Government of Jammu and Kashmir Department of Forests, Environment & Ecology

Home , Hirpora, Pir Panjal Pass, Pulwama district, Shopian district

Subject : Sanction for approved of revised Working Plans of Anantnag, Shopian and Udhampur Forest Divisions. Reference: No. PCCF/Coord/CFWPC/WP/F-138/924-29 dated 29-05-2014 received from Pr.Chief Conservator of Forests J&K.

Government Order No : 193 – FST of 2014 D a t e d : 20 - 06 - 2014

Sanction is hereby, accorded to the operation of the revised Working Plans of the following Forest Division, as recommended by the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, J&K, for the period as detailed in the below mentioned table : S. Division Existing Working Plan Revised Working Plan No. Name of the Period Name of the Period approved Working originally Working Plan Officer approved Plan Officer 1. Shopian Shri. B. L. 1977-78 to Sh. B. L. 2014-15 to 2023-24 and an Tiku 1986-87 Tiku operational period of Shri. Tiku’s Plan deemed to have been extended upto 2013-14. 2. Anantnag Shri. Shamim 1982-83 to Dr. B. Bala 2014-15 to 2023-24 and an Mohd. Khan 1991-92 Ji IFS operational period of Sh. Shamim’s plan deemed to have been extended upto 2013-14 3. Udhampur Shri. Sarvesh 1996-97 to Shri. 2015-16 to 2025-26 and an Rai 2006-07 Showkat operational period of Sh. Chowdhary Showkat’s plan deemed to have been extended upto 2014-15.

The above revised Action Plan is subject to the following conditions: i. That in the event of ban on the felling of green trees in the forests of extended period unless the table of felling for each working circle is approved by the Working Plan Committee; and

ii. That the Divisional Forest Officers shall compile the extraction data according to the relevant control forms for the corresponding working plan periods, and the period that has elapsed thereafter, so that the same is taken into account during the extended period. iii. That no activity is permitted to be taken up in the forest area in violation of the provisions of the J&K Forest (Conservation) Act. iv. That it shall be ensured that the provisions of the J&K Forest (Conservation) Act and guidelines issued there under are strictly followed while implementing working plan prescriptions. v. That the standing instructions issued by the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India from time to time in Writ Petition 202/95 as well as in similar Writ Petitions shall meticulously be followed. vi. That this approval does not ipso facto imply approval of any proposed non forestry activities requiring separate clearance under Jammu and Kashmir Forest (Conservation) Act. Such activities shall not be undertaken until separate Forest clearance, is obtained under the Act.

By order of the Government of Jammu and Kashmir.

Sd/- (Muhammad Afzal) IAS Secretary to Government Forest Department.

No : FST/Lease/50/2001-II Dated : 20-06-2014

Copy to the : 1. Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, J&K Srinagar. 2. Chief Conservator of Forests, Kashmir/Jammu. 3. Conservator of Forests, Working Plan Circle, J&K Srinagar. 4. Concerned Officers. 5. Joint Director (P&S) Forest Department. 6. Officer on Special Duty with the Hon’ble Forests Minister. 7. Pvt. Secretary to Secretary to Government, Forest Department. 8. Government Order file/stock file. Sd/- (Amreet Singh) Deputy Secretary to Government Forest Department.

INTRODUCTION

The Shopian Forest Division came into being during the year 1982 as a result of reorganization of Forest Department. It had four territorial Ranges Shopian, Romshi, Veshav and (D.H.Pora which was carved from erstwhile Forest Division Anantnag) one non-territorial Range (Kakapora) and one Soil Conservation (SC Range Shopian) Ranges. This happen to be the 5th revision of the Working Plan for Shopian Forest Division. During the period of previous Working Plan by Shri B.L. Ticku (1977-1986), Shopian Forest Division was a part of Pir Panjal Division. In the year 2010-11, the D.H.Pora and Veshav Ranges were annexed with Special Forest Division Kulgam created vide Govt. Order No.407-FST of 2010 dated:25-10-2010 and thus the total forest area of the Division is only 25% of the area during previous Working Plan. The revision of the reorganized Shopian Forest Division was due in the year 1986-87 on the expiry of Ticku’s Working Plan, however it could not get materialized in time due to unavoidable circumstances that prevailed in the Valley since 1989 onwards. Thus the forests of the Division continued to be worked as per Shri B.L. Ticku’s Working Plan. The present Plan will therefore form a first compact revised Plan of reorganized Shopian Forest Division. The Working Plan exercise was undertaken in the year 2010-11, when the territorial Divisional Forest Officers were entrusted the job of undertaking the Working Plan revision exercise perhaps for the first time. In Shopian Forest Division active field work began in the financial year 2011-12 only. Since the field functionaries had long been, not associated with any kind of Working Plan exercise extensive training programmes and demonstrative field exercises were undertaken to develop requisite expertise amongst the staff. Of late, as observed during last 10 to 15 years, the forest policy and management have had many changes. The emphasis has considerably shifted towards environmental conservation rather than revenue realization, to meet the necessities of the people living near the surrounding forests. The State Forest Policy of Jammu & Kashmir, 2010 was framed to ensure environmental stability by advocating management to “Conservation oriented” rather than “Use Oriented”. It is under these changed circumstances that the revision of Working Plan for Shopian Forest Division was taken up in hand. It is a well known fact that the future of our forests depend on the establishment of regeneration and as such the present working Plan gives top most priority to secure regeneration, augment vigour, life, luster, etc. to existing forests. The forests of Shopian have undergone a sea change and thus deserve effective tackling and that is why the Working Plan exercise was taken in extreme care and caution. The Deodar-Kail Conservation Working Circle of previous working plan could not been retained in this Plan due to paradigm decline in crop composition. This juncture, I am sure will not only revive the forests but will also help in securing regeneration in the areas, that have failed to regenerate till now. The Protection Working Circle of Previous working Plan is renamed

iii as Ecological Conservation Working Circle and is almost identical to it. The Reboisment Working Circle of the previous plan has also been renamed as Rehabilitation Working circle. Some new Overlapping circles namely NTFP working circle, JFM working circle, Plantation working circle, Wildlife working circle and Protection working circle have been added to the list of Working Circles which were not there in the previous working plan. The Working Plan Officer is highly indebted to Shri Abay Kumar, IFS, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Jammu & Kashmir for providing me the opportunity to take up this prestigious assignment. Thanks are also due to Shri Vinod Rajan, IFS, HOFF, former PCCF, Shri Manzoor Ahmad Khan, IFS, former CCF Kashmir for their valuable support. The writer takes the opportunity to express his gratitude to Shri Nisar Ahmad, IFS, Chief Conservator of Forests Kashmir, Shri S.P. Sharma, IFS, CCF Working Plan, Shri. Vasu-Yadav, IFS, CF Working Plan and Research and Shri Ab. Gani, IFS, former CF South for their valuable support, guidance and confidence reposed on me. The writer is highly indebted to Shri Javed Iqbal Punjoo, IFS, CF South, for his total support, guidance on all aspects of field exercise of this Working Plan. In the last undersigned would like to record that this work could not have been completed, had there not been whole hearted and sincere efforts put forth by Miss Gazalla Abdullaha, RO Grade-I (I/c R.O. Working Plan) and her team in collection of requisite field data and remaining actively involved in this revision exercise. This Plan is the result of hard work put in by Shri Waseem Farooq Mir, ACF, Shri Gh. Nabi Chowan, RO Shopian, Shri Manzoor Ahmad Bhat, RO Romshi, Shri Manzoor Ahmad Beigh, Head Clerk, Shri Mohd. Iqbal Dar, I/c Lease, Shri Gulzar Ahmad, B.O. Sedow, Shri Jehnagir Jeelani Deva, BO Methwani, Shri Mohd. Shafi Khan, B.O. Hirpora, Shri Gh. Mohd. Wani, B.O. Zawoora, Shri Mohd. Yaqoob Bhat and Shri Javeed Ahamd Malik. Special thanks to my two computer operators Shri Suhail Ahamd Zarger and Shri Karamat Ali Naikoo who remained associated with me round the clock in compilation of this Book. Last but not the least, thanks to Shri Zameer Ahmad, DFO, P.I. Division and his team namely Shri Jamsheed Ahmad, Shri Shabir Ahmad and Shri Javed Ahamd for their active corporation and assistance they rendered to me as and when needed.

Srinagar (Mohd. Ashraf Katoo) 20-02-2014 DFO: Working Plan/ DFO : Shopian Forest Division.

CONTENTS

Introduction iii-iv ______Section Title Page

PART – I SUMMARY OF FACTS ON WHICH THE PROPOSALS ARE BASED CHAPTER The Tract Dealt With 1.1 Name and Situation 1 1.2 Configuration of the ground 1 1.3 Drainage 1 1.4 Geology, rock and soil 2-3 1.5 Climate and rainfall 3 1.6 Temperature and Relative Humidity 3-4 1.7 Water Supply 4 1.8 Distribution and area 4 1.9 Demarcation and State of Boundaries 4-5 1.10 Legal Position 5 1.11 Rights and Concessions 6 1.16 Grazing 7-9 CHAPTER – IIA Forest Flora 2.1.1 The Forest 10 2.1.2 Deodar Kail Zone 10-11 2.1.3 Fir Forest 11-12 2.1.4 Broad leaved species 12 2.1.5 Alpine (Mainly Grass Land Zone) 12 2.1.6 Forest Typology 12-16 2.1.14 Injuries to which the crop is liable 16 2.1.15 Biotic Agencies 16 2.1.16 Lopping 16-17 2.1.17 Illicit Damage 17 2.1.20 Grazing 20

2.1.21 Encroachment 20 2.1.26 Abiotic Agencies 23-26 CHAPTER – IIB Forest Fauna 2.2.1 General Description 27-29 2.2.2 Fish 29 2.2.3 Injuries to which Fauna is liable 29-30 CHAPTER – III Utilization of the Produce 3.1 Agricultural customs and wants of the population 31-32 3.2 Marketing and marketable Products 32-33 3.3 Demand and supply of Forest Produce and Pressure on forests 33 3.4 Timber 33-34 3.5 Timber requirement 34-35 3.6 Import of Timber 35 3.7 SRO-103 35-36 3.8 Firewood 36 3.9 Non-timber forest produce 36-37 3.10 Timber Transportation 37 3.11 Methods of Exploitation 37-38 3.12 Past and Current Prices 38 CHAPTER – IV Activities of Forest Development Corporation in Harvesting and Marketing of Forest Produce 4.1 Jammu & Kashmir State Forest Corporation 39-43 4.2 Result of Socio Economic Survey 43 4.3 Role of Panchayats 43-44 4.4 Jammu & Kashmir Right to Information Act-2009 44-45 CHAPTER – V Five Year Plan 5.1 Management of Forests under Five Year Plans 46-47 5.2 12th Five Year Plan & its Scope for J&K Forest Dev. 47 CHAPTER – VI Staff and Labour Supply 6.1 Establishment 48 6.2 Labour Supply 49

