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The Forests of Jammu & Kashmir || By Mian Javed Hussein || LIVE IMAGE |
Jammu
& Kashmir is bestowed by the Nature with rich conifer forests and beautiful
water resources and is known as the “paradise on earth” because of its scenic
beauty, snow clad mountains, valleys, dense forests, meadows, lakes, rivers and
streams and a unique topography which represents all the major land forms, i.e;
mountains, plateaus, plains, valleys, etc. It is a place of innumerable
attraction for the tourists and nature lovers all over the globe.
The unending
varieties of its landscape, the magic of its rich natural resources, its vivid
culture and diversity, the beauty of its famous health and adventure resorts,
its world-famous traditional hospitality makes J&K a unique tourist
destination for national and international visitors.
Forests play a major role in
maintaining the ecological balance , minimizing soil erosion, providing habitat to wildlife and our rich
biodiversity. J&K is bestowed with
rich forests and a rich biological
diversity which form a great heritage and are a valuable treasure as an
important sector of economy. People from all walks of life derive multiple
benefits from these forests, be it tourism and recreation, perennial water
supplies, hydro-power generation, timber, fuel-wood, minor forest produce
including medicinal and aromatic plants, etc.
Other un-quantified indirect
benefits worth billions of rupees which are derived through the forest and
environmental services are like carbon sequestration, amelioration of climate,
soil and water conservation, pollution control, etc.
All the principal Western Himalayan
Conifer & Broad-leaved tree species grow in J&K, with distinct
vegetation forms which vary with the change in elevation and aspect.
Predominantly, the following broad forest types are met within the UT of
J&K:-
i)
Sub-Tropical Dry Deciduous Forests:
These forests are generally found in the lower Shivalik formation of Jammu
region. Common tree species found under this category are Acacia catechu, Dalbergia sissoo, Albezia species, Eucalyptus, etc.
II)
Sub-Tropical Pine Forests: These
forests occur in upper Shivalik formation and lower Himalayas. Dominant species
are Pinus roxburghii (Chir Pine),
Dalbergia sissoo, etc.
iii)
Himalayan Moist Temperate Forests: This
type of forests are found in the Chenab Valley of Jammu region. Common species
found are Cedrus deodara (Deodar), Pinus
wallichiana (Blue Pine), Abies pindrow (Fir), Picea smithiana (Spruce), Juglans
regia (Walnut), etc.
iv)
Himalayan Dry Temperate Forests: This
type of forest is found in Kashmir valley and the common principal species
found are Cedrus deodara (Deodar), Pinus
wallichiana (Blue Pine), Abies pindrow (Fir), Picea smithiana (Spruce), Taxus
baccata (Himalayan Yew), Acer (Himalayan Maple), Betula utilis (Birch),
Rhododendron species, Parrotiopsis jacquemontiana, Juglans regia (Walnut),
Salix and Poplar species, etc.
v)
Alpine & Sub-Alpine Forests/Scrub: These
forests occur well above the main temperate zones. Common species found in this
zone are Abies pindrow (Fir), Picea smithiana (Spruce) Juniperus macropoda,
Betula utilis (Birch), Rhododendron, high altitude Salix species, a vast
variety of alpine and sub-alpine ground flora comprised of grasses, wild
flowers, medicinal and aromatic plants.
During a special survey carried out in 2018-19,
the main forest types of the UTs of J&K and Ladakh have been re-grouped
into 48- forest types. The forests of J&K support a very rich floral
biodiversity and are home to more than 572 species of medicinal and aromatic
plants having huge business value.
Conservation of natural resources has
increasingly attracted global focus in recent years. Depleting forest wealth
and biodiversity is a serious challenge the world over which is facing multiple
threats on account of the Climate Change & Global Warming. Its adverse
impact has been a subject of debate and concern in national and international
forums leading to numerous covenants which have led to regulations and
prohibitions to arrest indiscriminate exploitation of the forests and
biodiversity.
The floral and faunal diversity of J&K is rich and diverse.
It is a valuable treasure for the UT for sustaining economy on sustainable
basis. The forests and the rich biodiversity play an important role in
preserving the fragile ecosystem of J&K and serve as catchments for
important Himalayan rivers. Past few decades have witnessed exponential growth
in human and livestock population which imparts an adverse pressure on the
natural resources of the UT. Rapid industrialization, widespread urban and
rural infra-structure development, etc add up to the adverse impact on our
environment and ecology.
Degradation of lakes and wetlands, streams, etc too
has taken a heavy toll of these natural resources which are pivotal for a
healthy ecological balance and related essential economical parameters, viz;
tourism, horticulture, agriculture and fisheries in J&K.
Mian Javed Hussein
IFS (retd)
(Feedback at: mianjavedifs@gmail.com)
