Revised Working Plan Anantnag Forest Division

Home , Akingam, Anantnag, Jawahar Tunnel, Kashmir Division, Larkipora, Verinag

Revised Working Plan

for the Anantnag Forest Division

2014-15 to 2023-2024

by Dr. B. BALAJI, IFS WORKING PLAN OFFICER

Prepared by Working Plan & Research Circle J&K Forest Department

Jammu/Srinagar Introduction

The present working plan is the 5th revision of the Working Plan for Anantnag Forest Division. During the period of previous working plan by ShamimMohd Khan ((1982-83 to 1991-92), the Anantnag Division was known as Kashmir Forest Division. In the year 1981, vide Govt. Order No. 34/FST of 1981 dt.20.02.1981, Liddar Range was shifted to Liddar division. Further, in the year 2010 Kulgam Range was annexed with Kulgam Special Forest Division created vide Govt. Order No. 407 – Fst of 2010-10-25 dated: 25-10-2010 issued under endorsement No. Fst/Plan-14/2007 (PF) dated: 25- 10-2010.Hencethe total forest area is only half of the area of previous working plan and is presently 798.64 sq.km only

The working plan exercise was started in the financial year 2010-11. Active field work started since 2011 only. Since most of staff of Anantnag Forest Division are new to working plan exercise and also in the usage of Wedge Prism, several field exercises were organized prior to taking up of the exercise.

The technique of “Point Sampling” has been employed in the inventory for evaluating the growing stock. The GPS (Global Positioning System ) is fully utilized for the first time. The compartment boundaries were digitized for the first time with the help of Photo Interpretation division, Srinagar. For stock maps also, digitized printed maps were utilized to the scale using GIS (Geographical Information System).

The Deodar-Kail Conversion Working Circle which was so far managed under Shelterwood Compartment System in the previous plans,is proposed to be managed under Indian Selection System due to excessive grazing pressure. It is feared that the gap created under shelterwood system may not regenerate and may create permanent blank in the prevailing situation. Moreover, Indian Selection System will give flexibility in operation also. The Fir Selection Working Circle shall continue to be managed under Indian Selection System with very few compartments shifted to Reboisement Working Cirlcle due to degradation. The Protection Working Circle of previous working circle is renamed as Ecological Conservation Working Circle to provide importance to conservation of these forests. Bio-aesthetic Working Circle is created in the present plan with a focus on special treatment to compartments overlooking Verinag Spring and Mugal garden as well as Kokarnag Garden. Anantnag Forest Division is very rich with regard to NTFPs particularly medicinal plants. In order to better utilize the resource sustainably to uplift the rural economy as well for their conservation, NTFP working circle is included. A comprehensive note on Pasture Development is given under the Chapter “Miscellaneous Regulations” for the management of alpine and sub-alpine pasture lands.

The field work took lot of time due to short working season i.e. from June to October. It is very difficult to reach interior locations of the compartment in the rest of the months.

The elaborate Working Plan exercise could not have been possible without the guidance, active support of senior officers and without the hard work of Anantnga Division staff. My sincere thanks are due toMrVinodRanjan, IFS, HoFF the then PCCF, Forest Department; Mr. AbayKumar, IFS, present PCCF,Forest Department ; Addl. PCCF (Working Plan) Mr. S.P. Sharma, IFS; CCF, Kashmir Mr. Manzor

Ahmad, IFS; Mr. NisarDarzi, IFS; CF, South Circle Mr. Abdul Gani, IFS; Mr. JavedIqbalPanjoo, IFS for their technical guidance and continued support. Special thanks are due to Mr. VasuYadav, IFS – CF, Working Plan and Research for his total support in the preparation of working plan from the analysis of data to the writing of Working Plan. The wholehearted support provided by the DFO, PI division and the division staff particularly Mr. Shabir in digitizing the compartment boundaries and in the preparation of various Maps. Heartfelt thanks are also due to Mr. VivekVerma, IFS, Mr. Wasim, ACF, Ms. Shamma, ACF for their support in compiling the information from field. Special thanks are due to Mr. Mehraj-din- sheikh without his dedicated, sincere and whole hearted efforts, the working plan would not have been completed in time.Sincerest efforts by the Range Officers Mr. GulamMohaideen, Mr. MohdKasim, Mr. Sakil Ahmad, Mr.Mohd Ashraf, Mr. MohdIqbalKhandey, Mr. Tariq Bashir Sheikh, Mr. Mir Mustaq, Mr. Mohd Amin Magrey in completing the field exercises is acknowledged . Thanks are also due to Foresters and deputy foresters with a special mention to DDR foresters who had showed keen interest in understanding and adopting modern technology and also completing the laborious field exercise in time. Special thanks are due to Mr. Imtiyaz Ahmad Wani, Mr. Majidbhat, Mr. Mohd Safi, Mr. Jaleel Ahmad, Mr. Kadu, Mr. Keemtilal, Mr. Muzamil and the entire working plan teamand for organizing field information in a systematic manner and in compilation. The assistance given by the Division office ministerial staff Mr. MohdHussain- the then Head Clerk, GM Allay present Head Clerk, Mr. Zahoor Ahmad Mr. Parreyand Mr. Bashir is also acknowledged

(Dr. B. BALAJI) IFS DFO, WORKING PLAN

Glossary of Botanical Terms

The flora of Anantnag Forest Division with their common name, scientific name, family and uses is is as below wit

Common Elevation Habitat Uses Botanical Name Family Name (m ASL) AbiespindrowLindl Fir/ Badlu 2300-3600 T Pinaceae LE Aconitum heterophylum, Wall Atis/ patrees 2500-3200 H Ranunculaceae RS Acotitum leave Royle Mohri 2500-3300 H Ranunculaceae RS AdiantumcapillusVeneris Gewtheer 1500-3000 F Pteridaceae LE Aesculusindica,colebr Hunakdun 2000-2800 T Sapindaceae SE &FR Ajujabracteosa Jan-i-adam 2000-2500 H Lamiaceae LE Amaranthuscaudatus, L Liss 2000-2500 H Amaranthaceae LE Anagallisarvensis,L Chari saben 1500-2000 H Primulaceae WP AnaphalisroyleanaDC. DaderiDawa 1500-3200 H Asteraceae LE Anthemiscotula, L Fukgass 1500-2000 H Asteraceae LE Arisaemajacquemontii,Mart Hapatmakhe 2500-3400 H Araceae LE& RS Artemisia moorcraftania Tethwan 1500-2000 H Asteraceae LE Aspleniumfalcatum, Lam Dade 2100-2700 H Aspleniaceae LE Atropaacuminatt, Royle Belladona 1800-3600 H Solanaceae RS Berberisaristata, Lam Dandledar 2000-2800 S Berberidaceae LE Canabis sativa. Lam Bhang 2000-2500 H Cannabaceae LE Cedruslibani var. Deodara Deodara 2000-2500 T Pinaceae BR Chrysanthemum Pahlmond/ cinerariaefolium, L Phyrethrum 1800-2700 H Asteraceae FL Cuscutareflexa, Roxh Kuklipoth 2000-2400 H Convolvulaceae LE Cynodondactylon, L Dramun 1500-2000 H Poeceae LE& RS Daturastramonium, L Datur 2000-2200 S Solanaceae LE&FR Dioscoreadeltoidea, L Shinglimingli 1500-3000 S Dioscoriaceae RS Geranium wallichianum Ratanjoth 2500-3400 H Geraniaceae RS Indigoferaheterantha, L Zand 1800-3000 H Papilionaceae BR Juglansregia, L Dun 2000-3000 T Juglandaceae FRt&BR

iii

Common Elevation Habitat Uses Botanical Name Family Name (m.a.m.s.l)

Morchellaesculenta, Fr Guchii 2000-3000 S Helvellaceae WP Morusnigra, L Tul 1500-2000 T Moraceae FR Parrotiopsisjacquemmontina Poa 1800-3500 T Hamamelidaceae W Phytolaceaacinosa, Roxb. Hapatchuri 2000-3000 H Phytolacaceae RS Piceasmythiana, Link Spruce 2400-3600 T Pinaceae WD Pinusexcela, Wall Kail 2000-2500 T Pinaceae WD&RN Poapratensis, L Gurgass 1500-3300 H Poaceae LE&SE Podophyllumemodi, Royle Van Vagaun 2500-3400 H Berberidaceae RS& FR Populusalba Linn. Phrast 2000-2200 T Salicaceae LE Populusciliata Phrast 2000-2200 T Salicaceae LE Populusnigra Linn. Phrast 2000-2200 T Salicaceae LE Rheum emodi, Wall Pambechalan 2000-3500 H Polygonaceae RS Rhus succedanea. L Arkhor 1800-2500 S Anacardiaceae WP Robinapseudoacacia, L Kikur 1500-3000 T Fabaceae LE&FL Rumexmaritimus, L Aibij 2000-3500 H Polygonaceae LE Salix alba, L Butvir 1900-2400 S Salicaceae LE& BR Sambucusebulus, L Elder 1800-2500 S Caprifoliaceae LE & FR Taxusbaccata, L Yew 2000-3500 T Taxaceae LE & BR Ulmuswallichiana, Planch Bren 2200-3000 T Ulmaceae BR Urticadioica, L Soi 1600-2400 H Urticaceae LE Valerianajatamansa Mushkbala 1800-2600 H Valerianacea RS T- Tree,S-Shrub, H-Herb, LE-Leaf,BR-bark,SE-seeds,FR-flower,RS-Root system,

CONTENTS

Introduction i Glossary of botanical terms iii

Section Title Page

PART – I SUMMARY OF FACTS ON WHICH THE PROPOSALS ARE BASED Chapter – I THE TRACT DEALT WITH 1.1 Name and situation 1 1.2 Configuration of the ground 1 1.3 Drinage 1 1.4 Geology, rock and soil 1 1.5 Climate and rainfall 5 1.6 Water supply 6 1.7 Distribution and area 6 1.8 Legal position 7 1.9 Rights and concessions 8 Chapter – II FLORA AND FAUNA 12-26

Chapter II A - FOREST FLORA 2.1 Trees 12 2.2 Deodar forests 13 2.3 Kail forests 13 2.4 Fir forests 13 2.5 Broad leaved species: 14 2.6 Forest typology: 15 2.7 General description of growing stock 15 2.8 Injuries to which the forest crop is liable. 19 Chapter II B. Forest Fauna 22-26 2.9 General Description 22 2.10 Mammals 23 2.13 Avi Fauna: 25 2.14 Fish 26 Chapter – III UTILISATION OF THE PRODUCE 27-35 3.1 Agricultural customs and wants of the population 27

3.2 Markets and marketable products 28

3.3 Demand and supply of forest produce and pressure on forests 29 3.5 Lines of export 34 3.6 Past and Current Prices: 35 Chapter –IV ACTIVITIES OF STATE FOREST CORPORATION 36-40 4.1. Jammu & Kashmir State Forest Corporation 36 4.2 Results of Socio Economic Survey 40 Chapter – V FIVE YEAR PLANS 41-42 1.5.1 Management of Forests under Five Year Plans: 41 1.5.1.1 12th Five Year Plan and its scope forJammu and Kashmir forest 42 development Chapter – VI STAFF AND LABOUR SUPPLY 43 Staff and Labour Supply 43 Chapter – VII PAST SYSTEMS OF MANAGEMENT 44-62 7.1 Past history of the Forests 44 7.5 H.S. Pathania 1930-1940 (S.1987-1997) 45 7.6 Khushoo’s Plan (1940-1955) 48 7.7 Fotidar’s Plan (1955-56 to 1969-70) 51 7.8 Quadir’s Plan (1970-71 to 1979-80) 53 7.9 Shamim Mohammad Khan Plan– (1982-83 to 1991-92) 57 7.9.7 Special Works of Improvement undertaken. 61 7.9.7.4 Fire conservancy 62 Chapter – VIII STATISTICS OF GROWTH AND YIELD 63-68 8.1 Inventory method adopted 63 8.2 The results of statistical analysis performed 64-66 8.3 MAI / CAI – Kail / Fir: 67 8.4 Yield Calculation: 68 PART – II FUTURE MANAGEMENT DISCUSSED AND PRESCRIBED

Chapter – IX BASIS OF PROPOSALS 69-73 9.1 General Objectives of Management 69 9.2 Method of Treatment to be Adopted 69 9.3 Constitution of Working Circles, their Area and Distribution 70 9.4 Reasons for the Constitution of the Working Circles 70 9.5 Brief Description of Working Circles 71 9.6 Blocks and Compartment 72 9.7 Period of the Plan and Necessity for Intermediate Revision 73 Chapter – X WORKING PLAN FOR THE DEODAR-KAIL 74-88 SELECTION WORKING CIRCLE 10.1 General Constitution of the Working Circle 74 10.2 General Character of the Vegetation 74 10.3 Area and Allotment 75 10.4 Description of Silvicultural System Adopted 75 10.5 Exploitable Size and Rotation 75 10.6 Felling Cycle 76 10.7 Felling Series 76

10.8 Analysis and Valuation of the Crop 76 10.9 Calculation of the Yield 76 10.10 Yield Regulation: 80 10.10.1 Brandis Diameter Class Method 80 10.10.2 Von Mantel’s Formula: 81 10.11 Size of the Annual Coupe 82 10.12 Annual Allowable Cut per ha 82 10.13 Realization of the Yield 82 10.14 Sequence of Felling 83 10.15 Method of Executing Felling 83 10.16 Marking and Felling Rules 83 10.17 Supplementary Marking 84 10.18 Subsidiary silvicultural operations: 84 10.19. Regeneration programme 85 10.20 Control of Grazing 88 Chapter –XI WORKING PLAN FOR THE FIR 89-100 SELECTION WORKING CIRCLE 11.1 General Constitution of the Working Circle 89 11.2 General Character of the Vegetation 89 11.3 Area and Allotment 89 11.4 Silvicultural System Adopted 90 11.5 Exploitable Size and Rotation 90 11.6 Felling Cycle 91 11.7 Felling Series 91 11.8 Analysis and Valuation of the Crop 91 11.9 Calculation of the Yield 91 11.10 Yield Regulation 95 11.11 Size of the Annual Coupe 96 11.12 Allowable Cut 97 11.13 Realization of the Yield 97 11.14 Sequence of Felling 97 11.15 Method of Executing Felling 97 11.16 Marking and Felling Rules 97 11.17 Supplementary Marking 99 11.18 Subsidiary regulations 99 11.19 Regeneration programme 99 11.19.1 Nursery and plantation technique: 99 11.20 Control of Grazing 100 Chapter – XII WORKING PLAN FOR THE 101-105 ECOLOGICAL CONSERVATION WORKING CIRCLE 12.1 General Constitution of the Working Circle 101 12.2 General Character of the Vegetation 101 12.3 Area and allotment 101 12.4 Felling Series and Cutting Sections 102 12.5 Special objectives of Management: 102 12.6 Analysis and Valuation of the Crop 102 12.7 Silvicultural System adopted: 102 12.8 Method of treatment Prescribed: 102 12.9 Realization of Yield 103

Chapter – XIII WORKING PLAN FOR THE 106-111 REBOISEMENT WORKING CIRCLE 13.1 General Constitution of the Working Circle 106 13.2 General Character of the Vegetation 106 13.3 Area and allotment 107 13.4 Special Objectives of Management 107 13.5 Analysis and Valuation of the Crop 107 13.6 Exploitable Size 108 13.7 Method of Treatment Prescribed 108 13.7.1 With tree crop – open forests type 108 13.7.2 Areas with no tree crop 108 13.7.3 Realization of Yield 109 13.7.4 Nursery Technology 109 Chapter XIV WORKING PLAN FOR THE BIO- 112-116 AESTHETIC WORKING CIRCLE 14.1 General Constitution of the Working Circle and General 112 Character of Vegetation 14.2 Area and allotment 112 14.3 Valuation and Analysis of Growing Stock 113 14.4 Method of treatment prescribed 113 14.5 Realization of Yield 116 Chapter –XV WORKING PLAN FOR THE WILDLIFE 117-119 MANAGEMENT (OVERLAPPING) WORKING CIRCLE 15.1 General Description and Present Condition of Wildlife 117 15.2 Wildlife Management Objectives: 117 15.3 Method of Treatment 118 15.3.1 Population Assessment 118 15.3.2 Habitat Management 118 15.3.3 Training 118 15.3.4 Awareness Programme 119 15.3.5 Management of Man-Animal conflict: 119 15.3.6 Wildlife Research: 119 CHAPTER- XVI WORKING PLAN FOR THE JOINT 120-123 FOREST MANAGEMENT (OVERLAPPING) WORKING CIRCLE 16.1 Introduction 120 16.2 General Constitution of the Working Circle and General 121 Character of Vegetation: 16.3 Management Objectives: 121 16.4 The JFM implementation in Anantnag Division 121 16.5.1 Future Proposals 123 Chapter – XVII WORKING PLAN FOR THE 124-126 PLANTATION (OVERLAPPING) WORKING CIRCLE 17.1 General Description 124 17.2 Objectives of Management: 124 17.3 Distribution of the Area 124 17.4 Method of Treatment Proposed 125 17.5 Maintenance/Establishment of new Nursery: 125 17.6 Nursery and Plantation Techniques 125

Chapter – XVIII WORKING PLAN FOR THE 128-130 ECO- TOURISM (OVERLAPPING) WORKING CIRCLE

18.1 General Description of the area 128 18.2 Important Activities Identified under Eco Tourism Activities 128 18.2.1 Trekking 128 18.2.2 Para gliding 129 182.3. Angling 129 18.2.4 Home-Stay: 129 18.2.5 Training 130 18.2.6 Awareness Programme: 130 18.2.7 Infrastructures Requirements 130 Chapter-XIX WORKING PLAN FOR THE FOREST PROTECTION (OVERLAPPING) 131-135 WORKING CIRCLE 19.1 General Constitution of the Working Circle 131 19.2 Major threats to the forests and management prescriptions 131 19.2.1 Smuggling and Illicit felling 131 19.2.2 Encroachment 132 19.2.3 Mining 132 19.2.4 Fire 133 19.2.5 Torch wood cutting 134 19.2.6 Grazing 134 19.2.7 Pests: 134 19.2.8 Diseases: 135 19.2.9 Parasites: 135 19.2.10 Management Measures for pests and diseases 135 136-138 Chapter-XX WORKING PLAN FOR THE NTFP (OVERLAPPING) WORKING CIRCLE 20.1 General Description of the Working Circle and Character of the 136 Crop 20.2 Objectives of Management 136 20.3 2.12.3 Management Prescriptions: 137 20.3.5 Method of Harvest: 138 20.3.6 Wallnut and Pohu Twigs: 138 Chapter – XXI Miscellaneous Regulations 139-143 21.1 Forest Roads 139 21.2 Bridges and Culverts 139 21.3 Buildings 140 21.4 Forest Demarcation and Consolidation 140 21.5 Alpine pastures and Grazing: 140 21.6 FIREWOOD SUPPLY 142 21.7 Beats and Blocks 143 21.8 MAPS 143 21.9 Compartment Descriptions 143 21.10 Draft Plan 143

Chapter – XXII ESTABLISHMENT AND 144 LABOUR 21.1 Establishment 144 21.2 Labour Supply 144 Chapter – XXIII FINANCIAL FORECAST AND 145-147 COST OF THE PLAN 23.1 Future Yield and Revenue 145 23.1.1 Revenue from Timber 145 23..1.2 Firewood 145 23.1.3 Revenue from NTFPs 145 23.2 Future Expenditure 146 23.2.1 Expenditure on account of developmental activities 146 23.2.2 Normal expenditure 146 23.3 Cost of the Plan 147 Chapter – XXIV CONTROL 148-149 24.1 Control Forms 148 24.2 Compartment Histories 148 24.3 Divisional Journal 149 24.4 Guard Books 148 Chapter – XXV SUMMARY OF PRESCRIPTIONS 150-152

LIST OF ANNEXURES

ANNEXURE Title Page I Statement showing administrative setup of anantnag division 153 - Range,Block,Beat and Comparatment wise

II Divisional area statement of administrative units – range, 154-162 block, beat and compartment wise

III Area statement of comptts. Of deodar-kail working circle 163-165

IV Area statement of comptts. Of fir selection working circle 166-168

V Area statement of comptts. Of ecological protection working 169-170 circle

VI Area statement of comptts. Of Reboisement working circle 171-173

VII Area statement of compartments of bio-aesthetic working 174 circle

VIII Range wise forest road details of Anantnag division 175-177

IX Infrastructure/establishment details of division 178-180

X Infrastructure requirement of Anantnag division 181

XI Detail of developmental activities carried out under various 182-187 schemes / sector from 2002-03 to 2012-13.

