“Rejuvenation of Himalayan Oaks in Association With other Economic Plants in Tehri Garhwal Dist.,

Uttarakhand, India” Supported By:

Ranichouri East Wood Hill Trust, New Zealand

HIMCON (HIMALAYAN CONSORTIAM FOR HIMALAYAN CONSERVATION)

Head Office: 15, Gandhi Colony, Rajghat, New Delhi – 2 Field Office: Himcon Milan Kendra,Village & Post- Sabli, Tehri Garhwal-249199

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Acknowledgement

Himalaya Consortium for Himalaya Conservation (HIMCON) operating from Himcon Milan Kendra, Sabli (Tehri Garhwal), HIMCON - a registered charitable trust dedicated to the cause of protection, conservation and sustainable development of Himalaya and its people with an aim of “Improvement of the quality of life of the masses, through small initiatives originating from within the society and mostly supported by it, being the main goal of the organization”. Initiated informally more than two decade back, HIMCON has been active in the Tehri and Pauri Garhwal districts and has over the years carved out a distinct place for itself amongst the masses, and also amongst the development agencies from the government and non government organizations.

Locally called ‘Banj’, broad leaved oak is the most preferred tree species in the entire Himalayan region having great ecological and socio-economical significance. It dominates Himalayan forest landscapes and is intimately linked with a large number of other organisms, ranging from fungi to ferns, birds to bears, and wasps to ants. Human beings have always had a strong connection with oak. Throughout history the oak has been a symbol of permanence, strength, and courage. In Tehri Garhwal Himalaya, where oak forests have not been subjected to systematic management and are under heavy grazing pressure, there is little representation in the seedlings, saplings, and pole size trees except for few unpalatable species. Heavy and indiscriminate lopping precludes flowering and seed production for regeneration. Litter collection, overgrazing and forest fire indiscriminately damage the seedling and sapling recruits. Unfortunately, the regenerative capability of oak is poor not only in the Himalayan region but also in North America and Europe.

In order to rejuvenate Oak Forest in some part of the Tehri Garhwal Himalaya, HIMCON initiated this innovative program in some villages with the financial support of ‘Ranichouri East Wood Hill Trust’, New Zealand, in February 2008. Though the area selected for the project intervention is located in close proximity of New Tehri and Chamba town, the quality of life of the masses was assessed to be deplorable and they were found to be ignorant of modern resource management practices. The Henwal River Valley was therefore selected for the proposed interventions. Attempts were directed at bringing forth perceptible positive changes in the quality of life of the masses through innovations in the agro-forestry practices and regeneration of oak.

This final report summarizes the work carried out in the past three years for oak regeneration in the area and the outputs of this program had an active and positive support of CEDAR, Himalaya Seva Sangh, Arghyam, Dept of Science and Technology, Chandu Memorial trust, Dewan foundation, Students from Swidish folk School, Village Panchayats of the project area, Horticulture Dept. of Tehri Garhwal, women groups and village communities of Henwal river catchment.

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1. INTRODUCTION

The beauty of the Himalaya, the abode of eternal snow, has attracted explorers, adventurers, and peace and nature lovers since times immemorial. The scenic beauty of the terrain, its biodiversity, and colorful people with their distinct cultural and ethnic identity has been highlighted both in literature and mythology. Himalaya represents the northern mountainous frontier of our nation and it stands testimony to the creative beauty of Mother Nature that gifted us with this majestic landscape out of the oceanic debris of Tethys Sea, in recent geological past . Though young, Himalaya provided basic ingredients for the growth of rich and diverse cultures in its lap. Thriving in this terrain for quite long these created a distinct identity for their community that incorporates basic precepts of coexistence with nature with thorough understanding of the principles of ecological conservation. Economy, as also the religio-cultural life of these people traditionally revolved round the surrounding pristine forest and pastoralism; agricultural being confined mainly to the river valleys.

The cultures of the Himalayan terrain set forth foundations of a strong system of resource management and evolved genetic craftsmanship for developing whole range of farm and animal species so well suited to the agro-climatic conditions and physiography of the region. The self content inhabitants of this land were happily living in their heavens until the gates of their land were flung open and armed with the disparity in purchasing powers the new settlers acquired rights over the resources of this virgin land. A welfare state would have interfered at this stage to conserve the resources and rights of the natives, but the interests of many in power forced the state to stand testimony to this blatant exploitation. The natural resources of this terrain were thus plundered in a never before pace and the repercussions of these are reflected in enhanced frequency of natural disasters and high rates of mass wastage that the terrain experiences at present.

As a reaction to the changes taking place and in a bid to strengthen their economy and also to improve their quality of life the able-bodied personnel of the region resorted to out-migrate in search of jobs, so as to create surplus to be pumped into the cash starved economy of the region. Though well intentioned, this option further destabilized the economy and the region faced shortage of farming hands together with resource mismanagement, depleting fertility, increasing erosion, depleting water availability, increasing drudgery of the females. The reality is that the region faces severe dearth of working hands, brains, money, and youth. Serious and concentrated efforts are needed to revert this trend that seems to have crept deep into the lives of the masses at grassroots level. Till now no serious efforts have been taken in a planned way to regenerate the degraded forest. In the past, needs of the local population were met by the surrounding forests that are common in the hills. But in the recent past forest cover are decreasing at the alarming pace, mainly due to land use change. The decrease and degradation of the forests affects not only the need of the local people but also cause the global environmental problems. Until now effective restoration technology has not been developed to conserve degraded forests in the region. The strategy of the various agencies working in the field of afforestation has proved out to be faulty. In the place of ‘eco-restoration’ which was the professed goal of these agencies have brought forth monoculture and have introduced many exotic varieties whose ecological are unknown. Once thriving dense mixed multi-strata forests have hence been reduced to monotonous forests of varieties that are commercial in nature while the trees such as ‘oak’ which has the capacity to hold water have been neglected.

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People of the area have also been alienated and they have been deprived of the fruits of the forests which they used to enjoy traditionally for centuries. Their rights have been taken away without arming them with alternative resources. This has led to the clashes and tensed relations between the local people and the forest officials. The local people have ultimately become indifferent to the forests which were once part of their socioeconomic life and culture. These were the abode of their gods and their social life was intricately woven around the forests. In the new changed scenario, the local people are least bothered towards the welfare of forests. This lack of social responsibility has added to the misery of the forests.

1.1 Importance of Banj Oak:

Quercus (oak) is a widely distributed genus in the Northern Hemisphere with recorded 500species (Thadani, 1999). The focal point of this study is on one of the most important species of Quericus i.e. Q. leucotrichophora A. Camus ex Bahudar (syn. Q. incana), a genus under the family Fagaceae that occurs usually between the elevations of 1400 to 2200 m above sea level, in Central Himalaya which is the most heavily populated zone in the Indian Himalayan region. Locally called ‘Banj’, broad leaved oak is the most preferred tree species in the entire Himalayan region having great ecological and socio-economical significance. It dominates Himalayan forest landscapes and is intimately linked with a large number of other organisms, ranging from fungi to ferns, birds to bears, and wasps to ants. Human beings have always had a strong connection with oak. Throughout history the oak has been a symbol of permanence, strength, and courage (Keator and Bazel 1998). Oaks are among the dominant vascular plants of the Himalayas, ranging from the subtropical to the sub-alpine zones and play an important role in maintaining ecosystem stability.

The ecological benefits of any forest community cannot be expressed in monetary terms. As a dominant tree species of Himalayan forest, oak provides food for a wide range of fauna. The closed canopy allows the growth of shade loving ground vegetation. Vascular and non-vascular epiphytic plants grow luxuriantly on the trunks and branches of mature trees. The abundant litter production helps to maintain soil fertility. The distribution of many indigenous plant and animal species depends on microclimatic conditions maintained by oak. In a climax community it is a keystone species, playing a critical role in

Fig. Oak Forest with dense canopy Fig. Degraded Oak Forest

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environmental balance at both the local and also the regional level. Many oaks are keystone species without which the complex web of the ecosystem would soon unravel. A valuable and keystone species with great societal relevance, it provides a large variety of ecosystem services like forming topsoil and regulating hydrological regimes. Some of the benefits of the oak forest are: (a) large biomass forming; (b) returning large amount of nutrient annually; (c) retaining water; (d) providing moisture to ambient air. The Banj (Oak) leaves contain high degree of nutrients which enrich the soil each year and helps in rapid formation of top soil. Its high water retention capacity, maintains a high rate of water evaporation from its leaves which contributes to heavy rainfall and snow. Banj oak provides a wide range of ecosystem services that includes: (a) soil formation and replenishing crop land fertility; (b) maintaining the health of mountain streams and regulating the hydrological regime; (c) helping to stabilize local and regional climate through direct influences; (d) building up a moisture regime favorable to wild species as well as those of agronomic and horticultural value and (e) creating surplus for possible carbon trading at international level.

From the carbon sequestration stand point, Banj oak has a deeper root allocation and holds a great potential to mitigate global warming. For example, its massive root system and deep soil allocation is expected to be effective in carbon sequestration than other species running shallow roots. Mycorrhizal roots and external hyphae can contribute significantly to ecosystem carbon budget and influence rates of soil carbon turnover by influencing fine roots decomposition rates, which they inhibit more frequently. The quantity of carbon sequestration varies form species to species and one forest type to another which need to be measured as the massive root system and mycorrhizal support enable the Banj oak to have more effective below ground carbon sequestration than other forest species.

The economical and ecological values of oak are generally higher than those of other species associated with oak such as rhododendron, horse chestnut, walnut, pines, deodar, ringal bamboo and others. It is closely linked with hill agriculture as an important source of fodder for animals, litter for making compost, fire wood for fuels. In comparison to other forests such as pine, oak forests are characterized by higher species diversity, stratification, litter production and soil fertility. Oaks in the Himalayan region are intimately linked with subsistence hill agriculture as they protect soil fertility, watershed and local biodiversity. Oaks also promote the recharge of mountain springs (Valdia, 1998). The most important being the capacity of retaining water. Its high water retention capacity maintains a high rate of water evaporation from its leaves which contributes heavy rainfall and snow.

1.2 Oaks, the most over-exploited tree species in Himalaya:

The economic and ecological benefits of oak are substantial. Oak foliage is a staple dry season fodder in winter months from February to April when other green fodder is not available in the hills. Dried oak leaf litter collected from the forest floor and is used as dry-bed for cattle. Later it is used for production of compost required to enhance crop yield. Large branches and trunk wood are also in high demand as firewood; the wood is also readily processed into charcoal of superior quality and also for making farm implements like plough and handles for tools. The acorn is a favored food of many wild animals including bears, monkeys, squirrels and birds. Besides it harbors a rich faunal diversity and an important means for watershed protection and biodiversity conservation in general, unfortunately it has become one of the most over-exploited tree species in the entire Himalayan region.

The primary reason for the over-exploitation of oak is its high demand for dry season fodder and for firewood as well. Generally in privately owned lands, oak trees are lopped for fodder once every two years where as in Community Forest (Van Panchayat) or Reserve Forests, heavy and indiscriminate lopping continues throughout the year till they are reduced to naked poles. Leaf production is slashed to the point that flowering and seed production has reduced considerably. Oak leaves are supposed to contain high amount of essential soil nutrient, hence to maintain soil fertility of agricultural terraces, more and more litter is collected, which prevents seedling establishment in Oak Forest. Removals of leaf litter are impeded to the point that the oak cannot regenerate itself.

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Due to over-exploitation and an inherently slow growth rate, oak forest is degrading and shrinking at high pace. Degradation of oak forest reduces the supply of dry season fodder, manure, higher quality firewood and durable timber. Reduced supply of fodder forces the farmers to abandon the practice of animal keeping that ultimately resulted in reduce crop yield in the region (HIMCON, 2009), while the people already facing severe problem of food security.

Impact of anthropogenic disturbances caused in the recent past has reduced not only degraded the Oak Forest but also depleted other life supporting natural resources in the region. Banj Oak (Quercus leucotrichophora) by far is the most significant victim of degradation in the Himalaya. It is also one of the most over-exploited species and fails to regenerate adequately either in disturbed or undisturbed natural habitat. The ecological cost of oak forest degradation is perhaps more important and damage is irreversible. The intensity of soil erosion and landslide is increasing and mountain spring recharge is decreasing considerably which result in serious drinking water crisis in the region. Many dependants, including epiphytic plants, ground vegetation, animals and other organisms may become vulnerable or locally extinct.

