Vegetation of Himachal Pradesh

Vegetation of Himachal Pradesh

• The Forests of Himachal Pradesh known for their grandeur and majesty are like a green pearl in the Himalayan crown.
• This life supporting systems are presently under great Stress due to impact of modern civilization, Economic Development and Growth in human and cattle Population.
• According to National Forest Policy, 1988, at least two third of the geographical area should be under forest in the hilly states like Himachal Pradesh.
• However, keeping in view that about 20 % of the area is inaccessible and beyond the tree limit, the State Government aims to bring 50% of the geographical area under forest cover.
• The forests of the State have been classified on an ecological basis as laid down by Champion and Seth, and can be broadly classified into Coniferous Forests and broad-leaved Forests.
• Distribution of various species follows fairly regular altitudinal stratification.
• The vegetation varies from Dry Scrub Forests at lower altitudes to Alpine Pastures at higher altitudes.
• In between these two extremes, distinct vegetational zones of Mixed Deciduous Forests, Bamboo, Chil, Oaks, Deodar, Kail, Fir and Spruce, are found.
• The richness and diversity of our Flora can be gauged from the fact that, out of total 45,000 species found in the country as many as 3,295 species (7.32%) are reported in the State.
• More than 95% of the species are endemic to Himachal Pradesh and characteristic of Western Himalayan flora, while about 5% (150 species) are exotic, introduced over the last 150 years.
• The forests of Himachal Pradesh are rich in vascular flora, which forms the conspicuous vegetation cover.
• Out of total 45,000 species of Plants found in the country as many as 3,295 species (7.32%) are reported in the State.
• More than 95% of species are endemic to Himachal and characteristic of Western Himalayan flora, while about 5% (150 species) are exotic introduced over the last 150 years.
• Forest Cover As we move from lower to higher altitude in the state, variation in vegetation pattern can be noticed easily.
• Dry scrub vegetations are prominent at lower altitude, alpine meadows at higher altitude.
• Dry deciduous forest, moist deciduous forest, pine, oak, and deodar mixed coniferous and temperate broadleaved forest zones are found in between these two extremes.
• Altogether, 20 different vegetation zones can be identified in the state. Generally, these vegetation zones are synchronous to altitudinal stratification.
• Micro-climatic changes, due to the effect of slope and aspect, break the continuity in vegetation zones in some part of the state.

Types of Forest

• The forest of Himachal Pradesh are characterized by temperate conifer, mixed forest (moist and dry temperate forest), subalpine forest, tropical forest (moist deciduous, swamp, and subtropical pine forest) and broad-leaved forest (tropical dry deciduous and subtropical dry evergreen forest). The forests of Himachal can be classified into nine forest types

Dry Alpine Forests:

• These are found in the Lahaul, Spiti, Kinnaur, and Pangi region of Chamba district. Extensive alpine pastures are the characteristic feature of this forest type.
• These alpine pastures are generally devoid of trees. Some junipers and birches can be found along the river margins, or in watery patches of rocks, due to scarcity of Precipitation.
• The pastures support large herds of sheep and goats during the summer months and remain snow-covered during winter.

Moist Alpine Scrub Forests:

• These are found above the tree line and consist of evergreen scrub growth forming a dense cover in patches, and broken by Grasses in-between.
• The flora is fairly rich, and medicinal plants grow in a narrow zone at the margin of melting Glaciers.

Subalpine Forests:

• These are found above the altitude of 3,500 m and below the alpine scrub forest. These types of forests are covered with rhododendrons and junipers.
• The lower linings are marked with blue pine forest and deciduous scrub.
• Parkland, which is characterized by grasslands scattered with misshapen, stunted trees of kharsu oaks, maples, etc., are used as grazing grounds by the migratory herds of sheep and goats.

Himalayan Temperate Forests of Vegetation of Himachal Pradesh:

• These are occupy a large area of the state between 1,500 and 3,000 m. These forests are further sub-grouped into

1. Himalayan moist temperate forests,
2. Dry temperate forests,
3. Temperate coniferous forests, and
4. Temperate deciduous forests.

• The moist temperate forests are the most valuable timber forests of the state.
• The area contains scattered trees and bushes such as chilgoza pine, willow, robinia, poplars and alpine pastures.
• Deodar is the dominant species of the temperate coniferous forest.

