Uttarkashi District Research Articles

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.

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.

Ethnographic Insights into Bead Jewellery Traditions of the Women of the Van Gujjar Community of Uttarakhand

Van Gujjars are a nomadic community of herders in Uttarakhand. This ethnographic study examines the tradition of bead jewellery among Van Gujjar women to build an understanding of gendered identity in the Van Gujjar community. Our primary focus is to analyze the beliefs, ideas, and communal perspectives that influence the lives of these craftswomen, ultimately providing a nuanced understanding of how gender roles manifest, negotiate, and perpetuate within the unique socio-cultural context of the Van Gujjar community. Employing ethnographic methods and observation techniques, we engaged with a group of itinerant Van Gujjars near Byulyaad, in Uttarkashi district. Immersive interview techniques were employed to collect data, shedding light on the lived experiences, subjectivity, and sense-making processes of Van Gujjar women engaged in bead crafts. By analyzing the beliefs, ideas, and communal views that underpin the lives of these craftswomen, we aim to provide a nuanced understanding of how gender roles are manifested, negotiated, and reproduced within the unique context of the Van Gujjar community.

Locating Suitable Site for Rescue Operation in Uttarkashi District, Uttarakhand Using Remote Sensing and GIS Technique

Locating Suitable Site for Rescue Operation in Uttarkashi District, Uttarakhand Using Remote Sensing and GIS Technique

Studying the evolution of Uttarkashi cloudburst event from reanalysis datasets–A case study

In recent years, the frequency and severity of cloudburst considerably increased over southern rim of Himalayas due to hot climate that leads to loss of human lives and damage properties. The observed rainfall data shows that cloudburst events with heavy rainfall ∼ 100–200 mm/day are common over the Himalayan region during the summer monsoon period. It is very necessary to understand the mechanisms associated with such type of short span of high impact localised weather events over the regions where observations are limited. Therefore, one of best way to study the mechanism associated with the formation and development of cloudburst is using the available high resolution reanalysis datasets. An effort is made to understand the role of atmospheric conditions that control the evolution of cloudburst event by considering two reanalyses datasets such as high resolution IMDAA and ERA5 reanalyses. The present study analysed a cloudburst case that occurred on 3rd August 2012 at 10 pm with heavy rainfall of ∼ 100 mm in a very short span of time over the Uttarkashi district. Various dynamic and thermodynamic parameters are calculated from the two datasets with an aim of determining the best representation of severity of the cloudburst event. It is noticed that the evolution of dynamic and thermodynamic variables is well represented in the high resolution IMDAA dataset as compared to the ERA5 dataset. The amount and spatial distribution of rainfall from IMDAA reanalyses are well comparable with satellite estimated rainfall (GPM), having better correlation (0.60) with the observed rainfall as compared to the ERA5 (0.28). The rainfall time bias over the Uttarkashi district is larger in ERA5 reanalyses (∼ 5 h) than in the IMDAA (∼ 3 h). The ERA5 is not able to capture such type of localise high rainfall event due to its low resolution, compared to high resolution reanalyses (12 km) of IMDAA. The observations also indicate that the moisture flux from the Bay of Bengal (BoB) and Arabian Sea interacted with northwesterly dry air over Uttarkashi and the orographic uplifting resulted the cloudburst. Overall, results show that the eveolution and mechanism associated with the cloudburst is better represented in IMDAA than the ERA5. More cases are required to be studied to further support the findings of this study.

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.

An Investigation of Cloudburst-triggered Landslides and Flash Floods in Arakot Region of Uttarkashi District, Uttarakhand

Abstract A cloudburst event occurred at around 04:00hrs (IST), on 18, August 2019, elicited landslides and flash floods, at Tikochi and Makudi village under the Arakot region of Uttarkashi District, Uttarakhand, India. This heavy rain has caused a massive flash flood in Arakot Nala and induced a major landslide downstream. This flash flood has caused the death of 19 people, 8 were missings, and 15 were injured, affecting 38 villages (70 km2 area) and stranding more than 400 people at various places. These flash floods have caused irreparable damage to the livestock, infrastructures, environment, and properties in the Uttarakhand and Himachal states and estimated economic losses of about Rs ~175 crores. During the same period, heavy rainfall also made havoc across north India. Meanwhile, the rescue and evacuation process in the region has been carried out by the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF). However, it will take a lot of time to bring the situation in the region to normalcy. The study has suggested that pragmatic check dam policy and logical shifting of the people should be exercised in a safe and stable area before the onset of the monsoon season in the hazard-prone areas. An early warning system (EWS), installation of Doppler radar, and lightning sensors, which would be helpful for policymakers, planners, practitioners, and technologists will aid to minimize the disaster risk and sustainable development within the region. Although an EWS alone can not stop a similar type of disaster but would be very helpful in minimizing the loss of human lives, livestock, biodiversity, infrastructure (civilian and strategic), and land holding in the hilly region.