The most benign cause for Banj Oak Forest degradation are unregulated expansion of agriculture, overgrazing, lopping of branches for fodder and fuel wood, collection of leaf litter, spread of invasive species, and ongoing fragmentation of forest stands. The principal underlying factors are population growth and poverty, but improper forestry is no less important. In the Himalaya an integral part of poor subsistence farmer’s livelihood is the neighboring oak forest, as the farmer has no other option for his fuel wood, fodder and leaf litter needs. The oak requires gap in the canopy for regeneration (Singh, 2009). However, lopping practices do create gaps in the canopy, but these gaps become favorable sites for grazing, fuel wood and leaf litter collection depleting the soils, eventually the oak seeds fail to regenerate.

3. Dilemma of Natural Oak Regeneration:

The absence of natural regeneration of oak has been attributed to grazing by cattle and the micro environment hindering the regeneration of oak in old growth, oak forest. In Tehri Garhwal Himalaya, where oak forests have not been subjected to systematic management and are under heavy grazing pressure, the growing stock is concentrated to the principal species of larger diameter classes. Thus, there is little representation in the seedlings, saplings, and pole size trees except for few unpalatable species. Other reasons for poor status of oak are erratic seed production, defoliation, acorn predation, increased incidence of forest fires and extensive lopping. Unfortunately, the regenerative capability of oak is poor not only in the Himalayan region but also in North America (Lorimer et al. 1994) and Europe (Andersson 1991). Some reasons that have been suggested to explain the poor regeneration of oak forest are; (a) erratic seed production, (b) defoliation, (c) acorn herbivore, (d) browsing damage to seedlings, (e) forest fire, (f) extensive lopping, (g) accumulation of thick litter with slow decomposition rate, (h) infestation by stem parasites such as mistletoe, and (i) leaf damage by insect pests. These factors, concatenated, interfere with the natural regeneration of oak forest. In general natural regeneration of oak is poor both in disturbed and undisturbed forests. It is failing to regenerate under its own canopy. Lack of regeneration is sometimes attributed to the effect of climate change (Upreti et al., 1984). In many undisturbed and little disturbed oak forests, unfortunately, there are large old trees and seedling, but saplings and recruits are absent (Metz, 1997); and this indicates large-scale death of saplings and small trees before they reach the canopy.

Heavy and indiscriminate lopping precludes flowering and seed production for regeneration. Loss of photosynthetic surface as a consequence of repeated lopping not only leads to early senescence but also impairs the ability to coppice (Singh and Singh 1992). A comparative study has shown that trees lopped every year or at the interval of two years did not produce seeds, while trees lopped at the interval of three years or more do produce seeds (Shrestha and Paudel, 1996).

Litter collection, overgrazing and forest fire indiscriminately damage the seedling and sapling recruits. Seed germination depends strongly on the quality and thickness of litter accumulated on land and the

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quality of solar radiation. Litter is an important governing factor that determines the spatial variation in seedling recruitment. Thick litter generally reduces the rates of seed germination and establishment of seedling. However, herbaceous cover, rather than litter, has an even more adverse effect on seedling emergence, survival and growth (Tripathi and Khan, 1990, Dzwonko and Gawronski, 2002, HIMCON, 2009).

2.0 Silviculture of Banj Oak

2.1 Habitat:

This evergreen tree species ranges across the Himalaya from India, Nepal, Bhutan, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Myanmar and China as a component of mixed forest reaching up to 30 m in height. It is naturally found in moist temperate forests of western and central Himalaya (Badauni & Sharma, 1996).

2.2 Climate:

This species prefers annual rainfall of about 1000 - 2500 mm and dry season not extending more than 4 - 6 months (CABI, 2002). The oak occurs in the regions of heavy snowfall and moderate rainfall. It does not extend into the dry inner Himalayan valleys (CABI, 2002).

2.3 Soil & Topography:

Oak prefers a good deep loamy soil with light to medium soil texture and free soil drainage. It usually grows both in deep rich moist soils in sheltered locations and on poor ground on the crest ridges. Oak is usually found on moisten southern slopes, which are more influenced by the monsoon. However, in Garhwal Himalaya ranging from 2400 to 3000 meters it is also often found as dominant species on northern facing slopes

2.4 Associated forest cover:

Oak can be found as pure strand especially along the tops and upper slopes of ridges, but can also be found with conifers species as a component of the cool temperate forest. It is frequently mixed with spruce, silver fir, and pines. Among broad leaved species, occasionally associated with it is Pyrus sp., Prunus sp. Acer sp. There is often luxuriant herbaceous and shrubby undergrowth in the oak forest.

2.5 Flowering & Fruiting:

Oak flowers are monoecious. The male catkin and female spikes appear with the new shoots, the former ripening and pollination taking place by the end of the May - June. There is little or no growth in the young acorn until the following spring, when they commence ripening during July, and at higher elevation even until August. The acorn may fall green, turning brown on the ground while others are dark brown before falling.

2.6 Seed production and seed dispersal:

There are about 100-140 viable seeds/Kg. In Tehri Garhwal, the size of oak acorn is comparatively smaller and account with 300-350 seeds/kg. Under natural condition, germination takes place in profusion as soon as seed falls on exposed ground. Germination takes place early in the rainy season. The seedling continues to derive nourishment from the

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fleshy cotyledons for sometimes and the remains of the cotyledons can be found even during the second season.

The seedlings as a rule produces in the first season nothing more than small leafless stems 5 cm to 8 cm high, on which mere scales replace normal foliage leaves with buds in their axils, and normal leaves are produced first time only in the second season. However, under very favorable conditions, leaves can also be produced in the first season. Although, the development of the stem is small, the tap root grows rapidly in length and thickness, enabling the seedlings to establish themselves. Many seedlings die down towards the end of the first season and often for a few years subsequently, sending up new and stronger shoot each year from the dormant column buds, until they finally commence upward growth, when favorable condition prevails. The growing season is short and followed by autumn drought and severe winter. Therefore, the seedlings soon after germination assume the leafless form in preparation for the severe winter. The rate of seedling growth is very slow, averaging only about 5-10 cm a year for those growing under natural condition in cold climate. Young plant can tolerate reasonable levels of side shade.

2.7 Rooting Habit:

Oak are sensitive to root disturbances and should be planted in their permanent position while young. They have massive root system and are not liable to be easily thrown by wind (Troup, 1921).

2.8 Seed Germination

Mature seeds fall during the rainy season and are viable for a very short period, while stored seeds cannot germinate properly. It was observed that more than 95% of fresh seeds can germinate under nursery (HIMCON, 2009). Some seeds start germination even before they fall on the ground, i.e. partial vivipary (Negi and Naithani, 1995). Oak has an unusual mode of germination, with rapid elongation of a cotyledonary petiolar tube pushing the radicle deep into the soil penetrating the thick layer of litter. The seedlings as a rule produces in the first season nothing more than small leafless stems 5 cm to 8 cm high, on which mere scales replace normal foliage leaves with buds in their axils, and normal leaves are produced first time only in the second season. However, under very favorable conditions, leaves can also be produced in the first season. Seedlings are normally leafless in the first year with buds on the axil of the scale leaf, which enables them to withstand autumn drought and winter cold. The growth of the tap root is rapid which ensures early establishment in soil with thick litter cover. Dying back of the seedling is common but does not occur under favorable conditions (Negi and Naithani, 1995; HIMCON, 2009). Dense growth of weeds inhibits the survival of seedlings and saplings; their r e m o v a l h a s r e s u l t e d i n t h e establishment of many oak seedlings at previously unproductive sites (Negi a n d Naithani, 1995; HIMCON, 2009). On t h e o ther hand, there i s no c lear relationship between seedling survival a n d so i l var iables , indica t ing tha t aboveground factors are more important for seedling survival (Vetaas 2000, HIMCON, 2010). Oak is a light demander; seedlings and saplings respond positively to high intensity solar radiation. As a result, saplings form a thicket along the edges of oak forest, but in the interior of dense forest no young plants beyond seedling stage are found (Negi and Naithani, 1995). The problem of inadequate natural regeneration of oak has long been reported (Singh and Singh, 1992, Negi and Naithani, 1995, Metz, 1997 Vetaas, 2000 and HIMCON, 2009). Some

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management attempts, including artificial plantation, have been undertaken in order to induce natural regeneration. The direct sowing of seeds and planting nursery-raised seedlings are both practiced, however the former is widely preferred. Direct sowing has been successfully adopted in various parts of India (Negi and Naithani, 1995, HIMCON, 2009).

Survival of nursery-raised seedlings in plantation was observed very low, less than 4% in Solukhumbu, Nepal (Stewart 1984). Due to lack of detailed information on seedling establishment and growth behavior of oak, the problems of poor survival of planted seedlings have remained unsolved (Jackson, 1994, Shrestha and Paudel, 1996). Management practices in natural forest, involving thinning of old trees, so as to open the canopy and allow more light to reach the ground, have produced promising results in India (Negi and Naithani, 1995).

Some collective plantation programs initiated by the forest department for rejuvenating degraded patches of forests have not been much of a success. Such programs have failed due to weak efforts on the part of the forest department in mobilizing the local community. It was often found that the villagers are careless about plantation zones. Fencing was poorly done by the forest department and in many cases, damaged by the locals as it interfered with their grazing zones and cattle-paths. In other instances, it was observed that post plantation care was very poor, drastically reducing the survival rates of young saplings. Some

plantation programs were severely thwarted due to natural disasters such as fire and unforeseen drought conditions. Thus it appears that State governance in protecting the forests is weak and ineffective. Till now, no community based oak-regeneration prograes have been developed either by the govt. or voluntary organization to adopt any management strategies that might induce natural regeneration of oaks.

3.0 Methodology Adopted For proper protection, conservation and sustainable management of oak forest, a thorough understanding of the ecology for the species is very important. The study is no doubt very complex, as many factors are involved in determining the regeneration of oak. Grazing has been confirmed as a main reason for poor natural regeneration of oaks. Understanding the regeneration requirements for oak will enable to adopt management systems to induce natural regeneration. Thereby, rejuvenating the Oak Forests, as it is vital for the survival and livelihood of the hill people. Since plantation has not been successful in many part of

Himalaya Consortium for Himalaya Conservation (HIMCON) Operating from Himcon Milan Kendra, Sabli (Tehri Garhwal), HIMCON - a registered charitable trust dedicated to the cause of Himalaya and its people with an aim of “Improvement of the quality of life of the masses, through small initiatives originating from within the society and mostly supported by it, being the main goal of the organization”. Initiated informally more than two decade back, HIMCON has been active in the Tehri and Pauri Garhwal districts and has over the years carved out a distinct place for itself amongst the masses, as also amongst the development agencies and the government.

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Himalaya, it is important to manage natural Oak Forest more effectively. This could be achieved by implementing age old sustainable traditions of lopping the trees for fodder, removing an adequate number of old and dying trees to make the canopy more open, and controlling the practices of open grazing of cattle and wild animals that damage seedlings through browsing and trampling. Devise alternate fodder requirement of people, so that pressure on oak forest could be reduced.

If a dent is to be made and any work in the direction of regeneration is to be done, the local people would have to be taken into confidence. In this regard there is also a pressing need to educate the masses regarding the numerous indirect and direct benefits that the forests bestow upon. The slope, nature of soil and character and extent of vegetation on the watershed govern the soil moisture and recharge. In this regard structural intervention such as construction of percolation pits (chaal and khal) and check dams in the recharge area to slow down the rate of water flow is very important. It has been found that the reckless afforestation work done in the past did not help in regeneration instead the stable slopes have been transformed to more prone to land slides. Himalayan slopes are very fragile and any unplanned intervention in these bound to be reflected in the form of a disaster. Restoration of degraded land and forests should be focus on the improvement of soil fertility and reconstruction of the species composition of a reference surrounding natural forests. Indigenous and fast growing multi purpose species that meet the need of the local people should be introduced into the site, after proper screening of various species for regeneration.