Wet Temperate Forests of Vegetation of Himachal Pradesh:

• These are confined to the wet slopes of the Dhauladhar ranges of the Kangra district.
• These include various temperate species and have some major pasture lands.
• The annual rainfall varies from 100 to 250 cm, with snowfall during the winters.
• The maximum temperature during summers ranges between 15 and 20 C, and during winters temperature falls to minus 10 C.

Subtropical Pine Forests of Vegetation of Himachal Pradesh:

• These are occurring in the lower Himalaya between 1,000 and 2,200 m. Chir pine is the most dominant species of this zone.
• Subtropical Broad-leaved Hill Forests: are found around Mandi town along the Beas river below the 1,200 m altitude.

Tropical Dry Deciduous Forests of Vegetation of Himachal Pradesh:

• These are occurs up to 1,200 m in the lower hills, extending into the interior valleys along the rivers.
• Sal is the dominant species and is primarily found in the Nahan region of Sirmaur district.

Tropical Thorny Forests of Vegetation of Himachal Pradesh:

• These are occur in small pockets, especially in Nalagarh region of Solan district, and in some parts of Sirmaur district.
• They are found in areas where the summer temperature goes up to 40 C and rainfall varies between 50 and 75 cm.
• This zone is characterized with thorny forests mostly of xerophytic species.

Geographical Distribution of Forest (As per FSI Report 2015)

Legal Classification of Forest

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The vegetation of Himachal Pradesh is diverse and ranges from tropical forests in the south to alpine meadows in the north. The following are some of the major vegetation types found in Himachal Pradesh:

• Tropical forests: These forests are found in the southern parts of Himachal Pradesh, at altitudes of up to 1,000 meters. The trees in these forests are mostly evergreen, and include species such as sal, teak, and bamboo.
• Subtropical forests: These forests are found in the central parts of Himachal Pradesh, at altitudes of 1,000 to 2,000 meters. The trees in these forests are mostly deciduous, and include species such as oak, maple, and chestnut.
• Temperate forests: These forests are found in the northern parts of Himachal Pradesh, at altitudes of 2,000 to 3,000 meters. The trees in these forests are mostly coniferous, and include species such as pine, fir, and spruce.
• Alpine meadows: These meadows are found in the highest parts of Himachal Pradesh, at altitudes above 3,000 meters. The vegetation in these meadows is mostly grasses and herbs.

In addition to these major vegetation types, there are also a number of smaller vegetation types found in Himachal Pradesh, such as scrub forests, grasslands, and wetlands.

The vegetation of Himachal Pradesh is home to a variety of wildlife, including tigers, leopards, elephants, deer, and monkeys. The forests also provide a habitat for a variety of birds, including pheasants, doves, and parrots.

The vegetation of Himachal Pradesh is an important part of the state’s economy. The forests provide timber, fuelwood, and fodder for the people of Himachal Pradesh. The forests also attract tourists, who come to enjoy the state’s natural beauty.

The vegetation of Himachal Pradesh is under threat from a number of factors, including deforestation, mining, and pollution. Deforestation is the biggest threat to the forests of Himachal Pradesh. Trees are cut down for timber, fuelwood, and to make way for agriculture and development. Mining also damages the forests. Mining operations can pollute the air and water, and can also lead to landslides. Pollution from factories and vehicles also damages the forests.

The government of Himachal Pradesh is taking steps to protect the forests. The government has banned the felling of trees in some areas, and has set up a number of forest reserves. The government is also working to promote Sustainable Development, which will help to protect the forests.

The vegetation of Himachal Pradesh is a valuable resource. It is important to protect the forests so that they can continue to provide benefits to the people of Himachal Pradesh.

The following are some of the threats to the vegetation of Himachal Pradesh:

• Deforestation: Deforestation is the removal of trees from an area. This can be done for a variety of reasons, such as to make way for agriculture, development, or to collect firewood. Deforestation can have a number of negative impacts on the Environment, including Soil erosion, loss of Biodiversity-2/”>Biodiversity, and Climate change.
• Mining: Mining is the process of extracting Minerals from the earth. This can be done by open-pit mining or underground mining. Mining can have a number of negative impacts on the environment, including soil erosion, Water Pollution, and Air Pollution.
• Pollution: Pollution is the contamination of the environment with harmful substances. This can be caused by a variety of sources, such as factories, vehicles, and agriculture. Pollution can have a number of negative impacts on the environment, including air pollution, water pollution, and Soil Pollution.