XII Estimate cost for various operations to be undertaken after 188-190 felling. XIII Details of forest area diverted for non-forestry purposes in the 191 last 10 years

PART I SUMARY OF FACTS ON WHICH THE PROPOSALS ARE BASED CHAPTER-I THE TRACT DEALT WITH

1.1. NAME AND SITUATION

1.1.1. This plan deals with Anantnag Forest Division and covers an area of 798.64 Square Kilometers. The forests of Anantnag Forest Division spread over a vast tract and are situated between 33021’ 56.63’’N to 33050’49.13” North Latitude and 750 04’04.60”E to 75032’06.59” East Longitude. The entire area exists covered by G.T. Sheet No.’s, 43- 0/1, 0/2, 0/3, 0/5, 0/6, 0/7, 0/10.

1.1.2. Occupying the south-eastern portion of Kashmir Valley, the tract chiefly lies in Anantnag District of Kashmir Province. It is bounded on the east and the south by the lofty PirPanjal mountain Range, separating it from Ramban and Kishtwar Forest Divisions. The Mattan Range of Lidder Forest Division marks the boundary of the Division on the western side.

1.2. CONFIGURATION OF THE GROUND

1.2.1. The country, in general, presents a hilly terrain with several picturesque and enticing low lying valleys. The mountainous topography spurts into numerous steep, rugged and perpetually snow covered peaks above the tree limit. The noted areas are Synthan Top and Margon Top.

1.2.2. The tract lies within an elevation zonation of 1598 meters to 5425 meters. Almost all the aspects are represented; the northern and western being prevalent. The principal forests occupy gentle to moderate slopes from 1680m to 3050 m altitude.

1.3. DRAINAGE

1.3.1. The area is drained mainly by three streams, all ultimately tributing to the River Jehlum which itself originates in the Division from a spring at Verinag. The Kuthar, Daksum, Kokarnag and Verinag Ranges are drained by the Kuthar, Bringi and the Sandran streams respectively

1.4. GEOLOGY, ROCK AND SOIL

1.4.1. Rocks of almost all classes including crystalline and metamorphic occupy large tracts of Kashmir Himalayas and occur to the south in PirPanjal. The lacustrine sediments are spread in the central portion of the valley and at places abut against the slopes of PirPanjal. Middlemiss (1910) has carried out the first detailed systematic survey in different parts of Kashmir Himalayas and classified the stratified formations of the Paleozoic’s, on fossil evidences, into Cambrian, Ordovician, Silurian, Devonian, Carboniferous and Permian formations. A regional unconformity encompassing the period from the top of Silurian’s to Middle Carboniferous is note worthy in the north western parts of Kashmir Valley. However, in the south eastern part, a continuous Paleozoic record is found. Of the Mesozoic’s, the Triassic’s are best developed in the south eastern parts of Kashmir. 1

1.1. The Geological succession as worked out in Anantnag District is as follows.

Formation Thickness in Meters Age

River terraces, Low level alluvium, pebble beds and recent Not determined Recent to sub-recent moraines

Karewa beds 2130 Late Pliocene to Pleistocene

Massive limestone 1520 Late Triassic

Limestone Dolomite 270 Middle Triassic

Khunmu-formation 100 Early Triassic

Zewan Formation 230 Late Permian

Gondawana plant beds Not Measured Permian

Panjal (Panjal trap) formations 1520 to 2130 Early Permian to Upper Triassic’s

Agglomeratic slates 1520 Upper Carboniferous, Lower Permian

Fensetella series 610 Middle Carboniferous

Syringothyris limestone 910 Early Carboniferous

Muth Quartzite’s 910 Devonian Cambrio—Silurian group (Greywacke group of Middle- Many thousands Cambrian, Ordovician, Silurian miss)

1.4.2. Lithological Description of Rock Formations :Cambrio-Silurian Group

The rocks of Cambrio-Silurian sequence in the Anantnag District are essentially detrital in character and show varying degree of metamorphism. They are composed mainly of pale, drab coloured, thin bedded slatty shale’s and fine compacted earthy sandstones. These beds are frequently sandy or micaceous but never massive. In the upper parts calcareous layers are fund. These beds occur so intimately mixed up and folded together that till recently they were together mapped as Cambrio-Silurians. The above greywacke beds form a great steep anticlinal fold with North West, South East Axis, few Kms east of Anantnag, pitching towards North West. The rocks of this formation are exposed near Nowbugh, Larnoo, Khretti, Daksum, Gadole, Kuthar, Chittergul and Uttersoo areas.

1.4.3. MuthQuartzites

This distinctive erinaceous Devonian formation known as MuthQuartzites comprise Metamorphosed predominantly banded argillaceous sandstones, erinaceous phylites, quartzchists and massive quartzites. They are exposed in Nowbugh valley near Gurdraman and at Daksum.

1.4.4. Syrinogothyris limestone

The limestone is crowded with fossils, the notable being the syringothyris-cuspidata-an index fossil characterizing these rocks.

The formation is well exposed in Ahlan Valley near Korburiah Baikh.

1.4.5. Fenestella series

It comprises a thick zone of shale’s, Sandy Shale’s, Quartzite’s and conglomerates. The shale’s are predominant at base and less so in the upper horizons. The shale’s contain fenestellas and hence the name. The formation is exposed inAhlan Valley.

1.4.6. Panjal formation

During the last phase of deposition of fenestella shale’s, the environmental conditions of Kashmir changed abruptly and what was before an area of quiet sedimentation was turned into a great centre of volcanic activity and consequently an enormous outpouring of lavas took place. The estimated thickness of these lavas is between 1500 Mtrs to 2000 Mtrs with an addition of 1500 Mtrs occurring as aAgglomeratic Slate’s. The Panjal volcanic formation is well exposed in the higher reaches of pirpanjal hills bordering the valley. It varies in composition from Phylites to augetendosite basalt. The primary constituents are Plagieclase and augite lying in semi crystalline seldom glassy ground mass with magnetic and ileminite as the important accessories. The trap is widely exposed near Indoo, Uttersoo, Larnu, Mawarnag, and west of Jawahar Tunnel. The typical Agglomeratic slate of Panjal volcanic is a dark grey rock comprising tuffs with fragments of glassy matter. In some cases the tuff like character of beds is demonstrated by well shapedcrysts of orthoclase, Plagio-clase and Quartz. On weathering it disintegrates and crumbles rapidly taking a brownier tint. The Agglomeratic slates are equally displayed in the same localities as in case of Panjal traps.

1.4.7. Zewan Formations

The rocks comprising the Zewan formations are Shale’s, Sandy Shale’s, limestones and sandstones. The beds are exposed in Uttersoo, Gohan, Ahlan, Kun Galu, Hallen and near Jawahar Tunnel.

1.4.8. Triassic’s This is the most extensively developed and widespread formation in Kashmir and forms picturesque escarpments and cliffs to the south east of Jehlum river. These carbonate rocks comprise mainly limestones with inter bedded shale’s, sandy Shale’s, erinaceous limestone’s ad 3

quartzites. The limestone is rich in calcium Carbonate while as dolomite is composed essentially of Calcium and Magnesium Carbonates. In the hills surrounding Kashmir Valley, the Triassic limestone stands out in bold relief against the dark coloured slate and rocks of Panjal formations. Here they also form the source of the numerous and copious fresh water springs namely Verinag, Anantnag, Kokernag and Achabal. The Triassic’s of Kashmir have been grouped into the following three divisions:- Table 1.2.Grouping of Triassic’s Kashmir Division Litho Units Upper Triassic’s Bluish grey to Dark Grey massive Sandy shale’s with Calcareous layers and dolomatic bands and Middle Triassic’s Quartzite’s Lower Triassic’s Shale’s and Nodular limestone bands

The upper Triassic’s are well exposed in north east and west of Achabal and Verinag. The middle Triassics are partly exposed in Achabal. The lower Triassic’s are exposed near the lower hill slopes of Akingam, Mohripora and Achabal areas.

1.4.9. Karewas

The Karewa formation, about 2000 Mtrs in thickness, occupies nearly half of the area of the Kashmir Valley. They are Lacustrine deposits supposed to have been laid down in the vast lake which was formed in the valley due to damming of its outlet at Baramulla in Pliocene – Pleistocene times. These sediments consist essentially of Lacustrine clays and sands with inter- beds of lignite seems forming the lower Karewas and the upper Karewa sediments, comprise fluvitile and Lacustrine deposits consisting of loam and gravel with marked sediments of glacial influence. The Karewa sediments are horizontally stratified until they abut against the slopes of PirPanjal, where they show dips of 50 to 200 away from the hills. The upper Karewas exposed over the gently sloping small hills, Monds and table lands near Anantnag, Lisser, Larkipora etc. The Karewas give Kashmir Valley its rich soil famous for saffron and orchard cultivation.

1.4.10. River Terraces, Low level alluvium, pebble beds and recently glacier moraines.

This unconsolidated material of recent age comprises river terraces, loams and silts, pebbles and boulders scattered usually along the flood plain of rivers and Nalas viz, Jehlum, Bringi, Sandran and glaciated valleys.

1.4.11. Soil

The soil composition is determined by the nature of the parent rock underneath it. The depth of soil varies with the slope and is comparatively shallow on Panjal volcanic formations. The composition, depth and porosity of the soil exercise great influence over the distribution of coniferous vegetation thereupon. Deodar growth is favoured by a well drained, light and loamy soil while as Kail thrives on the stiff, clayey soil derived from Karewas.

1.4.12. Mineral Resources

Veins and stringers of Asbestos have been reported in epidotic veins traversing the Panjal trap. The clay bands in Karewas hold huge reserves of industrial clays. Large deposits of limestone suitable for manufacture of Portland cement are found in Bawan-Verinag-Dooru-Zamalgam- Tserkar belt in Anantnag District. The Achabal-Bawan-Dooruare contain upper Triassic cement grade limestone deposits. It occurs as black, Opaque, Phosphate mineral-Callophane, in the form of pellets, stringers, clots and interlaminated partings of Stromatolites in upper limestone bands of permians.

1.5. CLIMATE AND RAINFALL

1.5.1. The climate varies considerable with the altitude. It is mild and salubrious in the lower elevations but very cold in higher ups. All the four seasons of the year are represented. Spring is cool and rather wet. Summer months (July to September) are dry and warm with the shade temperature rarely exceeding (310C). Autumn is bright and pleasant while as winter is extremely cold and experiences heavy snow falls. Frost is experienced from middle of November onwards.

1.5.2. Unlike the outer Himalayas there is no distinct rainy season in Kashmir Valley. The monsoon seldom crosses the formidable barrier of PirPanjal mountain range. The main form of precipitation is snow in winter and some stray rains, showering in spring or the other months of year.

Table.1.3. Average rainfall in millimeters recorded at various stations in Anantnag District

Month Kokernag (mm) Qazigund (mm) January 83.8 140.5 February 121.2 183.6 March 172.2 205.5 April 109.4 130.4 May 119.5 112.5 June 78.3 69.2 July 99.6 107.6 August 83.5 100.00 September 45.3 56.4 October 44.3 45.9 November 46.8 49.9 December 66.14 90.3

Table.1.4. Averages temperature in °C recorded at various stations in Anantnag District

Kokernag (°C) Qazigund (°C) Month Maximum Minimum Maximum Minimum January 9.8 -8.9 11.5 -7.9 February 12.9 -6.7 14.8 -6.5 March 18.7 -2.8 20.7 1.9 April 25.1 1.5 26.7 2.3 May 28.4 5.1 29.5 5.6 June 31.2 8.2 32.5 9.0 July 31.1 12.3 32.1 12.9 August 30.2 11.5 31.5 11.3 September 29.0 7.4 30.2 6.6 October 25.3 3.0 27.0 1.9 November 19.2 -1.4 21.5 1.9 December 11.9 -4.9 14.4 -4.6

1.6. WATER SUPPLY

The division is blessed with an adequate number of perennial streams viz., Kuthar, Bringi and Sandhran which are tributaries of River Jehlum, the latter has its source in a most fascinating Verinag Spring. These streams dissipate water into a network of irrigation channels and their shallow and bouldery beds render floating of timber thereby rather difficult. In fact the vehicular transportation has gone a big way in almost completely replacing the water transportation of timber in the Division. The whole tract is dotted with an appreciable number of springs supplying drinking water to the adjoining habitations. The Kokernag, Achabal and Verinag springs are famous enough for their copious fresh and cool water.

1.7. DISTRIBUTION AND AREA

1.7.1. The total area of the demarcated forests of the Division is 798.64Sq Kilometers, a sizable portion of which sustains alpine scrub and pasture lands. The distribution of area (in ha) among the various Ranges of the Division is as under:

Table.1.5. Range wise distribution of area

Range Area (ha ) Daksum Range 34737.75 Kokarnag Range 7108.15 Verinag Range 16944.75 Kuthar Range 15647.85 Qazigund Range 5394.50 Harnag Range 30.75 Total 79863.75

1.7.2. The forests are well demarcated and their boundaries abutting the agricultural lands have been delineated on the ground with the help of Boundary pillars. To discourage the menacing tendency of encroaching upon forest lands by the villagers, the old wooden pillars are being replaced by permanent red painted R.C.C pillars, duly numbered in accordance with demarcation maps and files. The Chaks scattered within the bounds of the demarcated forests is also properly demarcated with boundary pillars.

Table.1.6. Details of the boundary pillars and the length of boundary line of the division Range Interior Chaks Forest area No. of Length of No. of Length of No. of Interior boundary boundary boundary boundary Chaks (Kms) pillars (Kms) pillars Kuthar 88 87.73 1237 519.84 2309 Verinag 191 81.526 868 338.7381 1268 Kokernag 31 16.80 281 32.79 429 Daksum 6 8 24 129 299 Qazigund - - - - - Harnag - - - - -

1.8. LEGAL POSITION

1.8.1. All the state forests owe their undisputed ownership to the government of Jammu and Kashmir and fall under the administrative charge of the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Jammu and Kashmir. The forests of J&K are classified as demarcated and un-demarcated forests. There is further classification called berun lands which is in between forest boundary and revenue lands/habitations etc. All the demarcated forests come under the purview of the J&K Forest Act, 1930. The control of grazing as recorded and provided for at the time of settlement vests in the Revenue Department. Closure of a forest area to the extent of half of an individual forest subjected to the maximum of one quarter of the total area of a forest range being closed, at a time, with sufficient provisions for right of way, can be effected by the forest department with previous sanction of the Minister-In-Charge.

1.8.2. To discharge suitably its obligations for the preservation, regulation and control of forests, the forest department derives authority from the below enumerated enactments and the rules framed thereunder:-

S.NO. ACT’s AND RULES 1 The Jammu and Kashmir Forest Act (1931 A.D) 3 The Jammu and Kashmir Wildlife (Protection) Act 1978 and rules and regulations provided thereunder 2 The Forest Conservation Act 1997 4 The Jammu and Kashmir Kahcharai Act (1954 A.D) 5 The Jammu and Kashmir Soil Conservation and land improvement Scheme Act (1959 A.D) 6 The Cattle Trespass Act (1920 A.D) 7 The Biological Diversity Act, 2002 7

8 The Jammu and Kashmir Forest (Protection)Force Act, 2001 9 The Jammu and Kashmir Nationalisation of Forest Working Act 1987 10 The Jammu and Kashmir Willow (Prohibition on Export and Import and Movement) Act 2000, Rules 2002 11 The Jammu and Kashmir Preservation of Specified Trees Act, 1969

The State has formulated its own Jammu and Kashmir Forest Policy in the year 2011 to act a guiding light for present and future course of action of the Forest Department

1.9. RIGHTS AND CONCESSIONS

No rights, as such, are recognized by the State but the villagers putting up in near vicinities of the forests enjoy liberal concessions as embodied in Kashmir Forest Notice in lieu of some of their obligations towards improvement and protection of these forests. All villagers residing within three miles (5Kmr) of the boundary of the demarcated forests have been considered as concessionists provided that the forest is not detached from their village of residence by an unfordable stream at its lowest winter level. Some of the important concessions granted to such concessionists included grant of timber (Fir and Kail only) at 2.5 % of the standard sale rates invogue for the bonafide use of villagers (‘A” Class concessionists) residing within 3 miles/ 5 Kilometers of the demarcated forests and at 25% of the standard rates for Zamindars (‘B” Class Concessionists) residing within 3 to 5 miles / 5-8 Kilometers distance limit of such forests The practice of granting trees at concession rates under “Kashmir Forest Notice” was stopped in 1980 latter on it was re-opened due to heavy demands from the people. The other concessions provide for free grant of tree/timber to fire sufferers and calamity hit people for the reconstruction of their houses within “A” Concession zone. The timber particularly from Broad Leaved species such as Aesculus indica and Prunus cornutaetc is granted free of charge to the concessionists for agricultural implements and so are the NTFP’s granted to them for their domestic use. The concessionists are allowed free removal of torch wood from dry stumps besides grass cutting, grazing and brush wood collection in all the forests except those specially closed for the purpose. The concessionists also enjoy lopping of forest trees excepting Conifers, Walnut, Ash, Bhojpathri etc. In addition, the concessionists may collect felling refuse and debris for burning purposes from recently vacated coupes; the concession limit in such case extends upto 5 miles/8 Kms.

Table 1.7. Details of timber supplied at concession rates from 20030-04 to 2012-13.

Timber issued Timber issued from FSDs under Kashmir S.No Year Notice Total Deptl. Ext. (number/Volume in cft) A B M/C C 1 2012-13 240/22807 64921 13949 56217 16403 151490 114018

2 2011-12 251/24174 64936 13710 59351 15440 153437 114018

3 2010-11 200/17559 69736 16881 45493 15726 147836 142882

4 2009-10 134/12159 70469 14960 40901 19437 145767 88700

5 2008-09 75/4901 64260 11539 15065 21302 112166 63927

6 2007-08 0 74797 11743 0 2425 88965 74374

7 2006-07 0 54230 9727 0 2681 66638 69443

8 2005-06 0 38497 8406 56095 59026 162024 48412

9 2004-05 0 45453 9116 0 112723 167292 82884

10 2003-04 0 44903 1024 0 99596 145523 64859

1.9.1. GRAZING

The grazing rules prevalent in the State are liberal enough. There is no bar as regards to the number of cattle grazing in the demarcated forests or the distance they come from. This however, definitely does not apply to the areas specially closed for the purpose. The browsing by the goats in the deodar forests is prohibited. On the recommendations of the Anti Erosion Committee, the control of fluctuating grazing has been transferred to the forest department.