CHAPTER – VII Past Systems of Management 7.1 Past History of the Forests 50 7.2 1890-91 (AD) 50-51 7.3 B. Sher Singh (1925-34) 51-52 7.4 R.L. Khajuria (1935-44) 52-54 7.5 Shri Habib Khan (1945-64) 54-56 7.6 Shri P.N. Pandita (1965-76) 56-58 7.7. Shri B.L. Ticku (1977-78 to 1986-87) 58-60 7.8. Fir Selection Working Circle 61-62 7.9 Reboisment Working Circle 62-63 7.10 Protection Working Circle 63-65 7.11 Special works of Improvement Undertaken 65-67 7.12 Nursery 67 7.13 Fire Conservancy 67 CHAPTER – VIII Statistics of Growth & Yield 8.1 Methodology Adopted for the Assessment of Growing Stock 68-71 8.2 Volume Table 72 8.3 Growth Studies 72-74 8.4 Age, Diameter Correlation 74 8.5 Yield Calculation 75 PART – II FUTURE MANAGEMENT DISCUSSED AND PRESCRIBED CHAPTER – IX Basis of Proposals 9.1 General 76-77 9.2 Method of Treatment to be Adopted 77-78 9.3 Hon’ble Supreme Court Judgement 78-79 9.4 Recommendations of Expert Committee for Q&Q Norms 79-80 9.5 Constitutions of Working Circles 80 9.6 Details of Working Circles 80-81 9.7 Period of the Plan 81 9.8 Reasons for Constitutions of Working Circles 81-82 9.9 Brief Descriptions of Working Circle 82-84

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9.10. Administrative Units 84 CHAPTER – X Working Plan for The Fir Selection Working Circle 10.1. General 85 10.2 General Character of Vegetation 86 10.3 Area and Allotment 86-87 10.4 Silvi-cultural System Adopted 87 10.5 Exploitable Size 87 10.6 Rotation Period 87 10.7 Felling Cycle 87 10.8 Analysis and Evaluation of Growing stock 87-90 10.9 Calculation of the Yield 91-93 10.10 Yield Regulation 93-95 10.11 Yield Calculation by Van Mantel’s Method 95 10.12 Size of the Annual Coupe 95 10.13 Allowable Cut 95-96 10.14. Realization of the Yield 96 10.15 Sequence of Felling 96 10.16 Method of Executing Felling 96-98 10.17 Nursery and Plantation Technique 98-99 10.18 Control of Grazing 99 CHAPTER – XI Working Plan for The Rehabilitation Working Circle 11.1 General Constitution of the Working Circle 100-101 11.2 General Character of Vegetation 101 11.3 Area and Allotment 101-102 11.4 Objectives of Management 102 11.5 Analysis and Evaluation of Growing Stock 102-104 11.6 Method of Executing the Felling 105 11.7 Realization of the Yield 105 11.8 Methods of Treatment 105-107 CHAPTER – XII Working Plan for The Ecological Conservation Working Circle 12.1 General Constitution of the Working Circle 108 viii

12.2 General Character of Vegetation 108-109 12.3 Area and Allotment 109 12.4 Objectives of Management 109 12.5 Analysis and Evaluation of Growing Stock 110-112 12.6 Method of Treatment 113 CHAPTER – XIII Working Plan for The Wildlife Management (Overlapping) Circle 13.1 General Constitution of the Working Circle 114 13.2 General Character of Vegetation 114 13.3 Special Objectives of Management 115 13.4 Legal Position 115 13.7 Improvement of Habitat 115-116 13.8 Injuries to which Wildlife is liable 116 13.9 Management of Man Animal Conflict 116 13.11 Surveillance and Protection Measures 117 CHAPTER – XIV Working Plan for The Joint Forest Management (Overlapping) Working Circle 14.1 General Constitution of the Working Circle 118 14.2 Government Policy on JFM 118-119 14.3 Implementation of JFM in Shopian Forest Division 119 14.4 Problems faced with JFM 119-120 14.5 Suggestions for Successful implementation of JFM 120-121 14.6 Special Objectives of Management 121 CHAPTER – XV Working Plan for The NTFP (Overlapping) Working Circle 15.1 General Constitution & Character of Vegetation 122 15.2 Special Objects of Management 122 15.3 Methods of Treatment Proposed 122-123 15.4 Medicinal Plants Conservation Area (MPCA) 123 15.5 Prescriptions of Laying out MPCAs 123 15.6 Concept of JFM in Conserving & Propagation of MP 123-124 15.7 Training of Field Staff 124 15.8 General 124-125

CHAPTER – XVI Working Plan for The Plantation (Overlapping) Working Circle 16.1 General Constitution of the Working Circle 126 16.2 Objectives of Management 126 16.3 Distribution of the Area 126-127 16.4 Choice of Species 127 16.5 Nursery and Plantation Techniques 127 16.13 Control of Grazing 130 16.14 Broad leaved Species 130-132 CHAPTER – XVII Working Plan for The Forest Protection (Overlapping) Working Circle 17.1 General Constitution of the Working Circle 133 17.2 Illicit Damage 133 17.3 Treatment Measures 134-135 17.4. Encroachment 135 17.5 Non-Existence of Demarcation Boundaries 135 17.6 Fire Protection 136 17.7 Measures to be Adopted 136 17.8 Soil Conservation 136 17.10 Torch Wood Cutting 136 17.11 Grazing 137 17.12 Method of Treatment 137-138 17.13 Erosion Control in Grass Lands 138 17.14 Pasture Improvement 138 17.18 Management Measures 139 CHAPTER – XVIII Miscellaneous Regulations 18.1 Regulations 140 18.2 Infrastructure Development Regulation 140 18.3 Roads and Paths 141-142 18.4 Forest Protection and Land Conservation Regulations 142 18.9 Public Benefit Regulation 143 18.15 Pasture Land Development Regulations 146 18.16 Research and Development Regulations 146

18.17 Fir Regeneration Experiments 146-147 18.18 Sample Plots 147 18.19 Climatological Data 147 18.20 Beats and Blocks 147 18.21 Maps 147 18.22 Compartment Descriptions 148 18.23 Draft Plan 148 CHAPTER – XIX Staff and Labour Supply 19.1 Establishment 149-150 19.2 Labour Supply 150 CHAPTER – XX Control 20.1 Control Forms 151 20.2 Compartment Histories 151 20.3 Divisional Journal 151-152 20.4 Guard Books 152 CHAPTER – XXI Financial Forecast and Cost of the Plan 21.1 Future Yield and Revenue 153 21.3 Future Expenditure 154 21.5 Cost of the Plan 155 CHAPTER – XXII 156-159 Summary of Prescriptions

List of Annexure

Annexure Title Page I Statement showing Administrative setup of Shopian 161-162 Division – Range, Block, Beat and Compartment wise. II Divisional area statement of administrative units- Range, 163-166 Block, Beat and Compartment wise. III Area statement of Compartments of Fir Selection Working 167 Circle IV Area statement of Compartments of Rehabilitation Working 168-169 Circle V Area statement of Compartments of Ecological 170 Conservation WC VI List of Names of Forests (as per Revenue Record) with 171-172 Other Particulars as per Forest Department Form No.1 VII Statement Showing List of Bahaks, Block Wise, 173-174 Compartment Wise VIII Glossary of Botanical names 175-178 IX List of Medicinal Plants found in Shopian Forest Division 179-180 X Range wise forest road details of Shopian Division 181 XI Details of Forest Area diverted for non-forestry purposes in 182-184 the Last 10 years XII Infrastructure/ establishment details of the Division 185-186 XIII Details of CAMPA funds as on date with details of exp. 187 made XIV Details of Developmental Activities carried under Five 188-189 Year Plans XV Average Sale rates of SFC auction conducted w.e.f. 2001- 190 02 upto 2012-13 XVI Royalty statement showing Positions of markings conducted 191-202 in Shopian Forest Division and handed over to SFC since 1979-80 to 31-12-2013 XVII Cost structure of various plantations Models for aforestation 203-206 in Proposed Working Circles

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CHAPTER-I The Tract Dealt With

1.1. Name and Situation 1.1.1. The Plan deals with Shopian Forest Division and covers an area of 565.194 Sq.kms of which 333.421 Sq. Kms is under the administrative control of territorial forest and remaining 231.773 Sq. Kms is under control of Wildlife Protection department (Hirpora Wildlife Sanctuary). The Forests of Shopian Forest Division are spread over a 0 0 0 0 vast tract situated between 33 - 30’ to 33 - 48’ North Latitude and 74 -30’ to 74 -50’ East longitude in South Circle of Kashmir Province and represented on G.T. Sheet Nos.43K/6, 43K/9, 43K/10, 43K/13 and 43K/14. 1.1.2. Guarded by lofty Pir Panjal Mountain Range on the West, the tract constituting half southern boundary of Kashmir Valley, the drainage of most of the area is westward with Nallah Veshav forming its Southern boundary. The Division falls in the District Shopian and part of District Pulwama. 1.2. Configuration of the Ground 1.2.1. The tract lies with an elevation zonation of 1900 meters, (the lowest contour of Yarwan Karewa) to 4745 meters (sunset peak of Romshi Thung). However, the Principal Forest (Tree) belt occurs between 1950 meter to 3200 meter. The terrain of the tract is generally mountainous with the topography varying from gentle to moderate slopes in low lying areas to steep and precipitous towards upper reaches. The mountainous topography spurts into Nemours steep, rugged and perpetually snow covered peaks. The noted areas are Pir Panjal Pass called Pir-ki-gali altitude (3494 mtrs), Ali Abad Sarai and Dubjan. The hills at places are flanked by Karewas i.e., low lying alluvial deposits which are subject to heavy erosion after these are brought under Agriculture practices. Almost all the aspects are represented, northern aspect is prevalent, other aspects, easterly or westerly are occasional. 1.3. Drainage 1.3.1. The tract is traversed by numerous Nallas viz Veshav, Romshi and Rambiara. These Nallas and their tributaries have their origin mostly from perpetually snow covered peaks, forming perennial source of water. The important Nallas forming Range wise drainage of the Division are mentioned below:- 1.3.2. Shopian Range: The upper part of the Shopian Range constitutes the catchment of Veshav and Rambiara Nalla. These streams carry a sufficient water during peak discharge period. Rambiara has its source from twin hills called Chandansar Nandansar. It is the widest as well as the Wildest of the Pir panjal streams. Its main tributaries are Rupri Nallah, Khushkidar Nar, Zaznar and Kaukal. Rambiara’s most important offshoot is the Larkul, which takes off a little above Nagbal. The Sasara stream also drains into the Larkul.

