Uttarakhand :Vegetation

<–2/”>a >Uttarakhand is the state located at the foothills of the snow clad Himalayas with lush green vegetation. There is a diverse range of Flora and Fauna habitated in Uttarakhand. The State has rich and diverse floral, faunal and microbial wealth including rare and threatened species of Plants and animals.

Uttarakhand’s vegetation cover is about 60 percent of the total surface area. Uttarakhand is very rich in terms of flora and is replete with a tremendously wide variety of vegetation. There is significant diversity in natural vegetation, because of its variation in geographical conditions. The diverse climatic conditions along with other features like Soil quality, rainfall, temperature etc are responsible for the variety of vegetation which grow at different altitudes.

The flora of this region can be categorized into :-

 tropical,

 Himalayan sub-tropical

 sub-alpine

 alpine type.

The sub-tropical region up to an altitude of 4000 ft. is the abode of Sal forests and at an altitude of about 5000 ft. pine begins to dominate along with Oak. Apricot, guava, plum and peach are the major fruit species of the state. Flowers like sun flower, geraniums, asters, lilies, roses, anemones, marigold, primula, gerberas, dahlias, hydrangeas, gladiolas are commonly found in this region. Brahma kamal, aconites, buras, poppy, roji, pastoris, ligujeriya, Thimus lainearus, jaisiyana etc are some other flower plants which are abundantly found in the Valley of flowers in district Chamoli. This region also has 225 species of ornamental plants which have immense horticultural and potential importance. Acrides, coelogyne, thunia, dendrobium etc are some examples of ornamental plants which are found at places like Mandai,

Baram, Dafia Dhoora, Kaflani, Shandev etc . An amazing range of medicinal plants and herbs also grow in the state. Ranikhet area is replete with approximately 4000 species of medicinal plants. The slopes of the Mountains are covered by immense grasslands, which are called bugyals (alpine pastures) in Uttarakhand. Bugyals are well known for rich and diversified vegetation. These grasslands or Bugyal are found between tree line and snow line that is between altitudes 4,000 and 5000 m. These Bugyals are flat and sloppy lands carpeted with green grass and seasonal flowers, which is very nutritious fodder for goats, sheep, cattle and other animals. These grasslands were covered with birch and juniper in the past but now they have been cleared to serve many purposes. Dol, Hatthajari, Bal chari, Kutaki, Jatamansi etc are some other common plants,which are used for curing many incurable disease. The major Bugyals of Uttarakhand are:-

 Auli and Gorson Bugyals are near Joshimath, at an altitude of about 3049 m.

 Dayara Bugyal in Uttarkashi district

 Panwali and Kush-Kalyani Bugyals lying on the way to Gangotri and Kedarnath

 Dayara Bugyal is in Uttarkashi district

 Bedni Bugyal is near mundoli and it is at a height of 3,354 m.

 Panwali and Kush- Kalyani Bugyals are on the way to Gangotri and Kedarnath.

 Chopta Bugyal ( on the way to Ukhimath Gopewhwer),

 Jaurai Bugyal(on the way of sahastra tal),

 Masartal and Sahastra tal ke Bugyal ( near Budha kedar),

 Kotaali ki hari Bugyal,

 Kalpnath Bugyal ( on the way to Badrinath),

 Chayagaad Bugyal ( in Uttarkashi district).

 Har ka dun Bugyal is one of the most beautiful Bugyals of Garahwl ( in Uttarkashi district),

 Dayara Bugyal ( in Uttarkashi),

 Auli- gurso ka Bugyal ( about 5.0 km. from Joshimatah),

 Kathling ka Bugyal ( after Gangi village)

 Rup kund ka Bugyal ( on the way to Rishikash)

Uttarakhand is a state in India that is located in the Himalayas. The state is known for its beautiful scenery, including snow-capped mountains, lush forests, and rolling hills. Uttarakhand is also home to a variety of plant life, including alpine vegetation, forests, grasslands, scrubs, and wetlands.

Alpine vegetation is found in the highest elevations of Uttarakhand, above the tree line. This vegetation is adapted to the cold and dry conditions of the high mountains. Alpine plants are typically small and low-growing, with thick leaves that help to retain moisture. Some common alpine plants include rhododendrons, gentians, and primulas.

Forests cover about 35% of Uttarakhand. The state’s forests are home to a variety of trees, including pines, deodars, and oaks. Forests provide a habitat for a variety of animals, including tigers, leopards, elephants, and monkeys. Forests also play an important role in the state’s economy, as they provide timber and other forest products.

Grasslands are found in the lower elevations of Uttarakhand. Grasslands are typically used for grazing Livestock, such as cows, goats, and sheep. Grasslands also provide a habitat for a variety of animals, including wild horses, antelopes, and gazelles.

Scrubs are found in the drier parts of Uttarakhand. Scrubs are typically made up of small, thorny trees and shrubs. Scrubs provide a habitat for a variety of animals, including rabbits, foxes, and jackals.

Wetlands are found in the lower elevations of Uttarakhand, where there is a lot of rainfall. Wetlands include marshes, swamps, and bogs. Wetlands provide a habitat for a variety of animals, including frogs, turtles, and snakes. Wetlands also play an important role in the state’s economy, as they provide fish and other aquatic products.