The grazing is being regulated under the Jammu and Kashmir Khahcharai Act 1954 and the rules framed thereunder. Khahcharai leviable upon the various categories of animals under the provisions of the Act amended vide S.R.O No. 147 of 11-03-1978 is indicated below:-

Table.1.8. Details of rates applicable for various animals

S. No Kind of Animal Rate ‘A’ Rate ‘B’ Rate ‘C’ 01 Pack Bullocks 0.80 0.80 0.80 02 Teli Bullocks 0.50 1.00 2.00 03 Buffaloes 1.80 3.15 11.25 04 Riding Ponies 2.50 3.75 7.50 05 Pack Ponies, Mules 2.80 2.80 5.00 06 Donkeys 0.65 0.65 0.65 07 Sheep for Ladakh 0.15 0.20 0.60 08 Camels 5.00 10.00 15.00 Goats imported for commercial 09 ------2.50 purpose 10 Sheep for rest of State 0.15 0.20 0.65 Sheep imported for commercial 11 ------0.20 purposes

Table 1.9. Details of the migratory animals that grazed in the division during the year 2012-13

Range Category of animals Grazing tax Goats Sheeps Buffaloes Horses/Poines recovered Kuthar 1743 2945 0 357 6258.00 Kokernag 45085 67380 522 4635 - Daksum 3420 6628 323 691 797 Verinag 14000 13000 230 1600 / 160 1360.00 Qazigund 45000 25000 500 4000 / 2000 696.00 Harnag - - - - -

Table 1.10. Details of the domestic animals that grazed in the division during the year 2012-13

Range Category of animals Cattle Goats/sheeps Buffaloes Horses/Ponies Poultry Kuthar 2070 15822 282 1938 11749 Kokernag 49675 72820 980 6875 10250 Daksum 7530 10063 501 665 7000 Verinag 13000 3261 / 8156 - 595 / - 6000 Qazigund 7500 6040 / 10510 209 204 / 182 12250 Harnag 13420 14120 11 30 25000

Table 1.11. Table showing amount recovered on account of grazing (range wise) w.e.f 2003-04 to 2012-13

Amount S.No YEAR Qazigund Verinag Kokernag Daksum Kuthar Kulgam Recovered (In Rs) 1 2003-04 356 1228 0 248 0 0 1832

2 2004-05 196 856 0 937 0 0 1989

3 2005-06 0 257 0 1835 0 0 2092

4 2006-07 0 2125 500 4642 0 0 7267 5 2007-08 0 0 0 3428 0 0 3428 6 2008-09 0 1070 0 3206 0 0 4276

7 2009-10 500 952 0 500 0 0 1952

8 2010-11 840 2330 0 1683 0 0 4853

9 2011-12 0 1528 0 0 0 0 1528

10 2012-13 0 1360 0 797 0 0 2157

TOTAL 1892 11706 500 17276 0 0 31374

CHAPTER-IIA FOREST FLORA

2.1. TREES

2.1.1. The Anantnag Forest Division is bestowed with valuable conifer species such as Deodar, Kail, Fir and Spruce. Other commonly occurring trees species of this division is tabulated as under.

Botanical Name Common Elevation Family Name (m ASL) Abies pindrow Lindl Fir/ Badlu 2300-3600 Pinaceae Aesculus indica,colebr Hunakdun 2000-2800 Sapindaceae Cedruslibani var. Deodara Deodara 2000-2500 Pinaceae Juglans regia, L Dun 2000-3000 Juglandaceae Morusnigra, L Tul 1500-2000 Moraceae Parrotiopsis jacquemmontina Poa 1800-3500 Hamamelidaceae Picea smythiana, Link Spruce 2400-3600 Pinaceae Pinus excela, Wall Kail 2000-2500 Pinaceae Populus alba Linn. Phrast 2000-2200 Salicaceae Populus ciliata Phrast 2000-2200 Salicaceae Populus nigra Linn. Phrast 2000-2200 Salicaceae Robinea pseudoacacia, L Kikur 1500-3000 Fabaceae Taxus baccata, L Yew 2000-3500 Taxaceae Ulmus wallichiana, Planch Bren 2200-3000 Ulmaceae

2.1.2. The Forests of the Division are predominantly coniferous with sprinkling of broad leaved species. The conifers of the economic essence are Deodar (Cedrus deodara), Kail (Pinus Wallichiana), Fir (Abies pindrow) and Spruce (Picea smithiana). Associations of Yew (Taxus buccata) and traces of Junipers (Juniperus recurva) are met with locally. The distribution pattern of conifers viz., Kail, Deodar and Fir generally conforms to the altitudinal zonation. The climate, aspect, slope, geology and soil exercise their influence as well. The conifers get purer within their respective habitats. Deodar, as a pure crop or as an associate of Kail is represented mainly in the kuthar and kokernag range albeit some stray patches of it also are conspicuously present elsewhere in the Division. Kail Constitutes the main crop in lower elevations. It generally predominates on the southern aspects and exposed slopes. Fir comes as a principal species higher up and extends to the alpine zone above where it gives way to Rhododendrons, Birch, Junipers and high level willows. Still higher, the alpine pastures with all their luxuriant ground flora appear. Spruce, in smaller percentage, is admixed with Fir while as the Yew occurs in abundance locally. The broad leaved trees, in more or less pure patches, are found along nallas, cooler aspects and shady ravines, walnut (Juglans regia), Horse Chest nut (Aesculus indica ), Maples (Acer caesium), Ash (Fraxinus excelsior), Pohu (Parrotiopsis jacquemontiana) constitute the main broad leaved species found in tract.

2.2. DEODAR FORESTS

2.2.1. The most valuable and commercially important species of Deodar is poorly represented in the Division. It is usually found on more or less easy slopes and well drained loamy soil between an elevation of 1830mtrs, to 2440 m.a.m.s.l. Deodar occurs pure or mixed with Kail. It is found in the form of a belt in the ‘Arapat’ valley from Achabal to ‘Poshnadi’. Patches of Deodar are met with elsewhere too in Akingam in Kuthar whereas the species is dotted in the closures above the Verinag and Kokernag springs. The species is totally lacking in the Naubug, Bringi, Ahlan, Sandran valleys.

2.2.2. Deodar regenerates well in its habitat zone where dense seedlings and saplings occur in a abundance. Natural regenerations of Deodar is fine where the soil is well drained and porous. The suppression resulting out of the tangled growth of pohu (Parrotiopsis jacquemontiana) and the heavy incidence of grazing are inimical factors for Deodar regeneration. The Broad leaved associates of Deodar include walnut (Juglans regia), Bird cherry (Prunus cornuta) Hazal (Corylus colurna), Maple (Acer spp), Horse chest nut (Aesculus indica), Hum (Fraxinus excelsior) and Haryal (Quercus dilatata in compartment 4/Achabal only). The common shrubs constituting the undergrowth are pohu (Parrotiopsis jacquemontiana), Guchi (Viburnum foetens), Luni (Cotoneasterspp) and Kotz(Indigoferasps). The ground cover is comprised of Bonafsha (Viola canescens), Wild straw berry (Fragaria vesica) and Gebo grass (Oryzopsis aquiglumis).

2.3. KAIL FORESTS

2.3.1. Kail is the main conifer in the Deodar Kail zone. The species usually forms a pure, homogenous and evenaged crop but is occasionally admixed intimately with Deodar in its zone or with Fir over higher reaches and cooler aspects. Being a colonizer, Kail takes a lead over other conifer in establishing itself on the fresh alluvial sites, stiff clays; ill drained soils and openings, whether easy or steep, provided given some time and protection. As the habitat conditions improve and become damp, Kail is seen giving way to comparatively more mesophytic Deodar. On karewa beds Kail appears to be serial in succession. It occurs gregariously on all aspects between 1700 to 2200 mtrs, elevation above m.s.l. but may extend upto 2400 mtrs, as well, on warmer aspects. The Kail crop of the Division is predominantly middle aged albeit mature trees are discernible near habitations, along the lower fringes of forests and where ever the canopy is broken.

2.3.2. The natural regeneration of Kail does come up profusely if accorded little protection. The young saplings and poles seen in the Division at various places viz., Compartment 4,28,95 b/K etc, is nothing but a post conservancy crop . The regeneration, however, suffers considerably from the odds of heavy grazing and illicit damage, which factors are responsible for its absence near habitations. The broad leaved associates of Kail are, more or less, same as that of Deodar.

2.4. FIR FORESTS

2.4.1. The Fir zone lies between 2153 mtrs, and 3380 mamsl. The Fir forests essentially cloth most of the Catchment areas of the principal streams of the tract and constitute more or less pure stands. The species, however, forms a light mixture with Kail on exposed sites and extends down into the Kail zone along the cooler damp aspects and shady depressions. Beyond 3380 mtrs elevation, Fir attains 13

a stunted form to get finally replaced by the high level broad leaved species viz.,., Betula, Rhododendron etc, Spruce forms a little percentage of the Fir crop. The Fir crop is mainly middle aged to mature while as the younger age classes either constitute a smaller percentage of the crop or are absent. The principal Fir forests of the Division are distributed in Kuthar Range and partly in Ahlan and Sandran valleys of Verinag Range.

2.4.2. Regeneration of Fir, as a whole, is deficient although patches of it are discernible in Forests of Lessu and Matihundoo (Kuthar) and Lainz (Verinag). Fir regeneration, in itself, is never a problems but its establishment is. The inimical factors responsible include thick deposits of under composed humus, unregulated and excessive summer grazing, heavy weed growth and the low moisture retentively of the steep higher reaches.

2.4.3. The Broad leaved associates of the Fir are Bird cherry (Prunus cornuta), Maples (Acer caesium), Horse chest nut. (Aesculus indica) ,Urni (Corylus colurna) etc, The shrubs met with include Viburrnum species. Sambucus ebulus, Skimmia laureola, Podophyllum hexandrum and Parrotiopsis jacquemontiana. The ground flora abounds in Viola species; Fragaria spp; Polygonum spp; Rumex spp; Anemone spp; Phytolaca spp; Aralias pp; Actaea spp; and the Atropa spp. The Fir forests are also associated by spurce (Picea smithiana ) and Yew (Taxus buccata ) at places.

2.4.4. Yew( Taxus buccata) does occur locally and singularly or sometimes in small patches over the moist and shady places and is met with in Compartment 20,33,34,35,86/K,79b,82b,90a/Verinag. The species is being sought after and hacked mercilessly the local villagers for use in the construction of their Kothas.

2.5. Broad Leaved Species:

2.5.1. The Broad leaved species are confined in patches, almost exclusively to the moist depressions, dam aspects and glens formed by the streams in the coniferous zone. Along the foot of Pir Panjal to Hallan (Verinag Range), there exists more or less a belt of broad leaved species which constituted a virgin Zanglu forest in the past. These forests have reached a miserable state owing to ruthless fillings, overgrazing and deficient natural regeneration and very little attention has paid to rehabilitate or regenerate them.

2.5.2. The important species met with in such forests are walnut (Juglans regia) Horse chest nut (Aesculus indica, Bird cherry (Prunus cornuta ), Maples (Acer caesium), Urni (Corylus colurna) Ash (Fraxinus excelsior) Arkhor (Rhus succedenea) and Pohu (Parrotiopsis jacquemontiana). With the rise in altitude the Fir zone gradually fades into a vast grassy tract of alpine meadows, popularly called as merges, which extend right upto the perpetual snow line. Beyond 3200 mtrs, elevation alpine scrub of Junipers (Juniperas recurva ), High level Rhododendrons, willows and patches of Birch (Betula utilis) replace Fir. ‘The Margs, sustain a rich variety of alpine flora consisting of the species of Potentilla, Primula, Corydalis, Caltha, Gentiana , Aconite, Jurenuia, Anderosace, Anemone, Agrotis, Dactylis etc. These pasture lands are the source sustenance for the flocks of Bakerwals, grazing there during summer months.

2.6. Forest Typology:

2.6.1. A pronounced differentiation in structure and floristic is discernible in the present day vegetation of Kashmir Valley to that described by Champion and Seth in their revised classification of forest types of India. The slopes of PirPanjal mountain Range facing the valley overwhelmingly sustain a mesophytic type of temperate vegetation with conifer as its main component. The broad leaved clement is scattered throughout these forests in a light mixture particularly along moist depressions and sometimes in higher exposed elevations i. e., alpine ‘margs’.

2.6.2. The vegetation of Kashmir valley differs considerably from that of outer Himalayas, perhaps due to the alterations in climate and soil which followed change the topography under went in the glaciations era. The PirPanjal consequently was uplifted to act as a formidable barrier to the monsoon winds. The little rain the valley experiences in summer months is due to the precipitation of winds that escape in through the Jehlum Gorge.

2.7. GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF GROWING STOCK

2.7.1. The Kashmir forests are classified in the revised classification of Forest types by champion and Seth under the broad type groups 12,13,14 & 15 but do not strictly conform to on account of the diversity in structure and composition . An attempt has been made hereunder to identify the forest types of Kashmir valley with special reference to Kashmir Forest Division, within the overall frame work of the champion’s classification.

The broad groups are nomenclatured as follows:

I. Kashmir valley Temperate Forests.

II. Kashmir Valley Sub Alpine Forests.

III. Kashmir Valley Alpine Forests.

2.7.2. Group I: Kashmir valley Temperate Forests:

The group corresponds to the type groups 12 & 13 of Champion and Seth’s classification. The forests are predominantly coniferous and the associations tend to get dominated by a single or a few species. The deciduous component is confined to damp depressions, Nallah banks or the moist glens. Numerous grassy “margs” exist in the tract. The forests extend within an altitudinal zone of 1500 mtrs, to 2300 mtrs and are identifiable into two sub groups.

Sub Group ‘I’ A: Valley (Low level) Forests

Sub Group ‘I’ B: Motane (High level) Forests.

2.7.2.1. Sub Group I A: Valley (Low level) Forests.

The sub group occurs on the Karewa deposits with gentle slopes from 1000 to 2300 Mtrs, elevation. Being in close proximity of habitations, these forests are subjected to heavy grazing, lopping and other biotic interferences. Such group is further divisible as under: 15

Sub Type I A I: Low level Blue Pine Forests

Sub type I A 2: Low level Deodar Forests

Sub type I A 3: Low Level Broad Leaved Forests.

2.7.2.1.1 I A I: Low Level Blue Pine Forests:

The sub type is represented within an altitude of 1700 to 2300 mtrs, on comparatively drier but easy slopes as well as on fresh alluvium, the Karewa formations and the degenerated sites. Pure Kail crop dominates these forests and its colonization on recent and exposed sites is a common feature. The sub type corresponds to the group 12/2S1 of champion’s revised classification of Forests types.

These forests are serial in nature and are distributed over the gentle to moderately steep slopes on either side of the low lying perennial Nallah’s of the Division viz.,Bringi, Sandran, and generally a bound in post conservancy crop.

Floristic: i. Pinus wallichiana. ii. Juglans regia, Aesculus indica, Fraxinus excelsior. iii. Parrotiposis jacquemontiana,Viburnum, foetens, Cotoneaster spp. Indigofera spp. Rubus spp. Berberis spp. iv. Fragaria spp. Plantingo spp. Taraxicum spp. Verbascum spp, Oryzopsis spp.

2.7.2.1.2. I A 2 : Low Level Deodar Forests:

The Deodar forests extend from 1600 to 2100 mtrs, elevation, generally as pure crop, on the well drained Karewa deposits with a boundary sub soil. However some Kail is mixed occasionally, particularly towards the upper limits and on ill drained sites. The trees attain a luxuriant growth with a straight clear below Parrotiopsis spp. Comes up as a common shrub underneath. The sub type corresponds to group 13/c2b of Champion’s revised classification.

The forests regenerate adequately and constitute an Edaphic climax. They are distributed in the Division mainly over the ‘Kuthar‘ drainage although some of the associations are also :

Floristics: i. Cendrus deodara ii. Junglans spp. Aesculus spp. Ulmus spp. Fraxinus spp iii. Parrotiopsis spp, Viburnum Spp. Indigofera spp, Desmodium spp. Berberis spp. Cotoneaster spp. iv. Fragaria spp, Taraxicum spp. Viola spp. Thymus spp. Oryzopsis spp.

2.7.2.1.3. IA3: Low Level Broad leaved Forests:

Distributed within an altitudinal limit of 1800 to 2300 mtrs, the sub type occurs in damp depressions, nallas and on slopes that have suffered severely on account of heavy biotic impact in the past. Excessive felling, lopping and grazing nearly cleared these sites of tree crop and the resultant heavy openings in the canopy paved way for a gregarious growth of shrubs. The sub type conforms to the group 12/C1 e of Champion’s revised classification. 16

Floristics: i. Juglans spp; Prunus spp; Corylus spp; Asculus spp; Acer spp; and with scattered trees of Pinus wallichiana, Picea smithiana and Abies pindrow ii. Crategus spp; Euonymus spp iii. Parrotiopsis spp; Viburnum spp; Lonicera spp; Sambucus spp;

2.7.2.2 IB: Montane( High level) Forests:

The sub group extends upto an altitude of 2600 mtrs, and constitutes the main part of commercially important coniferous crop. The topography is comparatively steep and the conditions are mesophytic. The deciduous component is confined to the nallah banks or the moist hollows. The below enumerated sub types are identifiable in the sub group.

I B I ; Montane mixed coniferous Forests

I B 2 ; High level Kail Forests,

I B 3 : Montane Deciduous Forests.

2.7.2.2.1. IBI: Montane mixed Coniferous Forests.

The sub type is distributed within an elevation zone of 1800 mtrs to 2500 mtrs and is represented by a mixed crop of all the principal conifers. The preponderance of an individual species is dictated by the aspect, altitude and soil conditions. These forests correspond to group 12/c1d of Champion’s classification.

The forests constitute the main bulk of the forests of the Division. Kail is in serial stage yielding place to Fir and Deodar in upper and lower reaches respectively, as the conditions get moister.

Floristic: i. Cedrus deodara, Pinus wallichiana, Abie pindrow, Picea smithina , Taxus buccata; ii. Juglans spp; Aesculus spp; Acer spp; Fraxinus spp; Prunus spp; iii. Viburnum spp; Sambucus spp; Parrotiopsis spp; Skimmia spp; Podephyllum spp; iv. Fragaria spp; Rumex spp; Polygonum spp; Viola spp; Anemone spp; Phytoluca spp;

2.7.2.2.2.IB I: High Level Blue Pine Forests:

These forests of pure Kail are distributed in the form of a belt above mixed coniferous Forests and extend upto the timber line, on a steep to precipitous topography .The crop is generally young of open type and somewhat stunted in growth Several trees are rotten and infested with Armi (Areceuthobium minutissimum). The sub type corresponds to group’s 13/G4 and 14/2sI of Champion’s revised classification.

The sub type is serial in character (Secondary succession) and is met with in Anantnag Forest Division at Lehanwan and Ahlan

Floristic: i. Pinus wallichiana ii. Juglans spp; Aesculus spp; Acer spp; Fraxinus spp iii. Viburnum spp; Desraodium spp; Parrotiopsis spp iv. Fragaria spp: Polygonum spp; Atropa spp: Aralias spp

2.7.2.2.3. IB3: Montane deciduous Forests.

The sub type is distributed within an altitudinal zonation of 1800 - 2700 mtrs and occurs in Patches in the cool depressions and moist glens on northern aspects in the mixed coniferous forests. It corresponds to the group 13/C3 of Champion’s classification.

The sub type is an edaphic post climax to the coniferous forests on slopes and is found in the Division at ’Kapran ,Ahlan, Poshnarie, etc.

Floristic: i. Juglans spp; Prunus spp; Aesculus spp; Acer spp: Fraxinus spp; Salix spp; Popular spp; ii. Parotiopsis spp; Vibarnum spp; Cotoneaster spp; Skimmia spp; Indigofera spp; Sambueus spp; Rosa spp; iii. Fragaria spp; Rumes spp; Polygonum spp; Viola spp; Thymus spp:

2.7.3.Group II: Kashmir Valley sub Alpine Forest:

The group lies within altitudinal limits of 2200 - 3300 mtrs and comprises predominantly of Abies pindrow which gives way to Abies spectablis higher up Kail is found in mixture on exposed slopes whereas the Board leaved trees of Betula occur along the upper reaches near timber line. The type corresponds to group 14/cb of champion’s classification. The ecological status of these forests is climatic climax.

Floristic: i. Abies pindrow, Abies spectabillis, Pinus wallichina, Picea smithiana ii. Betula spp; Prunus spp; Acsculus spp: Acer spp; iii. Parrotiopsis spp; Sambucus spp; Skimmia spp;Podophyllum spp; iv. Atropa spp; Phytoluca spp; Adiantum spp;

2.7.4. Group III : Kashmir valley alpine Forests:

The type group is distributed beyond the elevation of 3400 mtrs and mainly consists of vast tree less pastures having scattered scrub vegetation. The type corresponds to the group 13 of Champion’s classification two sub types are identified in this group.

III. A: Alpine scrub.

III B : Alpine pasture land

2.7.4.1.III A: Alpine scrub:

The sub type occurs close to the tree limit and comprises of scrub vegetation of the short statured Betula, Junipers and Rhododendrons. The sub type corresponds to the Champion’s groups 15/G2 and is distributed in the Division.

