Dr Ravinder Singh Rana
Forests are vital for existence of humankind on earth. The State of Jammu and Kashmir is richly endowed with diverse forest resources which play an important role in preserving the fragile ecosystem of the region and also serve as catchments for important Himalayan rivers. Forests are essential for soil conservation, water security, and for meeting the needs of local population for timber, firewood, fodder and other forest produce. Forests of the State were constituted alongwith the initial revenue settlement as per State specific demarcation rules. Being the largest land based resource in the State, forests have immense potential for supporting livelihoods and alleviating poverty. The recorded forest area of the State is 20,230 km2 . About 59 % of the geographical area of the State is under permanent snow cover, glaciers and cold desert and unable to support tree growth.
Climate ultimately affects all forms of life. Climate acts in conjunction with other factors to limits of plant growth. Its role is direct in its effects on plants and indirect through its influence on edaphic and biotic factors. The direct effects of climate on plants are exerted by elements of the water and heat budget, precipitation, humidity, temperature, sunlight and wind. Variation in one can change the others in producing different rates of evapotranspiration and photosynthesis. The precipitation is also an important determinant of vegetation growth.
The deficient moisture limits plant growth, so excess amount restricts certain plants by limiting aeration and oxygen supply in the soil. Excessive soil moisture tends to develop unfavourable soil characteristics and to increase disease damage. Out of all the climatic factors, the influence of temperature on vegetation is most important.
Plants can grow only within certain temperature limits, although the limits are not the same for all plants. For example, certain algae live in hot weather season at more than 90°C and desert lichens withstand 100°C, while arctic mosses and lichens survive -70°C. For each species and each variety, there is a minimum temperature below which growth is not possible, an optimum at which growth is best, and a maximum beyond which growth stops. Most plants, however, cease growth when the soil temperature drops below about 5°C.
It is because of this factor that there is hardly any vegetation at 5,550 m (about 18,000 feet) above the sea level in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. The natural vegetation of the state has great altitudinal variations and latitudinal zonation.
About 60 per cent of the total forest area is in the Kashmir Division and the remaining over 40 per cent is in the Jammu Division. In the Ladakh Division, only about 17 sq km is under forest which may be considered as insignificant. Moreover, the natural vegetation of Ladakh is mainly of xerophytic (vegetation of dry climate) while that of Jammu and Kashmir divisions is mainly either coniferous or deciduous type.
The area stretch, the species and density of forests are directly influenced by lithology, rock-structure, altitude, aspect of slope, insolation and precipitation. The influence of these physical factors is quite pronounced in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. Consequently, there is great diversity in the natural vegetation as over 4,000 species belonging to 1500 genera are found in the state.
The basic objectives of the State Forest Policy of Jammu and Kashmir are as follows:
Conservation of biodiversity and natural habitat through preservation of natural forests with the vast variety of flora and fauna. Rehabilitation of degraded forests so as to optimize their productivity and restore their potential to provide ecosystem goods and services on sustainable basis. Poverty alleviation by meeting livelihood needs of forest dependent communities through sustainable supply of forest produce by improving productivity of existing forests, and through forestry activities, schemes and programmes. Extending tree cover outside forests to reduce pressure on natural forests for supply of forest produce. Checking denudation and soil erosion in catchments through integrated watershed management techniques and practices. Maintenance of the health of forest vegetation and forest soils for augmenting water supplies through recharge of underground aquifers and regulation of surface water flows, sediment levels and water quality. Optimally utilising the mitigation and adaptation potential of forests in the context of climate change. 8. Reducing pressure on forests through appropriate interventions including development of forest fringe belt into high production tree strips. 28 Jan 2011 Utilisation of natural resources using best management practices including development of non-timber forest produce and institutionalization and operationalization of concepts of eco-tourism and nature tourism. Creating a sustained people’s movement for achieving the aforementioned objectives, so that environmental security is ensured.
The illegal felling of green Cedar (Deodar) and pine trees despite Supreme Court ban is fast depriving Jammu and Kashmir of its precious forest wealth. The state is losing its green sheen fast as the forest land has shrunk from 20,230 sq km to just 7,590 sq km as per data furnished by the state Department of Forests earlier this year. The Black Gold in shape of Black Cedar ( Deodar) which is available only in Bhaderwah range hills after Germany in the world , also helps to maintain ecological balance and rises ample revenue to the state treasury.
Let me elucidate that if we talk of 26293sq. Km area of Jammu province we will find that the bulk of such green forest falls in District Doda, particularly in Bhaderwah. Forest in this area are filled with Chir,Kail,Deodar, Alpine Fir,(Abeispindrow), Uttilabetuls, Pinus excelsa, Humis Pine Needles and special kinds of herbs and medicinal plants.
Located at a height of 6,500 feet, the Bhaderwah region of Doda district is a picturesque valley, with thick coniferous forests on all sides but illegal deforestation by timber mafia is depleting the forest cover. Famous for its snow peaks and lush green forests Jammu and Kashmir gets most of its revenue from forest wealth. But the green trees worth millions have been illegally chopped off in different compartments in Bhaderwah valley.
(The author teaches at GDC Doda)
feedbackexcelsior@gmail.com
Trending Now
E-Paper
Follow our WhatsApp channel