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Chapter 2: Extracts of Working Plan Configuration of Ground: The entire tract is mountainous. The slopes are moderate to steep at places precipitous. The altitude varies from 503m near Chamyon in Bilaspur Forest Division on the Satluj River to 2400m at Jakhu Top at Shimla. The ridge makes the Catchment is running from Chharabra – Jakhu – Prospect Hill – Jutog – Ganahati – Marhog – Danughat – Chandidhar – Dangwil Dhar – Chhariawan Dhar – finally drops in Satluj , two Kms from Koldam. The branches and spurs of from these ridges have a large number of villages and watersheds mainly for Satluj River along with their tributaries. The Satluj River flows at the bottom of the area. It collects the water from Khads and Nallas which flows towards North. Main Khads/Nalas in the catchment are Chamiar Khad, Bam Khad, Pageda Khad, Beshwari Khad, Senj Khad, Nayaser Khad, Naog Nadi, Bari Khad, Kakkri Khad which are the prominent sources of water for irrigation as well as drinking. Chandi Wild Life sanctuary is mostly depended on Satluj River for water. Climate: 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 up to 40 degree. Due to spell of droughts, the volume of water is reduced in the 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 hailstorm are also common during this period of the year. 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 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
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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 is generally dependant for the water supply mainly from snow and rainfall. There are some springs as the source of water supply. Sutlej and its tributaries like Nauti and Sainj Khad are the 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 seasonal only. The supply of drinking water is satisfactory except in the lower dry and hot areas which are devoid of vegetation. To fulfil the requirement of drinking water some lift scheme from some Khads/Nalas planned. The source of the water is generally springs or tributaries of river. 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 rights were approved and recorded in the 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 :Grazing of cattle, Fodder for cattle, Fuel wood for domestic use, Dry fuel wood for domestic use, Timber to
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meet bonafide domestic or agricultural requirement, Wood for making charcoal, Collection of needles for bedding cattle, Collection of honey, herbs and ‘NIRGAL’ and 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 encroached upon. Part of the forests has been converted into orchards and agricultural field. Even the Reserved forests have not been spared. The encroachments detected during the 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 ensure 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. Only 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. 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
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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 villages live in traditional houses with slate roof which are scattered all over as hamlets. With the easy availability of building material like bricks, cement, iron etc. the construction pattern has undergone a sea change. Modern RCC houses are a common sight in place of old dwellings. The timber of Chil, Shihsam, Khair, Ban etc is used for the construction of such dwellings in lower areas. Ploughing with a pair of bullocks is a common agricultural practice. 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. Most of the area in lower elevation particularly in Bilaspur and Kunihar forest Division falling in the Catchment has been disturbed due to heavy dust, blasting, operation of machineries and crushers used in construction of Kol Dam and Cement Factories.
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changes of rocks and soils, however are found projected in the lower zones and vice versa. In lower elevation khair, bamboo with other broad leaved species like chhal, simbal, jhingan, etc. are met with whereas in upper elevation chil is the main species. Composition and condition of the crop: The floristic of individual areas are given in concerned compartment history files. In these Forest Divisions following forests types and sub types, confirming to Champion and Seth classification (Revised edition) occur. Type 5B/C2 – Northern Dry Mixed Deciduous Forests:Forests of this type occur at lower altitude (between 300m and 1300m) and mainly confined to the western and southern aspects. They are at their best on the sites with deep soil with favorable soil moisture conditions. The upper canopy is usually very open with the scrubby undergrowth. Due to adverse biotic influences in most of the areas, the natural regeneration of almost all the species is deficient. Khair has been successfully introduced, after clear felling the existing growth. All the plantations require adequate protection and maintenance.
Flora and Fauna: Revised Working Plan for the KUNIHAR Forest Division Sub- Catchments : Sg, (part)
cover
Occurrence and Distribution of Species: The altitudinal difference as well as aspect and biotic influences have caused diversity in vegetation type in Kunihar Forest Division. The climatic difference in the tract, witch are tropical in lower elevation and sub tropical at higher elevation, result in development of two main types of forests, namely (1) Tropical Dry Deciduous Forest and (2) Sub tropical Pine Forest. The microclimatic changes due to aspects and exposures of local
The main species met within the top canopy are:Chhal (Anogeissus latifolia), Jhingan (Lannea grandis), Siris (Albizzia lebbek), Simal (Bombax ceiba), Pula (Kydia calycina), Amaltas (Cassia fistula), Chamror (Ehretia leavis), Sandan (Ougeinia ougeinensis), Kaimb (Mitragyna parviflora), Kangu (Flacourtia indica), Khair (Acacia catechu), Jamun (Syzygium cumini), Chilla (Casearia tomentosa), Amla (Emblica officinalis), Kachnar (Bauhinia variegata), Kambel (Mallotus philippinensis), Dhak (Butea monosperma). Undergrowth consists of:Harsingar (Nyctanthes arbortristis), Karaunda (Carissa spinarum), Dhavi (Woodfordia fruticosa), Kathi (Indigofera
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pulchella), Gandhela (Murraya koenigii), vasica), Keor (Holarrhena antidysenterica).