Floristic: i. Betula utilis, Juniperous recurva: Rhododendron spp. ii. Viburnum spp; Lonicera spp; Berberis spp; iii. Aconitum spp; Primila spp; Euphorbia spp: Mentha spp;

2.7.4.2. III B: Alpine Pasture land

These extensive pastures (margs) bear a luxuriant growth of perennial herbs and other Grasses. The sub type is tree less albeit stray shrubs are met with occasionally. The sub type corresponds to the Champion’s group 15/3c. The ecological status of these pasture lands is not certain and may probably be a biotic climax.

Floristic:

Myosotics spp: Cynoglossum spp; Primulas spp; Fritillaria spp; Androsac spp; Gentiana spp; Aster spp; Saussurea spp;

2.8. INJURIES TO WHICH THE FOREST CROP IS LIABLE.

The forest crop is amenable to the damages by two main categories of agencies.

(a). Biotic(b). Abiotic

The injuries of biotic type include those caused by the man, his cattle insects and pests.

a1. Grazing

The unscientific practice of heavy and unregulated grazing is responsible for a great amount of harm to the forest crop in the Division. Controlled and light grazing decidedly yields dividends by paving the way for successful germination of the seeds and the better establishment of the regeneration; but if the grazing is excessive and unrestricted , the young shoots are damaged, devoured and trampled whereas the soil gets hardened to render the regeneration a failure. The high grazing incidence is a common feature to see in the forests fringing habitations and villages. Such forests are exposed to over grazing by an unlimited and ever increasing cattle population.

a2. Fires

The forest fires inflict heavy damage to the woods by killing the trees of all age classes in general and the young regeneration in particular. The apparent survivals in the neighborhood, too, get rotten under its impact. The forest fires are generally the consequence of carelessness or the incendiaries by Gujjars who set forests on fire to improve the grass growth for their cattle. The fires are not, however, common in the Division except for during the year of drought. 19

a3. Lopping

The incidence of lopping the conifers and the zang Species, particularly in the forests near habitations is heavy enough. The malpractice mutilates a plant, cuts down its photosynthetic surface, the effects physiological vigor and leads to the formation of candelabras. Lopping also injures the trees by exposing them to the attacks of fungi and parasites.

a4. Torch wood extraction

The destructive practice of torch wood extraction is the source of great damage to the Kail trees adjoining villages and bahaks. The villagers cunningly scoop out the tree trunk at the base, with the dual intention of extracting torch wood for burning and to lift the tree away once it falls down under the load of wind or snow.

Table 2.2. Details of fire incidence of the division

Year No. Range (Area burnt in ha) Total of Kuthar Verinag Kokernag Daksum Qazi Harnag area fires gund burnt (ha) 2003-04 ------2004-05 05 1 4 2 - - - 7 2005-06 06 7 - - 19.01 - - 26.01 2006-07 11 1.87 5 0.6 1.03 - - 8.5 2007-08 20 17.01 0.4 26 01 3.15 - 47.56 2008-09 4 1.05 - 0.35 - - - 1.4 2009-10 13 10 4 12.5 5 - - 31.5 2010-11 4 - - 0.05 0.15 - - 0.2 2011-12 7 20 52 - - - - 72 2012-13 1 2 - - - - - 2 Total 71 59.93 65.4 41.5 26.19 3.15 - 196.17 Average 7.1 5.99 6.54 4.15 2.61 0.31 - 19.61

a5. Encroachment

The villagers motivated by the land hunger do resort to encroaching upon he forest lands adjoining their own cultivations. The trees, by mercilessly girdling them and burning at the base, are made to dry and fall down. The boundary pillars are damaged or dislocated so as to extend and expand the limits of private cultivations well within the forest bounds.

a6. Illicit damage

The Despite several am entities liberally enjoyed by them, the villagers render irrevocable damage to forest crop by illicit felling of trees and smuggling of timber. The forests are being considered as “No man’s Property” and subjected to the maltreatment in violation of rules and regulations. The population explosion, hike in the living standard of villagers and the rapid urbanization pose a threat to the very existence of forests which have to be safeguarded by strict protection and mass education. 20 a7. Fungi

The most devastating fungus is the Fomes pini. It attacks Kail and Deodar trees generally when they are over mature, diseased, lopped or hit by the lightning. The fungus attack is the source of heart rot in Kail and ring or collar rot in Deodar. The attack is, however, not very common in the forests of the Division. Barcalayella deformans renders damage to the trees of Fir and Spruce occasionally while as Fomes fomentorius infects the less vigorous and unhealthy trees of broad leaved species viz., Walnut , Ash etc. a8. Parasites

Armi (Arceuthobium minutissimum) attack is commonly discernible on Kail species generally in the localities higher up. The trees attacked by the parasite start drying and their branches get clustered to form what is popularly known as “witches broom”. Such trees lose their vitality and vigor and often succumb. The ‘Army’ attack is of common occurrence in the forests of Daksum, Ahlan etc. a9. Insects

Insect attack is not significant in the forests of the Division. The broad leaved species viz.,. Horse chestnut and Maples are defoliated in the early summer by caterpillars of Lepidopterous insect. Longicorn beetles form galleries in the tree trunks of Walnut. Certain Scolytidea insects attack dead and diseased trees of Deodar while as Euzophora cedrella moth occasionally damages its cones which turn pale and do not develop further. The Cicadids damage the Kail forests. Weak and debarked poles of Kail are also attacked by the insects of Tomicum species. Cock chafer grubs and cutworms attack the nursery seedlings and should be eliminated by the use of insecticides. a10.Wild animals

The black bears, the flying squirrels and the monkeys do a great deal of damage to the trees. The black bear strips off the bark of Kail and Deodar poles so as to lick the sap in spring. The flying squirrels, Jays and parrots damage the cones of conifers. The monkeys lavishly devour the Pine seeds, Walnuts and Hazelnuts.

b. Abiotic agencies

The natural agencies such as wind, snow, flood, drought and lightning’s render considerable damage to the forests, at places. The wind uproots the trees, especially those scooped at the base. The young saplings and poles of conifers get broken under the heavy, crushing load of snow in winter. The avalanches and land slips uproot and break the trees particularly on steeper topography. The extent of damage caused by the forest drought and lightning is negligible in the Division.

CHAPTER II B FOREST FAUNA

2.9. General Description A variety of fauna is found in this division because of varied climatic conditions and altidundanal zonation prevailing in the tract. The list as well as description of some of the species is given as under Table:2.4. Wild Animals listed in the Anantnag division: Zoological Name Local Name English Name Moschus chrysogaster Roos (Kashmiri) Himalayan Musk Deer Cervus elaphus hanglu Hangul (Kashmiri) Kashmir Red Deer Capra ibex Kaeilbakri (Kashmiri) Asiatic Ibex Capricornis sumatraensis Jungle bakri (Kashmiri) Himalayan Serow Naemorhedus goral Jungle bakri (Kashmiri) Himalayan Goral Presbytis entellus wandur(Kashmiri) Common Langur Macaca mulatta panzu(Kashmiri) Rhesus Macaque Panthra pardus Suh (Kashmiri) Common Leopard Uncia uncial Sheen-e-Suh (Kashmiri): Snow Leopard Felis chaus Laeeshbroor (Kashmiri) Jungle Cat Folis bongalonsis Ctzribroor (Kashmiri) Trevelyan’s Leopard Cat Crocidura murina Anna gaggur (Kashmiri) Brown Musk Shrew Herpestes auropunctatus Nool (Kashmiri) Small Indian Mongoose Martes flavigula Gran (Kashmiri) Yellow Throated Martin Marmota caudate Tarshoon(Shina) Himalayan Marmot Mergaderma spectrum Rati-kreer(Kashmiri) Kashmir Vampire Nyetalus lessleri Rati-kreer(Kashmiri) Leisler’s Hairy-Armed Bat Rattus rattus Gaggur (Kashmiri) Kashmir House Rat Nesolia indica Buddigaggur(Kashmiri) Short-Tailed Bandicoot Rat Sicista indica Jungle-gaggur(Kashmiri) Birch Mouse Eoglaucomysfimbriatus vetcen(Kashmiri) Small Kashmir Flying Squirrel Ursus arctos Kanihaputh (kashmiri) Himalayan Brown Bear Ursus thibetanus Haputh Asiatic Black Bear Canis aureus Shaal (Kashmiri) Jackal Canis lupus Rami hoon, Khar- suh Wolf Cuon alpinus Ramkun (Kashmiri) Wild Dog Vulpus vulpus Loh (Kashmiri) Hill Fox

2.10. Mammals

2.10.1.Carnivora

2.10.1.1.THE LEOPARD OR PANTHER ( Panthera pardus) It is commonly known as ‘Chita’ or ‘Chitra’ by the locals. Its presence is felt throughout the division. Sometimes it kills domestic animals, with the result that locals hunt this animal largely for protecting their livestock. Its number is on sharp decline.

2.10.1.2. THE SNOW LEOPARD (Panthera uncia). It is expected to be found in the Daksum range in higher reaches. It generally inhabits the snow capped mountains.

2.10.1.3. THE JUNGLE CAT ( Felis chaus) A small number is found in lower scrub forests of this division. It prays upon small animals and birds. This cat has long legs comparatively short tail and distinctive pale green eyes exhibiting a cruel expression.

2.10.1.4. THE SMALL INDIAN MANGOOSE (Herpestes auropunctatus) Its small size, shorter tail, olive-brown gold-flecked, soft silky fur are distinctive. This animal lives in holes it burrows by itself. It is mostly found in low lying areas of this division and around cultivated fields. It feeds on rats, mice, snakes, scorpions, centipedes, wasps and insects.

2.10.1.5. THE JACKAL(Cains aureus) This animal is commonly found in the division up to elevation of 1500 meters above mean sea level, mostly around towns, villages and cultivation areas; sheltering in holes in the ground, dense grass and scrub. It is nocturnal in habit. It sometimes attacks small domestic animals like goat, sheep, and their young ones and birds. It is one of the most common scavengers in nature.

2.10.1.6. THE RED FOX ( Vulpes vulpes) It is mostly found in the upper sub-temperate and temperate zone of the tract. It is generally red in colour

2.10.1.7. THE INDIAN FOX (Vulpes bengalensis) This fox is frequently found near habitations It lives in burrows dug by itself in open ground or in the scrub. It feeds on small mammals, reptiles and insects

2.10.1.8. INDIAN WILD DOG ( Cuon alpinus) Similar to domestic dog in general appearance with deep red colour of the coat, this animal is rarely found in the forests of this division mostly surrounding the villages. It preys upon other wild animals.

2.10.1.9. BROWN BEAR ( Ursus arctos) It is commonly known as ‘LalBhalu’ because of reddish brown colour of its coat. It is heavier in built than black bear. Open peaks high above the tree line an its usual haunts. It is widely prevalent in the division. It is omnivorous; prefers grasses, ants, termites, honey, variety of fruits and flowers. Many a times it attacks sheep and goats when hungry

2.10.1.10. THE HIMALAYAN BLACK BEAR ( Selenarctos thibetanus) It is black in colour with characteristic ‘V’ shaped breast mark which may be white, yellow or buff. In summers it is found near the tree line ( 3000 to 3500 metres), whereas it descends to low lying area during the winter months. It lives on a variety of wild fruits berries, insets, termites and larvae. It raids the maize fields and

some times causes heavy damage to the crop. It is more carnivorous in food habits than other bears and kills sheep, goats and even larger domestic animals. Many a times, even human beings are mauled/killed by this animal.

2.10.1.11. THE HIMALAYAN WEASEL .(Mustela sibirica) The Himalayan weasel lives in temperate and alpine forests and open grass and scrub above tree line. It hunts rats, birds and their eggs.

2.10.1.12. THE STONE ( Martes foina) Its built suggests a mixture of squirrel and cat. It has moderately long legs, and tail about half as long as its head and body. It generally inhabits the temperate and alpine zone of the division and is rarely found below 1500 meters. It lives both in the forests, and on the barren heights above tree line. It prays on voles, mouse-hare, lizards and snakes. It also feeds on honey, nuts and fruits

2.11. Rodents

2.11.1. THE RED FLYING SQUIRREL (Petaurista petaurista) It inhabits the Deodar, Kail and Fir forests. It has a thick fur covering and a tail longer than the length of the body. It feeds on fruits and nuts of various trees, barks, gums, resin and sometimes on small insects and their larvae.

2.11.2. THE INDIAN FIELD MOUSE (Mus booduga) It is common in fields, compounds, and generally ventures into the houses. It lives in burrows and feeds on grass, fruits, roots and nuts etc. It damages agricultural crops, nurseries and plantations

2.11.3. THE INDIAN PORCUPINE (Hystrix indica) It favours rocky hill sides of kuthar range. Its hair is completely modified into spine like structures. The neck and shoulders are crowned with a crest of bristles 15 to 30 cm long. The quills on the back are very profuse, and are ornamental with deep brown or black and white rings. It damages nurseries and young plantations.

2.11.4. THE INDIAN HARE (Lepus nigricollis) This animal is commonly found up to an elevation of 2500 meters. It is earthy brown in colour and generally weights between 2-3 kg. when fully grown up.

2.12. Deer

THE MUSK DEER (Moschus moschiferus) It is a small, horn-less deer, not more than 50 cm height at the shoulder. Its food consists of grasses, lichens, leaves and flowers. The male of this species secretes musk. This deer has mercilessly been killed for its musk pod and is now threatened with extinction. The males carry no antlers, but have peculiar tusks, which are elongated upper canine teeth. Musk is secreted in a glandular sac under the skin on the abdomen in males. It has a strong odour and is largely used in perfumery. It, therefore, needs special protection. It is reportedly seen in Daksum Range of the division.

2.13. Avi Fauna

The following are the list of birds sited in the Anantnag Forest divison:

S.No. Common Name Scientific Name 1 The Black Eared Kite Milvus migrans 2 The Himalayan Griffon Vulture Gyps himalayansis 3 The White Backed Vulture Psedopus bengalensis 4 The Monal Lephphorus impeyanus

5 The Himalayan Snow Cock Tetragallus himalayansis 6 The chucker Alectoris chakur

7 The Koklas Pucrsia macrolopha 8 The Blue Rock pigeon Columbia livia 9 The Himalayan Rufus Turtle Dove Streptopelia orientalis 10 The Ring Dove S. decaota 11 The Red Turtle Dove S. tranqubarica 12 The Asiatic Cuckoo Cuculus canorus telephones 13 The Alpine Swift Apus melba melba 14 The Kashmir Roller Crocias gasrullus semenwi 15 The European Hoopoe Upopa epops epops 16 The Kashmiri Woodpecker Trybatus himalayansis 17 The Common Swallow Hirunda rustica 18 The Rufus Backed Shrike Lanius schack 19 The Goldan Oriole Oriolus. O. kunde 20 The Indian Myna Acridotheres tristis 21 The Himalayan jungle crow Corvus muhipunchos 22 The Large spotted nutcracker Nucifrage muhipunctata 23 The white checked bulbul Pycnonotus leucogenus

24 The streaked laughing thrush Trocralopterum linnactum 25 The Kashmir wren Troglodyles t. neglectus

26 The grey tit Parus major cahmiriensis 27 The Kashmir house sparrow Passere domesticus 28 The black and yellow gross-beak Perrisospiza i. icteroides 29 The pink-browed rose finch Propasser rhodochrus vigros 30 The chaffinch Fringilla coelebs 31 The pine bunting Embriza leucocephala 32 The white checked nuthatch Sitta leucopis 33 The black throated accentor Prunella atrogullaris 34 The Indian barn owl Tyto alba javanica

2.14 Fish

Local variety of fishes including Himalayan trout are of common occurrence in the Jhelum and its tributaries.

2.14.1 Injuries to Which Fauna is Liable

The fauna of the tract is liable to injuries by man, wildlife epidemics, atmospheric influences and fires. a. Injuries by Man

Man poses the biggest threat to the fauna. Hunting (both legal as well as illegal) of wild animals and birds has always been a sport for man. Wild animals and birds are killed for their valuable skin, horns and flesh. Even the slightest damage by the wild animals to the crops is not tolerated, and this results in the of killing the wild animals and birds. Also ever since the portions of this division have been affected by militancy, the threat to the wild animals has increased considerably. Man is responsible for creating a ecological imbalance in the biological pyramid by killing certain forms of wild life. Large scale destruction of forests, encroachments, excessive felling and frequent fires are also responsible for destroying the habitat of the wild life. b. Injuries by Epidemics

Epidemic is rare among the wild animals and birds. No attempt has so far been to study this aspect of the wildlife. However sometimes contagious diseases do spread among the wild animals mainly through the domestic animals grazing inside the forests. c. Injuries by Fire

Fire is responsible for large scale destruction of small animals, birds and micro-fauna. At times wild animals also get trapped and killed in the forest fires.

CHAPTER-III UTILIZATION OF THE PRODUCE

3.1. Agricultural customs and wants of the population

3.1.1. The total population of the District is 1069749 as per the provisional estimate according to the 2010-11. The dominant part of population comprises of Muslims, both Kashmiris and Gujjars. The Kashmiris inhabit the main valleys and Gujjars dwell in Kandi areas close to the forests. The Hindu Community constitutes a small percentage of the population and are represented by the Kashmiri Pandits. The population, however, registers a temporary increase in summer months on account of ingression of myriads of migratory bakerwals and tourists visiting the various picnic spots of the Division.

3.1.2. The principal occupation of the “Kashmiris” is agriculture, mainly the paddy cultivation, in low lying, fertile terraced and irrigated lands. The Gujjars are both agricultural and pastoral. Their settlements within the forests are called as “Chaks”. They do grow little out of their less fertile and sloppy lands and have adopted cattle and goat breeding as their primary profession. The migratory bakerwals trade mainly in goats, the Ghee and the cheese. The hired Kashmiri graziers, popularly known as “Pohlu” frequently shift place to place in the forests, in search of edible grasses and fodder for the sheep and cattle they keep. The Kashmir’s are robust, intelligent and hardworking and readily take up all types of forest works compared to the indolent Gujjars. The supplementary works which they usually take up after harvesting the crop, enable Kashmiri workers earn some extra income to tide over the slack months of the winter. A part of the labour force also moves to the plains in winter for earning livelihood.

3.1.3. The villagers are largely self supporting. The Kashmiris put up in “Laris” which are generally two storied, made up of sun-burnt bricks, mud and wood. The Gujjars usually live in single storied flat roofed and mud plastered Kothas. With the gradual up-liftment of socio-economic condition of the people, the Kacha houses Kothas are giving way to Pucca houses. The schools, health and social welfare centres have been opened up throughout the length and breadth of the tract to facilitate the villagers. These developmental activities have revolutionized the rural life which inturn has exercised great influence on the forest working as well.

3.1.4. The forests play vital role in the lives of villagers who depend greatly upon them for their requirements. Besides the timber for constructional and agricultural purpose, the villagers obtain fodder, grass, firewood, torchwood and MFP’s for their day to day domestic consumption from the forests. The endless demands and requirements of the ever-increasing local population pose tremendous pressure upon the forests, leading to their depletion and deterioration. The tendency needs to be properly checked and controlled immediately. The worst forest damage is caused by the Gujjars and the Kashmiri women; the myriads of latter enter the forests every day to hack, damage and pilfer the forest produce under the garb of collecting the firewood, from dead and fallen material for their domestic use.