1.3.3. Romshi Range: It is drained by Nallah Romshi which originates from sun-set peak. Its main tributaries are Gadder Nallah, Birnai Nallah and Hakraz Nallah. It finally joins Jehlum River at Kakapora. 1.4. Geology, Rock And Soil: 1.4.1. The geology of this region as given by Mr. Middle Miss, the noted Indian Geologist of yester years is grouped into two main categories:- a) The recent and sub-recent Karewa deposits of the flatter and gently inclined Valley parts. b) The older formation of hilly parts. 1.4.2. Those under 1 consist of alluvial beds of gravel, sand and clay through which the rivers wander; banks, fans and cones of debrese where these rivers or tributaries emerge from the higher hills, and of glacial moraines and redistributed morainic material in the neighborhood of and on the slopes below the snowy peaks. The sub recent Karewas consist of great thickness of interstratified soft sand stones and partially hardened clays. They are much in evidence in the foot hills of the Pir Panjal Range where they build extensive elevated plateaus gently sloping down to the Kashmir Valley. 1.4.3. Those grouped under 2 consists of solid rock systems, and include formations in the geological scale rejoining from Silurian to Triassic and probably Jurassic. They are composed of schist, slates, massive lime stones, shale’s together with volcanic rock known as the Panjal trap, with its under lying agglomeratic slate. The Panjal trap constitutes the backbone and ribs of the Pir Panjal and is best exposed on bare rocks above the limit of tree growth. However, the forest belt of Pir Panjal has the Panjal sedimentaries as its under lying rock system. Exposed Shales and slate can be seen along river systems like Veshav and Sucknag. 1.4.4. The most characteristic and important rock formation from forest point of view, namely Karewas predominate all along the low lying tract form Veshav to Manlu and Yarwan forests. From Hirpora there is continuous descending series of slate and sand stones mingled with a few bands of conglomerates till Ali Abad Sarai. In other words the tract dealt with represents a complex series of rock formations. This complexity as well as dip of the rock is reflected in the condition of the soil and resultant character of the vegetation. As a matter of general observation the soils of good depth and clayey to loamy in nature result from such clayey rock systems as Panjal sedimentaries and Karewas. Drainage being good, these once bore excellent forests stands. However, shallow soils are supported by trap rocks and conifers as a general rule do not thrive on lime stone. 1.4.5. The soil varies as the under lying rock formation. Its depth depends to a large extent, on the slope and the dip on the rocks. Steeper the slope, shallower is the soil. The shallow Soil accounts for the comparatively poorer quality of forests. The composition, depth and porosity of the soil exercise great influence over the

distribution of plant species. Deodar growth is favoured by a well drained, light and loamy soil while as Kail thrives on stiff clayey soil of Karewas. 1.5. Climate and Rainfall Consonant with the variation in altitude the micro climate is subject to local modifications. The tract comprises mostly hilly terrain areas and remains filled with everlasting snow. Higher up in the upper most reaches, it is almost arctic. As we come down it warms up to alpine and then to temperate lower down. The snow remains on the forest floor till about last week of April, even upto first week of May in the interior areas. Snowfall is usually heavy, autumn cold and therefore the period of forest working gets reduced to only almost six and half months beginning from middle of April to mid October. Due to cold climate the chemical weathering is less but mechanical weathering is pronounced mainly due to exfoliation and frost action. Avalanches in some valleys are active which cause deforestation in these areas particularly along the Mugal Road. All the four season of the year are represented in the tract, the spring is cool and wet, the summer months are generally hot and dry with occasional showers in July. The frost is experienced in November on higher altitudes. The winter onsets in December and lasts till April. During the nights temperature is below zero and day time is chilly cold. 1.5.2 No rainfall data are available for any specific stations within the forest zone. However, as a matter of general observation and study it varies considerably depending upon the elevation and proximity to hills. The forests of Shopian Division receive very heavy precipitation most of which comes in the form of snow. During the monsoon these forests do get some sporadic rain now and then as compared to other parts of the Valley. The rainfall data collected from various recording stations situate in proximity of tract for last five years are as under:-

Table 1.1 Average Rainfall in millimeters

Year Jan Feb March April May June July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec 2004 54.5 48.3 4.8 128.1 88.7 60.3 31.6 48.2 4 55.8 13.8 13 2005 130.2 211.6 122.4 51 28.6 9.1 58.1 15.3 18.6 10.4 11.5 0 2006 100.6 51.1 51.7 43.6 10.7 21.4 109 78 78 20.4 53 68.2 2007 17 15.8 141.4 0.8 45.4 64.6 65.5 19.9 19.9 0 0 8.3 2008 33.9 102.3 2 43.8 33.2 28.9 49 29.8 29.8 17.6 28.6 32.4 2009 105 79.6 19 58.2 51.7 44.7 66.5 16.9 16.9 4.4 28 16.6 2010 26.1 54.7 46.6 98.2 186 36.2 71.7 30.9 30.9 44.7 3.2 32.6

1.6 Temperature & Relative Humidity : 1.6.1 The monthly average, minimum and maximum temperature recorded at recording stations in proximity of Division (Shopian/Pulwama) are as under

TABLE 1.2 Average temperature in 0C

Month Jan Feb March April May June July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec Max 7 10 14 20 25 29 31 29.5 27 21 16 9 (oC) Min -2.5 0.5 4 8 11 15 18 17.5 13 6.5 1.5 -1 (oC) 1.7 Water Supply: 1.7.1 The Division is blessed with an adequate number of perennial streams originating from snow covered mountains. These streams dissipate water into a net work of tributaries flowing across length and breadth of the Division. The three important perennial streams are:-  Nalla Veshav  Nalla Rambiara  Nalla Romshi 1.8 Distribution and Area: 1.8.1 The total area of the demarcated forests of Shopian Forest Division is 333.421 Sq. kms. and occupy North Eastern slopes of Romshi Range and South Western slopes of Shopian Range and constitute half southern boundary of Kashmir Valley, a sizeable portion of which sustains alpine scrubs and pasture lands. The distribution of area in hectares among the two Ranges is as under:- TABLE 1.3 Range wise distribution of area. Total no. of S. Forest area Alpine area Total Forest Range comptts./ Sub No ( in Hacs) (in Hacs) Area (in Hacs) comptts 1 Shopian 40 5667.46 8098.14 13765.60

2 Romshi 51 11766.52 7809.98 19576.50

3 Wildlife 09 3135.10 20042.20 23177.30

Total 100 20569.08 35950.32 56519.40

1.9 Demarcation and State of Boundaries: 1.9.1 Although the traditional demarcation boundaries had been delineated on the ground by means of boundary pillars bearing the number as entered in and shown on the demarcation file/ map. With the ulterior motive of grabbing forestland, the demarcation pillars have altogether been displaced and removed and presently no

demarcation pillars what so ever exist on ground. In order to obviate this tendency, the entire forests of the Division need to be demarcated afresh by fixing of permanent concrete boundary pillars, duly numbered in accordance with demarcation maps and files.

TABLE 1.4 Details of the boundary pillars and the length of boundary line of the Division

No. of Pillars Length of No. of Area of Range around the demarcation line Forests Forests forests (in kms)

Shopian (Including 29 48078.80 1400 472.06 Wildlife area

Romshi 8 10035.34 661 132.20 Total 37 58114.14 2061 604.26

1.10 Legal Position: 1.10.1. The ownership of all Forests of the State is vested with the Jammu & Kashmir Govt. and fall under the Administrative Control of J&K Forest Department. 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 there under:- S.No. Acts and Rules a) The Forest Act (1931 A. D) b) The Jammu & Kashmir Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1978 and rules and regulations provided there under. c) The Forest Conservation Act, 1997. d) The Jammu and Kashmir Kahcharai Act (1954 A.D.) e) The Jammu and Kashmir Soil Conservation and Land improvement Scheme Act (1959 A.D) f) The Cattle Trespass Act (1920 A.D) g) The Biological Diversity Act, 2002. h) The Jammu & Kashmir Forest (Protection) Force Act, 2001. i) The Jammu & Kashmir Nationalization of Forest Working Act, 1987. j) The Jammu & Kashmir Willow (Prohibition on Export and Import and Movement) Act, 2000, Rules 2002. k) The Jammu & Kashmir Preservation of Specified Trees Act, 1969.

1.11 Rights and Concessions 1.11.1 No rights, as such are recognized by the State, but the Villagers putting up near the vicinities of forest enjoy liberal concessions as embodied in the Kashmir Forest Notice in lieu of obligatory discharge of certain responsibilities towards improvement and protection of these forests. All Villagers residing within three miles of the boundary of the demarcated forests have been considered as Conscessionists provided that the forest is not detached from their village of residence by an unaffordable stream at its lowest water level. Some of the important concessions granted to such concessionists include grant of timber (fir & Kail only) at 2.5% of the standard sale rates in vogue for the bonafide use of Villagers (A-class concessionists) residing within 3 miles/ 5 kilometers of the demarcated forests and at 25% of standard rates for Villagers (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 but later on it was reopened due to heavy demand from the public. Government controlled concession timber sale depots have been opened up in all concession zones wherein timber is being provided to concessionists at concession rates. The following table gives the prevalent depot rates: TABLE: 1.5. Zone wise rates approved by Govt. vide Order No.212-FST of 2010 dated:13-05-2010

Rate per Cft S.No Zone From Deodar Kail Fir Log 185.00 130.00 74.00 01 A Sawn 215.00 160.00 104.00 Log 345.00 245.00 138.00 02 B Sawn 375.00 275.00 168.00

C & MC Log 513.00 360.00 205.00 03 Zone Sawn 543.00 390.00 235.00

TABLE 1.6 Details of timber supplied on concession rates from 2003-04 to 2012-13

Timber issued Timber issued from FSD’s S. under Kashmir Total Year No Notice (No./ A B M/C C (cfts) Vol in cfts) 01. 2003-04 0 38446 7000 0 88546 133992 02. 2004-05 0 36286 5088 0 74054 115428 03. 2005-06 0 34995 8092 0 83449 126536 04. 2006-07 0 16543.9 5657 0 0 22201 05. 2007-08 9=643 64611 15914 0 0 80525 06. 2008-09 8=464 49898 12107 7001 21552 90558