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4.0 THE PROJECT AREA:

In order to rejuvenate Oak Forest in some part of the Tehri Garhwal Himalaya, HIMCON initiated this innovation program in some villages with the financial support of ‘Ranichouri East Wood Hill Trust’, New Zealand, since 2008. Though the area selected for the project intervention is located in close proximity of New Tehri and Chamba town, the quality of life of the masses was assessed to be deplorable and they were found to be ignorant of modern resource management practices. The Henwal River Valley was therefore selected for the proposed interventions supported by Ranichauri East Wood Hill Trust, New Zealand. Attempts were directed at bringing forth perceptible positive changes in the quality of life of the masses through innovations in the agro-forestry practices and regeneration of oak. This final report summarizes the work carried out in the past three years in the area.

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Fig.1: Location Map of the Project area 4.1 Tehri Garhwal Himalaya:

Though the entire Himalayan terrain of our nation was granted separate statehood, the one falling between Nepal and Himanchal Pradesh for long remained the part of Uttar Pradesh and was granted statehood only in 2000. Sharing international frontiers with Nepal and Tibet (China), Uttarakhand is strategically located and has two administrative divisions (Garhwal and Kumaun) and thirteen districts. Eastern part of the state (Kumaun) remained under direct British rule while a large portion of the western part (Tehri Garhwal) was a protectorate state ruled by the native princes. Present Tehri Garhwal district represents a part of the latter and is surrounded by Pauri, Uttarkashi, Rudraprayag and Dehradun districts. Though drained by Bhagirathi and Yamuna rivers the district faces severe crisis of water. Despite hosting mighty Tehri Dam, a large population of the district does not have access to electricity. Literacy and employment rates in the district are very low.

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! Fig. 2: Drainage Map of Tehri Disrtict

The project area falls in Chamba Developmental Block of the Tehri Garhwal district. The district forms a part of the pre-independence princely state of Tehri Garhwal and has been relatively backward. The literacy levels are particularly low in the district and particularly so amongst the females; average literacy being 66.7% while the female literacy being 49.4% as against 85.3% for males (Census of India, 2011). Tehri Hydroelectric Project that is coming up at the confluence of Bhagirathi and Bhilangana at Tehri is located close to the project area. Rishikesh-Gangotri National Highway and Chamba-Mussorie road passes through the project area that is in the close proximity of Chamba.

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Details of climatic conditions with rainfall patterns in the Henwal Valley:

The Henwal River Valley receives sufficient rainfall (Average 1200 mm) and humidity (Average 61.4 %) favorable not only for water harvesting but also for horticultural and other farming practices. The watershed has plenty of sunshine spread over greater period of the year may also promote high proliferation of horticultural and silvicultural saplings.

Meteorological Information of Project Area

Source: Meteorological Observatory, Hill Campus, G.B. Pant Agriculture University, (Ranichauri Campus)

Month Temperature (oC) Relative Humidity Rainfall Sunshine

Maximum Minimum (%) (mm) (Hrs/Day)

January 11.9 2.5 55 61.8 5.3

February 13.4 3.0 59 84.4 6.0

March 18.1 6.4 52 91.3 7.0

April 22.9 10.4 42 59.3 8.8

May 25.6 13.8 45 84.9 9.7

June 26.7 16.5 57 113.6 7.7

July 24.7 17.0 82 273.5 4.6

August 24.0 17.1 85 251.1 3.9

September 23.3 15.0 83 123.7 5.7

October 21.1 10.3 63 27.5 8.6

November 17.1 6.1 55 14.7 7.0

December 13.3 3.3 59 55.5 5.5

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Fig. 3: Henwal River Valley being covered by the project villages

4.2 Project Villages:

In the 1st year of the project only six villages were selected for the oak conservation programme. These villages are located in two different micro-watersheds and part of the Henval River Valley (shown in the above map) that finally meets the river Ganges. The villages selected for project intervention were, Sabli, Chopriyali, Birkot, Haswangaon, Chiopriyalgaon and Silogi. Out of these, Silogi was dropped as repeated attempts to convince the villagers failed due to non-cooperation between different groups. Swari another adjacent village was selected in place of Silogi. Sabli, Chopriali, Birkot and Hanswan Gaon are located towards valley sides and are close to river Henwal while Choprial Gaon is located in upper catchments. Swari village, however very close to Sabli village by a pedestrian path way, although by road it is more distant than any other village of the project. Active involvement of local people is an important aspect of successful achievement of project objective. HIMCON extends its oak regeneration activities to other surrounding villages where participation of villagers in various conservation activities has been observed to be fully satisfactory. In this regard Indwal Gram Sabha, which comprises six small villages, was selected in 2nd year to extend the oak regeneration programme in the area. The details of selected village’s location and their distance from metal road are depicted in Table 01.

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Table 01: Location of different villages selected for project intervention

! Fig. 4: Google Map of Project Area (Villages of Indwal Gram Sabha)

S# Village Name A l t i t u d i n a l Position(msl)

Distance from Chamba

Distance

from Main Road

Main Road

1. Sabli 1450 05 km 200 m Rishikesh-Gangotri

2. Choprial Gaon 1700 03 km 200 m Chamba Mussoorie

3. Chopriali 1400 08 km 300 m Rishikesh-Gangotri

4. Birkot 1400 07 km 200 m Rishikesh-Gangotri

5. Hanswan Gaon 1400 08 km 300 m Rishikesh-Gangotri

6. Swari 1600 15 km 05 km Rishikesh-Gangotri

7. Indwal Gaon 1800 25 100 Nagini-Jardhar Gaon

8. Kumar Gaon 1600 24 100

9. Jhaldial Gaon 1600 24 100

10. Teeparwal Gaon 1600 24 100

11. Chamthari Gaon 1500 23 100

12. Mundan gaon 1500 23 100

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! Fig. 5: Google Map of Project Area (Sabli Gram Sabha)

! Fig. 5: Google Map of Project Area (Choprialli Gram Sabha)

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5.0 Community Background: Collection of Baseline Information from the Selected Villages:

To know the status of existing resource in the project area - a detailed survey of land use pattern and others were conducted in selected villages. Details of beneficiaries were also collected by conducting door to door survey. A survey of the attitudes of the local community was also carried out so that the trends can be used for designing the regeneration programme. Using a well thought out questionnaire, one can attempt to look at the differences in attitudes of people towards degraded forests. The objective of the survey was to find out methods to boost up maximum participation of local communities in restoration of forests, to change socio-economic condition and land resource management practices. The findings of local people’s perception, attitude and forest management practices are discussed in details in the following box.

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Anthropogenic versus Natural pressures on Oak Regeneration In Henwal River Valley, Chamba (Tehri Garhwal)

An attempt was made by HIMCON to assess qualitatively the extent of both anthropogenic and natural pressures in the Forest of Henwal River’s catchments. The basis of criteria laid down separately for fodder and firewood collection, grazing, timber removal and natural causes such as forest fire and drought. The intention was to determine the principal causes of degradation particularly whether anthropogenic pressures are higher or lower than natural pressures on the local forest stock. It is quite clear that human pressures on local forests are more severe than natural pressures. As regards human pressures, excessive lopping for firewood and fodder seems to be the main problem. Grazing and timber pressures seem to be less in comparison. About 90% of the firewood needs of a household are met from local forests. The rest comes from village commons and own-fields. Collection of fodder and grazing activities are mostly concentrated in village commons and own-fields. It is interesting to note that as per responses given by local inhabitants, most of the encroachments have occurred in village commons and not in forests. This result is consistent with oral histories which seemed to indicate that the distance to forests has not changed much over the last 25 years. However, lopping activities happen on a much more regular basis. Firewood continues to be the primary source of cooking and heating. Nearly 90% of households depend on firewood as the main source of fuel during summer months. In winter, with mounting heating needs nearly all households rely entirely on fire-wood. Affordability and accessibility appeared to be important pre-conditions for access to firewood substitutes such as LPG and kerosene. All the locals seem to be unaware of the long term consequences of their actions as regards forests in the surrounding vicinity. There was virtually no evidence of collective action to protect and conserve forests in these villages. On the contrary, locals collude for felling of illegal trees and encroachments in the forests.

The ‘Van Panchayat’, a village level institution set up to govern forest access and use, are found to be non effective. Even here, ‘Van Panchayat’ rules are not always adhered to. Intrusion by other villages is common and vigilance mechanisms are found to be weak. Moderate success of this local level institution could be attributable to some shift towards use of substitutes such as LPG and motivation for forest protection propagated by local visionaries. Investigations by the HIMCON revealed that forest department vigilance are invariably weak and plantation programs were rarely successful. The forest guard had an extensive resource base to protect and liaison between the forest guard and the local inhabitants for mutual benefit was not uncommon. This hindered formal governance mechanisms meant to protect the forest stock.

Villager’s Perception of the Forest Resource Base

Local inhabitants were urged to provide oral histories of their forests indicate that nearly 42% of the forests surveyed have reduced by half over the last 25 years. Nearly 30% of the local forests have drastically reduced during the same period. What is paradoxical is that the villagers are able to perceive that their forests are degrading. But they appeared to be completely nonchalant about trying to alter these unsustainable trends. In a few villages in the project area, some un-demarcated state forests have been closed for regeneration. On the whole there was none or insignificant display of collective action in protecting and managing local forests. However, it was consistently stated that villagers do come together to put out forest fires, especially when such fires are sighted close to the village boundary. At such time there is a lot of cooperative spirit amongst the village inmates. It is noted that the villagers are not aware of sustainable practices that might preserve and promote their natural resources. However, these practices were restricted to their own private tree holdings. Extraction practices prescribed by the forest department are rampantly flouted in state forests even though this is a legal offence. For instance as per the norms only dry wood can be extracted for firewood. But it

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The details of land-use pattern and other natural resource of the area are depicted in the following tables 02 – 04, while demographic details and cattle population of the villages are summarized in the following Tables 05 – 06. Following findings were observed about the socio-economic status of the people in the area. These are

➢ Agriculture and animal rearing are the main activities in the watershed. The agriculture in the region has always been subsistence type and lured by ready cash villagers in the region resorted to leasing their lands to Nepali immigrants for tomato and other vegetables cultivation. For ensuring high productivity of the crops these Nepali farmer’s resorted to indiscriminate use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides combined with bad management practices has led to severe land degradation, low fertility. Ultimately these Nepali farmers after couple of years of cultivation vacating the land and the actual land holder i.e. project beneficiaries are now suffering perpetually.

➢ At present about 60 per cent of livelihood depends largely on selling of milks. About 58 percent of total cattle reared in the villages are buffalo. Every family reared one or two buffalo and are not much productive. On an average little milk is available for sale. Forest in the vicinity of the villages previously used to fulfill fodder requirement but recurring forest fires and consequent depletion of oak forest has resulted in shortage of fodder that adversely affect life support system of the villagers.

➢ About 60 percent of the able bodied male populations are engaged in transport business as driver, conductor and cleaner whereas about 20 percent are engaged in hotel business in local towns of Uttrakhand and Delhi. Only 10 percent of male are actually engaged in agriculture sector while 5 percent each are engaged in milk business and government employees.

➢ Carpenter, building construction work, mate and basket making from bamboo and drum beating are some of the other occupation practiced among scheduled cast population.