3.1.5. Agriculture is one of the main sources of income for the people living in the Division. The availability of arable land is limited due to various ecological factors, i.e., terrain, topography and climate. The land holdings are small to medium in nature. The agriculture field are plain in nature in lower parts of the Division where as People had terraced the sloppy land for cultivation in upper parts of the Division. The rainfall in the division varies from 44.3 to 183.6 mm which is moderate in nature for the irrigation. Some parts of the division are rainfed in nature.The irrigation is being given to agriculture lands from the natural flowing perennial and annual flowing rivers and nallahs. During summer season people are cultivating food crops such as rice and maize. During winter mostly mustered are raised and in some places potato and wheat are raised. Cultivation of Apple and Walnutis the most common practice and are cultivated in orchards. The people here are keeping livestock such as cow, sheep, goats and in upper parts of the division the buffalos and horse/ponies are being domesticated. During summer the people are taking their livestock to the nearby pastures where as in winter the livestock are stall fed. The people here are busy in harvesting the Kharif crop from September to October where as the horticulture crop is also being harvested in the same period. Table 3.1.: Agriculture area (ha) details of the Division

Year Crop area (ha) Total Veget Oil Fodder spices Other Paddy Maize Pulses (ha) -able seeds non- food 2007-08 25086 12566 798 38450 2385 15299 9319 - - 2008-09 25307 12963 1506 39776 2424 19017 6260 200 - 2009-10 24440 13587 1447 39474 2540 19180 6266 68 80 2010-11 24440 13620 1429 39529 2352 16781 6481 108 293

3.1.6. The horticulture sector plays a significant role in the Division in providing employment. From the stage of tree plantation to the point of its marketing, it has a good potential in employment creation. The significance of this sector can be observed by the fact that the area under horticulture has increased to 32560.9 ha in 2010-11 which was 28697 ha in 2007-08. There is need to explore other options, that too in the field of value added agriculture. However, the Division is facing many problems in regard to the development of horticulture. It includes low productivity, great variability in important crops like walnut and almond, higher percentage of off-grade fruit, poor connectivity with the market place and small and fragmented land holdings.

3.2. Markets and marketable products

3.2.1. As the agriculture is subsistence in nature, food grains are not available for marketing. People are depending on Public Distribution System for rice and wheat. Apple and walnut are available in medium/large scale for marketing. The horticulture crops i.e., Apple, walnut, Pear, Peach, Cherry and Apricot are being send to various parts/states of the country for marketing. Sericulture is also being practiced in some places of the division where asWool, meat and milk are also available in limited scale for marketing.

The demand or timber, firewood and other MFPs is becoming an ever-increasing phenomenon on account of the population explosion, the rise in the standard of living of people and the speedy rate of the developmental activities generated by the modern planning. After satisfying the local needs. The forest produce, particularly the large sized timber shall continue to be available for export as hither-to-fore. A promising market for the timber is however, fast developing in the valley itself with the commissioning of various wood based industries and joinery mills.

3.3. Demand and supply of forest produce and pressure on forests

3.3.1. Timber:

3.3.1.1. Timber supply through Kashmir Notice:

The people who are living in the vicinity of the forests, the timber is being provided at concession rates. Dry fallen Kail and Fir trees are sanctioned by the DFO for construction purposes under Kashmir Forest Notice. Table 3.2.:Timber issued under Kashmir notice in Anantnag division S.No. Year Total no of Persons Standing trees benefited volume(cft) 1 2007-08 36 30 2394 2 2008-09 75 75 4901 3 2009-10 134 134 12159 4 2010-11 200 259 17559 5 2011-12 251 340 24174 6 2012-13 240 240 22807 7 2013-14 316 405 31967 Total 1252 1483 115961

3.3.1.2.: Timber supply through Forest Sale Depots:

The department has opened 80 Forest Sale Depots to supply construction timber to people. These depots were spread over the entire division. It is also classified as “A” zone, “B” zone and “C” zone depots depending upon nearness to forests and the Revenue status of the area viz., Municipal Committee/Township etc. The details of depots is given as under.

Table 3.3: Abstract of number of FSDs in various ranges as per zonation

Table: Range wise abstract of FSDs of Anantnag forest division as on 2013-14 . S.No RANGE M/C C B A Total 1 Harnag 7 1 0 0 8 2 Kokernag 1 0 1 11 13 3 Kuthar 2 0 4 12 18 4 Daksum 0 0 4 4 4 5 Qazigund 1 15 0 8 24 6 Verinag 3 1 2 7 13 Total: 14 17 7 42 80 M/C – Municipal Committee Areas The details of quantity of timber supplied to general public through various FSDs is given asunder: Table 3.4: Timber supplied to general public through various FSDs

Departmental S.No Year Timber issued through FSDs Total extraction A B M/C C 1 2012-13 64921 13949 56217 16403 151490 114018 2 2011-12 64936 13710 59351 15440 153437 114018 3 2010-11 69736 16881 45493 15726 147836 142882 4 2009-10 70469 14960 40901 19437 145767 88700 5 2008-09 64260 11539 15065 21302 112166 63927 6 2007-08 74797 11743 0 2425 88965 74374

7 2006-07 54230 9727 0 2681 66638 69443 8 2005-06 38497 8406 56095 59026 162024 48412 9 2004-05 45453 9116 0 112723 167292 82884 10 2003-04 44903 1024 0 99596 145523 64859

The timber is provided at a concession rate to assamies. The price is much less compared to market price. The price of timber sold in various concession zones is as follows.

Table 3.5: Timber rates – past and current in various FSDs as per Zonation (Rate/Cft)

S.No Zone Timber Form Deodar Kail Fir 1 517 FST of 2002 A Log 162 103 60 dt:31/1/2002 Sawn 204 122 82 B Log 246 160 120 Sawn 281 192 136 C Log 340 196 134 Sawn 411 266 150 2 501 FST of 2003 A Log 146 93 54 dt:21/10/2003 Sawn 184 110 74 B Log 197 128 96 Sawn 225 154 109 C Log 272 157 108 Sawn 329 213 120 3 314 FST of 2005 A Log 146 93 54 dt:1/8/2005 Sawn 184 110 74 B Log 197 128 96 Sawn 225 154 109 C Log 299 173 119 Sawn 362 231 132 M/C Log 391 226 156 Sawn 474 307 173 4 278 FST of 2006 A Log 161 102 59 dt:19/5/2006 Sawn 202 121 81 B Log 246 160 120 Sawn 281 193 136 C Log 299 173 119 Sawn 362 231 132 M/C Log 391 226 156 Sawn 474 307 173 4 212 FST of 2010 A Log 185 130 74 dt:13/5/2010 Sawn 215 160 104 B Log 345 245 138 Sawn 375 275 168 C Log 513 360 205 Sawn 543 390 235

The Forest Department was supplying timber to other Government Departments for construction purposes, but it was stopped nowadays. Recently Government directed the forest department to supply the timber for the construction of primary schools under SarvSikshaAbhiyan (SSA). 3.3.1.3.Import of Timber: In order to ease the availability of timber for construction purposes, the government has cleared import of timber in the past and also lifted the restrictions. Presently within J&K only at two checkposts transit verification is made mandatory viz., LakanpurCheckpost of Katuva Division (entry point of imported timber into J&K state and Tole Post Check Post (entry point of imported timber in to Kashmir Valley). The Annual arrival inside Kashmir valley is given as below. Table: 3.6: Annual import of timber from outside the country S.No. Year Annual Timber import into Kashmir Valley (cfts) 1 2008-09 1329484 2 2009-10 1840418 3 2010-11 2044164 4 2011-12 2627932 5 2012-13 3535482

Because of the arrival of imported timber, the timber demand for construction purposes to the great extend got satisfied and it also helped in reducing the pressure upon forests.. 3.3.2.: Firewood: At present, the department is supplying firewood to religious institutionsfalling within town limits for heating purposes (in Hamam) during winter months from Mid November to Mid March of every financial year. Based on the Hamam area, the requirement of firewood is calculated. The quantity of firewood supplied to Mosques in the past 6 years is given as under:

Table 3.7: Firewood supplied to Various Religious Institutions and Srinagar city witheffect from 2008-09 to 2012-13 S.NO Year Quantity supplied to Religious Quantity supplied to PC Institutions (Qtls) Depot Sgr.(Qtls) 1 2008-09 5900 4121 2 2009-10 6614 5349 3 2010-11 6183 888 4 2011-12 4989 1863

5 2012-13 5248 2015

Firewood is also given at a concession rate to religious institutions whereas it is given at a normal cost to other agencies. The rates of firewood – past and current is given as under: The firewood is also given to security forces. But currently due to arrival of cooking gas, the demand is reduced to the great extent.

Table 3.8: Firewood rates with effect from 2004(per qtl) 1 Religious places DisttLeh Kargil Army 2 230 FST of 2004 130 380 350 250 3 218 FST of 2005 150 440 400 300 4 26 FST of 2006 130 420 380 300 5 211 FST of 2010 190 0 0 450

3.3.3 Methods of exploitation

The felling coupes are marked generally an year in advance. All the trees to be felled are serially numbered and branded with a hammer mark at their base. The trees are classified into diameter classes and the outturn in terms of volume is worked out. Thelabourersare used for extraction. All the logging operations are to be conducted in accordance with the rules laid down by the department. Trees are lopped to 1/3rd of their length and then felled with axe and saw as low to the ground as possible. The felling towards uphill side is ensured with the help of a correct direction cut and a rope. After felling, the trees are bucked and logged in required lengths, barked and finally rolled down to the loading point for further vehicular transportation. The State Forest Corporation has come up in a big way to handle a good proportion of total annual extraction from the division. New vistas for speedy introduction of scientific logging and mechanization have been thus opened and timber prices stabilized in the market. Presently only dry standing and fallen trees are marked and extracted. Harvesting is being done both by the department as well as by the State Forest Corporation. The cost of extraction is given in greater detail in the next chapter. 3.3.4. Non Timber Forest Produces: The non-timber forest produces (NTFP’s) such as Dhoop, Kuth, Kour, Mushkbala, Diascoria, Bankakri, Baladona, Guchhies are available in this Division. Except walnut and Guchies the extraction and transportation of other NTFP’s is banned by the Government. Recently, the government has lifted ban on extraction of NTFPs in a non destructive manner of above ground parts only. For the extraction ofNTFP’sthere were auctioned by the Government for a period of one year and huge quantities of NTFP’s were extracted before the ban. The extraction of walnut fruit from the Division is continuing. The auction value of walnut fruits, guchiesfromAnantnag Division is presented below:

Table 3.9: Revenue from NTFPs – Anantnag Forest Division

S.No. Financial year Auction value (in Rs.) walnut 1 2004-05 40500.00 2 2005-06 43500.00

3 2006-07 69400.00 4 2007-08 79520.00 5 2008-09 163250.00 6 2009-10 22100.00 7 2010-11 22150.00 8 2011-12 86450.00 9 2012-13 51600.00 10 2013-14 142000.00

Guchies 1 2010-11 41500 2 2011-12 1,00,000 3 2012-13 - 1.3.3.44 Methods2013-14 of harvesting and75000 their costs

3.5. Lines of export

The water transportation by tributaries of Jhelum viz, the Arapat, the Bringi, theSandran and the Vishav that constituted a cheaper but untrustworthy and time consuming infrastructure for floating the timber down in the past, has now completely given way to the mechanized transportation. Almost the whole of the division has been opened up by a network of tarred or fair weather roads and the forest produce is being hauled down by the vehicles whole the year round. To minimize the chances of interruption in winter, the forest produce is transported down the fair weather roads during dry season and dumped at loading points adjacent to the pucca roads for onward dispatch to the market. The firewood hakaries, from the forests to the pucca loading point, can however, still be transported economically by floating.

3.6. Past and Current Prices:

The price of timber does steadily appreciate, both in the State and outside and the market continuously shows an upward trend on account of increasing demand from various quarters. The table given under gives a comprehensive analysis of the average sale prices of timber of various species.

3.10 Average sale Rates of SFC auction conducted with effect from the year 2001-02 upto 2012-13 Deodar Kail Fir Year B grade (Grith in Inch) C grade B grade grade (Grith in Inch) C gradeB grade grade (Grith in Inch) C grade 36-47 48-59 60-99 100 upto 59''60'' & over36-47 48-59 60-99 100 All girth36-47 48-59 60-99 100 All girth 2001-02 214.66 307.1 347.07 556.16 253.25 340.06 284.7 357.11 355.23 436.11 227.6 154 180.1 191.35 192.6 126.33 2002-03 381.17 455.22 509.39 571.53 295.5 356.49 276.8 343.06 392.5 440.57 227.7 65.06 93.87 107.47 218.6 222.62 2003-04 535.56 606.87 579.64 362.78 382.3 461.51 464.5 487.25 513.24 576.78 311.6 229.3 253.4 272.69 297.2 176.71 2004-05 552.05 661.09 740.02 918.01 402.03 527.03 500.3 581.7 687.5 617.3 357.3 363 336.3 353.2 362.5 223.16 2005-06 699.69 799.91 947.6 1188.7 509.15 723.83 580.2 665.43 724.06 776.75 436.8 370.4 419.6 443.04 480.2 288.46 2006-07 730.97 896 1116.37 1457.4 806.04 634.14 687.2 763.57 815 1010.4 515.8 390.4 426 446.57 471.8 297.73 2007-08 932.84 1126.8 1326.08 1801.7 703.9 987.08 771 807.76 963.97 1116 580.7 410.9 446.1 474.32 508.8 318.06 2008-09 1114.5 1357.2 1622.46 1934 855.19 1241.3 331.5 1033.7 1201.1 1216.6 571.2 431.1 475.2 551.36 615.1 374.36 2009-10 1214.1 1396.6 1826.65 2189.5 921.28 1324.5 1032 1135.4 1316.1 1386.7 681.4 490.7 574.7 680.85 722.1 383.48 2010-11 1095 1308 1729.36 2210.1 891.15 1378.5 953 1166.5 1309 1483.4 755.5 563.2 573.7 638.28 752.8 401.01

2011-12 1096.7 1315.9 1652.81 2149.2 877.54 1363.7 1011 1158.8 1323.4 1460.1 731 474.2 577.4 661.53 735.7 379.71

2012-13 0 1624.7 2013.67 2374.4 1070.4 1567.1 0 1193.7 1406.1 1618.9 770.4 0 551.7 626 735.8 413.17

CHAPTER-IV ACTIVITIES OF FOREST DEVELOPMENT CORPORATIONS IN HARVESTING AND MARKETING OF FOREST PRODUCE

4.1. Jammu & Kashmir State Forest Corporation

4.1.1. The J&K SFC was created by the act of legislation, namely The Jammu and Kashmir State Forest Act, 1978 and rules were framed in 1981. The forests were worked out by leases in the olden days and later the forest working was nationalized by The Jammu and Kashmir Nationalization of Forest Working Act, 1987.

4.1.2. The Forest Department hands over the coupes to SFC and levies the royalty. Before the ban of green felling of trees, the SFC was handling huge volume of timber every year. Due to the imposition of ban on green felling by the State Government and the various directives issued by the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India regarding felling, resulted in least quantum of timber extraction by SFC. Later, the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India endorsed the Qualitative and Quantitative norms (popularly called as Q&Q Norms), proposed by the State. As per the Q&Q norms, 80 lakh cft of standing volume of conifer trees (dry, fallen; basically hygienic markings) can be cleared in the State for extraction every year, but except few years, the limit of 80 lakh cft was never touched hence it resulted in financial crunch to the corporation.

4.1.3. The State Forest Corporation suggests the available volumes from different compartments. If the compartment fits to be worked out as per the conditions imposed by Q&Q norms, then only it is enumerated for dry/ fallen trees. The CF (Working Plan Circle) issues the technical clearance. Based on the technical clearance, the trees in the compartment are marked. The marking list is sent to CF (Working Plan Circle) for issue of technical sanction. The CCF (Territorial) issues the Administrative Approval, based on the TS. Then the marking in the compartment is handed over to the SFC for extraction. Table 4.1. Table showing the volume (in cft) handed over to SFC from Anantnag Forest Division during 1979-80 to 2012-13

Year of Handing over Deodar Kail Fir Grand Total 0 90701 42981 133682 1982-83 1983-84 0 99788 1032455 1132243 1984-85 0 0 0 0 1985-86 0 304748 304748 1986-87 0 1932 97542 99474 1987-88 0 0 0 0 1988-89 0 16704 477700 494404 1989-90 0 0 0 0 1993-94 3779 55792 695624 755195

1994-95 0 0 0 0 1996-97 0 9430 108451 117881 1997-98 0 107147 880556 987703 0 35196 318856 354052 1998-99 2000-2001 0 109726 239953 349679 2001-02 148 74044 309782 383974 2002-03 0 133171 504122 637293 2003-04 0 185533 259048 444581 2004-05 0 38446 58769 97215 2005-06 0 0 0 0 2006-07 0 76232 155285 231517 2007-08 0 1472 9612 11084 2008-09 0 345 15130 15475 2009-10 267 35840 120481 156588 0 11321 152059 163380 2010-11

2011 -12 0 2570 56947 59517 4194 38584 110890 149474 2012-13 8388 1123974 5950991 7079159 Total

4.1.4. The SFC prepares the estimate for the timber operation, based on the expected out turn and calculates the financial cost for extraction and transportation of timber upto its central depots. Then the SFC allocates the work to the contractors for execution of timber operation based on competitive bids. When the timber is dumped in the road head, the transportation of timber is permitted by either CF or the CCF (Territorial), after due verification of the stocks.

4.1.5. The entire operation of timber extraction and transportation shall be very closely monitored by the territorial field staff. From the starting of felling operation upto the disposal of debries and handing over the compartment back to the forest department, it should be monitored properly. The felling of marked trees shall start only after the proper handing over of the marking to the SFC. The felling shall always be on the Hill side; in rarest cases it is along the contour and never on the down side. The falling tree shall never injure the other standing trees. Likewise there are many conditions. The territorial department shall be reported about the progress of the felling operation every month.

4.1.6. The felled tree is delimbed and logs of standard sizes are cut. The logs are debarked and rolled down to road head for further transportation Thepathru is used when the extracted stuff is more than 30000 sleepers and intended to be transported from the higher elevation point to the lower destination through steeper path. When the sleepers have to cross longer distance and many deep valleys, the aerial ropeways are used. When the sleepers move under the force of gravity, no extra

mechanical power is required. If it has to move against the gravity, the diesel engines are used to power the lifting of scants against the gravity. If smooth moving water channel is available, the from the origin upto the destination, the scantsare launched in water body and caught at the boom erected at the destination. From the road head the scants are loaded in trucks and transported. Form -25 (Transport permit) is issued by territorial division for monitoring the land transportation of forest produces.Mostly, the timber is sold in open auction by SFC. Table 4.2.The rates in vogue in SFC for timber operations during 2013-14 is as follows.

S.No Activity Category ( norm rate in Rupees) SAWN FORM D C B A (a) Extraction (on FMM) 1 Felling (per cft) 2.91 2.44 2.20 1.73 2 Hand Sawing – under/odd size ( per cft) 38.53 35.21 32.60 29.66 b. Hand Sawing – standard size (per cft) 44.04 40.24 37.26 33.89 (b) Of f–road Transportation (on DMM) 3 Pathroo (per cft/Km of 33 chain) 6.44 6.26 6.11 5.94 4 Pacci nail (per Cft/Km of 33 chain) 2.41 2.17 2.17 2.08 5 Tarspan ( per span/cft) 5.44 5.16 5.16 5.16 6 S.N Mahan (per cft per km of 33 chain) 1.69 1.59 1.59 1.47 7 Main Nallah Mahan (cft/Km) 1.47 1.47 1.47 1.47 8 Head carriage (forests) (per cft/chain) 0.47 0.47 0.47 0.47 9 Crane (per cft/Km) 8.14 7.73 7.73 7.73 10 H/C after nikkasi ( per cft/chain) 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50

(c) Minor Related Activity (on DMM) 11 Launching (S.N Mahaning) / Cft 0.36 12 Nikassi (per cft) 0.71 13 Stacking (per cft) 0.67 LOG FORM (d) A. EXTRACTION (A1 +A3) 6.53 A1 CONVERSION 4.35 14 A1.1 Debranching&Debarking /cft 0.89 15 A1.2 Sawing &log marking/cft 3.46 16 A3 Felling (per cft) 2.18 17 Loading logs (per cft) 3.92 18 Un- loading Logs (per cft) 0.05

(e) Log Rolling # Log rolling uptoKutcha Loading Point ( Per cft Norms Rate in Rupees chain) 1 Category A (0-20 degrees) 0.80 2 Category B (20-30 degrees) 0.59 3 Category C (30-40 degrees) 0.42 4 Category D (> 40 degrees) 0.19

(f) Kutcha Road Transportation ( Log Form) (Figures in Rupees) Volume Slab Cft Distance slab 0-50 km 6-10 km 11-20 km Above 21 km Upto 5000 2.97 2.28 1.78 1.39 5001-10000 2.92 2.11 1.49 1.03 10001-20000 2.78 2.05 1.46 1.00 20001-40000 2.64 1.95 1.38 0.95 40001-80000 2.50 1.81 1.27 0.85 Above 80001 2.36 1.70 1.18 0.79

(g) Pucca Road Transportation ( Log Form)

(Figures in Rupees) S.No Distance slab in Km Rate in Rate with 15% Contractor’s profit Rs/ cft/Km (Rs/cft/km) 1 0-20 0.30 0.35 2 20-40 0.26 0.30 3 40-70 0.24 0.27 4 Above 70 0.21 0.25

(h) Pucca Road Transportation ( Sawn Form) – National Highways

(Figures in Rupees) # Distance slab in Km Rate in Rate with 15% Contractor’s profit Rs/ cft/Km (Rs/cft/km) 1 0-50 0.16 0.18 2 51-100 0.15 0.17 3 101-150 0.13 0.15 4 Above 151 0.12 0.14

(i) Road Transportation (Sawn form) Other than National Highways = Rs. 0.19/ cft/ km (j) Loading charges (sawn timber) = Rs. 1.26/ cft (k) Extraction in log form on old NPC procedure

Activity Rate Extraction including felling , At the average rate of Rs. 191 conversion rolling etc. (all per labour per day as per NPC operations) upto KLP procedure

4.2. Results of Socio Economic Survey 4.2.1. The Anantnag, Dooru, Shangus and Kokernag are tehsils under the jurisdiction of the division. The population of the Division is approximately 484964, majority of population is living in rural areas. The literacy rate of the division is 64.33% with 73.40% is in urban area and 60.98% in rural areas. The Division is having high pressure of grazing/browsing which can be observed by the fact that the Division caters the cattle population equivalent to the number of human population living under the territorial jurisdiction of the division.