07. 2009-10 7=689.50 58531 13443 13584 38875 124432 08. 2010-11 22=1606 32777 6245 9207 39817 88046 09. 2011-12 16=3409 33751 6692 25759 50488 116690 10. 2012-13 160=20431 42768 7381 24491.24 65701.46 140341.7

1.12 Timber for Agricultural Implements 1.12.1 The concessionists are entitled for free grant of timber for Agricultural Implements particularly from broad leaved species like Aesculus indica, Prunus padus and Acer species etc. 1.13 Minor Forest Produce 1.13.1 The collection of M.F.P. other than especially restricted is allowed to concessionists for medicinal purpose only. 1.14 Lopping 1.14.1 Lopping for fodder and fuel wood purposes can be conducted on all trees except conifers, walnuts and special class broad leaved species. 1.15 Felling Refuse 1.15.1 The felling refuse from the recently vacated coupes can be collected with prior permission of Chief Conservator of Forests, for this purpose the concession limit is upto 8 kms. 1.16 Grazing 1.16.1 The grazing in the Forest is not prohibited nor is there any limitation regarding number of cattle and season of grazing excepting for the areas which are specifically closed for this purpose. The grazing of goats in Deodar Forest and their entry from outside the State is however, not allowed. The unrestricted grazing adversely affects the Forest Conservancy by posing serious problems like failure of adequate natural regeneration and higher soil erosion. Accordingly the control of fluctuating grazing has been transferred to Forest Department on the recommendations of anti-erosion committee. As per standing rules with previous sanction of Minister-incharge of Forest Department one half of any individual Forest subject to maximum of one quarter of the area of the range can be closed at a time with adequate provision for right of way. But such closures are not effective without proper fencing which due to rising prices of components is becoming a costly affair day by day. 1.16.2 The grazing is regulated under Kahcharari Act 1954 and rules made there under. The schedule of grazing fee amended vide S.R.O. No:147 of 1978 dated:11-3-1978 is given below:-

TABLE 1.7 Details of rates applicable for various animals:

S.No Kind of animal Rate “A” Rate “B” Rate “C” 1 Pack Block 0.80 0.80 0.80 2 Teli Block 0.50 1.00 2.00

3 Buffaloes 1.80 3.15 11.25 4 Riding Ponies 2.50 3.75 7.50 5 Pack Ponies, Mules 2.80 2.80 5.00 6 Donkeys 0.65 0.65 0.65 7 Sheep for ladakh 0.15 0.20 0.60 8 Camels 5.00 10.00 15.00 Goats imported for 9 - - 2.50 commercial purpose 10 Sheep for rest of State 0.15 0.20 0.65 Sheep imported for 11 - - 0.20 commercial purposes 1.16.3 A survey of graziers reveled that the Gujars, Bakerwalas, Banyaries over winter in the warmer plains and with the onset of summer migrate along with their livestock to the pastures of the Division. The old Mugal Road is one of the traditional route used by them to access the pastures of the Division. The table below shows the number of migratory animals that grazed in the Division during the year 2013-14.

TABLE 1.8 Details of the Migratory animals that grazed in the Division during the year 2013-14

Category of animals Grazing tax Goats Sheeps Buffaloes Horses/ Ponies recovered (in Rs)

15000 33000 250 1700/900 5500 1.16.4 The resident livestock whose number too is significant and that graze the pastures of the Division during the summer season also effect the specie composition of the grass lands. The table below depicts the number of domestic animals that grazed in the Division during the year 2013-14.

TABLE 1.9 Details of the Domestic animals that grazed in the Division during the year 2013-14

Category of animals Cattle Goats/ Sheeps Buffaloes Horses/ Ponies 35000 39635/25600 1550 3700/2000

1.16.5 The migratory animals that over winter in the warmer plains during the onset of summer are being charged with a grazing fee as per the SRO No.147 of 1978

dated:11-03-1978 and the table below shows the amount recovered on account of grazing w.e.f. 2003-04 to 20013-14.

TABLE 1.10 Table showing amount recovered on account of grazing w.e.f. 2003-04 to 2013-14

S. No. Year Amount recovered (in Rs) 01. 2003-04 1000 02. 2004-05 16750 03. 2005-06 8401 04. 2006-07 22417 05. 2007-08 12251 06. 2008-09 19838 07. 2009-10 16369 08. 2010-11 3500 09. 2011-12 7400 10. 2012-13 - 11. 2013-14 5500 Total 113426

CHAPTER-II A Forest Flora

2.1.1 The Forest 2.1.1.1. The tract forms a compact and linear strip like area, which is bounded on the West and south by lofty Pir Panjal Mountains. The Veshav Range of Kulgam Forest Division and Doodh Ganga Range of Pir Panjal Division shares the boundary with Shopian Forest Division on the southern and northern sides respectively. On the western side the tract shares boundary with Poonch Forest Division. The belt that was probably one of the highest stocked natural forest (average stocking 352 cum per hectare during the previous working Plan revision, has mere stocking of 151.9 cum per hectare at present now. 2.1.1.2. For purpose of general description, these forests can be divided into the following three distinct zones of vegetation depending on elevation. Though intermixed occasionally, these zones are fairly well defined. a) Deodar- Kail Zone b) Fir Zone c) Alpine (Mainly Grass Land Zone) 2.1.2. Deodar-Kail Zone 2.1.2.1. Deodar : Occurring mainly in Yarwan Block and scanty patches of Karewa Manloo (Comptt. Rb-22b, Rb-24a) and Sangerwani (Comptt. Ri-24b), deodar the most important of the Himalayan Conifers is poorly represented in the Division. The general zonation of the deodar is from 2000 meters to 2200 meters above mean sea level. On Yarwan- Karewa (1900 meters), Fir has come up into depressions, shattered elevations and northerly slopes ahead of Drangnar. Other associates are Kail and Spruce. Broad leaved species occur in moist and shady depressions and include mainly urni (Corylus colurna) and safeda (Populus ciliata) besides the common undergrowth of Pohu (Parrotia-jacquemontiana). 2.1.2.2. One of the important potentiality of this zone to bear deodar is the artificial sowing and planting of Methwoin (Rb-19b), Karewa-Manloo (Rb-22b and Rb-24a) and Sangerwani (Ri-24a) Blocks during the Thakur Harnam Singh’s tenure as Chief Conservator of Forests of Jammu & Kashmir. The most outstanding feature of these plantations had been the process of natural seeding that had already set in during 70’s in some of these planted areas like Comptt. Rb-19b and Comptt. Ri-24b. 2.1.2.3. However, these artificially created deodar forests of Methwoin and Karewa Manloo were mercilessly cut and timber smuggled to Payeen areas, thus witnessed a wonton destruction, irreversible in a way. These compartments now present a deserted look with cut down stems (3-4 feet) above ground level spreading over length and breadth of these compartments leaving behind few surviving scattered

patches of poles here and there. The fate of deodar in Shopian Forest Division appears as if sealed for all times to come. 2.1.2.4. Fir : The most important Kail forests of Pir Panjal used to be housed here in Ladigasan (Co. V-6 & V-7), Sedow (Co. V-1a, V-1b, V-1c, V-4b, V-4c, V-5a, V-5b), Borihalan (Co. Rb-1, Rb-2a), Methwoin (Co. Rb-16, Rb-17, Rb-18, Rb-19), Zawoora (Co. Rb-20, Rb-21, Rb-22, Rb-23, Rb-24), Kathhallan (Co. Rb-25, Rb-26, Rb-27), Zampathri (Co. Ri-7), Tharina (Co.Rb-29, Rb-30, Rb-33), Sangerwoin (Ri-24b). Due to overexploitation and illicit damages over a period of time these good quality Kail forests are now absent in the Division. 2.1.2.5. The general zonation of Kail is from 2000 m to 2400 m. Its ubiquity carries it right into to the heart overtopping Fir Forests. It creeps upto 3000 m on southern and south eastern, south western aspects and invariably colonizes in clearances made in fir forests. As the Kail canopy closes up, fir regenerates underneath it. One of the most striking features of kail forests is the conspicuous absence of broad leaved associates on the whole. The undergrowth also is rather very scanty barring occasional Pohu, Wild rose and Indigofera species, wild berry, Fragaria vesca etc. Some promising regeneration of kail has been noticed in compartment V-1a (Chotipora) and Compartment Rb-23 (K. Manloo). Attempts to safeguard these regenerations from biotic interferences and grazing has been undertaken by closing them under CAMPA and 13th FCA Schemes respectively. 2.1.3. Fir Forest 2.1.3.1. Fir is dominant specie of Pir Panjal Range. The quality-1 Fir Forests of Rambiara – Romshi drainage with a stocking of 418 cum per hectare in the previous plan exist no more here. Instead the fir forest of the Division have been deprived of mature and over mature trees by continued fellings without any regeneration and maturing of the leftover crops after harvesting the operation. As the felling continued, the forests remained un-regenerated and unprotected, such felled areas have not regenerated and instead the leftover young crop illicitly removed by timber smugglers who were active in the Division. Thus the fir forests of Rambiara – Romshi which were once “the glory of the Division” met the same fate as that of Kail and deodar forests. Whatever was left, these ill fate fir forests of Shopian Division on 19-20/03/2012 and 05-06/03/2012 were wiped away in a single stroke of wind storm uprooting about 55 lakh cfts and depriving 3607.50 hectares of forest land from its vegetal cover - a loss beyond human imagination. 2.1.3.2. The general elevation zone of fir forests Range from 2100 m to 3200 m. Pir Panjal Range being the home of fir, it is only here that the specie descends even upto 2000 m or even less and grows luxuriantly in a specific area, e.g. Karewa Yarwan (1900 m), where fir has come up into depressions, shattered elevations and northerly slopes. The diameter – class distribution including the lower classes which once used to be normal, is now shattered and lacking. The overall regeneration is almost lacking. The following convincing reasons could be attributed to the lack of regeneration in fir forests of Shopian Division which otherwise was fairly normal and even excellent as per the author of the previous Plan.