Basuti
(Adhatoda
The important grasses are:Bhabar (Eulaliopsis binata), Mokora (Heteropogon contortus), Dub (Cynodon dectylon), Dhaulu (Chrysopogon montanus), Labb (Cymbopogon spp), Munj (Erianthus munja). The important climbers are:Tour (Bauhinia vahlii), Sarali (Pueraria tuberose), Karinghan (Caesasalpinia sepiara), Kurar (Acacia pennata), Bel kangu (Clematis gouriana), Dhudi (Crypotolepis buchanani). Type 5B/C2 – DSI Dry Deciduous Scrub Forests:Some of the miscellaneous forests, especially those situated near urban habitations, have been deteriorated into this type due to adverse biotic factors. The existehnce of this type of forests is mainly due to varying intensity of grazing and browsing. In this type of forests the growth of trees has become stunted and canopy is quite open. Some trees species arre reduced to smaller size usually many stemming from the base. Common spceis in these forests are:Cassia fistula, Pyrus pashia, Euphorbea royleana, Aegle mermelos, Carrisa spinarum, Holarrhena antidysenterica, Acacia, catechu, Lannea coromandelica, Dodonaea visocosa, Woodfordia fruticosa, Andropogon contortus, Ischaemum augustifolim, Eulaliopsis binata, etc Type 9/C/Ib Upper or Himalayan Chirpine Forests:The pinus roxburghii (Chil) forest of some areas of Dalra, Kunihar, Arki and Kuthar Range fall in this type. In these forests also the top canopy is Pinus roxburghii only and there are very few scattered trees forming second canopy. The middle canopy is in stunted form, is that of Ficus roxburghii,
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Lynoia ovalifolia, Mallotus phillippinensis, Syzygium cumini, Coriaria nepalensis, etc.
Pyrus
pashia,
The undergrowth consists of Myrsine Africana, rubus ellipticus, Carrisa opaca, Woodfordia floribunda, Berberis lyceum, Viburnum coriaceum, etc. Ground flora consists of Heteropogon contortus, Themeda anathera, desmodium parvifolium, Swertia spp. etc. Climbers – Rosa moschata. Type 9/C/DS 2 Sub Tropical Euphorbia scrub forests:The degraded chirpine forests fall under this type. These are the result of adverse biotic influence which is much beyond the endurance of forests. Their distribution is related to edaphic factors, notably dry rocky ridges. These are mainly confined to Kunihar Block and some parts of Arki Block. At places only a part of the forests compartment is of this type. Thor (Euphorbia royleana) is the only main species occurring in this type. Type 12/CI a Lower Western Himalayan Ban – Oak (Quercus incana) Forests:There is no well developed ban oak (Quercus incana) forests in the tract. However, in Kunihar division this forest type is located along Baridhar ridge (Bari and Silnu Forests). Mostly the Quercus incana trees have short boles and low branching. The Ban trees have been affected very adversely due to heavy biotic pressure, being situated near the habitations. Chil have been planted in some gaps in this ban forests successfully. The part of Bilaspur forest division in Sg Sub Catchment resemble flora and fauna as in Kunihar Ft Div. Revised Working Plan for the SHIMLA & THEOG Forest Divisions cover Sub- Catchments : Sg,& Sj
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The Vegetation/Forests: 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 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,
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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:Chil (Pinus roxburghii) forests are found at the elevation ranging from 1000m to 2000m. These are extended upto ban oak zone in the higher zone and overlap with tropical dry deciduous forests at lower altitudes covering an area of about 3000 ha. The Chil forests are found mainly in Kariali, Lambidhar and Phulgalani areas in the Satluj valley. Some chil forest also exists near Cheog, around Tuti Kandi, Taradevi and Ganahatti (Dhami Range). In general, the chil forests are pure except in depressions and nalas where Chil is mixed with or replaced by broad leaved species. The top canopy is of chil and its associates. Occupying the under storey in depressions and Nallas are Quercus leucotrichophora, Rhododendron arboretum and Pyrus pashia whereas Pistacia integrrima and Euphorbia royaleana are found on dry and rocky ground. Chil is also mixed with Quercus leucotri chophora, Pinus wallichiana and Cedrus deodara along the upper fringe where it occupies the exposed spurs. Shrub growth under the chil forest is either absent or sparse and is comprised of Berberis aristata, Princepia utilis, Rubus paniculatus, Woodfordia fruticosa and Xanthoxylum alantum etc. The ground cover is either thin or absent at many place due to heavy grazing. The chil forests get burnt frequently because these are highly susceptible to fire. The fire is either due to negligence or deliberate attempts made by villagers to get more production of grass. This results in poor density of stocking and absence of regeneration. Though the species