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.

DAM IMPACT ON WATER QUALITY AND MORPHOMETRIC CHARACTERISTIC OF SCHIZOTHORAX SPECIES IN BHAGIRATHI RIVER OF UTTARKASHI, UTTARAKHAND

A study was conducted on the morphometric characteristics of Schizothorax species of fish on samples collected from Bhagirathi river in Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand state. Samples were taken from the study sites to measure some important parameters of water quality, which greatly influenced the morphological characteristics of the fish. Morphometric features such as total length, pectoral, pelvic, anal, dorsal, head, caudal length of eyes, caudal width and weight were recorded. Significant effects of dam on fish are observed on the morpho-metric of Schizothorax sp. There was no change in the characters but the wall of the dam put the selection pressure. The maximum length, weight of fish was observed in the study area during winter season and minimum during rainy season. The maximum length and weight were found before the dam. Changes in habitat, physico-chemical parameters, less aquatic macro-invertebrates lead to shorter lengths of fishes. Proper management techniques should be required for the production of fish. This paper will provide knowledge of the impact of dam on the morphometric character of fish along with parameters of water quality. It also gives in-depth knowledge of proper management of river fisheries.

Sedimentation pattern of kame terraces and its implication to climatic events in the Gangotri glacier region since 25 Ka BP, Garhwal Himalaya, India

• The sedimentation in the Kame terraces has taken place under low energy stagnant water conditions in a lacustrine environment . • The Kame terraces were evolved under glacial-fluvial at the base and lacustrine environment at the top. • The study demonstrates climate change since 25 Ka BP. • The study confirms the major climatic signatures such as Last Glacial Maximum , Older Dryas , Bølling-Allerød, Younger Dryas , Indus Valley Civilization Collapse, Medieval Warm Period and Little Ice Age. Gangotri glacier, located in the Uttarkashi district, is one of the longest valley glaciers of the Garhwal Himalaya. It exhibits lateral moraines, recessional moraines, outwash plains, kame terraces, and debris cones. Kame terraces are significant landforms that preserve the climatic records and geological history in their deposits. The sedimentary and mineral magnetic analysis on 165 cm thick trenched sections sampled at 2.5 cm interval of the kame terraces together with the AMS (Accelerator Mass Spectrometer) age indicate its response to the major climatic events in this region and sedimentation history of the kame terraces. The granulometric analysis describes that the mean grain size of these sediments varies from coarse to fine sand, which are poorly sorted with an excess of finer sediments. This indicates, low to moderate energy over a longer duration with fluctuation of the depositional environment. The mineral magnetic analysis reflects unimodal detrital modes governed by the energy conditions from meltwaters that are in turn controlled by the climatic conditions from warmer to colder episodes. Therefore, the sedimentation in the kame terraces has taken place under the low energy lacustrine environment during warmer climates. The kame terraces sedimentation therefore has recorded the major climatic events, such as Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) 21–19.5 Ka BP, Older Dryas (OD) 16.5–14.5 Ka BP, Bølling-Allerød (BA) 14.5–13.5 Ka BP, Younger Dryas (YD) 13.5–12 Ka BP, Indus Valley Civilization Collapse (IVCC) 5.0–3.0 Ka BP, Medieval Warm Period (MWP) 1.25–0.7 Ka BP and Little Ice Age (LIA) 0.7–0.2 Ka BP.

Occurrence of The Little Known Dubious Five-Ring Ypthima parasakra Eliot in Garhwal Himalaya

A survey carried out from Sankri village to Har-ki-Doon valley in Uttarkashi district, Uttarakhand revealed the occurrence of dubious five ring Ypthima parasakra Eliot (1987). The identity of the species was confirmed on examination of its male genitalia and its comparison with its congener, the Himalayan five-ring Y. sakra Moore (1958). This is the first site specific record of this little-known species from the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand, Western Himalaya, which is otherwise known from Central and Eastern Himalaya, in India. A brief account on the habitat of the species is given.

Environmental and economic impact of cloudburst-triggered debris flows and flash floods in Uttarakhand Himalaya: a case study

This paper examines the environmental and economic impact of cloudburst-triggered debris flow and flash flood in four villages of Uttarkashi district, Uttarakhand Himalaya. On 18th July 2021 at 8:30 p.m., a cloudburst took place on the top of the Hari Maharaj Parvat, which triggered a huge debris flows and flash floods, affecting 143 households of four villages of downstream areas. Immediately after the cloudburst occurred, the authors visited four affected villages—Nirakot, Mando, Kankrari, and Siror. A structured questionnaire was constructed and questions were framed and asked from 143 heads of affected households on the impact of debris flows and flash floods on people’s life, settlements, cowsheds, bridges, trees, forests, and arable land in and around the villages. The volume of debris, boulders, pebbles, gravels, and mud was assessed. It was noticed that all four villages got lots of destructions in terms of loss of life—people and animals, and property damage—land, crops, and infrastructural facilities. This study shows that the location of the settlements along with the proximity of the streams, which are very violent during the monsoon season, has led to the high impact of debris flow on the affected villages. We suggest that the old inhabited areas, which are located in the risk zones, can be relocated and the new settlements can be constructed in safe places using suitability analyses.

