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Chapter 2: Extracts of Working Plan Configuration of Ground:
Climate:
The entire tract is mountainous. The slopes are moderate to steep at places precipitous. The altitude varies from 580m near Annu (a little down stream of Tattapani) on the Satluj River to 3125m at Thalgor Dhar in the North-East portion of Theog Forest Division. The Narkanda Kufri is the main ridge which forms the watershed between the Satluj in the north. This ridge divides the area of Theog & Shimla forest division into two parts. South-east part forming watershed Giri and the second north – west part forming the watershed for Satluj. From this ridge originates the Narainpur Dhar and Sarog Dhar towards north. The another main ridge is Shaili Dhar with Shaili Peak as its highest point is the prominent ridge dividing Shimla and Theog forest division. It takes off near Matiana continuation of Narainpur Dhar, and splits into numerous small spurs around Shaili peak, the main spur dipping into Satluj near Chaba. The Jubbar Awal Dhar an offshoot of Shaili Dhar moves North-west till Himri and then terminates abruptly into Satluj River. The branches and spurs of these ridges forms a large number of villages and watersheds mainly for Satluj river along with their tributaries. Satluj river flow at the bottom of the area. It collects the water from Khads and Nallas which flows towards North. The Sainj Khad and Nauti Khad are the two main streams which flow into Satluj River. The Chaba Power House has been constructed on Nauti Khad. The drinking water is also supplied to Shimla town from Nauti Khad through pumps from the place Gumma.
The climate varies a lot depending upon the altitude and aspects. It is mostly temperate in the higher elevations and sub tropical at the lower ones. The places at higher elevation, especially the northern aspects are cooler than those situated at lower elevations. Generally snowfall occurs during winter months in area above 1800m elevation whereas the lower areas along Satluj the winter is comparatively moderate. Seasons are very distinct viz, Summer (April – June), Monsoon (July – September), and Winter (October – March). a) Summer: Summer season starts in April and last for three months till June. In the higher elevation the weather remains pleasant but in lower valleys along the river Satluj strong dusty winds blow. Drought also occurs in May and June. The maximum and minimum temperature remains between 26 degree to 16 degree in the lower areas along the Satluj the temperature rises upto 40 degree. Due to spell of droughts, the volume of water is reduced in the rivers, Nallas, Khads and ponds, which create problem of drinking water and also affect adversely the survival of plantations. However, the flow of water in Satluj increases because of melting of Glaciers. The hailstorms are also common during this period. b) Monsoon: The monsoon season begins from July and continues till middle or end of September but pre-monsoon showers are received in late June. During this season, the sky is overcast with clouds, the air is highly humid and the weather is foggy and misty. The relative humidity remain as high as 80%. Due to rains, the temperature also falls with the maximum and minimum being 22 degree and 15 degree
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respectively. Main precipitation is due to monsoons and about 60% of the entire precipitation is received during these three months. This is the best period for the growth of plants because of optimum temperature and humidity. c) Winter: The winters are long which begins from October and continues up to March but some times it may be extended a little more. The weather remains cold and severe, especially at elevations higher than 1800m. The precipitation in the form of snow is received in January and February at higher elevations where as lower elevations have rains during this period. Sometimes snowfall is also noticed in November or December. The melting of snow begins by the end of March, depending upon the aspect and altitude. During winter the minimum temperature goes down to below 0 degree while the maximum temperature remains below 10 degree. Water Supply: The area depends for the water supply mainly from snow and rainfall. There are some springs also which the sources of water supply are Satluj and its tributaries like Nauti and Sainj Khad are the only perennial source of water supply. The low lying areas, particularly where the forest growth is negligible, have small streams and nallas which dry up during summer and are only seasonal source of water supply. The supply of drinking water is satisfactory except in the lower dry and hot areas which are devoid of vegetation. There are few lift schemes from some Khads/Nalas.to fulfil the requirement of drinking water. Sometimes water is insufficient for paddy crops when drought or fire occurs and cause considerable damage to the forests growth and aggravates shortage of water. Rights and Concessions: The erstwhile rulers of the area have granted some rights and concessions to the villagers, in the forests of their areas. These
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rights were approved and recorded in the settlement records. The nature of rights and concession enjoyed by the villagers in the Reserved, Demarcated Forests and Undemarcated Protected Forests are more or less same all over the areas of forest divisions, though they differ in various settlements. In general the rights and concessions recorded in the various forest settlements are the following type : Grazing of cattle, Fodder for cattle, Fuel wood for domestic use, Timber to meet bonafide domestic or agricultural requirement, Wood for making charcoal, Collection of needles for bedding cattle, Collection of honey, herbs and NIRGAL , Right of way to water sources. Encroachments: Encroachments are common almost in all the categories of forests. The UPFs specially are most affected with this menace. Boundary pillars have been displaced and the forests encroached upon. Part of the forests has been converted into orchards and agricultural fields. Even the Reserved forests have not been spared. The encroachments detected during the stock mapping and inspections have already been mentioned in the Compartment descriptions. It was difficult to know the exact area of the concerned field staff of the Forest department. Therefore, it should be ensured to check and detect the exact number and area of encroachment in each forest. The Inhabitants: Majority of the population of the tract dealt in this area resides in rural areas. Therefore, the economy is based primarily on agriculture and horticulture. The industrial and commercial activities are not much of importance. Therefore, the dependence of the people on these activities is negligible. A few persons are engaged in Government jobs. The land holdings are small, marginal and large. The agricultural fields are generally unirrigated except in few cases where irrigation channels have been constructed along the rivers/Khads/nalas.
