Forest
The forest and other natural ecosystems of Himachal Pradesh constitute two-third of the geographical area of the state, are crucial for its environmental, ecological and economic well-being and that the influence of the state’s forests transcends well beyond its boundaries, significantly impacting on the ecology and economy of the Indo-Gangetic plains. The forests of the state are rich in biodiversity and play a vital role in preserving the fragile Himalayan ecosystem while also being a primary livelihood source for the rural population and prime source of fresh water for both urban and rural population. Forests, besides performing important ecological functions, provide essential services, like food, fuel wood, fodder, timber, raw material for forest based industries and non-timber forest products. As per records nearly 66% of the geographical area of the state is forest lands; however, the extent of actual forest cover on all categories of land is 26 % only. Himachal Pradesh has more than 12 % of its area under two national parks and thirty two wildlife sanctuaries, which are home to some rare and endangered faunal and floral species such as snow leopard, musk dear, pheasants and Himalayan Yew. The cold desert region of the state comprising Spiti sub-division of Lahul and Spiti District and Pooh Sub-Division of Kinnaur district is a distinct biome and manifests remarkable ecological and biological diversity having their unique characteristics of isolation and marginality. The forests of Himachal Pradesh known for their grandeur and majesty are like a green pearl in the Himalayan crown.
Driving Forces:
The life supporting systems in the mountainous state of Himachal Pradesh are presently under great stress due to impact of modern civilization, economic development and growth in human and cattle population. According to national Forest Policy, 1988, at least two third of the geographical area should be under forests in the mountainous states like Himachal Pradesh.
The Forests of Himachal Pradesh known for their grandeur and majesty are like a green pearl in the Himalayan crown. This life supporting systems are presently under great stress due to impact of modern civilization, economic development and growth in human and cattle population. According to national Forest Policy, 1988, atleast two third i. e 66% of the geographical area should be under forest in the hilly states like Himachal Pradesh. However, keeping in view that about 20 % of the area is inaccessible and beyond the tree limit, the State Government aims to bring 50% of the geographical area under forest cover. The forests of the State have been classified on an ecological basis as laid down by Champion and Seth, and can be broadly classified into Coniferous Forests and broad-leaved Forests. Distribution of various species follows fairly regular altitudinal stratification. The vegetation varies from Dry Scrub Forests at lower altitudes to Alpine Pastures at higher altitudes. In between these two extremes, distinct vegetational zones of Mixed Deciduous Forests, Bamboo, Chil, Oaks, Deodar, Kail, Fir and Spruce, are found. The richness and diversity of our flora can be gauged from the fact that, out of total 45,000 species found in the country as many as 3,295 species (7.32%) are reported in the State. More than 95% of the species are endemic to Himachal Pradesh and characteristic of Western Himalayan flora, while about 5% (150 species) are exotic, introduced over the last 150 years. The forests of Himachal Pradesh are rich in vascular flora, which forms the conspicuous vegetation cover. Out of total 45,000 species of plants found in the country as many as 3,295 species (7.32%) are reported in the State. More than 95% of species are endemic to Himachal and characteristic of Western Himalayan flora, while about 5% (150 species) are exotic introduced over the last 150 years.
Source: Department of Forests, Govt. of Himachal Pradesh