i) Excessive over working resulting in creation of permanent gaps and invision of weed growth hampering fir regeneration. ii) Absence of vigour trees due to the fact that leftover young trees which were supposed to replace mature trees of vigour and vitality, had either been felled or removed illicitly. iii) Unregulated excessive summer grazing resulting in trampling of seeds and regeneration. iv) Low moisture retentivity of steeper slopes and invasion of weed growth. v) Thick deposits of un-decomposed humus present on the forest floor. 2.1.4. Broad leaved species 2.1.4.1. The unique feature of fir forests of Pir Panjal Range is the absence of Oaks, Laurels, Arundinarias and Cornus etc. and presence of relatively lower proportion of broad leaved flora like Ash, Walnut, Bird cherry, Maple, Horse chest nut etc. The freak occurrence of quercus semi-carpifolia has been reported in comptt. Rb-17, Rb-27a and Rb-31. The weed growth include Vibernum spp, Skimmia laureola spp, Sambucus ebulus spp, Podophyllum hexandrum and some lesser common species Spiraea spp, Lonicera spp, Berberies spp,Verbascum thapsus spp, Parrotiapsis (parrotia) jackuemontiana spp, Actaea spicata spp etc. The herbaceous ground flora include Violia spp, Anemone spp, Rumex spp, Fragaria vesca spp, Polygonum spp, Strobilanthes spp, etc. Taxus bacata (yew) is confined to moist and shady localities. 2.1.5. Alpine (Mainly Grass Land Zone) 2.1.5.1. The alpine zone is restricted beyond 3200 meters and meagerly represented in Shopian and Romshi Ranges of the Division. Here the Fir is replaced by species like Betula utilis, Salix elegans and Junipers which ultimately give way to treeless meadows having luxuriant herbaceous flora and scattered woody form. The meadows locally called as Margs (Bahaks) serve as pasture land and are under heavy grazing pressure during summer months. Rotational grazing according to their carrying capacity is essential for their recuperation. This zone also possesses some important medicinal plants like Sussurea lappa (Kuth); Dioscoria species; Aconitum heterophylum (Patris); A. Chresentum (Mohri), Jurinea macrocephala (Dhoop). The main species constituting the herbaceous strata are: Synoglossum sps, Corrydalis sps., Androsac sps., Caltha sps., Senecio sps., Stillaria sps., Gentiana specie; Delphinium Sambucus wightiana, Arnibia bentham, and many other grasses. 2.1.6. Forest Typology 2.1.6.1. The climate of Kashmir valley differs from that of outer Himalayas due to formidable Pir Panjal Range which act as barrier to the monsoon winds. The present form Pir Panjal is because of its up-liftment due to great tectonic movement in tertiary era. The little rains which valley receives during summer months are brought about by winds which escape into it through Jhelum gorge at Baramulla.

The variation in climate and topography, over the years, has developed a remarkable difference in present day vegetation of the region from that of Pilestocene era. The Paleontological records have revealed that earlier vegetation included some tropical and sub tropical species which are not existing in present day flora. The temperate flora of the valley having mesophytic vegetation does not bear the species like oaks and laurels which are otherwise prevalent in outer Himalayas with pronounced monsoon period. The main precipitation in the valley is in the form of snow. 2.1.6.2. The Champion and Seth in their revised classification of forest types of India has dealt the Kashmir Valley forests under group 12,13,14 and 15 along with outer Himalayan temperate forests. The valley forests because of marked difference in climate and physiographic conditions does not exactly conform to this classification. Howover, attempt to classify the valley forests have been made by Shri Inayat, Shri R.K. Matoo (Indian forester vol. 90,91x of 1964-65) and Ticku (Pir Panjal working plan of 1977 and various others). 2.1.6.3. The forests of Shopian Forest Division have been identified hereunder with reference to various classifications of Kashmir Valley forest within the overall frame work of Champions classification. The broad groups identified are as under:- a). Kashmir valley temperate forests. b). Kashmir valley sub-alpine forests. c). Kashmir valley Alpine forests. 2.1.7. Group-I Kashmir Valley Temperate Forests 2.1.7.1. The group correspond to Champion’s type group 12 and 13 i.e., Himalayan moist temperate forests and Himalayan dry temperate forests respectively. These forests are composed mainly of coniferous species with dominance of one or other species. The pure formations are more than mixed crops. The presence of broad leaved associates is confined to Nallas from 1600-2600 mtrs. Nemours grassy Margs exist in this tract. 2.1.7.2. The following sub-groups are identified on the basis of vegetal association. Sub-group IA: Valley (low-level) forests. Sub-group IB: Montane (high level) forests. 2.1.8 Sub-group IA: Valley low-level forests 2.1.8.1 The sub group occupies Karewas and lower belts of mountainous Range. The altitude varies from 1600-2500 Mts. It is composed mainly of pure Deodar or Kail and occasionally mixture of both. The forests are comparatively drier and well drained. Biotic pressure is high enough being in the vicinity of habitation. 2.1.8.2 On the basis of crop composition, the sub group is divisible into following types.

1) IA i: Valley low-level Bluepine forests 2) IA ii: Valley low-level Deoder forests 2.1.9 IA i : Valley low-level Blue-pine forests 2.1.9.1 The type ranges from 1700 to 2200 mts. and conforms to group 12/C1f of Champion’s classification. The crop comprises predominantly of Kail which favours southern and south-western aspects of Karewa mounds and other exposed sites. The broad leaved associates are rarely represented in moist localities. 2.1.9.2 Pure crops of Kail are secondary Serial formations which have come up after destruction of original vegetation by allogenic factors like snow slides, wind, landslips, burning etc as result of its colonizing habit and regular seeding, it gets replacement of deodar with the improvement of site and micro-climatic conditions. The biotic interferences have impeded its succession at sub-climax stage. The type is represented in compartments: Rb-19, Rb-24 (Shopian Range). Floristic: (I) Pinus wallichiana, Cedrus deodara. (II) Juglans regia, Ulmus wallichiana, Populus ciliata. (III) Juniperus communis, Euphorbia strecheyi, Taraxicum officinalis. 2.1.10 IA ii- Valley low-level Deodar forests 2.1.10.1 The type ranges from 1650 to 2400 mts. and conforms to group 13/C2b of Champion’s classification. The crop consists of almost pure stand of Deodar with light mixture of Kail and at places broad leaved component limited to moist and cooler and congenial site condition for their growth and regeneration. The growth of deodar is luxuriant with good form and bole and regenerates with ease. The Kail associate favours exposed site and southern slopes. The common associate is Parrotia. Deodar forest is an edaphic climax in the tract. It is represented in co: Y-1, Y-2, Y-3, Y-4, Y-5, Y-6, Y-7, Y-8 and Y-9 (Romshi Range) Floristic: (I) Cedrus deodara, Pinus wallichiana. (II) Acer pictum, Juglans regia, Aesculus indica, Fraxinus spp, (III) Parrotiopsis spp, Vibernum grandiflorum,, Berberis, Rosa moschata, Oryzopsis, Fragaria, Viola odorata 2.1.11 Sub-group I B Valley Mountain forests: 2.1.11.1 The sub group constitutes major part of commercially exploited coniferous forests which extend upto an altitude of 2600 Mts. The slopes occupied are steep towards higher reaches. The variations in crop composition are significant and dictated by various topographic factors. Deciduous associates are localized to damper and cooler pockets. The below given sub-type are identified on the basis of crop composition and characteristics.

IB 1- Montane mixed coniferous forests. IB 2- Montane high-level blue-pine forests. IB 3- Montane deciduous forests. 2.1.11.2 IB 1- Montane mixed coniferous forests The type extends from 1700 to 2600 mts and corresponds to group, 12/C1d of Western mixed coniferous forests of Champion’s classification. The good snow fall is essential. It constitutes bulk of forests of the division. The crop comprises of mixed principal coniferous species, the dominance of Kail at particular places is determined by topographic factors like aspect, altitude and site conditions. Kail generally dominates on exposed sites of southern aspect. The Kail gives way to Deodar when site conditions become moist and similarly Fir gets replaced by Deodar when these become drier. The crop is healthy and of good form, the regeneration status is unsatisfactory. Champion and Seth consider this type to be a climatic climax though with much higher proportion of broad leaved trees than at present. In this zone however, the Kail and Fir are of seral character and Deodar is climax species. Floristic (i) Cedrus deodara, Pinus wallichiana, Abies pindrow, Picea smithiana. (ii) Juglans regia, Aesculus indica, Acer spp, Fraxinus spp., Vibernum spp, (iii) Sambucus spp. Rumex spp, Fragaria spp, Phytollaca spp. 2.1.11.3 IB 2- Montane high level Blue-pine forests The type corresponds to Champion’s group 13/C-4 i,e; Western Himalayan high level Blue-pine forest. Some pure Kail formations occur between mixed coniferous forests and sub-alpine Fir forests in Shopian and Romshi Range of the Division. Some trees have parasitic attack and some mature trees also show rot sign perhaps due to impeded drainage and moist site conditions. The Kail is result of secondary succession in this belt and serial in nature. The type is met in. V-1, V-2, V-4, V-3, V-5, V-6, Rb-1, Rb-2, Rb-3 Rb-4, Rb-5, Rb-20, Rb-21, Rb-22 (Shopian Range) Rb-29, Rb-30, Ri-8, Ri-9 (Romshi Range) 2.1.11.4 IB 3- Montane deciduous forest The type ranges from 1700 to 2600 mts and conforms to Champion’s group 13/ C- 3 of Western Himalayas dry temperate deciduous forest. It is composed of broad leaved species which occur generally along with conifers in small patches at places on northern aspect but commonly localized to moist and damper site conditions. The type is edaphic climax and represented in few compartments of the Division.Rb-26, Ri-19 (Romshi Range) Floristic: (i) Juglans regia, Aesculus indica, Acer spp, Fraxinus spp, Prunus padus (ii) Vibernum, Indigofera, Rumex, Fragaria, Polygonum, Oryzopsis spp.