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Main crops are maize, paddy, wheat, pulse and millets. Vegetables and Potato cultivation is attracting the attention of growers by and by. On horticulture side apple dominates the scene. The economy of the areas has improved considerably due to potato and apple cultivation. The agricultural fields/orchards are along suitable sites of land which are scattered all over the area. Consequently, the population has also settled near agricultural fields/orchards in small hamlets all over. In general, the houses are simple which are made up of stone walls with wooden binders. The roofing is of slates and wooden planking. Of late better houses constructed with bricks, and RCC slabs have started appearing. Most of the villagers keep large number of cattle, simply for the sake of status symbol and forgetting farmyard manure. The quality of cattle is generally very poor and the yield of cattle is generally low. To supplement income, the sheep and goats are also kept by the villagers. The animals are hardly stall fed and depend upon the neighbouring forests and grasslands for their existence. Maximum part of the area is covered with the Highway and link roads. Flora and Fauna: The Revised Working Plan of Shimla & Theog Forest Division cover Sub Catchments (Sg &Sj). The vegetation/Forests: The composition and condition of the crop varies due to variation in controlling factors such as altitude, aspect, climate, geological formation etc, which gives rise to various forest types. The forests, throughout the tract are both coniferous and broad-leaved which can be grouped into Dry Tropical, Montane subtropical and montane temperate types. The forests which are inaccessible and away from the habitation are densely stocked as are found in parts of Bhajji Range (Himri Block), whereas the forests near to the habitation are generally honey
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combed. According to Champion and Seth classification of the Indian Forest types, the forests of the tract may be broadly classified into following types:Composition and Condition of the crop: The composition and condition of the crop of varies due to variation in controlling factors such as altitude, aspect, climate, geological formation etc, which gives rise to various forest types. The forests, throughout the tract are both coniferous and broad-leaved which can be grouped into Dry Tropical, Montane subtropical and montane temperate types. The forests which are inaccessible and away from the habitation are densely stocked as are found in parts of Bhajji Range (Himri Block), whereas the forests near to the habitation are generally honey combed. According to Champion and Seth classification of the Indian Forest types, the forests of the tract may be broadly classified into following types:5B/C2 Northern Dry Mixed Deciduous Forests:Forests of this type are available a low altitude ranging up to 1400m elevation. These cover an area of about 3000 ha. Such forests are mostly found on eroded hills and alluvial terrace, along the banks and slopes of river Satluj particularly in the Sainj Valley (e.g. DPFs Mahasa-ser, Hiwan and adjoining UPFs) and along the Mashobra-Tattapani Road (e.g. Mohr anal RF and adjoining UPFs). In the Northern aspect and Nallas, the density of the forest is fairly good whereas on the hotter aspect and near habitation, the crop is open and patchy with poor growth because of uncontrolled felling, excessive lopping and grazing. Some of these poor quality forests have further deteriorated to the degradation stage of dry deciduous scrub (5/DSI) with scarce and stunted trees growth and browsed bushes except the thorny and unpalatable shrubs like Carissa and Dodonea. In a small area along the river Satluj, between Sunni and Tattapani, Dalbergia sisoo and Acacia catechu occur
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particularly along the Nauti Khad which is a primary seral stage of the Khair – Sissu type (5/IS 2). The most common tree species of this type occurring in the forest are ; Acacia catechu, Bombax ceiba, Toona ciliate, Dalbergia sisoo, Olea glamdulifera, pistacia integerrima, Albizzia lebbck, Grewia oppositifolia, Bauhinia variegate, and Emblica officinalis. The important shrubs are Carissa spinarum, Berberis lyceum, dodonea viscose, Woodfoldia fruticosa, Adhatoda vasica, Flacourtia indica, Ziziphus jujube and Euphorbia royalena. The Bauhinia vahillii is the common climber in many places. 9/C Ib Himalayan Chil (Chir) Pine Forest :-
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stocking and absence of regeneration. Though the species regenerates naturally with more ease except in places where incidence of grazing is high. In the areas which are far away from the habitation and are well protected, regeneration has come up well e.g. DPF Mahasaser. But the forests are generally middle aged and under stocked. The density varies from 0.3 to 0.5 whereas quality varies from III to II, average being II/III. The biotic interferences are responsible for maintaining chil forests at the seral stage otherwise they would progress to the ban oak climax vegetation. In many forest of Tata Devi and Dhami Ranges, the chil has invaded the ground because of heavy lopping of ban trees.