Table 02: Status of Agricultural Land in the Villages of R. Henwal Watershed (Data in Hectare)

• Data for Birkot and choprial Gaon are same

S# Villages /Land-use Total Ag. Land

Irrigated R a i n f e d Land

Abandoned & Barren Land

Total Land

1. Sabli 163.36 10.72 152.64 96.34 259.70

2. Hanswan Gaon 22.58 1.84 20.74 34.14 56.72

3. Chopriali 39.90 6.28 33.62 35.30 75.20

4. Choprial Gaon 82.42 -- 82.42 29.25 11.67

5. Birkot

6. Swari 151.71 10.02 84.34 57.35 151.71

7. Indwal Gaon 24.11 -- 24.11 17.81 41.92

8. Kumar Gaon 15.33 -- 15.33 13.32 28.65

9. Jhaldial Gaon 05.60 -- 05.60 04.23 09.83

10 Teeparwal Gaon 11.59 -- 11.59 12.49 24.07

11 Chamthari Gaon 10.03 -- 10.03 11.68 21.71

12 Mundan gaon 11.82 -- 11.82 02.79 14.61

Total Total

703.01 28.26 674.15 341.52 824.01

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Table 03: Status of Forest Cover in the Villages of R. Henwal Watershed (Data in Hectare)

*Data for Birkot & Swari village was not available

Table 04: Status of Water Resources in the Villages of R. Henwal Watershed

Table 05: Demographic Status in the Villages of River Henwal Watershed

S# Villages*/ Forest Total Forest Reserve Forest Community Forest Private Forest

1. Sabli Gram Sabha 84.70 60.00 02.70 22.00

2. Hanswan Gaon 82.80 20.00 06.60 56.20

3. Chopriali 05.40 Nil 02.70 02.70

4. Choprial Gaon 35.90 09.20 19.70 07.00

5. Indwal Gaon Panchayat 74.65 34.00 12.33 62.32

Total 283.45 123.00 (43.4 %)

44.03 (03.5 %)

150.22 (53.0 %)

S# Villages/Water Resources Total Water Sources Springs Khalas/ Gadhera (Streams)

1. Sabli 15 13 02

2. Hanswan Gaon 04 03 01

3. Chopriali 04 03 01

4. Choprial Gaon 03 03 Nil

5. Birkot 02 01 01

6. Swari 07 05 02

7. Indwal Gaon 04 04 Nil

8. Kumar Gaon 02 02 Nil

9. Jhaldial Gaon 04 04 Nil

10 Teeparwal Gaon 03 03 Nil

11 Chamthari Gaon 05 05 Nil

12 Mundan Gaon 03 03 Nil

Total 56 49 07

S# Villages /Population

Total Households Total Population Total Male Total female

1. Sabli 177 964 501 463

2. Hanswan Gaon 18 111 52 59

3. Chopriali 27 148 62 86

4. Choprial Gaon 34 175 145 203

5. Birkot 22 130 61 86

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6. Swari 65 398 195 203

7. Indwal Gaon 35 135 64 71

8. Kumar Gaon 16 99 48 51

9. Jhaldial Gaon 16 60 28 32

10 Teeparwal Gaon 14 45 20 25

11 Chamthari Gaon 20 88 40 48

12 Mundan gaon 20 65 24 41

Total 464 2418 1240 (51.3 %) 1178 (48.7 %)

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Table 06: Status of Cattle Population in the Villages of R. Henwal Watershed

5.1 Scenario of Agricultural Land-use Status in the Area:

The total area of 12 selected villages of Henwal River watershed covered 824.01 hectares and most of the landscape falls under high; 30-45o (38%) and moderate; 20-30o (24%) slope classes. The land area falling under flat (<10o) and gentle (10-20o) slope classes accounts only for 23% of the total land. Land use pattern of the selected villages suggest that 49 % of the total 703.01 hectares of agricultural land have been converted into abandoned agricultural land and lies barren. Majority (96 %) of agriculture is rain fed type and only 4 percent of land falls under irrigation. High slope class accounts for the highest proportion of all the three land-use classes. Agricultural activities observed even in the steep slope (60 - 75o) that showed increasing anthropogenic pressure. 5.2 Scenario of Forest Status in the area

Total forest in these villages covered in about 283.45 hectares. Majority of forest on private land that constitute about 53 % of total forest with 150.22 ha, followed by Reserved Forest with 123 ha (43.4 %) while Community Forest (Van Panchayat) covers only 44.03 hectares that constitute only 3.5 % of total forest existed in the area. The composition of forest is mainly that of pine. More than 60 percent forest covered by pine followed by Bhimal and Oak (8-10 %), Kharik (5-7%) and Mulberry composition are less than 1 percent of total forest trees in the project area. On an average fodder bushes are observed in less than 1 percent of total vegetation covered in the forest. These shrubs are always observed along with oak. Oak can not be survived without these bushes. These moisture loving shrubs always grow along the streams and springs.

To realize the present state of community forest management in Tehri district, it is imperative to understand the past of the area. Three major factors that require mention here are the history of Tehri itself, the conception of Van Panchayats and the building of Tehri dam. Tehri was a Princely state before it was merged with India in 1950. Though land belonged to the state, people could use it openly for their resource use and for cultivation. There were limited restrictions on use of natural resources. Village forest

S# Villages / Cattle Total Population Buffalo Cow Bull Goat Horse

1. Sabli 82 63 05 12 Nil 02

2. Hanswan Gaon 34 23 Nil 06 05 Nil

3. Chopriali 34 26 Nil Nil 08 Nil

4. Choprial Gaon 66 42 06 06 10 Nil

5. Birkot 36 20 Nil 06 10 Nil

6. Swari 79 48 01 08 20 02

7. Indwal Gaon 133 60 10 Nil 60 03

8. Kumar Gaon 25 20 Nil Nil 05 Nil

9. Jhaldial Gaon 44 22 06 Nil 16 Nil

10 Teeparwal Gaon 29 23 06 Nil Nil Nil

11 Chamthari Gaon 50 20 Nil Nil 30 Nil

12 Mundan gaon 73 30 08 Nil 35 Nil

Total 685 397 (58 %)

42 (6.1%)

38 (5.5%)

189 (27.6 %)

07 (1.0 %)

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management was governed by traditional practices where the Gram Sabha (village Council) would supervise and decide over all the issues. The system of a formal Forest Management Committee or the ‘Van Panchayat’ (Village Forest Council) was introduced in the Uttarakhand Hills in 1931. These rules were made by the British Colonist to govern the village forests. However, Tehri district was not under the British Rule and the concept of Van Panchayat or Village Forests was not introduced here until much later. Tehri was the last district in Uttarakhand State where Van Panchayat rules were functionalized. Therefore, most of the Van Panchayats here are young and do not have a practice of following Van Panchayat rules. However, village forest boundaries have been defined on revenue maps and records but they are hardly followed on the ground. Much of this land was already in private use or has been encroached upon after the formation of these village forests. The elected functionaries of these Van Panchayat themselves have no or very little interest in the management of their village forests. So, there are no clear demarcations of the forest boundaries and no clear distribution of responsibilities. It is generally the customary management practices that are being followed or sometimes if required the Gram Sabha oversees the functioning of the village forest.

Out of twelve selected villages in the project, only four have Van Panchayats that were formed between 1995 and 2004. Further, the area covered under Van Panchayas is very small ranging from 2 ha to 20 ha. This leaves few common lands that could have been possibly used for plantation or regeneration. Therefore, a large part of the conservation efforts in this project are focused on private land. Building of the Tehri dam was perhaps the biggest contributing factor for the present condition of the forest management practices. Large scale displacement, rapid development and urbanization of the small settlements and charm of the fast incoming cash flow aided the erosion of the old locally evolved practices in the region.

6.0 Project Objectives

Despite the fact that there are areas of old growth oak forests existed, there seems to be a general trend in the lack of natural regeneration of oak which leads to the degradation of oak forest in the region. The regeneration of oak in an old growth oak forest is dependent upon the optimum gap size in the canopy, larger the gap size, better the germination and survival of the seedlings. The regeneration is also dependent upon the topography of the landscape. Regeneration is expected to be favored on gentle slopes rather than on steep slopes. Germination is also expected to be favored on ground with less litter depth than on thick litter layer. Thus, to understand the regeneration requirements and suitable actions undertaken to induce natural regeneration of the oak forest, has led to the formulation of the following objectives-

• To preserve the oak forests of the region. • To develop sustainable management practices to induce natural regeneration of oak through

mobilization of local communities to initiate oak plantation and protection programmes.

• To develop low cost techniques of oak regeneration. • To encourage growth of associated species, so that an ecologically relevant stratified canopy with

oaks in the upper story, rhododendrons in the mid-story and shrubs in the under story and as early succession to help afforested degraded areas is aimed for.

• In addition the project aims to promote nut fruit plantation (such as Walnuts, Hazelnuts and Sweet Chestnuts) in the area.

7.0 Project Activities: 1. Community Mobilization programmes and strengthening of Van Panchayats.

2. Development of community managed nurseries for raising saplings of oak and other fodder plants.

3. Plantation programme during the monsoon season

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4. Live fencing and social fencing and others to protect regenerating oak forests.

5. Direct seeding as a low cost alternative to regenerate oak

6. Nurseries for nut fruit and training on their grafting and planting care

7. Undertaking soil and water conservation measures.

8.0 PROJECT ACTIVITIES UNDERTAKEN

8.1.1 Community Mobilization Program:

Oak forest conservation, development and management cannot succeed unless the concerned beneficiary population is directly involved in the mitigation or restorative measures on a voluntary basis with a vision of participatory teamwork. Involving the project beneficiaries in the process of restoration warrants awareness, mobilization, training and demonstration of the local community. Although, all the activities had a gestation period that needed to be coupled with short term cautions. For effective response of action by the local people following strategies were applied-

➢ To buildup awareness amongst the beneficiary groups regarding the value and need of forest conservation, development and management and to bring about the complex problem of regeneration of oaks. Methodologies adopted for mass mobilization were regular meetings, training and demonstration, exposure tour and others so that beneficiaries may realize the importance of people’s power in sustainable resource management.

➢ Formation and networking of village level organizations (Mahila Mangal Dal) in the project villages and orient them through training and demonstration, so that they turn out to be motivated mass mobilizers for oak regeneration work and take appropriate action in restoration activities.

➢ It was with the aim of improving the cohesion in the community, mustering people’s participation for the project and other developmental and social initiatives, and mustering internal resources of the community Mahila Mangal Dal (MMD) were initiated in all the selected villages of project.

8.1.2 Project Beneficiaries:

Out of total 464 families having 2,418 members of male and female population are residing in all the twelve villages that covered the project area. Out of these, about 287 families have been selected under Mahila Mangal Dal programme to conduct all the major intervention of the project. The details of activities undertaken by MMDs are depicted under this head.

8.1.3 Mahila Mangal Dals (MMDs)

People’s participation dictates people’s acceptability and success of any developmental initiatives. Experience suggests that it is one of the most important and sometimes the most tedious tasks to organize people into functional groups for some specific purpose. In the hills women constitute the major portion of the workforce and therefore special emphasis is always provided for gaining their support and cooperation. Learning from the experience of other organizations, HIMCON has been organizing women under the umbrella of Mahila Mangal Dal (MMD) that is envisaged to be an organization of the women, catering to their common needs and controlled and run by the women at the grassroots level. This forum is also envisaged to provide exposure and opportunities to the local women for sharpening their various skills so that they can better contribute towards the welfare of their families and the community at large. This platform provides people with an opportunity of interacting amongst themselves and enhancing cohesion in the society. People get an opportunity of solving their internal disputes and participate in the process of development. To add to it the masses get an opportunity of developing leadership qualities and get exposure of the world outside.

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The MMDs are entrusted with the responsibility of bringing forth consensus amongst the community and making field level decisions with regard to the implementation of the various developmental initiatives in their village. After the withdrawal of the project interventions MMD generally takes the social responsibility of maintaining the facilities created under the project together with the smooth functioning of the various organizations created at the village level. Twelve Mahila Mangal Dals have been facilitated in each selected village of project area. At present community awareness is at best moderate, and focused attention needs to be paid on this activity as it is critical to the success of any conservation programme. Amongst themselves the MMD members have elected the office bearers for the smooth and transparent functioning. MMD meets every month to discuss various issues and deliberates on the progress of the various project initiatives. The details of MMD’s members and office bearers are depicted in the following table 07.

Table 07: Formation & Networking of Mahila Mangal Dals (MMDs) in the Villages of R. Henwal Watershed

*Rs.100, 000/- supported by Himalaya Sewa Sangh, New Delhi

8.2 Methodology Adopted For Regeneration of Oaks

Two methods of rejuvenating Oaks have been adopted. The first involves protection and conservation of the existing Oak stand. While second method of rejuvenation is by raising new stands in nurseries and fresh planting or direct sowing. These two methods can further be supplemented by providing alternatives to Oak which would include development of other fodder trees and shrubs and grasses, so that pressure on oak could be reduced.

