidly declining especially in Himalayan region. Thus, it is imperative that local stakeholders are aware of their presence, and it is highly recommended that investigations of the ecological parameters of this population are continued.

Effect of training on nutritional knowledge of anganwadi workers of Uttarkashi District in Uttarakhand

The present study was carried out on the socio-economic and demographic profiles of the 30 anganwadi workers in Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand. Nutritional education regarding four selected topics was imparted through on/off campus trainings. Pre-test and post-test data were recorded through knowledge test schedule and retention of knowledge after 15 d of imparting the training. It was revealed that 50 per cent of anganwadi workers were under the age group of 36–45 yr and majority (96.6%) were married. Though, 43.3 percent of the respondents were graduates, 73.3 per cent had an experience of 5–10 yr whereas, 6.6 per cent have less than five yr experience. The score of post-test I (gain in knowledge) and post-test II (retention in knowledge) were greater than pre-test scores which indicated that nutritional education intervention was helpful in gaining knowledge in the selected subjects. Hence, in future, need based training programme should be planned and executed for anganwadi workers in order to update them and able to use good health and nutrition related practices for better care of rural childern.

Impact of climate resilient practices in Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand

The present study was conducted to identify the technological and socio-economic impact of the climate resilient technologies demonstrated at National Innovation for Climate Resilient Agriculture (NICRA) village at Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand. Total 100 beneficiary farmers were selected through random sampling. To assess the impact, the ex-postfacto research design, where before and after comparisons on different aspects of NICRA project were done. The difference was tested using t-test and found that it was statistically significant. Findings reveal that the average cultivable land area of NICRA farmers after the project interventions was significantly higher than that of before the implementation of the interventions all through in kharif, rabi and summer seasons. Findings of cropping intensity, employment days, annual savings, expenditure pattern and crop yield were significantly higher in comparison to before implementation of the intervention. Findings of the study exhibited an encouraging impact of the demonstrated technologies in various spheres of farmers life of NICRA village.

Evaluation of major vegetable crops at uttarkashi district of uttarakhand

Evaluation of major vegetable crops at uttarkashi district of uttarakhand

Study and Prediction of Landslide in Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand, India Using GIS and ANN

Landslide is defined as a slow to rapid downward movement of instable rock and debris masses under the action of gravity. Landslides are one of the major natural hazards that account for hundreds of lives besides enormous damage to properties and blocking the communication links every year. The area chosen in the present study is Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand, suffering from frequent landslides every year. Present study focused on the possible factors that are responsible for the landslide in hilly regions of Uttarakashi, Uttarakhand. In present study we used the already existing topographical maps, satellite imageries and field work. Integrated them together using GIS and soft computing to create a database that will generate the output for the future use for prediction of susceptibility of landslide. The main aim of present study is to integrate the result of our study with spatial data, soil parameters, land inventory and used the output as a user friendly application using GIS which could predict the future susceptibility of region to landslide and% contribution of each factor for the same. In this study, layers are evaluated with the help of stability studies used to produce landslide susceptibility map by Artificial Neural Network (ANN). ArcGIS 9.3, ERDAS and Excel software have been used for zonation, and statistical analysis respectively. Database of this information layer is used to train, test, and validate the ANN model. A three-layered ANN with an input layer, two hidden layers, and one output layer is found to be optimal. Finally, an overlay analysis will be carried out by evaluating the layers obtained according to their accepted coefficient in final model.. Efficiency of the application will be calculated by the help of previously acquired data of the study area at different places and then the reliability of the application will be judged.

Molecular characterization of coldwater fishes of district Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand using DNA Barcoding

We explored fish fauna Ganga and Yamuna river in Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand, to establish the molecular taxonomy database. A total of 133 samples were collected from various sampling sites along the entire stretch of rivers in district Uttarkashi. A region of cytochrome c-oxidase unit I (COI) gene (655 bp) was amplified using PCR and sequenced (DNA Barcoded). All the sequences have been uploaded into the NCBI GenBank (accession number assigned). Analysis of data generated showed that these 133 samples belonged to 22 species of 4 orders, 14 genera and 8 families. The genetic variability (K2P distance) distribution analysis was also carried out. The average mean distance of 22 species is 0.219 with 0.014 standard error. The mean genetic distance between 22 species ranged from 0.010%-0.362% while the mean genetic distance within the species ranged from 0.0006%- 0.0048%. The lowest pairwise genetic distance observed in Schizothorax sinuatus and Schizothorax progastus i.e. 0.010% with 0.003 standard error indicating a closer phylogenetic relationship between Schizothorax sinuatus and Schizothorax progastus than other species which was confirmed by the genetic distance data. Maximum divergence were observed between Danio devario and Channa gachua i.e. 0.362% with 0.028 standard error. The maximum sequence divergence within the species is observed in Barilius bendelisis with 0.0048% while minimum sequence divergence is observed in Tor putitora with 0.0006 of cyprinidae family. Our data suggests that there is high inter-specific sequence divergence as compared to intra-specific sequence divergence and also conclude that COI sequencing (barcoding) was found to be suitable for the identification of fresh water fish species.

A Glimpse of Vegetation and Threatened Medicinal Plant Diversity of Govind Wildlife Sanctuary, Garhwal Himalaya

A Glimpse of Vegetation and Threatened Medicinal Plant Diversity of Govind Wildlife Sanctuary, Garhwal Himalaya Govind Wild Life Sanctuary (GWLS), situated in Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand, India, supports enormous plant diversity including several threatened plants of high medicinal value. Despite of legal protection this protected area is facing severe threat due to anthropogenic pressure, which in turn produces adverse natural pressure. The forest and vegetation types including some highly medicinal plants and their habitats in GWLS have been highlighted in the present study.

Deployment of Noval Technologies for The Management of White Grubs in Lower Hills of NW Himalyan Region

White grubs, a group of destructive insect pests of polyphagous nature, cause severe damage to crop plants in hill ecosystem. The grubs with subterranean habitat feed extensively on the roots and the adults defoliate the plants. A two pronged strategies involving an efficient, light weight, eco-friendly, low cost, light based insect trap for capturing the adults and a novel entomo-pathogen, Bacillus cereus strain WGPSB-2 for the management of grubs were developed. Large scale deployment of the above technologies were done on community basis in 5 locations including 4 villages and one experimental farm of Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand. Three years experimentations revealed drastic reduction in beetle population to the tune of 75.8% in low, altitude villages. A significant reduction of the grub population was recorded from 74.11% to 85.17% in three years across the different villages. As a result of reduction in grub population, per cent increase in yield of different crops was recorded from 39.0% to 59.2% in different villages and experimental farm of low hills. The technology is thus, capable of managing white grubs at different altitudes of hills in general and North Western Himalayas in particular.

Status of brown trout (Salmo trutta fario L.) in Garhwal Himalaya with a note on it morphometric characteristics

The history of introduction of brown trout in Garhwal Himalaya is 100 years. However, the scientific information on brown trout is grossly lacking. The present study is a part of investigation on various aspects of brown trout inhabiting the River Asiganga in Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand. The status of brown trout was ascertained in River Asiganga and other reports from elsewhere in the region. The morphometric study was based on 253 fish specimens collected from River Asiganga. In addition to the 12 body measurements of the fish, red/orange and brown spots on body were also studied.