4.2.2. In the rural areas very few people are getting the occupation in the State Government. The remaining people practice the agriculture, Horticulture and supplemented by rearing of animals for their subsistence. Agriculture, the predominant sector of the economy of the Division, supports majority of its population. Rice is the chief crop of the division, followed by maize.

CHAPTER-V FIVE YEAR PLANS Indian economy is based on the concept of planning. This is carried through her five-year plans, developed, executed and monitored by the Planning Commission. With the Prime Minister as the ex-officio Chairman, the commission has a nominated Deputy Chairman, who has rank of a Cabinet Minister. Five-Year Plans (FYPs) are centralized and integrated national economic programs India. First FYP was launched in 1951, immediately after independence by first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru The eleventh plan completed its term in March 2012 (2007-12) and the twelfth plan (2012-17) is currently underway. 5.1. Management of Forests under Five Year Plans: Forest is a dynamic living entity that is to be managed with a view to conserve the capital without any depletion, while catering the present needs of the society. As such, the forest planning becomes a multifaceted, consistent and well integrated affair, where due weightage has to be given to soil and moisture conservation along with satisfaction of the present and future demands of the society and that of the industries utilizing forest produces. The Planning Commission of India, which is approving plans for the most effective and balanced utilization of theCountry’s resources, for the development of the Country, hadgiven due importance to planning in forestry sector too. Accordingly, special attention was given in the Five Year Plans to enhance the productivity of the Forests by adopting sound schemes, such as rehabilitating the depleted forests and creating valuable man-made forests to cater to the needs of the industrial sector. The successive Five Year Plans have aimed at accelerating the pace of Forestry Development and expansion of the forestry activities in the Country. Our forests have also benefitted from these schemes. In First five year plan a sum of Rs. 9.5 crore was spent on forestry programmers in which emphasis was laid on afforestation, forest transport and communication, forest administration and small scale plantation by state governments. In the subsequent plans also environmental protection and afforestation was given due importance. The past plans allocated funds for afforestation, rehabilitation of degraded forests, watershed development, social forestry, strip plantations, canal bank plantation, raising of plantations of industrial importance etc. In the recently expired 11th 5 year year plan, an allocation of 10,000 crore was made for environment and forestry section. In the 12th year plan an allocation of 17,874.00 crore is made. The J&K government has received funding from the center in the successive five year plans starting from 1951 till today. The J&K government utilized the fund very efficiently. It has achieved tremendous success in social forestry and because of which pressure on forest was reduced to the great extent and the local economy also got a big boost. In Kashmir valley, massive plantation of Poplar outside the forest area in farm lands is an example. It has helped the horticulture industry by providing raw material for the preparation of packing cases. The Anantnag Forest Division has also received funds from various programmes/schemes of various five year plans which helped in improving the condition of forests and infrastructure of

the department (Appendix XI). A brief of fund received and activities undertaken is given in the table below. Table:5.1 Funds received and activities under taken in various five year plans and Finance Commission Grants in the past decade: Year Name of the programme Area Rs. in (in hac) lakhs 2002-03 Area oriented Fuelwood 60 10.87 Programme 2003-04 Area oriented Fuelwood 80 11.00 Programme 2007-08 Integrated Forest Protection (IFP) Water storage tank 0.70 IFP (12th Finance) Infrastructure 0.80 2008-09 12th Finance Commission Purchase of Gypsy 5.75 13th Finance Commission awarded Various Equipments for revised 6.60 Working Plan Preparation 2010-11 IFP Water Storage fire line creation, fire 1.90 line maintenance 2011-12 13th Finance Plantation raised at Surtang 5.00 13th Finance Revised Working Plan preparation 13.29 2012-13 Intensification of Forest Water harvesting structure Forest 7.85 Management Hut, fire fightingequipments 5.1.1 12th Five Year Plan and its scope for Jammu and Kashmir forest development In the 12the Five Year Plan, one of the important component in National Mission for a Green India also known as GIM – Greening India Mission. The GIM is one of the eight Missions under the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC). The GIM recognizes that climate change phenomena will seriously affect and alter the distribution, type and quality of natural resources of the country and the associated livelihoods of the people. GIM acknowledges the influences that the forestry sector has on environmental amelioration through climate mitigation, food security, water security, biodiversity conservation and livelihood security of forest dependent communities. GIM puts the “greening” in the context of climate change adaptation and mitigation, meant to enhance ecosystem services like carbon sequestration and storage (in forests and other ecosystems), hydrological services and biodiversity; along with provisioning services like fuel, fodder, small timber and NTFPs. The major objectives of GIM are • Increased forest/tree cover on 5mha of forest/non-forestlands and improved quality of forest cover on another 5 m ha (a total of 10 m ha) • Improved ecosystem services including biodiversity, hydrological services and carbon sequestration as aresult of treatment of 10 m ha,increased forest-based livelihood income for 3 million forest dependenthouseholds and enhanced annual CO2 sequestration of 50-60 million tonnes by the year 2020 Presently Anantnag Forest division started preparing plans andL2 landscapes and L3 landscapes are already identified.

CHAPTER-VI

STAFF AND LABOUR SUPPLY

The subjoined statement envisages the establishment sanctioned for the Division for the year 2012-13.

Total No. Actual Pay scale S.No Designation of Posts Working sanctioned 01 DCF 01 01 15600-39100+7600 02 ACF 01 01 9300-34800+4800 03 Range Officer – I 03 02 9300-34800+4200 04 Sr. Foresters as I/C RO 06 06 9300-34800+4200 05 Foresters 50 40 5200-20200+2800 06 Deputy Foresters 29 21 5200-20200+2300 07 Forest Guards 176 164 5200-20200+1900 08 Watchers 82 74 4440-7440+1300 09 Mali 95 62 4440-7440+1300 10 Chowkidar 21 19 4440-7440+1300 11 Chain Man 01 01 4440-7440+1300 12 Water Carrier 01 01 4440-7440+1300 13 Cattle Pond Keeper 01 01 4440-7440+1300 14 Orderlies 16 15 4440-7440+1300 15 Helper 177 187 4440-7440+1300 Ministerial staff 1 Accountant 01 01 9300-34800+4220 2 Sr. Assistant 01 01 5200-20200+2800 3 Jr. Assistant 06 05 5200-20200+1900 4 Drivers 02 02 5200-20200+2400 5 Cleaner 01 01 4440-7440+1400 1 Consolidate Workers - 44 @2550/Month 2 Daily Rated Worker (PD) - 57 @150/day TOTAL 784 706

CHAPTER-VII PAST SYSTEM OF MANAGEMENT

7.1. Past history of the Forests

Non-availability of an authentic record has rendered the early history of these forests obscure and chaotic. The forests were then probably looked after by the Revenue Department and were subjected to whole sale destruction by the contractors usually ‘ Hanjis’ who would over-exploit the species and trees of their choice in the easily accessible forests most unscientifically and at their sweet will. The initial attempts at administering the forests seem to have been made in 1857 (S.1914) when a semblance of the forest Department, the Mahal-Nawara, was constituted with a special protection staff under the administrative control of the then Governor of Kashmir. The forest working, however, continued unregulated and ‘Zamindars’ went on a cutting spree at their liking. In lieu of royalty, the contractors would be required to surrender half of the produce extracted in favour of the State. The first step towards the preservation of the forest growth was taken up in the year 1883 (S.1940), when a ‘Ain-i-Janglat’ was passed. The erstwhile department was split up into two wings viz., Mahal-i-Nawara’ and the ‘Mahal-i-Janglat’.Mahal- i-Nawara’ was exclusively responsible for exploitation and collection of the ‘resum’ on timber and firewood while as ‘Mahal-i-Janglat’ looked after the protection of the forests. The system of heavy, uncontrolled and unregulated feelings in the easily accessible, forests, however, continued as the contractors (Hanjis) were at liberty to fell any number of trees anywhere in lieu of nominal lumpsum fees.

7.2. 1890-91 (S.1948 to S.1971)

The year of 1890-91 is the land mark and turning point in the history of these forests as the scientific and systematic forestry was first introduced in the year by Mr. Mac. Donellof Indian Forest Service. The creditable services of this able officer, as the first Conservator of Forests, were secured by the State in the year which signifies the dawn of the scientific forest conservancy in Kashmir. A separate forest department was organized on the modern lines, the demarcation of the forest area was undertaken, fellings were systematized, fire conservancy was introduced and the construction of roads and buildings in the forests was started. RaiSahab Lt. Col. Thakur Bikram Singh was appointed as the first Divisional Forest Officer of the then ‘Maraj Division’ of which the present Kashmir Division is a part. The reforms initiated by Mr. Mac. Donell were actually implemented and executed in this Division by this capable Officer. He did a commendable and challenging job of demarcation of these forests, introduction of a system of contractors, organization of the departmental working and reduced the incidence of forest offences to minimum. The patches of Kail poles discernible at various places in the Division are the direct outcome of the efforts of forest protection and conservancy initiated in the period. Though certain felling schemes for the valuable Deodar forests were prepared, yet the uncontrolled and unregulated fellings, no doubt at a comparatively reduced rate, continued unabated in absence of regular system of working.

7.3. 1913 (S.1970)

In Sindh Range was detached from the old ‘Maraj’ Division and annexed with the old Kamraj Division.

7.4. 1914-1930 ( S.1971-1982)

7.4.1. In 1914 (S.1971) Mr. Fullar, the then Divisional Forest Officer prepared a scheme for working these forests. The scheme, though never formally submitted to ‘Durbar’ for sanction, was implemented and its provisions executed. The scheme prescribed a crude form of Indian Selection System with an exploitable breast height girth of 25 m (7’-6”) for coniferous forests. The felling intensity was left to the discretion of the marking officer and thus varied from hammer to hammer. Yield and the felling coupes, it is believed, were not prescribed. Some sort of thinning was suggested for the congested pole crop of Kail. Silvi-cultural availability and the management principles were ignored. The revenue oriented fellingwere instead resorted to. The malformed and candelabra trees were, therefore, retained and quality crop was generally marked, easily approachable and low-lying forests were tapped heavily whereas the distant areas were left untouched. The scheme advocated Coppice with Standard system for the broad leaved (Zanglu) forests. These forests, however, did not respond well, as well the easily accessible areas were exploited intensively so as to meet the increasing demand of hard-wood fuel at Srinagar and Anantnag. No control was exercised on grazing as a result of which the coppice shoot generally failed to come-up. The broad-leaved forests thus could not be sustained and gave place to bushy scrub of pohu(Parrotiopsisjacquemontiana), as it exists at present.

7.4.2. In the year 1919 (S.1976), the ‘Haripur’ the ‘Shopian’ and the ‘Narwa’ Ranges were separated from the Division and amalgamated to create the Shopian Division. The leftover Ranges of ‘Tral’,‘Kuthar’ and ‘Verinag’ constituted the Kashmir Forest Division with headquarter at Anantnag. The ‘Narwa’ Range was, however, retransferred to Kashmir Division in 1924 (S.1981) and the then Shopian Division was renamed as PirPanjal Forest Division.

7.5. H.S. Pathania1930-1940 (S.1987-1997)

7.5.1. The first regular scientific Working Plan for the Kashmir Forest Division was prepared by Shri H.S. Pathania in 1929-30. Introduction of Shelter Wood Compartment System was prescribed in all the accessible forests of Deodar, Kail and Fir in place of selection felling as the past system did not suit the silvi-cultural requirements of different species and had failed to produce the adequate regeneration. The shift was intended so as to convert to uniformity the abnormal crop of these forests as the past working had been very irregular, motivated by the sole object of earning revenue. The need for a more scientific treatment of the forest on modern lines, commensurate with the principles of sustained yield and sound silvi-culture, was emphasized. The system advocated was more in consonance with the conflicting and crucial grazing demands particularly, as the forests were closed to it only by parts. All the un-commercial and

un-workable forests were, however, excluded from the prescriptions of the plan. According to the plan, the following Working Circles were constituted. (a) The Deodar-Pine Regular Working Circle. (b) The Fir Working Circle. (c) The Zanglu Working Circle.

7.5.2. The Deodar-Pine Regular Working Circle included all the easily accessible, well stocked and workable Deodar-Kail forests with an un-separable mixture of Fir towards the higher reaches. The younger age classes, 20 to 60 years in age, comprised the major portion of the crop. The middle age classes were more or less missing and the mature trees deficient. The ground was covered with regeneration except at places where the grazing was heavy. The important prescriptions laid down for the Working Circle were as given below:-

a Silvicultural System adopted Shelter Wood Compartment System

b Rotation 120 years c Regeneration Period 30 years d Felling Series Single e Periodic Blocks 4 (Four) viz., PBI, PBII, PBIII and PBIV. Contained a crop comprising of patches of regeneration or f P.B.I. advance growth with some scattered over-wood (8.01% of the W.O). Contained a crop nearing maturity with a little or no advance g P.B.II growth (0.49% of the total area of Working Circle). Consisted of groups of poles of 30-60 year of age, with some h P.B.III scattered over wood (43.51% of the W.C). Contained younger groups of 20-30 years of age with little i P.B. IV scattered over wood (47.99% of the W,.C) j By volume = Yield from P.B.I Total enumerated stocks above 30 cm d.b.hin PBI Reg Regeneration period (30 years). Deodar 2691.63 d.b.h. (95054 cft.) Kail 5299.75 d.b.h. (187159 cft.) Fir 9085.40 d.b.h. (320848 cft.) k Silvicultural operations (I) Thinning and cleaning in PBI areas after major felling. prescribed The thinning intensity was left to the discretion of the DFO but simple mechanical thinningwere proposed for younger thick. (II) Thinning and improvement felling with area check in remaining PBs. These areas were to be thinned once during the currency of the Plan. Light to moderate thinning was prescribed in the hitherto un-thinned and congested pole

crop of Kail and light grown thinning in the pure Deodar crop. (III) Fir interfering with Kail advance growth was prescribed for removal.

7.5.3. The Fir Working Circle contained all the low-lying and easily workable Fir forests with a pure or nearly pure crop of Fir, admixed with Kail in suitable locations. The major portion of the crop consisted of mature trees whereas the other age classes were also found mixed all-over. The regeneration existed wherever the canopy was broken and the grazing was light.

The salient features of the prescriptions laid down for the Working Circle were:

a Silvi-cultural System Shelter wood Compartment System b Rotation 150 years c Regeneration period 30 years d Felling Series Single. e Periodic Blocks Five (PBI, PBII, PBIII were allotted only) f Yield prescribed By volume = Total enumerated stocks above 30 cm. d.b.h In PBI Regeneration Period (30 years) Fir 22929.96 d.b.h. (809764 cft) Kail 1741.74 d.b.h. (61509 cft) (The increment was not taken into account in the yield calculation).

7.5.4. Zanglu Working Circle comprised of the broad-leaved forests of the Division. The system of working adopted was Coppice with Standard. The Rotation was arbitrarily fixed at 30 years of coppice and 60 years of standard. The Circle was worked under one Felling Series and about 1/3rd of the area of the Circle was selected for working during 10 years Plan Period. Ten annual coupes were accordingly allotted, fairly scattered on the ground. Yield was prescribed by area and a target of about 87 ha. (215 acres) to be worked annually was fixed. The outturn was estimated at 741.3 mds/ha (300 mds/ acre) or 60000 mds/year.

7.5.5. Results of Working (a) There are no two opinions on the fact that the introduction of Shelterwood Compartment System was too premature for Deodar-Pine Regular Working Circle and ill-applied for the Fir Working Circle. Despite the debris burning, gazing protection and closure of some of the areas the natural regeneration failed to come up to the desired extent. The areas where no natural regeneration was existent before the seeding felling and where it was deficient could not be restocked adequately and little attention was paid to regenerate them artificially. Obviously it was motivation under enthusiasm of the zealot, as much stress was laid on theoretical aspects to the great detriment of the actual crop requirements.. (b) In the Zanglu Working Circle, the felling in the absence of an effective grazing protection proved disastrous and consequently were suspended in 1934 (S. 1991) only after four coupes had been worked. (c) A considerably large area was treated as un-commercial as per the plan prescriptions.

(d) Thinning, in actual practice, were carried out for one year only except in ‘Lidder’ Range where 1932 and part of 1933 coupes were also worked.

(e) By and large the prescriptions were sound and practicable. Inspite of initial handicaps like lack of experience and enthusiasm, the forest working was brought more or less to the scientific lines which decidedly did some good.