Chil (Pinus roxburghii) forests are found at the elevation ranging 9/C I/DSI Himalayan Sub Tropical Scrub Forests :from 1000m to 2000m. These are extended upto ban oak zone in the higher zone and overlap with tropical dry deciduous This type of forests covering about 5000 ha. Occur on shallow forests at lower altitudes covering an area of about 3000 ha. soils and southern slopes. These are found in Bhajji Range The Chil forests are found mainly in Kariali, Lambidhar and comprised of degraded vegetation, particularly along the Satluj Phulgalani areas in the Satluj valley. Some chil forest also exists River and in the lower reaches of the Nauti Khad catchment viz. Gumma to Chaba and right upto Tattapani. Such types of near Cheog, around Tuti Kandi, Taradevi and Ganahatti (Dhami Range). In general, the chil forests are pure except in forests are formed because of disappearance of main species, depressions and nalas where Chil is mixed with or replaced by Pinus roxburghii due to biotic interference like fellings, grazings, broad leaved species. The top canopy is of chil and its fires etc, leaving residual scrub forests of Sepium insigne, associates. Occupying the under storey in depressions and Euphorbea royaleana, Dodonea Viscosa, Carissa opacca etc. Nallas are Quercus leucotrichophora, Rhododendron arboretum These types of forests occur at the elevation ranging from 800m and Pyrus pashia whereas Pistacia integrrima and Euphorbia to 1800m. royaleana are found on dry and rocky ground. Chil is also 12/CI a Ban Oak (Quercus leucotrichophora)Forests :mixed with Quercus leucotri chophora, Pinus wallichiana and Cedrus deodara along the upper fringe where it occupies the Quercus leucotrichophora is a climatic climax, occupying the exposed spurs. Shrub growth under the chil forest is either lowest portion of the temperate belt and occurring above the absent or sparse and is comprised of Berberis aristata, Princepia Pinus roxburghii belt, generally from 1500m to 2300m altitude. utilis, Rubus paniculatus, Woodfordia fruticosa and Xanthoxylum Such type of forests cover about 4800 ha. The ban oak forests alantum etc. The ground cover is either thin or absent at many in the tract are found around, Taradevi, Himri Block of Bhajji place due to heavy grazing. The chil forests get burnt frequently Range and also in some parts of Dhami range. Ban forests are because these are highly susceptible to fire. The fire is either mostly heavily lopped for fuel and fodder near habitation. So, due to negligence or deliberate attempts made by villagers to they are thin and in poor condition. The crop varies in age from get more production of grass. This result in poor density of Comprehensive CAT Plan of Satluj River Basin
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young coppice to mature tree. Many of the oak forests are being replaced by chil because of heavy lopping of oak. Such change is visible in some of the forests of Dhami Range. Rhododendron arboreum, Pieris ovalifolia, Pyrus pashia, Cornus capidata and Myrica nagi are some of the common associates of ban. However, the undergrowth is dense comprising of Berberis lyceum, Myrsine affricana, Rubus, niveus, Bouninghansonia albiflora, Indigofera gerardiana, Lonicera quinquelocularis, Daphne cannabina, Desmodium tilliaefolium, Viburnum cotonifolium etc. The common climbers are Hedra helix, Smilax parvifolia and Vitis himalayana. 