8.3 Protection of existing Oaks

These stands are located both on common as well as private lands but the ones on the private land showed higher degree of protection. The ownership and easy accessibility to these private forest sites is the

S# Villages/MMD Total Members Monthly Meeting President Secretary Amount Collected*

1. Sabli 35 10th Manju Devi Krishna Devi

2. Hanswan Gaon 17 7th Bhubneswari Rajni Devi

3. Chopriali 37 5th Rajee Devi Anita Devi

4. Choprial Gaon 38 4th Rajeswari Deepmala Devi

5. Birkot 37 17th Khuddi Hirdayee Devi

6. Swari 42 15th Jagdamba ----

7. Indwal Gaon 35 06th 3,260

8. Kumar Gaon 16 04th 3,000

9. Jhaldial Gaon 16 09th 3,000

10 Teeparwal Gaon 14 07th 1,000

11 Chamthari Gaon 20 09th 1,700

12 Mundan gaon 20 08th 4,000

Total 287 15,960

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primary reason that people protect them better than the commons. Much of the area available under the programme falls under this category. Although people are already protecting such stands, they are being encouraged to fill the gaps with plantations or direct sowing. In the initial phase, priority was given to regenerate existing community forest (Van Panchayat) through protection which is in extremely poor state due to over lopping and over grazing. As like in other Van Panchayat in the region management of Van Panchayat was in completely failed state. The total area of this forest in Indwal Gram Sabha is about 12.3 hectares. It has about 10,000 strands of highly degraded oaks, kafal and burans trees. These trees were in extremely poor state of regeneration mainly due to over lopping and grazing. For the conservation of this patch of forest, a general meeting with the villagers was organized to discuss how to protect and conserve this patch. Finally a Jangal Suraksha Samity (JSS) was formed among the members of MMDs and some rules and regulation has been constituted for the protection and regeneration of Van panchayat. The details of rules and action programme under taken in this regard are; • Collection of fodder, firewood and grazing of animals has been completely prohibited up to five years

when completely lopped oak strands attain proper foliage. • If any people either from the Gram Sabha or from the outside are reported to be violating these rules,

they will be punished with a fine of Rs. 500. • Members of JSS will undertake constant vigil and take guard against grazing and loping of trees. • To protect forest against fire – a 10 meters wide Fire-line will be cleared regularly with the active

involvement of villagers. • It was unanimously decided to develop 10 hectares of barren land for fodder purposes. HIMCON

organized the villagers to undertake fodder trees plantation in the monsoon months.

8.4 Development of Alternate Fodder

Suitable species for alternate fodder development was selected with the consent of villagers. However, a sustainable production practice involves a variety of approaches. Specific strategies were taken into account while conserving natural resources, viz.

• topography of the area • Climatic condition of the area, • Soil characteristics (soil depth, soil moisture, organic carbon, availability nutrients and others • Availability of water for plantation sites • Local availability of inputs (seeds, seedlings and other planting materials), compost and crop pest

management • Individual grower’s goal

Selection of fodder species and varieties that are well suited to the area, soil condition of plantation sites and willingness of the grower was given on priority basis. The details of various fodder species and their modes of multiplication are depicted in table – 8.1. Priority on management of the soil to enhance and protect the soil fertility for better yield was given. Preventive strategies were adopted in the initial stage of plantation so that it reduces the inputs and help in establishment of sustainable conservation and protection system in the area. When site selection was an option, factors such as soil type, depth, climate, topography, availability of water for saplings and others were taken into consideration before plantation or direct sowing of seeds for regeneration of oaks. Optimum diversity was obtained by integrating both afforestation and livestock in the same farming system which was the traditional practices in the area. These were- • Growing crops only on more level land • Pasture and forage in rotation to enhance soil fertility and reduce soil erosion • Livestock manure in turn contribute to soil fertility • Livestock also buffer the negative impacts of low rainfall periods by consuming crop residues

8.4.1 Development of Community Managed Nurseries

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For successful achievement of project goal, it was observed that establishment of conditions for the distribution of necessary components (seeds/seedlings etc.) training and guidelines for plantation of different species of fodder species to the target population in addition to oak is an essential component of the regeneration programme. Raising early seedlings at proper time is very important and prerequisite for optimum results; otherwise delayed plantation may results considerable loss in plant establishment. For quick propagation appropriate methodology was followed for standardization of sapling raised under nursery trial. Precisely designed nursery beds/poly beds were prepared. Proper balance of soil, sands and compost was made to provide desired moisture/aeration and nutrients in the soil. Optimization of condition for enhanced biomass of different species through soil and water conservation and management along with development of appropriate cultivation package of practices based upon traditional and innovative approach has been established. The planting material (seeds/seedlings) of various fodder species and horticulture/medicinal plants were either collected locally or procured from different sources of well recognized firms. Training & demonstration on optimization of water availability, soil moisture retention, and erosion control, to the target population were also imparted.

Table 8.1: Nursery Raising Activities in the villages of R. Henwal Watershed (Propagation of Oak & Other Fodder Species)

S# Local Name Botanical Name Type Local Uses Sapling Raising

I. Trees:

01 Banj Oak Quercus leucotricophora Medium size Fodder, fiber, fuel Direct sowing

02 Bhimal Grewia optica Medium size Fodder, fiber, fuel Direct sowing

03 Kharik

04 Gurial Bauhinia purpurea Medium size Fodder, gum, fuel Direct sowing

05 Kimu Morus serrata Large size tree Fodder, fiber, fuel Direct sowing

06 Tut Morus alba Medium size Fodder, fiber, fuel Direct sowing

II. Shrubs:

01 Silsyaru Debregesia hypoleuca Shrub Fodder Stem cutting

02 Masuri Coriaria nepalesis Shrub Fodder Stem cutting

03 Chamlai Desmodium elegans Shrub Fodder Stem cutting

04 Sakina Indigofera gerarepiana Shrub Fodder Stem cutting

05 Bhekal Prinsepia utilis Shrub Fodder Stem cutting

06 Sinwali Vitex negundo Shrub Fodder Stem cutting

07 Masuri Shrub Fodder Stem cutting

08 Hisar Rubugelliptigus Spp. Shrub Fodder Stem cutting

09 Tula Rubus banislora Shrub Fodder Stem cutting

III. Bamboo:

01 Kaanta Baans Bomboosa arundinacea Shrub Multipurpose Direct sowing

02 Lathi Baans Dandrocalamus strictus Shrub Multipurpose Direct sowing

03 Ringal Baans Fodder Direct sowing

IV. Grasses:

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8.4.2 Collection of seeds from the forest/ purchase from reputed Firms

Members of MMDs in all the selected villages of the project area were motivated to collect oak acorns and other important fodder species from the nearby forest. The results of these motivations were very promising. It was interesting to note that more than 300 kg of oak acorns were collected by beneficiaries. Beside oak, about 707 kg seeds of other fodder species were collected by members of MMDs. The seeds of high yielding grasses, bamboos and others were purchased from the reputed firms. The details are depicted in the following table - 8.2.

Table 8.2: Details of planting material collected for Sapling Raising (Planting materials either collected locally or purchased from reputed firms)

01 Brome Ghas Bromus Spp. Temperate Fodder Direct sowing

02 Rye Ghas Lolium perenne Temperate Fodder Direct sowing

03 Ginny Ghas Panicum maximum Sub. Trop. Fodder Direct sowing

04 Sita Ghas Setaria Kazungula Sub. Trop. Fodder Direct sowing

05 Guchchhi Sub. Trop. Fodder Direct sowing

06 Cockfoot Dactylis glomerata Temperate Fodder Direct sowing

07 Dolani Ghas Festuca arundinacea Sub. Trop. Fodder Direct sowing

08 Muslya Pllisetum orielpalie Sub. Trop. Fodder Direct sowing

09 Kush Ghas Cympopogum marlinii Sub. Trop. Fodder Direct sowing

10 Love Ghas Ergrostis Spp. Sub. Trop. Fodder Direct sowing

S# Local Name of Species

Local Collection/ Purchase

Time of collection Quantity (Kg.)

No of seeds /Kg.

I. Trees: Total 340 kg seeds collected

01 Banj Oak Local collection Jan. – Feb. 300.0 350 - 400

02 Bhimal Local collection -- 10.0 300 - 350

03 Kafal Local collection May - Jun 3.0

04 Gurial Local collection April 2.0

05 Gurial Purchase S.S.C., Dehradun 20.0 400 - 500

05 Kimu Local collection --- 05.0 ----

II. Shrubs: Total 365 kg seeds collected

01 Silsyaru Local collection Stem Cutting: 2,500 5.0 ---

02 Masuri Local collection Stem Cutting: 2,500 5.0 ---

03 Chamlai Local collection Stem Cutting: 2,500 10.0 ---

04 Sakina Local collection Stem Cutting: 2,500 10.0 ---

06 Sinwali Local collection Stem Cutting: 2,500 --- ---

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07 Masuri Local collection Stem Cutting: 2,500 5.0 ---

08 Hisar Local collection Stem Cutting: 2,500 5.0 ---

09 Tungla Local collection Stem Cutting: 2,500 5.0 ---

10 Kingora Local collection --- 5.0 ---

11 Gingaru Local collection --- 5.0 ---

12 Ghadi Local collection --- 5.0 ---

13 Rambaans Local collection --- 300.0 ---

14 Bhekal Local collection Stem Cutting: 2,500 5.0 ---

III. Bamboo: Total 10 kg seeds collected

01 Kaanta Baans Purchase S.S.C., Dehradun 05.0 > 5,000

02 Lathi Baans Purchase S.S.C., Dehradun 05.0 > 5,000

IV. Grasses: Total 2.5 kg seeds collected

01 Brome Ghas purchase Pashulok, Rishikesh 01.0 Numerous

02 Rye Ghas purchase Fodder Research Institute, Almora 00.5 Numerous

03 Ginny Ghas purchase Pashulok, Rishikesh 00.5 Numerous

04 Sita Ghas purchase Pashulok, Rishikesh 00.5 Numerous

05 Guchchhi ---

06 Cockfoot Ghas ---

07 Dolani Ghas purchase Fodder Research Institute, Almora 00.5 Numerous

IV. Medicinal & Aromatic Herbs: Total 02 kg seeds locally collected

1. Aswagandha Local Collection Direct sowing of seeds 01.0 ---

2. Digitalis Purchase Flex Food Limited, Dehradun 01.0 ---

3. Oregano Purchase Flex Food Limited, Dehradun 00.5 ---

4. Rosemary Purchase Flex Food Limited, Dehradun 00.5 ---

5. Kala Jeera Local Collection ---- 01.0 ---

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8.4.3 Set-up of Community Nurseries:

Nurseries for production of seedlings of oak and other fodder species/ horticulture, medicinal plants were developed at various nurseries in project villages by HIMCON. The programme envisages development of 10 decentralized community managed nurseries in the project area. In a particular village, the number of ‘Farmer’s nursery’ as they are called could range from one to many depending on the area and number of plants required. But no such nurseries were developed in the first year mainly because of such decentralized nursery raising system has not been practiced earlier in the region and this would take some time to get established. Given these technical and practical reasons, it was decided to establish one forestry-based Central Nursery in Chopriali village. This nursery is very close to road and has perennial supply of water. The soil is very good meant for successful raising of saplings. This nursery has the following components:

1. Oak and other fodder trees 2. Shrub nursery 3. Grass nursery 4. Nut fruit and other fruit nursery 5. Medicinal and aromatic plants and culinary herbs nursery

The nursery at Chopriyali includes nutritive, high yielding fodder grasses. It is hoped that the presence of this nursery would help motivate people for cultivating grass on their field bunds. Bamboo whose uses require no mention is found in the valleys and is traded for its use locally. Abandoned fields, uncultivated land and riverside beds can be used for cultivating bamboo. This will not only help raise income of the marginalized class but also provide fodder thereby reducing pressure on forests. Similarly two small nurseries have been also established in Sabli and Birkot village. Efforts were also made to raise similar nurseries in all selected villages. This would primarily depend on the acceptance of the programme by the villagers, area of plantation and also on location of the programme villages.

