Forest Cover in Uttarakhand
Uttarakhand has 45.8% forest cover of its total geographical area as per latest assessment. Know more about status, importance and conservation efforts.
Forest Cover in Uttarakhand
Forest Cover in Uttarakhand
Forest Cover in Uttarakhand : Uttarakhand is blessed with rich forest cover owing to its location in the Himalayas. Forests cover about 71.05% of the total reported land area in the state, which is much higher than the all-India average of 21.54%. The forests play a crucial role in the state’s ecology, economy and in the lives of people dwelling in and around forest areas.
This article provides a comprehensive overview of the status, types, importance and major issues related to forests in Uttarakhand.
Status of Forest Cover in Uttarakhand
Forest Cover as per India State of Forest Report 2021
- Total Geographical Area: 53,483 sq km
- Total Forest Cover: 24,495 sq km (45.8% of total geographical area)
- Very Dense Forest: 4,043 sq km (9.2% of total forest cover)
- Moderately Dense Forest: 6,140 sq km (24.9% of total forest cover)
- Open Forest: 3,041 sq km (12.4% of total forest cover)
- Non-Forest Area: 28,988 sq km (54.2% of total geographical area)
- Scrub Forest: 184 sq km (0.7% of total geographical area)
District-wise Forest Cover
| District | Total Geographical Area (sq km) | Forest Cover (sq km) | Forest Cover as % of District Geographical Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| Almora | 3,139 | 1,593 | 50.7% |
| Bageshwar | 2,246 | 1,342 | 59.8% |
| Chamoli | 8,030 | 3,425 | 42.7% |
| Champawat | 1,784 | 1,258 | 70.5% |
| Dehradun | 3,088 | 1,177 | 38.1% |
| Haridwar | 2,360 | 159 | 6.7% |
| Nainital | 4,251 | 1,865 | 43.9% |
| Pauri Garhwal | 5,329 | 3,591 | 67.4% |
| Pithoragarh | 7,110 | 4,465 | 62.8% |
| Rudraprayag | 2,141 | 1,360 | 63.5% |
| Tehri Garhwal | 3,642 | 2,482 | 68.2% |
| Udham Singh Nagar | 3,016 | 719 | 23.8% |
| Uttarkashi | 8,016 | 6,149 | 76.7% |
Types of Forests in Uttarakhand
Uttarakhand has a wide variety of forest types owing to large variations in altitude, climate and topography. The major types are:
1. Tropical Moist Deciduous Forests
Found up to 900 m elevation with annual rainfall between 100-200 cm. Common species are sal, haldu, bahera, semal, harra, amla etc. Mostly found in terai region.
2. Tropical Dry Deciduous Forests
Found between 300-900 m elevation with annual rainfall less than 100 cm. Common species are sal, haldu, bahera, khair, shisham, jamun etc. Mostly found in bhabar region.
3. Sub-Tropical Pine Forests
Found between 900-1800 m elevation. Chir Pine is the dominant species along with ban oak, rhododendron, myrica etc. Provides resin, timber, fuelwood etc.
4. Himalayan Moist Temperate Forests
Found between 1500-3000 m elevation with annual rainfall between 100-250 cm. Oak and deodar are dominant species along with maple, horse chestnut, walnut, blue pine etc. Provides timber, fuelwood and fodder.
5. Himalayan Dry Temperate Forests
Found between 2500-3500 m elevation with low rainfall. Dominant species are kharsu oak, moru oak, fir, spruce, cedar etc along with rich undergrowth.
6. Sub-Alpine and Alpine Forests/Scrubs
Found above 3500 m elevation. Birch, juniper, willows and rhododendron scrubs are common along with rich herbs and shrubs.
Importance and Uses of Forests in Uttarakhand
The forests of Uttarakhand play a very crucial role in the state’s ecology, economy and in sustaining the lives and livelihoods of mountain communities. Some of the major importance and uses are:
1. Ecological Importance
- Preserve soil, water sources and regulate water flows in rivers and streams
- Mitigate natural disasters like floods, landslides etc.