2.1.12 Group II Kashmir Valley Sub- alpine forests 2.1.12.1 The group ranges from 2200 to 3300 mts altitude and corresponds to group 14/C10 of Champion’s classification. The forests are composed predominantly of Fir with light mixture of Kail at exposed sites and broadleaved species in moist depressions and along Nallas. The spruce occurs as light sprinkling all over and solitary Spruce trees are also found at place. 2.1.12.2 The ecological status of these forests is climatic climax and are represented in V-7, Rb-6, Rb-16, Rb-18, Rb-17, Rb-23, (Shopian Range) Rb-25, Rb-26, Rb-27, Rb- 28, Ri-4, Ri-3, Ri-2, Ri-1, Rb-31, Ri-15, Ri-14, Ri-13, Ri-12, Ri-11, Ri-10, Ri-7, Ri-6, Ri- 5, Ri-22, Ri-21, Ri-20, Ri-18, Ri-17, Ri-16, Ri-19, Rb-32, Rb-33 (Romshi Range). Floristic (i) Abiess pindrow, Pinus wallichiana, Picea smithiana. (ii) Aesculus indica, Prunus padus, Acer spp, Betula spp. (iii) Sambucus spp, Skimmia spp, Podophyllum spp, Phytollaca spp and Fern 2.1.13 Group III Kashmir Valley Alpine Forests 2.1.13.1 The group lies above 3400 mts and corresponds to Champion’s classification group 15/C1, 15/C2 and 15/C3. It is constituted of scrub vegetation occurring close to the limit beyond which there are pasture lands locally called as Margs (Bahaks) bearing luxuriant ground flora and scattered bushy, woody form like Juniper and Rhododendron. The alpine pastures possess some important minor forest produce like Saussurea lappa Aconitum spp, and Jurinea macrocephala. The pasture lands are adequately represented in Shopian and Romshi Ranges. Their ecological status is doubtful and may probably be a climatic climax. Floristic: (i) Betula utilis, Rhododendron spp, Juniperous spp. (ii) Saxifraga spp, Jurinea macrocephala, Aconitum spp, Fritillaria spp, Gentia spp, Androsac spp, Synoglossum spp Euphorbia spp etc. 2.1.14 Injuries to Which the Crop is Liable 2.1.14.1 The forests are subjected to injuries by the two main agencies (i) Biotic (ii) Abiotic. 2.1.15 Biotic Agencies 2.1.15.1 These injuries are inflected by man, animals, insects and pests and caused in following ways. 2.1.16 Lopping 2.1.16.1 The incidence of lopping the trees to meet fire wood requirement is high in the forests near the habitation. The hearth is kept burning round the clock in the villages. The lopping is done to such an extent that trees get almost completely

deprived of its branches excepting a few at the top which are beyond the reach. The branches and leaves constitute the photosynthetic apparatus of the plants and lopping thus cuts down the surface area, thereby retards the growth increment by effecting physiological activities of the plants. The lopping injuries expose the plant surface to pests and parasites which harbor the studs and reduce the commercial value of timber. 2.1.17 Illicit Damage 2.1.17.1 The sensitivity of Shopian Forest Division in respect of its Vulnerability to illicit damage is an open book since last six decades. The forests of the Shopian Division have badly been damaged due to illicit felling and timber smuggling which has played a havoc to the forests of Karewa Manloo, Sedow, Methwani, Tharina, Chowan, Kahtahallan, Mujipathri and Numblan blocks of Shopian Forest Division. The horses reared are being utilized for illicit timber trade by the locals residing adjacent to the forest areas. 2.1.17.2 Howover, with increased pressure on these forest smugglers, by slapping PSA to around 50 dreaded timber smugglers and intensive nocturnal raids conducted during last 5 – 6 years, the graph of prevalence of damage and smuggling activities have now declined to a considerable extent. 2.1.17.3 The table below showing the position of damages occurring in Zawoora Forest during the year 1997-98 upto 2006-07 are depicted below: TABLE 2.1.1 No. of reported trees damaged in Comptts. Rb-20, Rb-21, Rb-22ab, Rb-23ab and Rb-24ab of Zawoora Block

S.No. Year No. of Trees Damaged 01. 1997-1998 239 02. 1998-1999 545 03. 1999-2000 1108 04. 2000-2001 624 05. 2001-2002 891 06. 2002-2003 836 07. 2003-2004 563 08. 2004-2005 976 09. 2005-2006 156 10. 2006-2007 564 Total 6502

TABLE 2.1.2 No. of damage cases registered for breach of J&K Forest Act

Year Shopian Romshi Veshav D.H.Pora Total 2003-04 687 257 10 14 968 2004-05 107 108 16 6 237 2005-06 57 190 54 8 309 2006-07 42 69 7 18 136 2007-08 41 67 26 26 160 2008-09 194 152 38 22 406 2009-10 117 106 22 7 252 2010-11 125 41 - - 166 2011-12 70 84 - - 154 2012-13 32 52 - - 84 2013-14 34 32 - - 66

2.1.7.3. The figures above are a small fraction of actual incidence of illicit damage. Many such cases go un-noticed and unregistered with or without the connivance of subordinate staff and also for want of strict vigil over the vast area under the field staff. 2.1.7.4. People residing near the forests besides various other concessions are granted timber on concessional rates from government control Forest Sale Depots. In spite of all these facilities the forests of the Division are subjected to damage for want of timber and firewood. Awareness among the people living in vicinity of forests need to be carried out and people living in the forests be made aware about economical importance of these forests. The cutting of forests in the turmoil period have made the areas mentioned above degraded which need an immediate rehabilitation by way of massive aforestation and fencing up of the areas as people have started to encroach the damaged forests for agriculture use. Further inorder to reduce the illicit damage to minimum, the timber sale depots created in Villages and Towns need to be stocked adequately. 2.1.8. Jammu & Kashmir Forest Amendment Act-1997 2.1.8.1. The Jammu & Kashmir government while visualizing degradation/ deforestation position of forest cover in Jammu & Kashmir passed the Act known as Jammu & Kashmir Forest Amendment Act-1997. This amendment Act not only provided powers to the forest Officers to deal the menace of timber smuggling with iron hands but in fact kept the forest department as a whole alive. It is all because of implementation of Forest Amendment Act-1997 that timber smuggling in the Division got eradicated to a great extent besides Vehicles, Horses, Tools and equipments thus used for the purpose of timber smuggling stands seized and thereafter confiscated under the provisions of this very amendment Act. By the implementation of this Act, the Division has seized a considerable number of

Vehicles and Horses and as such the menace of timber smuggling has been curtailed to a considerable extent. 2.1.8.2. By virtue of Jammu & Kashmir Forest Amendment Act-1997 “Authorized Officer” empowered to develop a Court with accredited Judicial Clerk and one lock up to deal confiscation processdings into the forest offence cases in the same manner as is being done in the Hon’ble Courts, but unfortunately due to obvious reasons desired could not get materialized. The DFO besides looking after day today requirements of general public remains tagged with forest inspections, dealing with protection scenario and other routine office work which ultimately hampers desired working of Authorized Officer. I am of the opinion that due to excessive engagements the DFO territorial needs to be equipped with sufficient human resource to ensure smooth working and speedy disposal of the assignments assigned to him as an Authorized Officer. TABLE 2.1.3 Showing the seizures effected from 2002-03 2013-14 (31-12-2013)

Seizure Made S.No. Year Horses Vehicles Timber (cfts) 01. 2002-03 - - 9271.97 02. 2003-04 67 05 12400.28 03. 2004-05 93 15 7159.00 04. 2005-06 110 15 9613.37 05. 2006-07 189 26 6703.00 06. 2007-08 210 13 6037.07 07. 2008-09 185 20 6109.00 08. 2009-10 224 09 7488.39 09. 2010-11 199 10 4418.92

10. 2011-12 158 02 5116.72

11. 2012-13 108 13 2371.59

12. 2013-14 32 02 2292.78

Total 1575 130 78982.09

2.1.19 Fire 2.1.19.1 The forest fires inflict heavy damage to the woods by causing colossal damage to forest flora and fauna. Very rarely it is caused by natural agencies like lightening but is almost always due to human actions deliberate or accidental or due to carelessness and neglect. Fortunately such hazards are not very common in the division. The Fire breaks outs commonly in dry months of autumn as a consequence of carelessness. Sometimes it is deliberately set on by villagers for better grass growth in the following season. The graziers and way farms during cold days collect dry lops and tops in heap and set them on fire for warming up themselves. They leave it un-extinguished which some time spreads. The charcoal manufacture is other common cause of forest fire. The forest fire besides causing large scale destruction of trees, young seedlings, seed and wild life, deteriorate the

site as well. Details of forest fire incidents of the Division are depicted below in the following table. TABLE 2.1.4 Forest fire incidents from 2003-04 to 2012-13

Range (Area burnt in Hacs) Total area burnt Year No.of Fires Shopian Romshi (hac) 2003-04 2 - - - 2004-05 0 - - - 2005-06 0 - - - 2006-07 2 - - - 2007-08 2 - - - 2008-09 - - - - 2009-10 10 - 2 2 2010-11 1 - - - 2011-12 - - - - 2012-13 - - - - Total 17 - 2 2 2.1.20 Grazing 2.1.20.1 The excessive forest grazing results in heavy damage to forests in various ways. The floor is stripped-off of its cover and sub-soil drainage gets impeded thus making it vulnerable to soil erosion which results in formation of rill, gullies etc. The over grazing is inimical to regeneration. The criss-cross by herds of cattle compact surface soil. On such soil, germination of seed and their establishment becomes very difficult. The established seedlings are trampled over or browsed, so that even if they grow, they are stunted, branchy and malformed. The ground is also exhausted of its manorial ingredients by cattle. If overgrazing persists in for several successive years, complete denudation is the inevitable result. There should be check on grazing in the whole Division for better results of regeneration, as the Division on whole has not good regeneration due to over grazing. 2.1.21 Encroachment 2.1.21.1 The history of damage to the forests of Shopian dates back with the migration of some Dogerwalas from across the ridges which separate Shopian District from Poonch District at the time when slogan of “Grow more food” was given by the Govt. of the time in 50’s and early 60’s. They Dogerwalas settled in these forests and started clearing the forests for the agricultural purposes. Subsequently they started timber smuggling in 1960’s on a very small scale which continued and reached the climax during the turmoil period in the Valley. During the turmoil period, they openly cleared the forests and brought the land under the cultivation of Agricultural crops mainly maize and apple orchards. The local Kashmir’s residing nearby too adopted this illegal activity. Some Pasthuns who also migrated from Poonch later on started indulging in similar activities. About 2000 families have encroached upon forest land and amongst them most of the families are living inside the forests. The worst hit area being Zawoora and Sedow Forests of Shopian

Division comprising of compartments Rb-17, Rb-18, Rb-19abc,Rb-20, Rb-21, Rb- 22ab, Rb-23, Rb-24ab, Rb-25, Rb-26ab, Rb-27, Rb-28 and V-1, V-2c etc. Most of the families are professional timber smugglers and have no profession other than timber trade. Besides scattered houses within the forests, the following Villages have been established in the forest lands S.No. Name of the Village. S.No. Name of the Village. 01. Karewa Zawoora 10. Chaman Pathri 02. Karewa Manloo 11. Mathwani Duchnoo Herpora 03. Mir Mohalla 12. Devpora 04. Qazi Mohalla 13. Krishpathri 05. Pashtun Mohalla 14. Sanimarg 06. Bhat Mohalla 15. Kathwalan rakh 07. Sedow Check 16. Tragpathri 08. Khach Mohalla 17. Chotipora 09. Gur Nar 18. Sedow 2.1.21.2 In order to reverse the problem there is a need to make active efforts to evict the encroached forest land for which active support of all concerned departments is required.