It is interesting to note that under this programme, HIMCON successfully raised about 93,900 saplings of oaks and other fodder trees in different nurseries. As demands raised by the local community for fodder shrubs, about 19,293 saplings of shrubs was raised through stem cuttings. Further for promotion of fodder grass development, about 1, 95,000 seedlings of various fodder grasses in different nurseries were established. Besides fodder plants, HIMCON developed large number of saplings of medicinal and aromatic plants as well as fruit plant saplings. All raised saplings were in good conditions and were transferred in 1 kg poly bags. These saplings were planted in monsoon season by the members of MMDs of different villages of project. The details of different saplings raised in various nurseries are depicted in following tables (8.3 – 8.8).

! 31

Table 8.3: Details of various fodder plant saplings raised at different nurseries in the villages of R. Henwal Watershed (2008 – 2011)

S# Species / Nurseries Sabl i :01

Arogya Birkot Chopriali

Total

I. Total Fodder Trees Saplings: 93,900

1. Banj 6,000 20,000 5,000 31,000

2. Bhimal 8,200 6,500 14,700

3. Gurial 1,000 20,000 17,000 38,000

4. Kimu 10,200 10,200

II. Total Fodder Shrubs Saplings: 19,293

1. Sunsiyari 2,248 2,248

2. Bhekal 300 300

3. Sinwali 745 745

4. Suwabul 15,000 15,000

5. Leusonia 1,000 1,000

III Total Bamboo Seedlings: 28,200

1. Kaanta Baans 12,000 11,000 23,000

2. Latthi Baans 200 5,000 5,200

IV Total Fodder Grasses Seedlings: 1,95,000

1. Brome Ghas 10,000 6,000 16,000

2. Rye Ghas 5,000 5,000

3. Ginny Ghas 56,000 56,000

4. Sita Ghas 50,000 50,000

5. Dolani Ghas 5000 5,000

6. Guchchhi Ghas 56,000 56,000

7. Masuri Ghas 5,000 5,000

8. Bhatula 2,000 2,000

V Total Medicinal & Other Herbs Saplings: 2,200

1. Aswagandha 500 500

2. Digitalis 500 500

! 32

# Raising of Apple saplings have been repeatedly failed for last three successive years mainly due to non-availability of chilling temperature in the region. Hence seed germination did not taken place.

• About 1,200 saplings of apple was donated by Dewan Foundation, London, and it was planted in the villages of Indwal Gram Panchayat

3. Oregano 1000 1,000

4. Rosemary 200 200

5. Kala Jeera

VI Total Fruit Tree Saplings: 32,000

1. Walnut 15,000 15,000

2. Citrus 10,000 10,000

3. Malta 2,000 2,000

4. Guava 3,000 3,000

5. Apple # #

6. Pomegranate

7. Ambla 2,000 2,000

Total Saplings Raised 7,000 1,05,000 25,000 2,34,248 3,69,593

! 33

Table 8.4: Summary of Oaks and other plants saplings raised under different nurseries in the villages of R. Henwal Watershed (2008- 2011)

Table 8.5: Details of sapling raising activities at ‘Central Community Nursery’ Village – Chopriali (2008 –2011)

S# Plant Species Total Number of Raised Saplings

1. Fodder Trees 93,900

2. Fodder Shrubs 19,293

3. Bamboo 28,200

4. Fodder Grasses 1,95,000

5. Medicinal & Other Herbs 2,200

6 Fruit Trees 32,000

Total no. of sapling raised 3,69,593

Nursery Details

Care Taker : Sri Gulab Singh Payal

Total Area : 10 Nali (0.2 Hectare)

Size of Nursery Bed: Length – 3.0 meters and width – 1.0meter

Total Nursery Bed: 100

Sapling Raising Capacity : 1,50,000

Irrigation Facilities: River fed canal (surplus water supply)

Distance from metal Road: 500 meter

S# Plant Spp. 2008 – 2009 2009 – 2010 2010 – 2011

1.0 Raising of Fodder Tree’s Saplings: About 38,700 saplings raised

Fodder Plants

Seeds Sown

Germ. Rate

Survived Saplings

Seeds Sown

Germ. Rate

Survived Saplings

Seeds Sown

Germ. Rate

Survived Saplings

1.1 Banj Oak 15.0Kg 90.0 % 5,000

1.2 Bhimal 00.5 Kg 83.0 % 500 05.0Kg

80.0 % 5,000 01.0Kg

80.0 % 1,000

1.3 Guriyal 00.5 Kg 85.0 % 500 15.5Kg

85.0 % 15,000 01.5Kg

83.0 % 1,500

1.4 Kimu 00.5 Kg 65.0 %

200 03.0Kg

80.0 % 10,000

Total 16.5Kg 6,200 23.0Kg

30,000 2.5 Kg 2,500

2.0 Fodder Shrubs: About 17,500 saplings raised

! 34

Table 8.6: Details of sapling raising activities at ‘Arogya Nursery’,

2.1 Sunsiyari: 2,500 90.0 % 2,250

2.2 Bhekal 400 75.0 % 300

2.3 Sinwali: 900 83.0 % 745

2.4 Suwabul 05.0Kg

70.0 % 7,500 05.0Kg

70.0 % 7,500

2.5 Leusonia 00.1Kg

90.0 % 1,000 01.0Kg

90.0 % 10,000

2.5 Daikan 00.1Kg

90.0 % 300

Total 3,800 3,295 5.2 Kg 8,800 6.0 Kg 17,500

3.0 Raising of Bamboo Seedlings: About 16,000 saplings raised

3.1 Kanta Baans

02.5 Kg 95.0 % 5,000 03.0Kg

92.0 % 6,000

3.2 Lathi Baans 02.5 Kg 90.0 % 5,000

Total 5.0 Kg 10,000 03.0Kg

6,000

4.0 Raising of Fodder Grasses seedlings:2,20,000

4.1 Ginny Ghas 15.0 Kg 85.0 %

50,000 01.0Kg

70.0 % 3,000 01.0Kg

75.0 % 3,000

4.2 Sita Ghas 00.5 Kg 85.0 %

50,000 50,000

4.3 Guchchhi 00.5 Kg 85.0 %

50,000 01.0Kg

65.0 % 3,000 01.0Kg

90.0 % 3,000

4.4 Brome Gas 01.0Kg

70.0 % 3,000 01.0Kg

72.0 % 3,000

4.5 Bhatula 00.1Kg

90.0 % 1,000 00.1Kg

90.0 % 1,000

Total 16.0 Kg.

1,50,000

3.1 Kg 10,000 3.1 Kg 60,000

5.0 Raising of Fruit Tree’s Saplings: About 7,000 saplings raised

5.1 Malta 05.0Kg

90.0 % 2,000

5.2 Ambla 05.0Kg

90.0 % 2,000

5.3 Guava 02.0Kg

80.0 % 3,000

Total 12.0Kg

7,000

! 35

Village – Sabli (2008 –2011)

Nursery Details

Care Taker : Smt. Rama Devi

Total Area : 10 Nali (0.2 Hectare)

Size of Nursery Bed: 1m wide X 3 m long

Total Nursery Bed: 80

Sapling Raising Capacity : 1,00,000

Irrigation Facilities: Spring-fed Tank (Capacity 4,500 L), Scarce water supply)

Distance from metal Road: 200 meters

S# Plant Spp. 2008 - 2009 2009 - 2010 2010 - 2011

1.0 Raising of Fodder Tree’s Saplings: About 38,700 saplings raised

Seeds Sown

Germ. Rate

Survived Saplings

Seeds Sown

Germ. Rate

Survived Saplings

Seeds Sown

Germ. Rate

Survived Saplings

1.1 Banj Oak 60.0Kg 90.0 % 20,000

1.2 Bhimal 00.5 Kg 88.0 % 200 05.0Kg 80.0 % 5,000 03.0Kg 85.0 % 3,000

1.3 Guriyal 05.0 Kg 90.0 % 5,000 01.5Kg 88.0 % 7,500 01.5Kg 85.0 % 7,500

1.4 Kimu 10.5 Kg 00.0 %

Nil

Total 71.0Kg 25,200 6.5Kg 12,500 4.5 Kg 10,500

2.0 Fodder Shrubs: About 16,000 saplings raised

2.1 Suwabul 05.0Kg 70.0 % 7,500 05.0Kg 75.0 % 7,500

2.2 Leusonia 00.1Kg 90.0 % 1,000

Total 5.1 Kg 8,500 5.0 Kg 7,500

3.0 Raising of Bamboo Seedlings: About 12,200 saplings raised

3.1 Kanta Baans 03.0Kg 94.0 % 6,000 3.0 Kg 90.0 % 6,000

3.2 Lathi Baans 00.2 Kg 90.0 % 200

Total 00.2 Kg 200 03.0Kg 6,000 3.0 Kg 90.0 % 6,000

4.0 Raising of Fruit Tree’s Saplings: About 25,000 saplings raised

4.1 Walnut 200.0Kg

60.0 % 15,000

4.2 Citrus 60.0Kg 80.0 % 10,000

4.3 Apple 03.0Kg 00.0 % Nil

Total 263.0Kg

25,000

5.0 Raising of Fruit Tree’s Saplings: About 2,200 saplings raised

! 36

5.1 Aswagandha

00.5 Kg 30.0 % 500

5.2 Digitalis 00.5 Kg 30.0 % 500

5.3 Rosemary 00.5 Kg 20.0 % 200

5.4 Oregano 00.5 Kg 60.0 % 1,000

Total 01.5 Kg 2,200

! 37

Table 8.7: Details of sapling raising activities at Community Nursery, Village – Sabli (2008 –2011)

Table 8.8: Details of sapling raising activities at Community Nursery, Village – Birkot (2008 –2011)

Care Taker : Smt. Rama Devi

Total Area : 01 Nali

Size of Nursery Bed: 1m wide X 3 m long

Total Nursery Bed: 08

Sapling Raising Capacity : 10,000

Irrigation Facilities: Spring-fed Tank (3000 L capacity), Scarce water supply

Distance from metal Road: 500 meters

S# Activities Undertaken Date Amount of Seeds sown Germination Rate

Survived saplings

I. Raising of Fodder Tree’s Saplings:

01 Preparation of Nursery Bed & manure mixing

May, 2008

02 Sowing of seeds May, 2008 Banj: 20.0 kg. Guriyal: 3.5 kg.

6 , 0 0 0 1,000

03 Irrigation & Fertilization Regular

04 De-weeding Regular

Care Taker of Nursery: Sri Bhagwan Singh

Total Area Of Nursery: 03 Nali

Size of Average Nursery Bed: 1m wide X 3 m long

Total no. of Nursery Bed: 100

Capacity of max. no. of saplings 30,000

Irrigation Facilities: Small stream fed canal supply for irrigation

Distance from metal Road: 500 meters

S# Activities Undertaken Date Amount of Seeds sown Germ. Rate Survived (no.)

I. Raising of Fodder Trees Saplings:

01 Preparation of Nursery Bed & manure mixing

Jun, 2008

! 38

* At Birkot Community Nursery, water availability for irrigation was irregular mainly because of lack of water supply in canal. Hence, about 20,000 seedlings were transferred to Chopriali Village Community Nursery where water availability was regular.

02 Sowing of seeds Jun. 2008 July. 2008 July. 2008 Sept. 2008 Sept. 2008 Sept. 2008

Dolani Ghas: 0.5 kg. Brome Ghas: 0.5 kg. Rai Ghas: 0.5 kg. Brome Ghas: 0.5 kg. Masuri Ghas: 0.5 kg. Hisalu: 0.5 kg.