7.6. Khushoo’s Plan (1940-1955) 7.6.1. The revision of the Pathania’s plan was done in 1940 by Sh. C.L. Khushu. He retained more or less the broad outlines of the previous plan in that the conversion of uniformity was advocated for all the easily accessible and will stocked Deodar-Kail forests and the Fir forests, leaving, however, areas around Pahalgam. The Compartments were properly laid-out on the ground for the first time and large areas considered un-commercial under the last plan were surveyed and brought under the purview of the plan. The following Working Circle were constituted:- i. The Deodar-Kail Regular Working Circle. ii. The Fir Regular Working Circle. iii. The Pahalgam Location Working Circle. iv. The Unregulated and Protection Working Circle 7.6.2. The Deodar-Kail Regular Working Circle comprised of all the easily accessible commercial Deodar and Kail forests, such Fir as was associated with the Deodar-Kail species at the upper reaches. Save for a few changes, the Working Circle resembled the Deodar-pine Working Circle of the previous plan, Kail formed the predominant crop with affair protection of Deodar in the ‘Panchalthan’ area of ‘Kuthar’ Range and lower parts of ‘Lidder’ Range. Kail and Deodar crop was abnormal in character and deficient so far as the mature and near mature age classes are concerned. Natural regeneration of both Kail and Fir was satisfactory except in PBI areas felled over in the previous plan. Enumeration in 15 cm (6”) diameter classes down to 30 cms (12”) dbhwas conducted in the entire Working Circle and the figures were reduced by 5% as a safeguard for any possible in-accuracy committed. The prescriptions laid down for the Working Circle were:

a Silvi-cultural System Conversion of uniformity under Shelter wood Compartment System. b Rotation 150 Years c Exploitable Diameter 75 cm d Regeneration period 30 Year e Felling series Single f Periodic Blocks. Five (PBI was only allotted and rest were kept unassigned and called P.B. un-alloted). g P.B.I. Comprised of forests with mature over wood and established regeneration and included areas felled under last plan. It constituted 15.5% of the total commercial area of the Working Circle. In actual practice, out of the areas under constituent

species, the area under Deodar that was allotted was about twice the normal area. h P.B. Un-allotted Occupied the rest 84.5% of the area of Working Circle. Definite compartments were prescribed to be gone over during the currency of the plan and the annual coupe worked to about 749.87 ha. (1853 acres). i Yield prescribed:

i) For entire Working Circle. Deodar 1472.48 d.b.h. (52000 cft.) Kail. 6880.99 d.b.h. 243000 cft.) Fir. 807.03 cu.m.28500 cft.) ii. For P.B.I. G.S. in P.B.I. Vol of trees 30-45 cmsdia class (Future Crop) 30 Deodar 135.92 d.b.h. (4800 cft.) Kail 3058.22 d.b.h (108000 cft.) Fir 6229.71 d.b.h. (220000 cft.) (The balance of yield to be realized from Un-allotted Blocks) g Silvi-cultural operations i) Disposal of debris, closure to grazing and prescribed completion of regeneration works in Compartments felled under last Plan. ii) Cleaning, thinning and improvement marking over a period of 15 years in Un- allotted Blocks. iii) B. grade ordinary thinning in the pole crop upto 50 cmsd.b.h

7.6.3. The Fir Regular Working Circle comprised of all the accessible and easy forests of Fir and was more or less identical with that of the last plan. The crop of the whole was mature of over mature. Thickets of regeneration and advance growth existed in open gaps where the selection type of felling and grazing protection appeared to have been restored in the past. However, the compartments felled under the previous plan were devoid of regeneration. The PBI area was only enumerated in 15 cms. Diameter classes down to 30 cms.d.b.ho.b and the enumeration figures were reduced by 5% as a safeguard against any possible in-accuracy committed. The important prescriptions are summarized as under:

a Silvi-cultural System Shelter wood Compartment System to continue. b Rotation. 200 years. c Exploitable Diameter 75 cms. d Regeneration period. 40 years. Out of which 10 years were considered to have elapsed. e Felling Series Single. Five (PBI was allotted only and the rest were lumped in Un- f Periodic Blocks allotted Blocks). g P.B.I. Included areas with some advance growth and also those felled

under the last plan(17.3% of the entire Working Circle). h Yield prescribed. Total growing stocks above 60 cms. d.b.h Regeneration period (10 Years) Fir 11694.96 d.b.h. (413000 cft.) Kail 566.34 d.b.h. (20000 cft.)

7.6.4. Other Silvicultural operations prescribed included disposal of debris, closure to grazing and regeneration measures in PBI areas felled under the last plan. Improvement markings to the extent of 3114.85 d.b.h. (110000 cft) per annum and annual coupes of about 223.38 ha (552 area) were prescribed to be worked on a Felling Cycle of 30 years in the Un-allotted Blocks.

7.6.5. The Pahalgam Location Working Circle comprised of the Compartments around the growing township of Pahalgam, on both sides of the ‘Lidder’; nallah from ‘Aru’ to ‘Ganeshbal’ and was constituted mainly from an aesthetic point of view. The crop consisted mainly of Fir and Kail with a very little sprinkling of Deodar. Complete enumeration of all the fit trees down to 30 cmsd.b.hwas carried out. The prescriptions laid down for the Working Circle were:

a Silvi-cultural System Selection system modified on conservative lines. b Exploitable Size. 75 cmsd.b.h. c Felling Cycle 10 Years. d Yield prescribed: Kail 283.17 d.b.h. (10000 cft)

Fir 3540.0 d.b.h. (125000 cft)

No fellingswere prescribed in compartment 36c/L on aesthetic grounds.

7.6.6. The Unregulated and protection Working Circle included all the inaccessible ill-stocked, steep and precipitous forests and alpine grasslands. No specific operations or regular felling were prescribed yet the allowance of or working compact forests under Selection-d.b.h-Improvement System as so as to meet petty local demands was given. Pohu and other broad species were allowed to be worked for fuel.

7.6.7. Results of working

a) The simple but prudent prescriptions laid down in the plan were executed with lesser enthusiasm. In the Deodar-Kail Working Circle, the thinningwere neglected in the young crop and little was done to rehabilitate and regenerate the felled areas. The works also suffered woefully during 1947 due to general lawlessness and laxity prevalent at that time. The possibility estimated by the Working Plan Officer proved optimistic as the total prescribed yield could not be worked out after practically going over all the compartments in PBI.

b) The fact of prescribing Uniform System Fir forests was not in conformity with the Silvi-cultural needs of the species or the terrain requirements of such forests and could have resulted in soil

erosion, weed infestation and other such hazards. However, a blessing in disguise as it was, in actual practice the marking rules and the other prescriptions reduced the system to the status of Indian Selection System. This evaded the otherwise inevitable deterioration of the site as an adequately close canopy was ensured. Never-the-less, the felling conducted to meet the firewood demands were of very extensive and heavy nature.

c) The sequence of felling laid down for the Pahalgam Location Working Circle was, more or less, adhered to while as no specific operation other than extraction of fuel was conducted in the Unregulated and protection Working Circle.

7.7. Fotidar’s Plan (1955-56 to 1969-70) 7.7.1. The Khushoo’s plan was revised by Shri A.N. Fotidar and period of the revised plan started from the year 1955-56. The Conservation of Uniformity with respect to all the accessible and better stocked Deodar-Kail forests was continued but Indian modification of Selection System was prescribed for the Fir forests. Tral Range was renamed as Upper Plantation Range under the Plantation Division, Srinagar and as such was excluded from the purview of the plan. The following Working Circle were constituted: i) The Deodar-Kail Conservation Working Circle. ii) The Fir Selection Working Circle. iii) The Protection d.b.h Improvement Working Circle.

7.7.2. The Deodar-Kail Conservation Working Circle was more or less identical in constitution with the Deodar-Kail Regular Working Circle of the Khushoo’s plan excluding the forests of the Tral Range. The Working Circle consisted of all the compacts, easily accessible and well stocked Deodar-Kail compartments having a little of Fir mixed over the upper reached.. The crop was predominantly of Kail and existed in uniform groups of poles and saplings over vast stretches. Middle aged and mature trees were deficient. Natural regeneration of both Kail and Deodar was satisfactory. About 69% of the area under the Working Circle was enumerated down to 30 cmsd.b.h. The summery of the prescriptions laid down for the Working Circle is given hereunder:

Shelter Wood compartment System with a) Silvi-cultural System adopted slight modification so as to avoid sacrifice of immature stuff. b) Rotation. 150 years. c) Exploitable diameter 60 cms. 30 years, out of which 15 years were expired d) Regeneration period. during the previous plan e) Conversion period. 100 years. Only two Blocks viz. Regeneration Block and f) Periodic Blocks. Un-allotted Blocks were identified in the Working Circle. Much the same as the PBI of the last plan g) Regeneration Block. with some new additions and constituted 17.8% of the area of Working Circle.

The area of the Working Circle other than that h) Un-allotted Blocks. allotted to the Regeneration Block. By smythies modification of Von Mantels i) Yield prescribed. formula. (i) For the entire W.C. G.S. above the d.b.ho.b. corresponding average age of advance growth Rotation -av .age of advance growth. Deodar 4842.18 d.b.h (171000 cft) Kail 10930.3 d.b.h (386000 cft) Fir 12714.26 d.b.h (449000 cft) (ii) For Regeneration Block. Deodar 2746.73 d.b.h. (97000 cft) Kail 4304.16 d.b.h. (152000 cft) 5125.35 d.b.h. (181000 cft) Fir

(J) Silvi-cultural operations prescribed

(i) Ordinary thinning of B/C grade on a 15 years thinning cycle in Un-allotted Blocks. (ii) Closure of compartments, whole or part, of Regeneration Block vacated by the lessee to evade grazing therein. (iii) Artificial regeneration of the old felled but un-regenerated areas,.

7.7.3. The Fir Selection Working Circle included all the commercial, well stocked, accessible and workable Fir forests. The crop was mainly middle aged to over mature. The regeneration was generally inadequate to absent except at places where the inimical factors of excessive grazing and un-decomposed humus was not at play. The various prescriptions laid down for the Working Circle were.

Selection System modified to restrict selection-d.b.h- A Silvi-cultural System improvement felling among trees above 75 cmsd.b.h and improvement felling in the rest of the crop. B Rotation. 240 years corresponding to 75 cms. d.b.h C Felling Cycle. 40 years. D. Yield prescribed : By Brandis method Fir 1070 trees i.e. 26617.8 d.b.h. (940000 cft.) D Kail 612 trees i.e. 3143.17 d.b.h. (111000 cft) Other Silvicultural i.Disposal of felling refuse in the forests vacated by the lessees. E operations prescribed. ii.Artificial regeneration measures in compartment 14/K and 38/L

7.7.4. The Protection-d.b.h-improvement Working Circle included a vast number of poorly stocked compartments, some inaccessible but well stocked compartments and the high level alpine pastures. Albeit the regular felling were prohibited in the Working Circle, yet some Selection- d.b.h-Improvement markings in the compact and mature Fir crop for meeting petty demands of the concessionist’s and firewood requirements were permitted.

7.7.5. Results of Working:

i) The annual yield prescribed for the Deodar-Kail Conversion Working Circle was over estimated and the main factors responsible included the non-differentiation of the converted crop from out of the regeneration Blocks besides wrong inclusion of some predominantly Fir compartments viz., 85b/V and 47b/L, in the Regeneration Blocks of Deodar-Kail Working Circle. Compartment 39/L, having mainly a young to middle aged crop, was in-correctly allotted to the Regeneration Block and no final felling was prescribed from the Compartment of 28a/L.

ii) The assessment of growing stock was not fool proof. The sample/partial enumeration conducted was mostly with respect to the well stocked compartments and the resultant stocking worked per unit area was on the higher side. Also the act of considering the 15 year old stocking figures of Khushoo’s plan was fraught with grave errors.

iii) The application of the Symtheis/ modification of Von Mantal’s formula for yield calculation were not in consonance with the demands of the prevalent crop condition. Besides, prescribing a huge annual yield for Un-allotted Block was an anomaly.

iv) The wise prescription of closing the worked and vacated coupes was not enforced and subsequently reflected in further deterioration of the site and stocking viz. in Compartment No. 36c/L.

v) Prescribing the selection system for the Fir Selection Working Circle was a step in the right direction but adoption of a large Felling Cycle was not befitting but crop condition as the major part of the crop was predominantly over mature and subjected to decay and heavy mortality.

vi) In absence of A definite check over felling, the actual felling intensity remained almost the same and nearly all the Fir areas worked during the last plan were over felled or felled drastically.

vii) No developmental works were implemented in the protection Working Circle and contrary to it, the Working Circle was subjected to uncontrolled firewood extraction, unregulated grazing and heavy concession markings which rendered several compartments to a degraded state viz. 18, 19, 20a, 32a, 34, 42/N.A, 4,5,16, 17, 62ab/V, 58/L, and 109, 110, 111/K.

7.8. Quadir’s Plan (1970-71 to 1979-80)

7.8.1. The Fotidar’s plan was revised by ShriParvezQadir whose 10 years plan period started in 1970- 71. The broad outlines of the plan were much the same as that of the previous plan. However, a Rehabilitation Working Circle was constituted which had no separate entry but over-lapped with other Working Circle. The forests of ‘Achabal ‘Rakh’, ‘Gudder’ Rakh and a part of ‘Dessu’ Rakh transferred to the Kashmir Forest Division from the Directorate of Games were brought under the purview of the plan. The hitherto un-commercial forests of ‘Aru- Chandanwari’ were opened up for the commercial exploitation. The plan advocated

Conservation of Uniformity for the deodar-Kail forests and Selection System for the Fir forests as here-to-fore.

The following Working Circle were constituted. i) The Deodar-Kail Conversion Working Circle. ii) The Fir Selection Working Circle. iii) The Rehabilitation Working Circle ( Over-lapping). iv) The protection-d.b.h-Improvement Working Circle.

7.8.2. The Deodar-Kail Conversion Working Circle as usual included all well stocked and commercially exploitable forests where either Deodar or Kail or both predominate with some unavoidable mixture of Fir at upper reaches. Complete enumeration in 10 cms. diameter classes down to 30 cms. d.b.h was conducted in the whole Working Circle which spread over an area of 28367.5 ha. The important prescription laid down for the Working Circle are produced below:

Silvi-cultural System a Shelter-Wood Compartment System. adopted b Rotation. 140 years. c Felling Series. Single. d Conversion period 60 years. e Regeneration period. 25 years f Periodic Blocks. 3 periodic Blocks were recognized viz PBI, PB, Last and PB Un-allotted. g P.B.I. Comprised of the areas where seeding-d.b.h- secondary felling had been finished but regeneration was too insufficient to permit final fellings-Group. A(i); the areas fully regenerated with seeding-d.b.h-secondary felling done and where removal of mature over wood was required Group A (ii); the areas taken up from P.B. Un-allotted of the last plan, for conduction of Regeneration felling- Group. B(i); and the areas in which correction felling were prescribed- Group. B(ii). h P.B. Last Consisted of all the converted areas where the removal of over-wood had already been completed. i P.B. Un-allotted. Included the rest of the area of Working Circle, the crop whereof had yet to pass through conversion. j Exploitation Period. 15 years. k Annual yield prescribed Total available volume in PBI in P.B.I. Exploitation period Deodar 3400 cu.m. Kail 8800 cu.m. Fir 7200 cu.m.

7.8.3. For calculating the available volume of Deodar and Kail, all trees above 50 cms. d.b.h in P.B.I. group B (i) and P.B. Un-allotted were considered while as in case of Fir, trees above 70 cmsd.b.hwere taken into account. Similarly in PBI Groups A (ii) and B(ii) all trees above 60 cms. d.b.hof Kail and Deodar and above 70 cmsd.b.h.o.b (50% only) of Fir were considered. In P.B. Un-allotted B/G grade thinning in young pole crop below 40 cmsd.b.h was prescribed. A similar grade of thinning on a 20 year’s cycle was proposed for the P.B. Last as well.

7.8.4. Other Silvi-culture Operations prescribed:

i) Disposal of slash after the main felling and thinning.

ii) Supplementary marking of the trees badly damaged during felling.

iii) Shrub cutting in Deodar and Kail forests.

7.8.5. The Fir Selection Working Circle was more or less identical with that of the previous plan, excepting a few conditions and alterations. It consisted of all the sell-stocked and potentially commercial Fir areas. The crops contained a high proportion of mature and over-mature trees but was, at places, deficient in younger age classes. The Working Circle, occupying an area of 30536.6 ha.was divided into two categories. The category ‘A’ comprised of well stocked and well regenerated forests (25844.7 ha.) whereas the category ‘B’ included areas with an open type of crop where the regeneration was nearly lacking (4691.9 ha.). The category ‘B’ areas were precluded from prescribing any yield. The prescriptions laid down for the Working Circle are given below.

a Silvi-cultural System Selection System. adopted. b Exploitable Diameter. 70 cms for Fir and spruce and 60 cms for Kail. c Felling Cycle. 20 years. d Felling Series. Three viz. Lidder Felling Series, ‘Arapat- Naubug’ Felling Series. andRazparyin- Ahlan-Sandran’ Felling Series. e Yield calculation. By Symthies safeguarding formula. i) For Fir = x+ f/60 x No of over mature trees of Fir in a compartment ii) For Deodar and Kail X+ f/60 x No of over-mature trees of Deodar and Kail in a Compartment Where X= f/t (II-Z% of II) X= Total recruitment to class I F= Felling Cycle (20 years) T= Time taken by trees of class II to grow to the exploitable size (25 year for Fir and 36 year for Deodar and Kail) Z= % of class II trees that disappear in ‘‘t’ years (20% for Fir and 22% for Deodar- Kail).

The trees of the dia-classes 60-70 cms.70-90 cms and above 90 cms were considered as class II, class I and over-mature trees for Fir while as dia classes 50-60, 60-70 and above 70 cms constituted class II, class I and over-mature trees for Deodar-Kail respectively.

(f) Annual yield prescribed

‘Lidder Felling Series. 2713 class I trees

‘Arapat-Naubug’ F.S. 3130 class I tree ‘Razparyin’ ‘Ahlan-‘Sandran’ FS 2276 class I tree.

7.8.6. The protection-d.b.h-Improvement Working Circle consists of all high lying, inaccessible, commercially uneconomic and ill-stocked woods. Protection and development of such forests for the soil and water conservation of emphasized. The provision was, however, kept for petty felling to meet demands of the concessionist’s. The Selection-d.b.h-Improvement markings for fire-wood extraction in the compartments containing mature and well-stocked Fir and broad leaved species were permitted. Thinning in younger age classes, wherever needed, was permitted. Grazing was prohibited only in the closures and plantation areas.

7.8.7. The Rehabilitation (overlapping) Working Circle had no independent allotment of compartments of its own. Its provisions, however, extended to the low lying, denuded and degraded forests of the other Working Circles. It was held that the injurious biotic factors were responsible for reducing these forest areas to such a miserable lot. Complete rest and restocking of the plantable blanks by sowing and planting was prescribed for the Working Circle. Girdling of inferior and malformed trees to ensure gradual opening of canopy over inter-planted patches and protection of plantations against grazing, fire and lopping was suggested.

7.8.8. Result of working.

7.8.8.1. For the first time total enumeration in 10 cmsdia classes was conducted in the commercially exploited Working Circle of the Division. ‘Aru - Chandanwari’ block of the Lidder Range was opened up for commercial felling. The metric system was introduced but the attempt was partial as the stock maps and the management maps continued to be prepared on the old British Scale.

7.8.8.2. The Working Plan Officer recognized three periodic blocks viz. PB last, P.B.I., & P.B. Un- allotted under Deodar-Kail conversion Working Circle. The P.B.I. area was further divided into four categories which unnecessarily complicated the management as such categories of the area could never be identified by the executive staff in the field, let alone giving the prescribed treatment. The W.P.O.should have instead adopted and worked conversion units and the size of annual coupes, so vital for a fair appraisal of the pace of conversion.

7.8.8.3. The Rotation corresponding to 60 cmsd.b.h. was fixed on higher side. This diameter is actually attained at the age of 114 years and 124 years in Kail and Deodar respectively.

7.8.8.4. For the determination of the conversion period, the age corresponding to the percentage the uncovered area bears to the Rotation was found as 74 years. This was further lowered to 60 years on the plea that the period so fixed would prevent the growing stock of and above 80 years age from decay and deterioration. The W.P.O should have better considered the average age of the regeneration or the converted crop which is our future and the king pin of the Silvicultural system. The present management itself takes care of big size trees whose indefinite retention is not allowed until necessitated on account of deficient regeneration of Silvicultural non-availability.

7.8.8.5. Though the provision was kept in P.B. Un-allotted B/C grade thinning and the felling of silivi- culturally available Kail trees for the concessionist’s and departmental works, no separate yield was worked out therein. No proper check could therefore be exercised on felling in that Block and it is a sad commentary that some areas were so ruthlessly tapped as to nearly assume a converted look.

7.8.8.6. The W.P.O. identified types ‘A’ and ‘B’ under the Fir Selection Working Circle and that no yield was prescribed for ‘B’ category (16.88% of total area of W.C) on account of the open nature of its crop. Such degraded areas could have easily been included under Protection-d.b.h- Improvement W.C. for Reboisement measures. Infact nothing was done for the improvement of this category of area under the Fir Selection W.C.

7.8.8.7. The Rehabilitation (Overlapping) W.C. had no entity of its own. The degraded and denuded areas including therein should have been tackled effectively under a set of silvicultural prescriptions and improvement measures in an independent Rehabilitation W.C.

7.8.8.8. Though the plan laid great stress on the need of sowing and planting work in degraded areas, the plan prescription was implemented only to a minor degree and practically very little was done to regenerate the failed P.B.I areas of the Deodar-Kail Conversion Working Circle.