Uttarakhand’s vegetation is diverse and beautiful. The state’s forests, grasslands, scrubs, and wetlands provide a habitat for a variety of animals. Vegetation also plays an important role in the state’s economy. It is important to protect Uttarakhand’s vegetation so that it can continue to provide benefits to the state’s people and wildlife.

One of the most important things that we can do to protect Uttarakhand’s vegetation is to reduce our carbon footprint. This means driving less, using less energy, and eating less meat. We can also support organizations that are working to protect the Environment. By taking these steps, we can help to ensure that Uttarakhand’s vegetation will be around for generations to come.

What is the vegetation of Uttarakhand?

Uttarakhand is a state in India with a diverse range of vegetation. The state is home to a variety of forests, including tropical rainforests, temperate forests, and alpine forests. The vegetation of Uttarakhand is also home to a variety of wildlife, including tigers, leopards, elephants, and monkeys.

What are the different types of vegetation in Uttarakhand?

The different types of vegetation in Uttarakhand include:

Tropical rainforests: These forests are found in the lower elevations of the state and are characterized by their dense canopy of trees and shrubs. The trees in these forests are often evergreen and include species such as sal, teak, and mahogany.
Temperate forests: These forests are found in the middle elevations of the state and are characterized by their Deciduous trees. The trees in these forests lose their leaves in the winter and include species such as oak, maple, and chestnut.
Alpine forests: These forests are found in the higher elevations of the state and are characterized by their sparse vegetation. The trees in these forests are often stunted and include species such as juniper, fir, and pine.

What are the benefits of the vegetation in Uttarakhand?

The vegetation of Uttarakhand provides a number of benefits, including:

It helps to regulate the Climate. The trees in the forests of uttarakhand help to absorb carbon dioxide and release Oxygen into the Atmosphere. This helps to regulate the climate and reduce the effects of Climate Change.
It provides habitat for wildlife. The forests of Uttarakhand provide a home for a variety of wildlife, including tigers, leopards, elephants, and monkeys. This helps to protect these animals and ensure their survival.
It provides a source of food and medicine. The forests of Uttarakhand provide a source of food and medicine for the people of the state. The trees in the forests provide fruits, vegetables, and herbs that are used in traditional medicine.
It helps to prevent soil erosion. The trees in the forests of Uttarakhand help to prevent soil erosion by holding the soil in place. This helps to protect the land and prevent landslides.
It helps to improve water quality. The trees in the forests of Uttarakhand help to improve water quality by filtering the water and preventing pollution. This helps to ensure that the water is safe to drink and use for Irrigation.

What are the threats to the vegetation in Uttarakhand?

The vegetation of Uttarakhand is facing a number of threats, including:

Deforestation: Deforestation is the clearing of forests for other uses, such as agriculture or development. This is a major threat to the vegetation of Uttarakhand, as it destroys the habitat of wildlife and reduces the amount of oxygen in the atmosphere.
Climate change: Climate change is causing the temperatures in Uttarakhand to rise. This is causing the Glaciers in the state to melt, which is leading to flooding and landslides. Climate change is also causing the forests in the state to become drier, which is making them more susceptible to fire.
Overgrazing: Overgrazing is the grazing of livestock on land that is not able to support them. This can lead to the destruction of vegetation and soil erosion.
Pollution: Pollution from factories and vehicles is a major threat to the vegetation of Uttarakhand. This pollution can cause the trees in the forests to die and the water to become contaminated.

What can be done to protect the vegetation in Uttarakhand?

A number of things can be done to protect the vegetation in Uttarakhand, including:

Planting trees: Planting trees helps to increase the amount of vegetation in the state. This helps to regulate the climate, provide habitat for wildlife, and improve water quality.
Reducing deforestation: Reducing deforestation helps to protect the habitat of wildlife and reduce the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.
Conserving water: Conserving water helps to prevent water shortages and reduce the risk of flooding.
Reducing pollution: Reducing pollution helps to improve air quality and protect the Health of people and wildlife.
Raising awareness: Raising awareness about the importance of the vegetation in Uttarakhand helps to encourage people to protect it.

Which of the following is not a type of vegetation found in Uttarakhand?
(A) Tropical rainforest
(B) Temperate forest
(C) Alpine forest
(D) Desert
The highest peak in Uttarakhand is:
(A) Nanda Devi
(B) Kedarnath
(C) Badrinath
(D) Gangotri
The largest river in Uttarakhand is:
(A) Ganga
(B) Yamuna
(C) Brahmaputra
(D) Sutlej
The capital of Uttarakhand is:
(A) Dehradun
(B) Haridwar
(C) Rishikesh
(D) Mussoorie
The Population of Uttarakhand is:
(A) 10 million
(B) 15 million
(C) 20 million
(D) 25 million
The Official Language of Uttarakhand is:
(A) Hindi
(B) English
(C) Garhwali
(D) Kumaoni
The main religion in Uttarakhand is:
(A) Hinduism-2/”>Hinduism
(B) Islam
(C) Christianity
(D) Sikhism
The main crops grown in Uttarakhand are:
(A) Rice
(B) Wheat
(C) Sugarcane
(D) Tea
The main industries in Uttarakhand are:
(A) Tourism
(B) Agriculture
(C) Manufacturing
(D) Mining
The main tourist attractions in Uttarakhand are:
(A) The Himalayas
(B) The temples of Haridwar and Rishikesh
(C) The wildlife sanctuaries of Jim Corbett and Rajaji
(D) All of the above