5000 seedlings 5000 seedlings 5000 seedlings 5000 seedlings 5000 seedlings ----------

03 Irrigation & Fertilization Irregular T

04 De-weeding Regular

Total no. of grass seedlings raised 25,000 seedlings*

! 39

8.5 Oak Regeneration: (Direct Sowing of Oak Acorns & Plantation of Oak Sapling)

8.5.1 Direct Sowing of Oak Acorns: Traditionally, seedling planting has been the norm for planting Oaks whether by government or non-government agencies. There are some examples in the past of the villagers directly sowing Oak seeds in the forest. Raising and planting of seedling costs a lot in terms of time and money. It requires land space for nursery and at least 1 years’ period that involves bag filling, seed sowing, and watering, weeding, pit digging and planting. The cost of plantations is generally very high ranging from Rs 12 to Rs 25 between different agencies. Besides, very low levels of survival have been reported in seedling raised plantations of Oaks. Direct sowing on the other hand only involves collection of acorns, digging a small saucer shaped pit and sowing the acorns 2-3 inches deep in the soil. Though it cannot be a universal method of growing Oaks, it definitely holds potential in minimizing the costs and efforts in its regeneration.

The first few months of the project were focused on direct sowing of acorns. To start with and train the staff and villagers, a two-day exercise was carried out in early March near a temple in Sabli. Around 35 women from the village sowed about 2800 seeds. Small saucer shaped pits were dug with pick-axes and two acorns were sown in each pit. Similar campaigns were done in other villages. The results of this exercise were highly promising and are mentioned below in the table - 9.1. Germination rate, survival and growth of the seedlings have been monitored regularly.

Table 9.1: Details of Direct Sowing of Oak acorn Programme in the villages of R. Henwal Watershed (2008 – 2011)

8.5.3 Plantation of Oak Saplings: In the first year of the project major emphasis were given on community mobilization and creation of awareness among the local community for conservation and protection of oaks and other forest in the region. Development of condition for distribution of seeds and sapling of various species meant for plantation in 2nd year. Hence, except for fruit tree plantation, no plantation programme was envisaged

S# Villages / Activities Total Area (Ha) (Direct Sowing)

2008 - 2009 2009 - 2010 2010 - 2011 Total

1. Sabli 10 4,000 5,750 11,750

2. Hanswan Gaon 2 1,000 900 1,900

3. Chopriali 1 500 500

4. Choprial Gaon 10 7,000 7,000

5. Birkot 3 1,000 1,000 2,000

6. Swari 5 1,500 1,500

7. Indwal Gaon

8. Kumar Gaon

9. Jhaldial Gaon

10 Teeparwal Gaon

11 Chamthari Gaon

12 Mundan gaon

Total 31 13,500 9,150 -- 22,650

! 40

in the first year. The details of oak plantation of in the area in coming monsoon months in second are detailed in following tables - 9.2.

! 41

Table 9.2: Details of Oak Plantation Programme in the Villages of R. Henwal Watershed (2008 – 2011)

* Extensive plantation of Oak was done in both of the gram sabha covering 21 hectares, where as in other village saplings was distributed to the respective MMDs for plantation

8.6 Development of Alternate Fodder

8.6.1 Fodder Trees Plantation:

About 62,900 saplings of various fodder trees (Bhimal, Gurial, Kimu) were raised in different community managed nurseries of project villages from 2008 to 2011. About 35 to 40 hectares of both community and private land located on ridge (upper canopy) and on slopes (abandoned agricultural lands, bunds and others) were selected for plantation during monsoon months. About 31,470 raised saplings were planted by MMDs of 12 villages in the project area.

Prior to plantation, all the selected beneficiaries of project as well as village authority (Gram Pradhan) have given written consent for proper protection and care planted saplings of oak and other species. Saplings of these species were planted on agricultural bunds and vacant terrace. There were demands by the villagers for alternatives to Oak. For example, village of Chopriyalgaon has a fair density of Oak both in the forest as well as on the private lands. People in the village prefer other species like Grewia and Bauhinia as they also provide green fodder for some months during winters. So, it was decided to distribute remaining 30,430 seedlings to the villagers. These seedlings were planted by the villagers on their own land. Over all about 60 hectares of land was covered under alternate fodder tree development programme. The current status of survival was observed in the range of 50 to 70 percent for Guriyal and Kimu while Bhimal survived only in between 40 to 50 percent. Lack of proper irrigation of tender planted sapling was observed as one of the major factor for low survival. The area where proper irrigation facilities are available, survival of planted saplings reached up to 80 percent and above. The details of planted sapling of fodder trees are depicted in table 9.3.

S# Villages / Activities Total Area (Ha) (Plantation)

2008 - 2009 2 0 0 9 - 2010

2010 - 2011 Total

1. Sabli Gram Sabha* 08 1,000 4,000 5,000

2. Hanswan Gaon 03 1,000 2,000 3,000

3. Chopriali 03 4,000 4,000

4. Choprial Gaon

5. Birkot 03 4,000 4,000

6. Swari 10 1,000 5,000 6,000

7. I n d w a l G r a m Sabha*

13 500 8,500 9,000

8. Kumar Gaon

9. Jhaldial Gaon

10 Teeparwal Gaon

11 Chamthari Gaon

12 Mundan gaon

Total 40 3,500 27,500 31,000

! 42

Table 9.3: Details of other fodder trees Plantation Programme in the villages of R. Henwal Watershed (2008 – 2011)

* About 32 hectares of unused agricultural terraces and bunds have been used for development of alternate fodder trees plantation in the villages

8.6.2: Fodder Grass Seedlings Plantation:

The entire villages in the area depend heavily on Oaks during the lean season. Further the villages located in the valley side and lack forest, the villagers use forests of other villages located in the upper areas for leaf fodder collection. It was felt that, if these villages are provided some relief from collecting leaf fodder for even a month, it would reduce a lot of pressure from the Oak stands. Therefore, promotion of fodder grasses development on private land was important component of the project to meet fodder requirement of the villagers and reduce dependency on lopping of oaks. For example, Chopriyali and Birkot do not have a community forest of their own. They depend entirely on their agriculture land and on the forests of adjoining villages. But a large area of agriculture fields in these two villages has well irrigated land that hold potential for fodder grass cultivation. However, cultivation of fodder grasses has not been a common practice in the hills and it require consistent efforts and results in order to be adopted by the people. Tree fodder cannot suffice for the grasses. Local grasses usually dry during the winters. Planting of grasses that are productive and nutritious during the lean period is another means of reducing pressure on tree leaf fodder. These include temperate grasses than remain relatively green during the winters. About 1,95,000 seedlings of various nutrition rich grasses were raised in different nurseries of project villages. About 2 hectares of agricultural abandoned land of Chopriali, Birkot, Sabli and villages of Indwal Gram Sabha was selected for plantation of grass seedlings in monsoon months.

S# Villages/Fodder Trees

Total Guriyal

Vekal Mehal Bhimal Sinsiaru Bamboo

1. Sabli 3,250 3,000 150 100 -- -- --

2. Hanswan Gaon 4,000 2,000 2,000

3. Chopriali

4. Choprial Gaon

5. Birkot

6. Swari 1,000 1,000

7. Indwal Gaon 6,720 5,000 1,500 220

8. Kumar Gaon 2,000 1,000 1,000

9. Jhaldial Gaon 3,000 2,000 1,000

10 Teeparwal Gaon 3,500 1,500 2,000

11 C h a m t h a r i Gaon

4,000 2,000 2,000

12 Mundan gaon 3,000 2,000 1,000

Total 31,470* 19,000 150 100 8,500 220 2,000

! 43

8.6.3 Fodder Shrub plantation:

Many shrubs are not only early colonizers but are also N-fixing and have many uses for the villagers. Indigofera hetarantha, Desmodium elegans and Coriaria nepalensis are N-fixers and the first two also provide nutritive fodder. Debregeasia sp. is another small sized tree or shrub that is liked very much by the cattle. Debregeasia being a moisture loving plant can easily be grown by cuttings planted in moist areas. While fodder shrubs can be grown even on less moist areas as hedgerows on the farm bunds or on the forest land. These shrubs and many others are being raised in the nursery and will be planted out during the respective planting seasons. About 19,293 saplings of different fodder shrubs were raised in various nurseries. These saplings were planted along streams and springs recharge zone area.

8.6.4: Bamboo plantation

Bamboo whose uses require no mention is found in the valleys and is traded for its use locally. Abandoned fields, uncultivated land and riverside beds can be used for cultivating bamboo. This will not only help raise income of the marginalized class but also provide fodder thereby reducing pressure on forests. About 28,200 saplings were raised in different community managed nurseries. It was distributed to MMDs for plantation in along river Henwal, streams and spring recharge zone.

8.6.5: Fruit Trees Sapling Plantation:

It must be made clear that HIMCON looks at this and similar initiatives from more than just economic aspect. Apart from improving the economy of the area these plantations would improve the nutritional value of the food available to the masses, specially women and children that face problem of malnutrition in the area, improve the biomass yield and environment, reduce both soil erosion and surface runoff, enhance recharge of groundwater. The varying agro-climatic conditions of the villages affect the type of fruit that can be grown there. Not all the villages have potential for nut fruits. Further, these fruit have a very late gestation period. To provide better alternatives to the farmers, other fruits like Peach, Apricot and Pear may also be promoted. About 5,305 saplings of different fruit species were distributed among 115 families of watershed that covered about 19 hectares of land for orchard development. Overall this intervention in the watershed has provided new avenues of income and gainful employment to the local masses. The details of various fruit saplings planted in the project villages are depicted in table 9.4a & 9.4b.

Table 9.4a: Details of Fruit Trees Plantation Programme in the villages of R. Henwal Watershed (2008 – 2011)

S# Fruits Saplings Villages

Total Apple Citrus Walnut Peach Plum Apricot

1. Sabli 450 450

2. Hanswan Gaon 685 185 500

3. Chopriali 550 218 103 78 151

4. Choprial Gaon

5. Birkot 500 153 105 89 153

6. Swari 600 147 147 152 154

7. Indwal Gaon 2,520 1,200 620 700

8. Kumar Gaon

! 44

Table 9.4b: Details of Fruit Trees Plantation Programme in the villages of R. Henwal Watershed (2008 – 2011)

9.0: Soil and Water Conservation and enhancement of spring recharge

9.1 Construction Recharge Pits (Chaals & Khals) Conservation, management and sustainable development of prime natural assets i.e. land and water resources in the fragile Himalayan ecosystem is urgently needed for reversing the process of degradation as well as its long term use and sustained production to fulfill the need and prosperity of the local community. Conservation and management of land and water resources are closely linked issues as inputs for both the activities are inter-related. If this twin area is tackled scientifically and judiciously aimed in a planned way, many related problems faced by the inhabitants will be automatically solved. The pattern of land allocation is the inter-play of the nature and the carrying capacity of the land resources, socio-economic conditions, local interferences and technical know-how available to the masses. In order to evolve a sustainable land use pattern of the region, watershed conservation and development approach to curb over-use and abuse of the prime natural resource viz. water, soil and vegetation. Watershed approach will help in soil and water conservation, reduce run-off and erosion loss and enhance the opportunities of additional water availability to fulfill local need of the people. Past experiences of HIMCON has shown that in the initial stage of plantation, irrigation of sapling is a must for stabilization otherwise survival rate of planted saplings may be less. To provide watering facilities at the planted saplings HIMCON motivated the Gram Pradhan to provide such facilities under MNREGA Programme of the Govt. It was interesting to note that Gram Pradhan succeeded to get sanctioned water harvesting measures from the govt. Water harvesting structures such as water storage tanks and check dams were constructed by the villagers under MNREGA programme. Three tanks of about 100,000 liters capacity was constructed at the planted sites. Further, to enhance soil-moisture some check dams were constructed, so that moisture could be enhanced in the field. In addition to water harvesting structures constructed under MNREGA programme, HIMCON motivated the villagers to construct percolation pits in the upper catchments of the springs, so that spring recharge could be enhanced. In addition to enhance recharge of the springs, percolation pits control run-off, reduce soil erosion and enhance soil moisture in the land. About 110 percolation pits were constructed with the help of villagers. The details of various water conservation measures undertaken are depicted in table 10.1, 10.2 and 10.3.