The following are some of the ways to protect the vegetation of Himachal Pradesh:

• Reforestation: Reforestation is the process of planting trees in an area that has been deforested. This can help to restore the environment and provide benefits to the people of Himachal Pradesh.
• Sustainable development: Sustainable development is the development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. This can be achieved by using Resources wisely, protecting the environment, and promoting economic development.
• Awareness campaigns: Awareness campaigns can help to educate people about the importance of protecting the environment. This can help to reduce deforestation, mining, and pollution.
• Government policies: The government can implement policies that help to protect the environment. This can include banning deforestation, regulating mining, and reducing pollution.

What is the Climate of Himachal Pradesh?

Himachal Pradesh has a temperate climate, with warm summers and cold winters. The Average temperature in the state ranges from 10 degrees Celsius in the winter to 30 degrees Celsius in the summer.

What are the major rivers of Himachal Pradesh?

The major rivers of Himachal Pradesh are the Sutlej, Beas, Ravi, Chenab, and Yamuna. These rivers are important sources of water for Irrigation, drinking, and hydroelectric power.

What are the major tourist attractions in Himachal Pradesh?

Some of the major tourist attractions in Himachal Pradesh are the Kullu Valley, Manali, Shimla, Dharamshala, and Chamba. These places are known for their beautiful scenery, temples, and monasteries.

What are the major languages spoken in Himachal Pradesh?

The major languages spoken in Himachal Pradesh are Hindi, Punjabi, Pahari, and Ladakhi.

What are the major crops grown in Himachal Pradesh?

The major crops grown in Himachal Pradesh are rice, wheat, maize, barley, and potatoes.

What are the major industries in Himachal Pradesh?

The major industries in Himachal Pradesh are tourism, agriculture, and hydroelectric power.

What are the major challenges facing Himachal Pradesh?

Some of the major challenges facing Himachal Pradesh are POVERTY, Unemployment, and Environmental Degradation.

What are the major achievements of Himachal Pradesh?

Some of the major achievements of Himachal Pradesh are its high Literacy rate, its good Infrastructure-2/”>INFRASTRUCTURE, and its peaceful environment.

What is the future of Himachal Pradesh?

The future of Himachal Pradesh is bright. The state has a strong economy, a good Education system, and a healthy environment. It is also a popular tourist destination.

1. Which of the following is not a type of vegetation found in Himachal Pradesh?
   (A) Alpine vegetation
   (B) Tropical vegetation
   (C) Temperate vegetation
   (D) Subtropical vegetation

2. The highest peak in Himachal Pradesh is:
   (A) Mount Everest
   (B) K2
   (C) Nanda Devi
   (D) Kanchenjunga

3. The capital of Himachal Pradesh is:
   (A) Shimla
   (B) Dharamshala
   (C) Mandi
   (D) Kullu

4. The main language spoken in Himachal Pradesh is:
   (A) Hindi
   (B) Punjabi
   (C) Pahari
   (D) Garhwali

5. The main religion practiced in Himachal Pradesh is:
   (A) Hinduism-2/”>Hinduism
   (B) Islam
   (C) Christianity
   (D) Sikhism

6. The main crops grown in Himachal Pradesh are:
   (A) Rice
   (B) Wheat
   (C) Maize
   (D) Tea

7. The main industries in Himachal Pradesh are:
   (A) Tourism
   (B) Agriculture
   (C) Mining
   (D) Manufacturing

8. The main exports of Himachal Pradesh are:
   (A) Apples
   (B) Timber
   (C) Marble
   (D) Handicrafts

9. The main imports of Himachal Pradesh are:
   (A) Petroleum products
   (B) Machinery
   (C) Foodgrains
   (D) Fertilizers

10. The main tourist attractions in Himachal Pradesh are:
    (A) The Great Himalayan National Park
    (B) The Rohtang Pass
    (C) The Solang Valley
    (D) All of the above