12/CIb Mohru Oak (Quercus dilatata) Forests :The sub type covers an area of about 5900 ha. In these forests the elevation ranges from 2000m to 2500m. The mohru oak is found pure but sometimes mixed with kail which is generally confined to spurs and warmer aspects. In the lower zone ban oak is mixed whereas in the upper zone kharsu oak and fir are found mixed with mohru. Mohru Oak in the pure form is found near Koti, Gajta (near Kharapathar) and Graog. Patches of Mohru oak mixed with other species are found near Himri and Salon bagh areas. The common associates of mohru are Quercus leucotrichophora, Q. semicarpifolia, Abies pindrow, Picea smithiana, Rhododendron arboretum, Pieris Ovalifolia and Taxus baccatta in the top canopy. The undergrowth is not very dense. It consists of Viburnum cotinifolium, Sarcococca saligna, Daphne cannabina, Desmodium tiliaefolium etc. Mohru forests, away from habitation are well stocked whereas the trees are heavily lopped for fuel and fire wood near habitation. Very heavily lopped mohru crop have been invaded by kail. 12/CI c Moist Deodar (Cedrus deodara) Forests :This sub type covers an area of about 11000 ha. The elevation varies from 1500m to 2600m. Deodar form almost pure and large compact blocks particularly near Junga, Kufri, Cheog,
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Ghorna, Mahasu, Naldehra and Gadhakuphar. Pinus wallichiana and Pinus roxburghii occurs on exposed sites and spurs towards the lower limits of deodar zone whereas oaks and spruce are found in the upper fringe. The understorey is almost absent except in nalas and depressions where it consists of Quercus leucotrichophora, Quercus dilatata, Rhododendron arboretum, Pieris ovalifolia, Cornus capidata, Aesculus indica, Prunus Cornuta, Juglans regia etc. The shrub growth is sparse and comprised of Berberris lyceum, Princepia utilis, Sarcococca saligna, Desmodium tiliaefolium, Mrsine Africana, Indigofera gerardiana, Salvia glutinosa, Lonicera angustrifolia, Viburnum nervosum, Daphne cannabina, Skimmia laureala etc. The ground cover is mainly, composed of Viola serpens, Fragaria indica, Alnslea aptara, ferns and grasses etc. The main climbers are Hedera helix, Vitis parvifolia, Clematis mountana and Rosa moschata. Though, the upper storey is almost pure of cedrus deodara whereas in some forest it is mixed with Pinus wallichiana which is dominating. The forests which are away from habitation are generally well stocked whereas the trees are lopped or heavily lopped near habitation. The age class varies from young to middle aged with scattered mature or over mature trees. The reason for less availability of higher class deodar trees is the heavy demand of these trees by right holders. Though, these forests do not suffer much because of biotic interference but heavy lopping is noticed in Reserved Forest of Kalala (Kotkhai Range). Except in Reserved Forests, the grazing is heavy which interfere in natural regeneration. The deodar is of site quality I/II, but the growth is faster in Giri Catchment as compare to the Satluj Catchment. 12/CID Western Mixed Coniferous Forests :This sub type covers an area of about 500 ha. and occurs between 2100m to 3000m elevations extending even higher, where Abies pindrow is scattered amongst Quercus semicarpifolia. Picea Smithiana is the main species occupying
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most of the area whereas Abies pindrow is confined to the upper fringe and mixed with broad leaved species in Nalas. Cedrus deodara and Pinus wallichiana is mixture with Picea smithiana are available along the lower fringe. The broad leaved associates are Quercus dilatata Q. semicarpifolia, Acer species, Juglans regia, Morus serrata, Corylus colurna, Aesculus indica, Prunus species etc. Taxus baccata forms the understorey. The undergrowth consists of Viburnum nervosum, Desmodium tiliaefolium, Lonicera angustifolia, Arundianaria falcate and Strobilanthes species etc. The ground cover mainly consists of Skummia laurceola, Geranium wallichianum, Viola serpens, Fregaria viscose, Rubus niveus, ferns and grasses. There are few species of ground orchids and climbers which are rare and are Hedera nepalensis, Vitis species and Jasminum officinalis. Forests of this type are found in parts of Chambi-Kuppar RF, near Baghal, Chaknoti, Kharapathar, Mahasu, Kalna and along northern slopes of Kufri-Fagu ridge and Shali dhar. The trees are generally mature and most of the large sized trees were felled in the past for packing cases, thereby reducing the density of these forests. However, since 1990, there is complete ban for felling of fir/spruce trees for packing cases. This will improve the condition of these forests. In some of the forests, there are grazing grounds where nomadic ‘Gujjars’ graze their buffaloes in summer, Natural regeneration is not satisfactory because of heavy fellings and grazing. 12/CI e Moist Temperate Deciduous Forests :-