9. Jhaldial Gaon

10 Teeparwal Gaon

11 Chamthari Gaon

12 Mundan gaon

Total 5,305 1,200 805 2,168 355 319 458

S# Fruits Plantation Total Apple Citrus Walnut Peach Plum Apricot

1. Total Planted Saplings 5,305 1,200 805 2,168 355 319 458

2. Area in Ha 19 03 02 11 01 01 01

! 45

Table 10.1: Details of construction of Recharge Pits in the Villages of R. Henwal Watershed (2008 – 2011)

Table 10.2: Details of soil Conservation measure undertaken Through MNREGA Programme in the villages of R. Henwal Watershed (2008 – 2011)

* HIMCON motivated Gram Pradhan to initiate various soil & water conservation measures at the plantation site under Govt.’s MGNREGA Programme. The size of each recharge pits is 8 meters in length, 3 meters in width and 1.5 in depth. It is constructed with concrete stone wall.

Table 10.3: Details of Water harvesting measure undertaken Through MNREGA Programme in the villages of R. Henwal Watershed (2008 – 2011)

* HIMCON motivated Gram Pradhan to initiate various soil & water conservation measures at the plantation site under Govt.’s MGNREGA Programme. The capacity of each Rainwater Harvesting Tank is 1 Lakh Liters.

S# Villages / Activities Total 2008 - 2009 2009 - 2010 2010 - 2011

1. Sabli Gram Sabha 16 01 03 12

2. Hanswan Gaon 04 02 02

3. Chopriali 18 18

4. Choprial Gaon 04 04

5. Birkot 21 01 05 15

6. Swari 11 03 06

7. Indwal Gram Sabha 12 03 09

8. Kumar Gaon 07 02 05

9. Jhaldial Gaon 05 02 03

10 Teeparwal Gaon 04 01 03

11 Chamthari Gaon 03 01 02

12 Mundan gaon 07 02 05

Total 110 09 21 80

Village Panchayat No. of Chaal Constructed (8 x 3x 1.5 M)*

1. Sabli Gram Panchyat 15

2. Indwal Gram Panchayat 22

Total 37

Village Panchayat Rain Water Harvesting Structures (100,000 Liters)*

1. Sabli Gram Panchyat 04

2. Indwal Gram Panchayat 03

Total 07

! 46

Table 11: Survival Status of Planted Saplings undertaken in the villages of R. Henwal Watershed (2008 – 2011)

9.2 Construction of Rainwater Harvesting Structures Spring Rejuvenation: As has been described earlier the present interventions are focused largely on private lands or on common lands that are small in size. Only two patches of lands that fall in recharge zone springs that are perennial in nature but due to negligence and degradation of vegetal cover, one in Sabli and another one in Birkot were selected for spring rejuvenation programme under the project.

Further, visualizing the dedication and active involvement of the people of Indwal Gram Sabha, several other organizations extended their support in the conservation efforts undertaken by the villagers. Earlier the villagers had unsafe and contaminated water supply for drinking and became victims of diseases mainly due to contaminated water. Himalaya Sewa Sangh has installed five Community Water Filters (Slow-Sand-Filter) and also provided Rs. 100,000 in the village development as seed money to initiate protection and conservation of degraded resources of the village. This money was deposited in the MMD fund of the Gram Sabha.

10.0 Training & Demonsration Programme: 10.1 Training & Demonstration of Horticulture Development Program:

In the past HIMCON had undertaken large-scale plantation of horticultural plant species on the hitherto degraded agricultural lands of Kot village which was lying abundant. HIMCON undertake intervention to develop these degraded land into a model orchard. The success of such type of intervention has been often quoted during awareness and other meetings for mobilization of the local community. The farmers of project village were motivated to initiate similar initiative in their own agricultural waste land that constitutes a major share in the watershed. It must be made clear that HIMCON looks at this and similar initiatives from more than just economic aspect. Apart from improving the economy of the area these plantations would improve the nutritional value of the food available to the masses, specially women and children that face problem of malnutrition in the area, improve the biomass yield and environment, reduce both soil erosion and surface runoff, enhance recharge of groundwater. Overall this intervention in the watershed has provided new avenues of livelihood and gainful employment to the local masses.

10.2 Training & Demonstration on Vermiculture (Earthworm)/ Vermi-compost production Technology to the project beneficiaries:

Status of Planted Saplings Survival Status (In Percent)

1. Oaks (Planted Saplings) 70 – 80 %

2. Oaks (Direct Sowing of Oak Acorns) 80 – 85 %

3. Guriyal 60 – 70 %

3. Bhimal 40 – 50 %

4. Bhekal 20 – 30 %

5. Sinsiaru 80 – 90 %

6. Sinwali 70 – 80 %

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A large quantity of cow-dung heaps and agricultural residues are left as waste or partially used for the production of Farm-Yard-Manure (FYM) inefficiently. The quality of compost prepared traditionally is of inferior grade. Most of the nutrients present in the compost are either lost due to leaching or remain non-decomposed. Thus, the application of advanced technologies such as Vermi-Compost production technology used for farming of profitable plant species where high level of organic carbon is an essential criterion for quality production. • Vermiculture/Vermicompost Production Unit was established at the Community Resource

Center of HIMCON to produce Vermiculture and vermicompost meant for training, demonstration and distribution.

• Project beneficiaries were trained in the production of high quality organic compost and others by their own.

• About 50 vermi-compost pits were constructed for effective biomass management. The size of each compost pit was kept 6 x 4feet and depth 3feet.

• Farmers were provided vermi-culture locally called red worm (Red Wiggler) suitable for the area and other technical guidelines to set up their own vermi-compost production unit.

• In three months cycle the beneficiaries developed 1.5 quintal to 2.0 quintals compost from each pit.

• Vermi compost production program showed long lasting impact not only on horticulture and afforestation but also provides an opportunity for socio-economic up-liftment of small and marginalized farmers in the society.

10.3 Training on Post Harvest Technology (Preparation of Jam, Jelly, Sauce and Pickles)

Any intervention cannot be sustained with outside support alone and the masses undertaking the initiatives have to be imparted vital technical know how for taking care of the introduced interventions so that they could sustain the operations on their own. HIMCON very well realizes the fact that in the absence of the training programs the efforts made by the organization in acquiring and planting the fruit and others in the area would be lost and therefore equal stress was put upon imparting vital skills related with the cultivation of fruits.

It is with an intention of imparting practical training on various aspects of fruit cultivation and post harvest technology such as making, pickles, jams and others were organized for the beneficiary farmers. HIMCON had undertaken a training program on fruit processing in which training on preservation of fruit and vegetables were given to the farmers and they were trained in apple jam, tomato sauce and lime pickle preparation. Beside this, the package of practices for undertaking suitable horticultural operations was disseminated amongst the farmers. Every care was taken to ensure quality of the contents of the training. Practical training programs covering all the major aspects of horticulture were organized for the interested farmers of the watershed. Selected beneficiaries of the project were provided basic training on various components of afforestation of fodder plants. The major emphasis was given on practical aspect. Keeping the educational background in view, simple local language used in down to earth manner.

10.4 Demonstration of afforestation Programme:

The forests in the neighborhood of the villages have been traditionally fulfilling the fodder, fuel-wood, timber, food supplements, raw materials for artisan and medicinal needs of the surrounding villages. With the passage of time the distance to the forest has been on the rise and with this the drudgery of the females is increasing. HIMCON has undertaken large-scale plantation of multi-purpose trees and facilitated Van Panchayat that are protecting vast tracts of their traditional oak forest. Forest is an integral part of the project for both protection and production. Tree growing incorporated not only in the defined forest land but also interwoven into whole project area (on bunds; in corners; in farmsteads; along ways and streams, in all shallow areas, where cultivation

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means only uneconomic venture. Vegetation both for protection and production and is therefore of vital importance. These forests are lopped for fodder purposes in rotation and the Van Panchayat is responsible for its overall development and management. A patch of the barren panchayat land and private agricultural wasteland measuring roughly about 12 - 15 hectares was selected for development of afforestation in the project area. Members of Mahila Mangal Dal of concerned village who decided to undertake community afforestation on panchayat land which was lying barren. Upper catchments of the plantation site was also properly treated by digging recharge pits so that run-off of precipitated water can be controlled and enhanced run-in to increase soil moisture regime in the a forestation sites. With the help of the MMD members, pits for the plantation were prepared in such a way that it can also accumulate the run-off and increase the moisture level in the soil. Members of MMD also motivated to contribute for arrangement of manure for during plantation in coming monsoon months. About 31,470 multi-purpose saplings were planted here with the support and cooperation of the villagers. The villagers were also assigned to take proper care and protection of the plantation site by ensuring social fencing and shramdaan (voluntary labor) which were being resorted to for all the initiatives. 11. Outcome of the project:

Oak conservation and regeneration programme supported by Ranichouri East Wood Hill Trust, New Zealand has been extended in 12 village of Henwal River Valley. Following outcome of the project have been achieved- • Out of total 464 families having 2,418 members of male and female population are residing in all

the twelve villages that covered the project area. Out of these, about 287 families have been selected under Mahila Mangal Dal programme to conduct all the major intervention of the project. To ensure active involvement of the people, 12 MMDs are formed. The members of MMDs now play an active role in protection and conservation of their life supporting resources of their village.

• Protection of existing oak strands: All the community forest of the selected village of the project has been strictly prohibited against grazing and over lopping of oaks till these trees attains full foliage. In some village chowkidar (guard) is deputed while in other village members of MMDs play active role in protection of their forest. About 12 hectares of Van Panchayat of Indwal Gram Sabha having 10,000 of degraded oaks has been selected for regeneration.

• Collection of seeds from forest: Members of MMDs in all the selected villages of the project area were motivated to collect oak acorns and other important fodder species from the nearby forest. The results of these motivations were very promising. It was interesting to note that more than 300 kg of oak acorns were collected by beneficiaries. Beside oak, about 707 kg seeds of other fodder species were collected by members of MMDs.

• Development of Decentralized Nurseries: The programme envisages development of 10 decentralized community managed nurseries in the project area. In a particular village, the number of ‘Farmer’s nursery’ as they are called could range from one to many depending on the area and number of plants required. But no such nurseries were developed in the first year mainly because of such decentralized nursery raising system has not been practiced earlier in the region and this would take some time to get established. Given these technical and practical reasons, it was decided to establish one forestry-based Central Nursery in Chopriali village. Similarly three small nurseries have been also established in Sabli and Birkot village.

• It is interesting to note that under this programme, Himcon successfully raised about 93,900 saplings of oaks and other fodder trees in different nurseries. As demands raised by the local community for fodder shrubs, about 19,293 saplings of shrubs was raised through stem cuttings. Further for promotion of fodder grass development, about 1, 95,000 seedlings of various fodder grasses in different nurseries were established. Besides fodder plants, Himcon

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developed large number of saplings of medicinal and aromatic plants as well as fruits plants saplings. • To provide fodder need of the people, an additional 10 hectares of land was undertaken for

fodder production. • To ensure 100 percent survival of planted saplings, irrigation facilities was created.

• Now the villagers take regular vigil and guard against fire. • Members of MMDs are deputed to take care of planted sapling. De-weeding and watering of

planted saplings has been done at the regular interval. These protection measures definitely help in survival of the germinated seedlings and planted saplings.

• In between the gap of planted sites, direct seed sowing activities of fodder trees has been followed at regular interval, so that regeneration programme could be enhanced.

12. CONSTRAINTS & SUGGESTIONS

➢ In the initial phase of the project organizing the local community on a single platform was really a difficult task. It was difficult to make people convinced so that they can tan take part in each and every activities of the project. Gradually with a number of meetings with villagers, they could understand the objective of the project supported by Ranichouri Eastwood Hill Trust, New Zealand.

➢ The incidence of forest fires in Uttarakhand is high. Standing trees and fodder is destroyed on a large scale and natural regeneration annihilated by such fires. Special precautions are needed to be undertaken during the fire season. Improved and modern management practices should be adopted to deal with forest fire. This provides a positive step towards protection of forests from fire. The legal and policy framework exists in support of fire protection in the state but its implementation has been given low priority. The incidence of forest fires in the Tehri Garhwal district is on the increase and more area is burned each year. The major cause of this failure is piecemeal approach to the problem. Prevention of human-caused fires through education and environmental awareness is urgently needed. It will include silviculture activities, engineering works, people’s participation, education and enforcement. Regularly occurring surface fires and the impacts of browsing and trampling by cattle lead to severe site degradation in the steep slopes of the hills. Environment awareness and related educational materials are required to build up public consciousness against forest fire.

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