TABLE 2.1.5 Statement showing encroachment of Forest land in Shopian and Romshi Ranges of Forest Division Shopian

Block Comptt Area encroached (hac) No. of encroachers V-5b 19.30 78 Sedow V-5a 3.10 20 V-4c 3.30 15 Rb-19c 4.85 14 Methwani Rb-19b 8.75 33 Rb-3 3.05 14 Rb-2 4.80 18 Hirpora Rb-1b 11.90 49 Rb-6 10.70 51 Rb-2a 12.90 69 V-2c 97.85 104 V-1a 21.60 48 Chotipora V-2ab 7.65 29 V-1b 98.35 113 Rb-20 84.40 172 Zawoora-A Rb-21 76.70 128 Rb-22a 68.15 120

Rb-22b 17.70 39 Zawoora-B Rb-23 45.15 93 Y-2, Y-3 10.01 67 Yarwan Y-4 4.45 28 Y-1 11.70 64 Keller Y-8 0.50 2 Y-9 24.25 129 Ri-8b 19.55 79 Chowan Ri-9b 23.35 72 Ri-1 6.50 24 Zampathri Ri-7 5.25 16 Rb-29 7.75 24 Rb-30 7.75 39 Tharina Rb-33 12.80 68 Rb-32 0.90 3 Kathuhallan Rb-26b 28.60 85 Rb-27b 4.60 22 Mujpathri Rb-28b 10.50 60 Pakherpora & Shadimarg 14.75 30 Total 793.41 2019 Encroachment evicted 43.5 Balance 749.91

TABLE : 2.1.6 Statement showing Range wise encroachment of Forest land of Shopian Forest Division

No. of Area Area Balance S.No. Range encroachers encroached Evicted encroachment (Assamies) (Hacs) (Hacs) (Hacs) 01 Shopian 1207 599.7 38.5 561.2 02 Romshi 812 193.7 5.0 188.7 Total 2019 793.4 43.5 749.9

2.1.21.3 The figures depicted above are far below the actual as seen on ground, as presently no demarcation pillars exist on ground. The demarcation of the Division needs to be taken up on war footing basis and present procedure of demarcation record need to be replaced by more scientific method which would incorporate the exact position of boundary pillars. 2.1.22 Fungi 2.1.22.1 The damage by fungal attack is not heavy in the Division. The Fomes pini is common fungi causing considerable damage to deodar and Kail trees. The attack is generally more on over-matured and lopped trees. It causes Heart-root disease in Kail and Ring-root in Deodar thus making the timber unfit for commercial purposes. The rotten and fallen trees serve as its harboring centers. The other

fungi like Bercalayellade formans occasionally damages in Fir and Spruce trees while Fomes fomentorius attacks the unhealthy broad leaved species like walnut and Ash. Sofar no serious damage by the fungi has been reported till date in the Division. 2.1.23 Parasites 2.1.23.1 Parasites draw whole or part of their nourishment from host plant and thereby cause damage to it. The parasite attack is however, not wide spread in the division. The common parasites generally belong to family Loranthaceas; species of viscum, Loranthus and Arcenthobium minutissimun (Armi) are the example. The Armi attack is noticed on Kail trees. The branches of infected trees get clustered to form commonly known as “Witches broom” which gradually get dry along with needles. The attacked trees lose their vitality and finally die. The Viscum alba attacks on walnut and some other broad leaved species but the incidence and extent of damage is low. The only control is to cut the infected branches and burn them. Parasite damage of Fir trees has been reported in Comptt. Rb-7 Wildlife area but real parasite has not yet been detected. 2.1.24 Insect Damage 2.1.24.1 The insect damage is insignificant in these forests. The Euzophora cedrella sometime attacks deodar cones, turn them pale and their further growth gets stopped. Some Scolytidea insect attack diseased and dead deodar trees. The Tomicus spp and Cicadids attack Kail trees. The less vigrous trees are more susceptible to their attack. The broad leaved spp like Maple and Horse-chestnut get sometime attacked by Lepidopterous cater-pillars and walnut by Longicorn beetles which form tunnels in trunks. There are number of other insects present in forest but are economically not so important. No serious insect damage has been reported in the Division till date. 2.1.25 Animal Damage 2.1.25.1 The bears and monkeys inflict damage to forest trees. The bears strip-off the Kail and deodar bark to lick up the sap. The monkeys damage the cones and Aesculus nuts. The dear nibbles-off tender shoots of regeneration. The Squirrel (Eoglaucomys fimbriatus) and wood-peckers also damage walnut and coniferous cones. 2.1.26 Abiotic Agencies 2.1.26.1 The atmospheric agencies like snow, wind, frost, lightening and land-slips cause sometime considerable damage to forest trees. The sliding snow cause erosion and uproots the forest trees on precipitous slopes. The sliding snow accumulates on the crown of trees and by its weight bends, breaks and up-root them. The strong winds on higher reaches also break and up-root trees. The frost damages the young plantations by causing canker and cracks in stems and seedlings by frost lifting. Similarly, the land slips and lightening damage by way of up-rooting the plants and causing fires respectively.

2.1.26.2 In the year 2012 a disastrous windstorm occurred from Pir Panjal pass on 19-20/03/2012, thus declared as Natural calamity has caused enormous damage to the Forests of Shopian Division and other Divisions in general. The devastation thus caused by the windstorm by felling/ uprooting of trees to a very large scale throughout whole Division became a big challenge for entire Divisional machinery to ensure its watch & ward and enumeration thereof. By the tremendous efforts put forth by each and every Official of the Division, the entire fallen stocks were well protected besides its enumeration and subsequent markings. Unfortunately, one more windstorm occurred on 5th of June, 2012 which caused further damage to these forests. The total damage caused due to such windstorms over an area of 3607.50 hectors aggregates to 5518492 cfts, out of which 2760230 cfts stands handed over to SFC and 1408884 cfts taken up with its extraction departmentally during the year 2012-13 and 2013-14 and balance of 1349378 cfts have been enumerated/ marked to seek its Technical clearance/ Technical Sanction and subsequent Administrative Approval for their exploitation. TABLE 2.1.7 Statement showing Comptt. wise wind fallen trees of Shopian Forest Division.

Statement showing the total Forest area that suffered due to the natural calamity and subsequent snow fall, comptt. wise volume of uprooted/ fallen timber is shown here under. SFC COUPES Trees fallen Working Comptt. Area (Ha) Specie Trees (No's) Volume (cfts.) Circle Ri-7 200.30 Fir 729 96401 K.C Ri-6 348.10 Fir 747 132613 F.S. Ri-1 259 Kail/Fir 543 77946 F.S. Ri-10 307.60 Fir 1123 32154 F.S. Ri-12a 165.80 Fir 646 53354 F.S. Ri-17 408.90 Fir 805 135420 F.S. Ri-9b 402.80 Fir 898 146640 F.S. Rb-28 623.30 Fir 2192 447533 F.S. Rb-29 653.70 Fir 1291 227956 F.S. Rb-30 416.90 Fir 1501 219074 F.S. Ri-11 252.90 Fir 979 139169 F.S. Ri-13 1062.70 Fir 767 118261 Protection Ri-16 315.60 Fir 764 135211 F.S. Ri-20a 283.30 Fir 873 129724 F.S. Rb-5a 258.80 Kail/Fir 407 90027 F.S. Ri-18 570.70 Fir 850 135422 F.S. Ri-2 307.60 Fir 235 40699 F.S. Ri-3a 101.10 Fir 180 36165 F.S. Ri-20b 344.00 Fir 608 114106 F.S. Rb-27b 216.50 Fir 866 159417 F.S. Rb-26a 605.10 Fir 1506 293328 F.S. Rb-27a 291.30 Fir 784 149481 F.S. Ri-8a 354.20 Fir 2667 518440 F.S.

Rb-26b 182.00 Fir 95 18059 K.C Ri-23a 437.00 Fir 751 125623 F.S. SUB- T: 9369.20 22807 3772223.00 DEPARTMENTAL COUPES Trees fallen Working Comptt. Area (Ha) Specie Trees (No's) Vol. (cfts.) Circle Ri-8b 80.90 Fir 90 12255 K.C Ri-9a 198.20 Fir 35 5829 K.C Rb-24a 258.90 Kail/Fir/De 607 43151 K.C V-2c 84.90 Kail 17 1617 K.C Rb-2a 165.80 Kail 28 1930 K.C Ri-14 998.10 Fir 265 46387 Protection V-5a 315.60 Kail/Fir 223 24058 K.C Rb-20 271.10 Kail 40 2323 K.C Rb-21 453.30 Kail 92 4305 K.C Rb-22a 279.20 Kail 144 14706 K.C Kail/Fir/ Rb-22b 131.90 58 6640 K.C Deo Rb-1a 149.70 Kail 130 12336 K.C V-1a 307.50 Kail 45 2821 K.C V-4c 113.30 Kail/Fir 115 11287 K.C V-5b 80.80 Kail 14 953 K.C Rb-1b 153.70 Kail 15 845 F.S. Rb-31 585.40 Fir 1065 181579 F.S. V-2b 157.80 Kail/Fir 107 11286 K.C Rb-32 307.50 Fir 840 133914 F.S. Rb-6 216.30 Fir 252 54699 F.S. Rb-3 329.80 Kail/Fir 295 59787 Reboisement Ri-22 3004.00 Fir 230 49247 Reboisement Ri-23a 437.00 Fir 22 2315 F.S. Y-1, Y-4, Y-5, 706.00 Kail/Deo 26 1171 K.C Y-8 & Y-9 Ri-24b 40.30 Deo 4 188 K.C Ri-24c 109.20 Fir 17 2092 K.C Ri-3b 274.80 Fir 335 85503 Protection Ri-19 364.40 Fir 299 48956 F.S. Ri-4 247.00 Fir 555 128296 Protection V-3 188.10 Kail/Fir 298 50167 F.S. V-6 262.90 Kail/Fir 67 9080 K.C V-7 4299.40 Kail/Fir 166 22293 K.C Ri-5a 188.50 Fir 225 59078 Protection Rb-19a 279.10 Kail/Fir 122 16371 K.C Kail/Fir/ Rb-19b 213.80 25 6478.5 K.C Deo Rb-25 129.40 Fir 250 49467 K.C Ri-24a 323.80 Kail/Fir 403 42267 F.S. Ri-21 1805.60 Fir 154 40845 Reboisement Rb-24b 38.40 Fir 481 84590 F.S. Rb-17a 206.10 Fir 276 49200 K.C

Rb-17b 289.40 Fir 196 43257 F.S. Rb-18 319.60 Fir 143 30414 K.C Ri-15b 194.30 Fir 215 39811 F.S.