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humile etc. These forests are available in Chambi-Kuppar, Tomru reserve Forests and Gahan Jarahi DPF of Kotkhai Range. In general, the forests are good except at places where lopping has been done by the ‘Gujjars’ for fuel and fodder. Soil is good. So, the natural regeneration of broad leaved species is fairly good. The regeneration of Abies pindrow and Picea smithiana is coming up at the places where the soil is exposed due to grazing. This type covers approximately 1000 ha area. 12/C-2a Kharsu Oak (Quercus semicaripfolia) Forests :Kharsu oak occurs between 2750m and 3400m altitude and covers approximately 2000 ha. It is found especially along the warmer aspects of the higher ridges such as Chambihdar, particularly from Baghal Tibba to Kharapathar. The crop is mostly dense. Few trees of Abies pindrow and picea smithiana are also mixed and scattered with Kharsu. The other associates are Rhododendron species, Acer caesium, Prunus species, Ilex dyprena, and Taxus baccata etc. The shrub growth consists of Viburnum species, Sarcococca saligna, Salix vaginata, Skimmia laurcola etc. The common herbs are Viola caneseens, Anmone rivularis, Geranuim wallichianum etc. The under storey is almost absent except the dwarf bamboo which is found in cooler places. These forests are suffering because of lopping and grazing. The extent of damages is more in the forest which are near the habitation. The few seed production and constant grazing are the reasons of failure of natural regeneration. However, regeneration of Abies pindrow is coming under Quercus semicarpifolia and in some of the forests Abies pindrow may replace the Quercus semicarpinfolia in future.
This type occurs on gentle moist slopes, damp depressions and along nallas between 1800m to 2750m. The common species are Aesculus indica, Corylus colirna, Acer pictum, Acer caesium, 12/C2b West Himalayan Upper Oak/fir Forests :Juglans regia, Prunus cornata, Abies puindrow Picea smithiana, Lyonia ovalifolia, Cornus species, Rhododendron arboretum. The conifers are confined to spurs and better drained sites. This type occurs approximately between 2500m and 3000m Shrubs growth is light and generally consists of Viburnum altitude along the higher ridges of Chambidhar in Balsan and foetens, Rubus niveus, Spiraea sorbifolia, Berberis chitria, Kotkhai Ranges and covers an area of 1800 ha approximately. Sarococca saligna, Strobilanthes atropurpureus, Jasminum Abies pindrow found singly or in groups and strips with an Comprehensive CAT Plan of Satluj River Basin
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admixture of Picea smithiana, Quercus semicarpifolia and other broad leaved species. In the lower portion, Abies pindrow is mixed with Pinus wallichiana. The broad leaved associates are Quercus semicarpifolia, Q. dilatata, Acer species, Coryplus colurna and Aesculus indica etc. The understorey mainly consists of Taxus baccata. The undergrowth is comprised of Rhododendron companulatum, Salix elegans, Sikmmia laureola, Rumex nepalensis, Lonicera angustifolia, ferns and grasses. The trees are mostly mature and form fairly dense canopy with few exception where the forests are subject to grazing and lopping by nomadic ‘Gujjars’. Natural regeneration of broad leaved species is deficient whereas that of Abies pindrow and Picea smithiana is in patches but scanty.