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regenerates naturally with more ease except few 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. 9/C I/DSI Himalayan Sub Tropical Scrub Forests:This type of forests covers about 5000 ha. Occur on shallow soils and southern slopes. These are found in Bhajji Range comprised of degraded vegetation, particularly along the Satluj River and in the lower reaches of the Nauti Khad catchment viz. Gumma to Chaba and right upto Tattapani. Such types of forests are formed because of disappearance of main species, Pinus roxburghii due to biotic interference like fellings, grazings, fires etc, leaving residual scrub forests of Sepium insigne, Euphorbea royaleana, Dodonea Viscosa, Carissa opacca etc. These types of forests occur at the elevation ranging from 800m to 1800m. 12/CI a Ban Oak (Quercus leucotrichophora) Forests:Quercus leucotrichophora is a climatic climax, occupying the lowest portion of the temperate belt and occurring above the Pinus roxburghii belt, generally from 1500m to 2300m altitude. Such type of forests cover about 4800 ha. The ban oak forests in the tract are found around, Taradevi, Himri Block of Bhajji Range and also in some parts of Dhami range. Ban forests are mostly heavily lopped for fuel and fodder near habitation. So, they are thin and in poor condition. The crop varies in age from young coppice to mature tree. Many of the oak forests are being replaced by chil because of heavy lopping of oak. Such
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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, 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
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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 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
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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: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, Juglans regia, Prunus cornata, Abies puindrow Picea smithiana, Lyonia ovalifolia, Cornus species, Rhododendron arboretum. The conifers are confined to spurs and better drained sites. Shrubs growth is light and generally consists of Viburnum foetens, Rubus niveus, Spiraea sorbifolia, Berberis chitria, Sarococca saligna, Strobilanthes atropurpureus, Jasminum humile etc.
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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. 12/C2b West Himalayan Upper Oak/fir Forests:This type occurs approximately between 2500m and 3000m altitude along the higher ridges of Chambidhar in Balsan and Kotkhai Ranges and covers an area of 1800 ha approximately. Abies pindrow found singly or in groups and strips with an
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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. 12/DS 2 Himalayan Temperate – Parkland:This type consists mostly of blank pastures with scattered and stunted trees of broad leaved and coniferous species which exist in normal on the southern and western slopes. It occurs over high ridges of the tract at the elevation of 2200m to 2600m, like, Chambidhar, Shalidhar, Biru ki dhar, Manudhar, Kolidhar. During rainy season, there is a thick herbaceous growth including grasses, with bushes and shrubs scattered. This type is a degradation stage of the Himalayan moist temperate forests. (12/C Id) due to cumulative effect of grazing, fire and winds. It covers an area of 1600 ha approximately. Due to continuous grazing in these blanks during summer, the area is extending gradually occupying the places in the adjoining well stocked forests. These areas are now no more suitable for regeneration of tree species because of heavy biotic interference and are confused with moist Alpine scrub (15/Ic) or Alpine pastures (15/C3). 12/EI Cypress (Cupressus torulosa) Forests:Cypress is found almost pure on very steep and precipitous lime stone rocks along the northern aspect of Shailidhar and 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
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soil conservation point of view. generally satisfactory.
Natural regeneration is
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 also found scattered in higher zones of Quercus leucotrichophora, Quercus dilatata and mixed conifers. This type owes its occurrence to the destruction of the pre-existing climax forests by natural and biotic factors. It is found extensively between Theog and Matiana, around Mashobra and in parts of Balsan and Theog Ranges as well. Though the forests occur mostly pure but mixed with Cedrus deodara and Quercus leucotrichophora at lower altitude and Quercus dilatata and Picea Smithiana at higher altitude. The broad leaved associates which are found in depressions and nalas are Quercus, leucotrichophora, Q. dilatata, Pieris ovalifolia, Rhododendron arboretum, Aesculus indica, Juglans regia etc. The undergrowth consists of Berberis species, Myrsine Africana, Lonicera species, Indigofera species Vibrunum species etc. Because of heavy lopping of Kail forests by the villagers for getting litter, the trees are infected with fungus known as Trametes pini. The trees are of different age classes varying from young to mature. Natural regeneration particularly on exposed and open sites is profuse. In many of the deodar forests mixed with kail, particularly in Kotkhai and Balsan ranges, the regeneration of kail is good and 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 :Animals: Leopard, Leopard Cat, Common Jungle Cat, Indian Fox, Ghoral, Himalayan Thar, Musk deer, Barking Deer, Sambar,
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Wild Pig, Black beer, Common India hare, Common striped squirrel, Brown flying squirrel. 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 hair fern, Kali, saraptor, Linger, Pathartor, Pissu mar, Bhang, Larkspur, Tardi, Bhumla, Bichhu Buti, Ban Nimbu, Brahmi, Bangli timber, Podina, Bracken 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.
Comprehensive CAT Plan of Satluj River Basin