- Serve as catchment areas for springs, rivers and streams
- Maintain fragile mountain ecology and climate
2. Economic Importance
- Source of timber, fuelwood, fodder, medicinal herbs and other NTFPs
- Resin tapping from chir pine trees is an important economic activity
- Eco-tourism potential in forest areas
- Provide employment to local communities
3. Socio-cultural Importance
- Forests are integral part of socio-cultural life of hill communities
- Many villages are located inside forest areas
- Tribal groups like Van Gujjars, Boksa, Tharu depend on forests
- Linked with culture, customs and religious beliefs of communities
Threats and Challenges
Despite their immense importance, the forests of Uttarakhand face many threats and challenges:
1. Forest Fires
Frequent forest fires destroy trees, wildlife and biodiversity. An average of 5568 incidents of forest fire are reported annually in the state.
2. Encroachments
Encroachments for agriculture, settlements etc. lead to loss of forest cover. There are 165 forest villages in Uttarakhand with human settlements inside forest land.
3. Overgrazing
Uncontrolled grazing of cattle causes soil erosion, loss of undergrowth and regeneration.
4. Over-exploitation
Over exploitation for timber, fuelwood, medicinal herbs etc affects the health and productivity of forests.
5. Invasive Species
Invasive species like lantana and parthenium weed inhibit growth of indigenous species.
6. Climate Change
Climate change and extreme weather events like prolonged dry spells, erratic rainfall, cloud bursts etc. make forests more vulnerable.
7. Developmental Pressures
Expanding road network, dams, tourism infrastructure etc. lead to fragmentation of forests and loss of wildlife habitats.
8. Lack of Community Participation
Lack of involvement of local communities in protection and management of forests also poses challenge.
Key Government Initiatives
The Uttarakhand Forest Department has taken many initiatives for conservation and sustainable management of forests:
1. e-Green Watch
A web-based application to monitor forest fires in real-time and take timely action.
2. Vriksharopan Abhiyan
Mass awareness campaigns undertaken to sensitize people regarding forest conservation.
3. CAMPA Funds
Utilization of Compensatory Afforestation Funds for forest conservation activities under CAMPA.
4. Eco-Task Force
Involvement of ex-army personnel in conservation efforts through setting up of Eco Task Force.
5. Joint Forest Management
Involvement of village communities in protection and management of forests.
6. Wildlife Crime Control Unit
A special unit for control of illegal wildlife trade and poaching.
Conclusion to Forest Cover in Uttarakhand
The forests of Uttarakhand need to be conserved in a balanced manner keeping in view the interests of environment as well as local communities whose lives are intricately linked with forests. The focus should be on sustainable forest management through community participation. Climate resilient native species should be promoted and forest fires tackled more effectively. Compensatory afforestation must be ensured for developmental projects involving forest diversion. With concerted efforts, the rich forest wealth of Uttarakhand can be preserved for posterity.
What is the total forest cover in Uttarakhand as per latest data?
As per India State of Forest Report 2021, the total forest cover in Uttarakhand is 24,495 sq km which is 45.8% of the total geographical area.
What are the major types of forests found in Uttarakhand?
The major types are Tropical Moist Deciduous, Tropical Dry Deciduous, Sub-Tropical Pine, Himalayan Moist Temperate, Himalayan Dry Temperate and Alpine Forests/Scrubs.
What is the importance of forests for Uttarakhand?
Forests have huge ecological, economic and socio-cultural importance by preserving Himalayan ecology, providing resources and sustaining hill communities.
What are the major threats faced by Uttarakhand forests?
Major threats are forest fires, encroachments, overgrazing, over-exploitation, invasive species, climate change and developmental pressures.
What efforts are being made to conserve Uttarakhand forests?
Key efforts are e-Green Watch system, mass awareness campaigns, use of CAMPA funds, Eco Task Force, Joint Forest Management and Wildlife Crime Control Unit.