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Vagtikkar dhar. It covers an area of about 500 ha. and form an edaphic climax. It is mixed with Picea smithiana on higher elevations whereas at lower elevations, it is mixed with Abies pindrow, Pinus wallichiana and cedrus deodara. The broad leaved associates are Quercus dilatata, Aesculus indica, Acer pictum, Prunus podus, cedrella serrata which are found in depressions and nallas. As this type is found on steep and inaccessible areas, hence, these can not be exploited. Though, the forests do not have economic value but are important from soil conservation point of view. Natural regeneration is generally satisfactory. 12/2SI Low Level Blue Pine (Pinus wallichiana) Forests :-
This type occurs between 1500m to 3500m covering an area of about 500 ha. and characterized by almost pure Kail crop which forms secondary seral type. The quality is mostly II/III. It is This type consists mostly of blank pastures with scattered and also found scattered in higher zones of Quercus stunted trees of broad leaved and coniferous species which exist leucotrichophora, Quercus dilatata and mixed conifers. This in normal on the southern and western slopes. It occurs over type owes its occurrence to the destruction of the pre-existing high ridges of the tract at the elevation of 2200m to 2600m, climax forests by natural and biotic factors. It is found like, Chambidhar, Shalidhar, Biru ki dhar, Manudhar, Kolidhar. extensively between Theog and Matiana, around Mashobra and During rainy season, there is a thick herbaceous growth in parts of Balsan and Theog Ranges as well. Though the forests including grasses, with bushes and shrubs scattered. This type occur mostly pure but mixed with Cedrus deodara and Quercus is a degradation stage of the Himalayan moist temperate leucotrichophora at lower altitude and Quercus dilatata and forests. (12/C Id) due to cumulative effect of grazing, fire and Picea Smithiana at higher altitude. The broad leaved associates winds. It covers an area of 1600 ha approximately. Due to which are found in depressions and nalas are Quercus, continuous grazing in these blanks during summer, the area is leucotrichophora, Q. dilatata, Pieris ovalifolia, Rhododendron extending gradually occupying the places in the adjoining well arboretum, Aesculus indica, Juglans regia etc. The undergrowth stocked forests. These areas are now no more suitable for consists of Berberis species, Myrsine Africana, Lonicera species, regeneration of tree species because of heavy biotic interference Indigofera species Vibrunum species etc. Because of heavy and are confused with moist Alpine scrub (15/Ic) or Alpine lopping of Kail forests by the villagers for getting litter, the trees pastures (15/C3). are infected with fungus known as Trametes pini. The trees are 12/EI Cypress (Cupressus torulosa) Forests :of different age classes varying from young to mature. Natural regeneration particularly on exposed and open sites is profuse. Cypress is found almost pure on very steep and precipitous lime In many of the deodar forests mixed with kail, particularly in stone rocks along the northern aspect of Shailidhar and Kotkhai and Balsan ranges, the regeneration of kail is good and Comprehensive CAT Plan of Satluj River Basin 12/DS 2 Himalayan Temperate – Parkland :-
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these forests of deodar are being replaced by kail. This may be because of large scale felling of deodar trees to right holders. Fauna: The main Wild Life species found in the area are :1. Animals: Leopard, Leopard Cat, Common Jungle Cat, Indian Fox, Ghoral, Himalayan Thar, Musk deer, Barking Deer, Sambar, Wild Pig, Black beer, Common India hare, Common striped squirrel, Brown flying squirrel.
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fern, Bankakri, Malora, Sage, Ban Tobacco, ban Ajwain, Kuga, Mushkbala, Nakh Nihani, Gdar Tamaku. There is urgent need for regulation of NTFPS species wise for its exploitation. People are required to be encouraged for large scale plantation or medicinal plants on commercial basis to ensure to stop over exploitation from the natural zone/forests. The public awareness campaign is required to be intensified amongst the right holders/Middle man and the buyers regarding paucity and use more medicinal plants and herbs, The are also required to formalise with the zinepale, conservation felling for the future generation.
2. Birds: Cheer Pheasant, Monal pheasant, Peafowl, Kaleej, red Jungle fowl Koklash pheasant, Black Partiridge, Chakor partridge, Hill Pigeon. Non Timber forest Produce: There are a large number of herbs, plants and trees in the tract yielding product of medicinal importance. The local people have right for extraction of these medicinal plants but their exploitation is not systematic and scientific. Therefore, a cyclic programme needs to be framed for the forests which should be approved by the Conservator of Forests, so that removals may take place in the proper manner and all areas get adequate time to re-operate and regenerate. This is especially important as far as removal of Dioscorea tubers is concerned. Moreover, the techniques of artificial regeneration of these species should be developed and seedlings should be raised in the nurseries so that the affected areas may get sufficient regeneration otherwise these species will extinct in near future. Further, in cases where digging of soil is involved for extraction of roots, it will cause soil erosion, so immediate steps should be taken for conservation of soil as per requirement of the areas. Some of the herbs are ; Putkanda, Patis, Maiden hari fern, Kali, saraptor, Linger, Pathartor, Pissu mar, Bhang, Larkspur, Tardi, Bhumla, Bichhu Buti, Ban Nimbu, Brahmi, Bangli timber, Podina, Bracken Comprehensive CAT Plan of Satluj River Basin