7.9. Mr. Shamim Mohammad Khan – Revised Working Plan – 1982-83 to 1991- 92 The previous working plan was revised by Mr. Shamim Mohammad Khan in 1982 and remained invogue from 1982 to 1992. He retained more or less the broad outlines of the previous plan in which the conversion to uniformity was advocated for all the easily accessible and well stocked Deodar- Kail Forests and the Fir Forests. The compartments were properly laid out on the ground and large areas considered un-commercial under the previous plan were surveyed and brought under the purview of plan. The following working circles were constituted 1. Deodar- Kail Conversion Working Circle. 2. Fir Selection Working Circle. 3. Bio-aesthetic Working Circle. 4. Reboisement Working Circle. 5. Protection Working Circle.

7.9.1. Deodar- Kail Conversion Working Circle

7.9.1.1. This Working Circle included all thewell stocked, compact and commercially exploitable forests having Deodar and Kail crops in pure or mixed formations. The forest occur generally on gentle topography and easily accessible and workable. Kail constitutes the main crop and covers 58.69 percent of the total forest area of the Working Circle. Deodar comprises of fair percentage (11.12 %) of crop. Fir occupies generally the upper reaches but sometimes also found in mixture along damp, cooler and shaded aspects and covers an area of 10.59% of total area of the Working Circle. This working circle was spread over an area of 24786.02 Hectares including 19929.11 Hectare conifers, 131.21 Hectares Broad Leaved and 4725.7 Hectares blanks and Un-commercial areas. The growing stock of this working circle was estimated by total enumeration. An exploitable diameter of 62.9 Cm and a rotation of 120 Years was adopted for Deodar and Kail. Two felling series had been recognized viz., Lidder felling series and Kuthar- Verinag felling series. A conversion period of 50 years was adopted but no regeneration period was fixed, as the areas where re-generation could be included were not tackled. Due to abnormal distribution of age and diameter classes and irregular nature of crop, conversion units instead of standard periodic blocks were recognized. The crop as divisible into three main categories and three blocks under a “Floating Periodic Block” system have been identified viz, Converted Block, Conversion Block and Un-allotted Block.

7.9.1.2. The annual coupe size was worked out to be 778.4 ha for Liddar felling series and 1029 ha for Kuthar-Verinag felling series

The annual yield worked out was as under Felling Series Species Liddar (m3) Kuthar (m3) Deodar 786 1823 Kail 2839 4984 Fir 3709 5618

In case of Fir, due to its occupation of higher and steeper topography, the annual yield was reduced by 50% i.e., 1854 m3 for Liddar felling series and 2809 m3 for KutharVerinag felling series

7.9.1.3. Volume available for felling from Conversion Block

Considering the exploitation period of 11 years and 13 years for Liddar and Kuthar-Verinag felling series, the annual cut from conversion block was worked out. For Fir, 50% reduction in yield was prescribed due to its occupation of higher and steeper topography. The final cut prescribed is as under

Felling Series Total (m3) Species Liddar (m3) Kuthar (m3) Deodar 415 1763 2178 Kail 2509 2455 4964 Fir 1506 1509 3013 Total 4430 5727 10155

7.9.2. Fir Selection Working Circle

7.9.2.1. This Working Circle comprised all the low lying, accessible, and well stocked fir forests, which are commercially exploitable. Fir is the predominant species of these forests and usually forms pure belts. Well defined patches of Kail found on the exposed slopes and sunny southern aspects or where-ever the succession retrogression on account of fires, overgrazing or landslides has taken place. Deodar is of rare occurrence and is found scattered in few Compartments of Kuthar Range. This working circle spreads over an area of 25558.58 Hectare including 15233.46 Hectares conifers (13109.68 Hectare = Fir), 290.79 Hectare Broad Leaved and 10064.33 hectare Blanks and un-commercial areas. Deodar, Kail and Fir occupy 0.03 %, 13.91 % and 86.06 % respectively of the total stocked area of the working circle. An exploitable diameter of 60 Cm which corresponds to rotation of 160 years was adopted for Fir. Deodar and Kail were treated on similar lines as Fir. Three felling series viz, Lidder Felling Series, Arapat – Bringi Felling Series and Ahlan – Sandran felling series with a felling cycle of 32 years was adopted. Point sampling has been adopted for growing stock estimation. Average growing stock (number / volume (d.b.h) estimated was 2428711/5432381.

• For Yield calculation modified BrandisDia Class method was used. Von Mantel’s formula was also applied to check the yield to arrive at a conservative estimate.

• For deodar and kail, trees with d.b.h. of 60 cm and above are considered as class I trees whereas for fir the class I trees are those whose d.b.h. is 70cm and above.

• Survival co-efficient of different classes were used to arrive at potential possibility.

7.9.2.2. The final annual allowable cut was worked out as under: Felling Series

Species 3 3 Ahlan-Sandran Total Liddar (m /No.) Kuthar (m /No.) (m3/No.) Deodar 155.25/57 155.25/57 Kail 1593.44/565 2140.94/761 505.84/171 4240.22/1497 Fir 8203.41/1720 17819.21/3561 8552.03/1823 34574.65/7104 Total 9796.85/2285 20115.40/4379 9058/1994 38970.12/8658

7.9.3. Bio-aesthetic Working Circle

7.9.3.1. It was constituted to maintain and preserve the sylvan allegiance of Pahalgam, which is of the most vivifying and popular beauty spots of Kashmir. It includes the Compartments and Sub- Compartments located around Pahalgam. The forests of this working circle extend more or less along both banks of west Lidder stream from Aru down to Ganeshbal. The point sampling technique was adopted for qualitative analysis of growing stock. The average growing stock was worked out as 321.73 Cu Mtrs per Hectare of the stocked area. Average growing stock (number / volume (cum)) estimated was 750812/1224998. The major objective of the working circle is to

• Safeguard the area for aesthetic purposes

• Create recreational amenities for visiting tourists

• Wildlife promotion

7.9.3.2. Keeping in view of the objectives vigorous afforestation programme is prescribed for the working circle with major preference to conifer plants. No commercial felling is prescribed.

7.9.4. Reboisement Working Circle

7.9.4.1. This Working Circle included all poorly stocked forest areas but potentially protective in nature yet or not fit for any systematic working on account of the degradation in crop condition and quality. The compartments are mostly located in close proximity of the habitations, hence either suffered on account of past mal-treatment by way of excessive grazing, lopping, encroachment and illicit felling viz., compartments 1 to 03, 21-22, 24 a/L, 1,59b, 60, 61 a/K, 58, 60, 62,71 -75 b/V and 6, 41 to 48 /N or were over exploited viz., Compartments 84 b/V and 15, 18, 19/N. these areas have been rendered un-stocked and contain a sparsely stunted, mal formed and multi-branched tree crop in fair open patches. The average stocking per Hectare was 200 Cu Mtrs. Regeneration had been nearly wiped out from some compartments viz., 15, 18, 19/N. This working circle covered an area of 39368.95 Hectare. Average growing stock (number / volume (cum) estimated was 3838264/4508668.

7.9.4.2. In order to treat the area, it is divided into 2 categories a) Culturable areas under an open type of tree crop b) Culturable areas with no tree crop

For (a) category total protection to aid natural regeneration along with artificial regeneration in refractory spots is prescribed

For (b) category, artificial regeneration is prescribed.

7.9.5. Protection Working Circle

It comprised remaining areas of Division not covered by any of the either four working circles. It includes Alpine pasture Land, all high lying compartments situated on very steep to precipitous terrain. Fir constitutes the major crop and is generally mature and compact at places. These forests are the source of a variety of Minor Forest Products including the Medicinal Plants viz. Kuth, Kode, Artemesia, Dhoop etc. this working Circle, covered an area of 89987.95 Hectare including 18888.50 Hectare conifer and 1818.25 Hectare Broad Leaved. Average growing stock (number / volume (cum)) estimated was 3432311/3821982. No felling is prescribed. The treatment recommended are to protect the tract efficiently against excessive grazing, lopping, forest fires and illicit felling etc. In the alpine pasture lands, the grazing should be regulated on scientific principles and its intensity decreased to obviate chances of sheet or gully erosion. Vast treeless blanks need to be restocked by means of artificial planting.

7.9.6. Results of working:

Eventhough the prescriptions were initially followed, but due to turmoil situation which prevailed later on, the prescriptions could not be adopted. There were illicit green felling which was taking place during the turmoil period and the species viz., deodar and kail were particularly targeted. The Kuthar range faced the major brunt. Further during 1990’s Green felling was given up and only fallen trees are marked and extracted as per Quantitative and Qualitative norms for Jammu and Kashmir as per Hon’ble Supreme Court’s direction in the year 1996 in T.N GodavarmanThirumulpad case.

7.9.7. Special Works of Improvement undertaken.:

7.9.7.1. Buildings

The Division is well served with an adequate number of rest houses, both of forest Department as well as those of P.W.D.At Khanabal, Division Office complex is constructed. Range Offices are there in all the Range Head Quarters. Forest Rest Houses are available at Kokernagand Qazigund Ranges. BO office residence and Guard Huts are constructed in the past in some of the forest blocks and are well maintained. .Several of the forest buildings have fallen into disrepair and need to ungraded and properly equipped with. Theoverall list of infrastructure established in the division is given in the Annexure IX.

7.9.7.2. Roads

The most part of the Division is well connected by a network of metaled and fair weather roads. Several far-flung forest areas have been rendered commercial by their opening up to the vehicular transportation of timber. The Jammu-Srinagar National Highway passes through the Division via Khanabal and Qazigund. The Principal metaled roads of the Division extended between Anantnag to Daksum, Daksum-Sinthan,Anantnag to Kapran, AnantnagtoPoshnadi,

Desu to Lehanwan , Vailo to Gadole and are open to traffic all the year round. The Lehenwan- Wadwan road, presently under construction with P.W.D. will further connect the Anantnag division to areas of Marwa Range.

Further there were numerous kacha roads were constructed inside the forests to bring the logs from forests to Kacha Loading Point (KLP) and from KLP to Pucca Loading Point (PLP). The detailed account is given in the Annexure VIII.

7.9.7.3. Nurseries

There is a good number of nurseries in the Division. The nurseries established in the Division include Lessu-brannard Nursery and BootiBagh Nursery (Daksum) , Bindo–Kokernag (Kokarnag) nursery , Chattapal Nursery (Kuthar Range) , NagdandiNursery&Trapoo Nursery– Achabal. The species commonly raised in such nurseries consist of Aesculusindica, Prunusarmenica, Robiniapseudoacacia, Fraxinus excelsior, Juglansregia, Cedrusdeodara, Abiespindrow, Pinuswallichiana, piceasmithiana, Ailanthusspp. Most of these nurseries are being looked after well however enough attention is required towards Chatpal and BootiBaghnursery.The details of nurseries established in the division is given as under: Table :Nursery details of the division

S. Range Name /Location Compt. Total Effective Water Annual capacity No. No. area area source Conifer Broad- leaved 1 Kuthar Traphoo - 3.12 3.00 Natural - 100000 2 Kuthar Nagdandi ** 1R/K 4.50 2.00 Artificial 90900 - 3 Kuthar Chatpal * 96/K 10000 4 Kokernag Bindoo 63/V 3.10 2.16 Natural 99096 50000 5 Daksum ArwaniBrannard 32/K 0.50 0.30 Natural 71000 - 6 Daksum BootiBagh* 14/K 1.00 0.75 Natural 10000 Daksum

* Only Medicinal plants are produced ** Along with conifer plants, medicinal plants are also produced

7.9.7.4. Fire conservancy

Large scale fires have become a matter of past on account of strict observance and enforcement of fire conservancy measures initiated by Mr. M.C. Donnel. However, minor outbreaks of forest fire do occur during the months of drought. During fire season, fire watchers are engaged for fire lookout and for prompt action in case of fire incidence.

CHAPTER-VIII STATISTICS OF GROWTH AND YIELD

8.1. Inventory method adopted

8.1.1. To assess the growing stock parameters most economically, efficiently and speedily within a predetermined degree of precession, the modern sampling technique was preferred in place of the conventional methods of total or partial count. Bitterlich’s method or what is popularly known ‘point sampling’ was therefore adopted to survey the crop with the help of a fixed critical angle instrument the ‘wedge prism’. Point sampling is a convenient method for the assessment of growing stock in the coniferous forests and under the rugged terrain condition as we have in the valley and involves minimum personal and instrumental errors.

8.1.2. The forests of the Division were distributed, for the purpose into more or less homogeneous strata. The primary stratification was governed by the condition of the crop and the treatment warranted by it. Three major strata where thus identified:-

I. Commercially exploitable stratum II. Commercially non-exploitable stratum

8.1.3. On the basis of crop composition the commercially exploitable stratum was further divided into two sub-stratum viz.

a) Deodar-Kail sub-stratum b) Fir sub-stratum

The commercially non-exploitable stratum was split into:

(a) Ecological conservation sub-stratum (b) Reboisement sub-stratum (c) Bio-aesthetic sub-stratum

8.1.4. The crop characteristics where studied and measured objectively at various unbiased ‘sample points’ selected at random to represent population under study. the trees whose trunks at breast height subtended angles large than the critical angle of the instrument when viewed through a ‘wedge prism’ during enumeration sweep, at a sample point, were counted and measured on standard lines for further computation.

8.1.5. Thenumber of trees and volume per hectare was worked out separately for each strata and finally grouped to arrive at a precise estimate of the growth parameters for the whole population. The data was processed and the various calculations conducted with the help of Microsoft excel and the estimated resultswere subjected to the various statistical tests.

8.2. The results of statistical analysis performed are given as under:

I. Commercially Exploitable stratum

A. Deodar-Kail Selection Working Circle

Table8.1: Statistical analysis of Deodar-Kail working circle Variable Sample Mean Variance Standard Standard Coefficient of Confidence limits (95%) Confidence Lower (ha) points (X) (S2) Deviation error variation (%) (X±t x S.E.) Interval limit as (n) (S) (S.E) Lower Upper limit (C.I) mean limit (%) t=1.969

No. of 263 183.28 31991.30 178.86 11.03 97.60 161.53 204.97 43.43 stems 88% Volume 263 177.43 7713.95 87.83 5.42 49.51 166.75 188.07 21.33 94%

B. Fir Selection Working Cirlce

Table 8.2 : Statistical analysis of Fir selection working circle

Variable Sample Mean Variance Standard Standard Coefficient Confidence limits (95%) Confidence Lower (ha) points (X) (S2) Deviation error (S.E) of variation (X±t x S.E.) Interval limit as (n) (S) (%) Lower Upper limit (C.I) mean limit (%) t=1.971

No. of 212 126.26 10311.41 101.55 6.97 79.93 113.29 140.79 27.49 stems 89% Volume 212 262.28 12281.20 110.82 7.61 42.26 247.26 277.26 30.00 94%

II. Commercially non-exploitable Stratum

A. Ecological Conservation Working Circle

Table :8.3 Statistical analysis of EcologicalConservation Working Circle

No. of 232 137.76 12824.00 113.24 7.43 82.63 122.40 151.70 29.29 stems 89% Volume 232 198.14 10726.80 103.57 6.80 52.03 185.66 212.46 26.79 93%

B. Reboisement Working Circle:

Table :8.4Statistical analysis of Reboisement working circle Variable Sample Mean Variance Standard Standard Coefficient Confidence limits (95%) Confidence Lower (ha) points (X) (S2) Deviation error (S.E) of variation (X±t x S.E.) Interval limit as (n) (S) (%) Lower Upper limit (C.I) mean limit (%) t=1.966

No.of 386 212.95 56532.50 237.77 12.10 111.78 188.91 236.49 47.58 stems 89% Volume 386 152.33 13856.01 117.71 5.99 77.27 140.55 164.11 23.56 92%

C. Bio-aesthetic Working Circle:

Table:8.5 Statistical analysis of Bioaesthetic working circle Variable Sample Mean (X) Variance Standard Standard Coefficient Confidence limits Confidence Lower (ha) points (S2) Deviation error (S.E) of variation (95%) (X±t x S.E.) Interval limit as (n) (S) (%) Lower Upper (C.I) mean limit limit (%)

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

t=2.228

No. of 11 152.90 11808.00 108.66 32.76 71.06 79.91 225.91 145.99 52% stems Volume 11 103.43 10414.70 102.05 30.77 98.67 34.87 171.99 137.11 34%

Column 6: S.E = S/square root (n)

Column 7: C.O.V (%) = (S/X) × 100

Column 8: Lower limit = X- 1.96× S.E

Column 9: Upper limit = X+ 1.96 × S.E

Column10:C.I=Upper limit-Lower Limit

Since the introduction of scientific forestry in the state, the Kulu volume tables have been adhered to in the timber trade circles of Jammu and Kashmir. In the present working plan for the assessment of of volume of the growing stock, Kulu volume table is used.

Table 8.6: Mean Annual Increment/ Current Annual Increment –Pinuswallichiana (Kail)

S.No. Age (Years) DBHOB Volume cu. MAI/ha CAI/ha (cm) m/ha cu.m (cu.m) 1 10 1.42 4.591* 0.4591 - 2 20 3.86 13.689* 0.6845 0.9098 3 30 8.28 31.590* 1.0530 1.7901 4 40 14.09 56.490* 1.4123 2.4900 5 50 20.62 85.747* 1.7490 2.9256 6 60 27.39 117.06 1.9509 3.1310 7 70 34.10 148.730 2.1247 3.1673 8 80 40.56 179.272 2.2409 3.0543 9 90 46.70 208.973 2.3219 2.9701 10 100 52.48 238.234 2.3823 2.9261 11 110 57.88 264.857 2.4078 2.6623 12 120 62.93 290.365 2.4197 2.5508 13 130 67.63 214.123 2.4163 2.3757 14 140 72.00 336.270* 2.4019 2.2148 15 150 76.08 357.165* 2.3811 2.0895 Source: ShamimMohd. Khan’s Revised working plan *Extrapolated values

Table 8.7: Current Annual Increment/Mean Annual Increment –Abiespindrow (Fir)

S.No. Age (Years) DBHOB Volume cu. MAI/ha CAI/ha (cm) m/ha cu.m (cu.m) 1 10 1.18 8.747* 0.8737 - 2 20 2.48 17.521* 0.8761 0.8774 3 30 5.0 33.755* 1.1252 1.6234 4 40 8.54 55.799* 1.3950 2.2044 5 50 12.78 83.137* 1.6627 2.7357 6 60 17.42 112.029* 1.8672 2.8893 7 70 22.25 141.523* 2.0217 2.9494 8 80 27.09 171.105* 2.1388 2.9582 9 90 31.84 199.710 2.2190 2.8606 10 100 36.44 227.245 2.2724 2.7535 11 110 40.86 254.47 2.3133 2.7223 12 120 45.07 279.04 2.3250 2.4573 13 130 49.07 303.10 2.3316 2.4060 14 140 52.86 326.33 2.3309 2.3226 15 150 56.45 346.46 2.3098 2.0135 Source: ShamimMohd. Khan’s Working Plan (1982-83) *Extrapolated values

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From the tables given above, it can be seen that MAI in case of kail culminates at the age of 120 years corresponding to d.b.ho.b of 62.9 cm whereas for fir, it culminates at 130 years corresponding to d.b.ho.b 49.1 cm.

8.3. Yield Calculation:

For yield calculation 2 different methodologies were followed to arrive at a conservative yield

8.3.1. Modified BrandisDia-class method:

This methodology aims at sustained yield of Class I trees. For sustained yield, regular entry of trees into Class II and Class III are considered.

The mean number of trees/ha and volume/ha for each dia class of lowest confidence limit was extrapolated to the commercial area of working circle to arrive at total number of stems/volume in each of the dia class for the commercial area of concerned working circle. Based on the survival co-efficient of each of the dia class, potential availability is worked out species and dia class wise. Then the entry of stems in to Class I category from Class II and Class III were worked out. In case of deodar and kail 70 cm and above are considered as Class I, 60-70cm considered as Class II and 50-60cm dia class is considered as Class III.

In case of Fir, diaclass of 80 cm and above is considered as Class I, 70-80cm as Class II and 60- 70 cm as Class III respectively.

8.3.2. Von Mantel’s method

As per Von Mantel’s method Annual yield is calculated as per the following formula.

Yield = 2(Growing stock volume)/Rotation

The Von Mantel’s formula also helps to arrive at a sustainable yield.

The growing stock volume of all dia-class from the lowest dia class i.e. 10-20 cm is considered and yield is worked out accordingly.

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