Understanding distribution and occupancy of Himalayan monal in Uttarkashi district, Uttarakhand for conservation and management planning

Himalayan monal is a conservation priority species in its entire distribution range because of its declining population due to various anthropogenic threats. However, the information on its distribution and abundance is lacking, which is vital for conservation and management planning. Hence, the present study has assessed the abundance and occupancy of Himalayan monal in Uttarkashi district (Uttarakhand). Camera traps and conventional sign surveys were used for documenting the species during 2018–2019. We deployed a total of 69 camera traps (2819 trap nights) and surveyed 54 trails (650 km), representing the entire habitat and topographic variability of the landscape. The single‐season occupancy framework was used to understand the distribution and occupancy of Himalayan monal in the Uttarkashi district. The top model suggests that the occupancy probability of Himalayan monal was positively influenced (β = 27.52 SE ± 16.25) by landscape slope and was negatively influenced by Reserve Forest (RF) (β = −8.14 SE ± 4.99). The observed naïve occupancy of Himalayan monal was 0.69 in the study area, which was slightly lower than the estimated occupancy. However, in the null model, the site occupancy estimated was found to be 0.82 ± 0.08 with a detection probability of 0.23 ± 0.03. The overall abundance of monal was estimated to be 171.58 ± 10.2 individuals in the study area with an average density of 0.62 km−2. The activity pattern analysis indicates that Himalayan monal remains very active between 6:00 and 12:00 h and slightly less active during mid‐day hours when humans are most active 11:30–16:30 h in its habitat. The present study is a first attempt to estimate occupancy and abundance of monal in non‐protected areas (PA) using both the camera traps and sign surveys. We found that Himalayan monal is abundant outside the PAs, which is a good indication of its long‐term viability. We also identified areas for conservation and management prioritization in Uttarkashi.

A review of public health important fleas (Insecta, Siphonaptera) and flea-borne diseases in India.

Fleas (Insecta, Siphonaptera) are important vectors of plague and murine typhus in many parts of the world. Currently, about 2700 flea species were described in the world. The most common vector flea Xenopsylla cheopis is found throughout India, but X. astia, and X. brasiliensis are found less and limited in distribution associated with the domestic rats such as Rattus rattus, R. norvegicus, Mus musculus, and Bandicota bengalensis. Bubonic plague is a major flea-borne disease caused by the bacterial pathogen Yersinia pestis, transmitted from rats to humans via the rodent flea, X. cheopis. A major outbreak of plague and high mortality occurred in India. After 1966 with the 3 decadal intervals, plague cases occurred only during the year 1994 reported in 5 different states (Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and New Delhi and subsequently plague cases occurred during 2002 and 2004 after the one-decade interval in Himachal Pradesh (2002). Another outbreak of bubonic plague was reported in Dangud village, Barkhot tehsil, Uttarkashi district, Uttarakhand during October 2004. Ctenocephalides fleas are common in cats and dogs, which are the main vectors of bacteria rickettsiae, such as Rickettsia typhi, R. felis, R. conorii, and Bartonella henselae. Molecular and serological evidence also confirms the presence of R. typhi, R. conorii R. felis and B. henselae pathogens in cats and other fleas in India. Flea bites and flea-borne dermatitis are common in men and pet animals. Because of the re-emergence of the plague, updated information on fleas and flea-borne diseases are essential to control the flea vectors and flea-borne diseases in India. Hence, this comprehensive review updates the available information on fleas and fleas transmitted diseases in India.

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.

Fungal diversity inhabited with trees and their conservation in Bukki Top in upper great Himalaya

This investigation was aimed to explore the biodiversity of upper great Himalayas range with special reference to the flora and its conservation. The natural landscape and high altitude meadows (Bugyal) enhanced the beauty of Uttarakhand. Bukki village and Bukki top one of the gorgeous region locate in Uttarkashi district of Uttrakhand state, fall on the opposite side of the national highway NH-108 and connect the Gangotri Glacier via Harsil. The present article is the description of the flora of the Bukki region and, we tried to mainly focus on different fungus species and disease on trees, observed during the trek. Some important fungus species observed are Daldinia concentric, Trichaptum biforme, Fomes fomentarius and Daedalea quercina. We also describe each fungus attributes and habitat distribution description.

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.