Ri-15a 587.00 Fir 136 29674 Protection Rb-4 647.50 Fir 310 68696 F.S. Ri-5b 109.30 Fir 496 104998 F.S. V-4a 173.90 Fir - 20000 F.S. V-4b 133.50 Fir - 20000 F.S. Ri-23b 26.30 Fir 104 9106 F.S. SUB- T 21238.30 Kail/Fir 10032 1746268.50

TOTAL: 30607.50 /Deo 32839 5518491.50

CHAPTER-II B Forest Fauna

2.2.1. General Description 2.2.1.1. Because of varied altitudinal zonation prevailing in the tract a variety of Fauna is found in the Division. The ever increasing pressure on human population is responsible for the sharp decline of faunal population. Excessive interference by the graziers and their large herds of grazing animals also account for decline of some species of wild animals. Deforestation and consequent habitat reduction is also responsible for sharp reduction in their numbers. The Division is bestowed with harboring one of the famous Sanctuaries of the State known as Hirpora Wildlife Sanctuary which falls in the distributory Range of the “MARKHOR”, Capra falconeri, a schedule 1 species and a member of the international IUCN’s red data book. The distribution of Markhor in Jammu & Kashmir is restricted only to a few pockets in the Valley including Hirpora in the South and Limber/ Lachipora area in the North. Hirpora Wildlife Sanctuary has a distinction of harboring an appreciable number of remaining viable population of this rare species. The surroundings of old historic Mugal road connecting the Kashmir Valley to the Jammu region has a distinction of harboring around 20 species of mammals including some rare ones. The large mammals of the area include:- 2.2.1.2. Kashmir Markhor, Capra falconeri: Makkhor is the largest mountain goat in the world possessing long fur, flowing beard and corkscrew horns. Males vary from iron-grey to off-white in winter with hints of red-brown in summer. Females are fawn and much smaller. Markhor live under varied conditions. In the Pir Panjal and Kajinag Ranges, the goat is an inhabitant of the dense pine and birch forest, whose grassy glades form their grazing ground. 2.2.1.3. Himalayan Musk Deer, Moschus crysogaster: The Musk Deer is a small, horn-less cervid having a rich dark brown coat of thick bristly hairs speckled with grey. It favours rocky terrain within the upper forest and scrub levels between 2000 and 4300 m. Musk Deer are usually solitary but form small mixed herds of three to seven during rut. The Musk Deer prefer Abies pindrow, Betula utilis, Picea smithiana and Pinus griffithi. 2.2.1.4. Asiatic Black Bear, Ursus Thibetanus: Black Bear is the smaller of the two bears found in the Western Himalayas. General body colour is typically black with a brown muzzle, white chin and a characteristic v-shaped chest mark which may be white, yellow or buff. 2.2.1.5. Himalayan Brown Bear, Ursus arctos: Heavier build and brown cast distinguish the Brown Bear from the Asiatic Black Bear. The Brown Bear varies individually and seasonally from light to dark. It occupies open peaks, high above the tree line occasional sightings of the animal are reported form the Sanctuary.

2.2.1.6. Common Leopard, Panthera pardus: The leopard from Kashmir forms a distinct race. It has a soft deep-furred grey buff coat with small rimmed rosettes. Leopards are not restricted to forests or heavy cover and thrive well in rocks and scrub. In Hirpora leopard is sparsely distributed. 2.2.1.7. Other common Mammals found in the Sanctuary include: (i) Rhesus Macaque - Macaca mulatta. (ii) Red Fox - Vulpes vulpes (iii) Jungle Cat - Felis chaus. (iv) Leopard Cat - Prionailurus bengalensis (v) Yellow – Throated Marten - Martes flavigula. (vi) Long-Tailed Marmot - Marmota caudate. (vii) Kashmir Flying Squirrel - Hylopets fimbriatus (viii) Jackal - Canis aureus (ix) Tibetan Wolf - Canis lupus chanco (x) Small Indian Mangoose - Herpestes javanicus (xi) Indian Porcupine - Hystrix indica (xii) Kashmir flying Squirrel - hylopetes fimbriatus 2.2.1.8. The following are the check list of Birds found in the jurisdiction of Shopian Forest Division (i) The Black eared kite, Milvus migrans (ii) The Himalayan Griffon Vulture, Gyps himalayensis (iii) The White backed Vulture, Psedopus bengalensis (iv) The Monal, Lephphorus impajanus (v) The Himalayan Snow Cock, Tetragallus himalayansis (vi) The chukar, Alectoris chukar (vii) The Koklass, Pucrasia macrolopha (viii) The Blue Rock pigeon, Columbia livia (ix) The Himalayan Oriental turtle - Dove, Streptopelia orientalis (x) Eurasian collared Ring Dove, Streptopelia decaota (xi) The Red turtle Dove, Streptopelia tranqubarica (xii) The Asiatic Cuckoo, Cuculus canorus telephones (xiii) The Alpine Swift, Apus melba melba

(xiv) The Kashmir Roller, Crocias gasrullus semenwi (xv) The European Hoopoe, Upopa epops epops (xvi) The Kashmiri Woodpecker, Trybatus himalayansis (xvii) The Common Swallow, Hirunda rustica (xviii) The Rufus Backed Shrike, lanius schack (xix) The Indian Myna, Achidotheres tristis (xx) The Himalayan Jungle crow, Corvus muhipunchos (xxi) The white checked bulbul, Pyconotus leucogenus (xxii) The streaked laughing thrush, Trocralopeterum linnactum (xxiii) The large spotted nutcracker, Nucifrage muhipunctata (xxiv) The Kashmir wren, Trocralopterum linnactum (xxv) The grey tit, Parus major cahmiriensis (xxvi) The chaffinch, Fringilla coelebs (xxvii) The pine bunting, Embriza leucocephala (xxviii) The white checked nuthatch, Sitta leucopis (xxix) The black throated accentor, Prunella atrogullaris (xxx) The Indian barn owl, Tyto alba Javanica (xxxi) The Kashmir house sparrow, Passere domesticus (xxxii) The black & Yellow gross beak, Perrisospiza i. icteroides (xxxiii) The Pink-browed rose finch, Propasser ehodochrus vigros (xxxiv) The Golden Oriole, Oriolus - Oriolus 2.2.2. Fish 2.2.2.1. Local variety of fishes including Himalayan trout are of common occurrence in the rivers and its tributaries of the Division. 2.2.3. Injuries to Which Fauna is Liable 2.2.3.1. The Fauna of the tract is liable to injuries by man, epidemics, fires and atmospheric influences. Injuries by man include destruction of habitat, killing for their valuable skin, flesh or musk. Large scale of destruction of forests, encroachments, excessive fellings etc. are responsible for destroying the habitat of Wildlife. It is believed that Markhoor, Musk Deer, Snow leopard were frequently being sighted in and around the historical Mugal Road forests in the recent past, are seldom sighted now-a- days due to excessive use of blasting material during the construction of Mugal Road.

2.2.3.2. Epidemics are rare among the Wild animals, however sometimes a contagious disease may spread among the wildlife through the domestic animals grazing inside the forests. Fire is responsible for large scale destruction of small animals and birds. At times wild animals may also get trapped and killed in forest fires. Though the Wildlife has an inbuilt capability to withstand and survive the vagaries of nature, yet smaller animals and birds may suffer from heavy snowfall, rain, storms and also drought.

CHAPTER-III Utilization of the Produce

3.1. Agricultural customs and wants of the population 3.1.1. The territorial jurisdiction of Shopian Forest Division comprise whole of hill District Shopian and part of District Pulwama (including Tehsil Pulwama and part of Tehsil Pampore). The following table gives Block wise population as per census 2011. TABLE.3.1 Block wise population falling under territorial jurisdiction of Shopian Forest Division. S.No. Name of the District Population (Nos) 01. Shopian 265960 Pulwama

02. (under territorial jurisdiction of 249534 Shopian Forest Division) Total 515494 3.1.2. Muslims, both Kashmirs as well as Gujjars, are the dominant community consisting around 98.75% of the total Population and are found everywhere. Hindus and Sikhs are minority and constitute about 0.83% and 0.42% respectively of the total population. Among the Kashmiri Muslims most live in the Payeen areas while as Gujjars, Bakerwals, Pustons, Dogarwals, Minels generally inhabit within the forest limits. These settlements within the forests are known as “Chaks”. While the Kashmir’s have usually irrigated, well terraced and fertile lands where they grow mostly orchards and paddy as assured crop, the Gujjars, on the otherhand have usually unproductive and sloppy lands dependent on the precarious supply of rain and grow maize and pulses. However, the worst forest offenders are the Gujjar community. 3.1.3. During the summer months viz June, September the migratory population of Gujjars, Banyars, Bakerwals coming across the Pir Panjal form Reasi, Rojouri area of Jammu Province and augment the permanent population of the Division. The Banyars are comparatively well-off, keep usually Buffaloes and Cows and live mainly on ghee, butter and cheese trade. They usually stay in lower alpine pastures like Dobjun, Rainura. The Bakerwals are sheep and goat breeders and stay in high alpine regions as Zajimarg, Nandenser etc. The Kashmiri graziers are obviously locals and are called as Pohlu, Gooru or Gulwan depending upon whether they keep sheep, cattle or ponies respectively. Their movement is gradual into sub-alpine grass lands and alpine meadows of lower elevation. It is noteworthy to mark that the nomads in particular and other graziers in general have their boundaries demarcated and through age old practice they come to the same pasture year after year. Sometimes there is “Barter” or “Sale” of a pasture between two grazier groups. The other category of the local

grazier is the Gujjar, who generally stays back in the sub-alpine pastures. The Kashmiri and the local Gujjar grazier is more of a hired grazier than of his own. 3.1.4. The Villagers are largely self supporting and self reliant. The Kashmir’s live in pucca houses which are generally two storeyed covered with C.G.I. sheets and timber trusses. The Gujjars generally live in Kothas which are generally single storeyed, flat roofed, mud walled, timber supported structures. However, due to the change in the living pattern with the gradual upliftment of socioeconomic condition of the people the Kothas have now started giving way to Pucca houses. The Schools, health and Social Welfare centers have been opened throughout the length and breadth of the Division to facilitate the Villagers. The developmental activities have revolutionized the rural life which in turn has exercised great influence on the forest working as well. All the same, the demand for timber is obviously growing up. Apparently, however, neither is the demand wholly met nor does the community in return fulfill the obligations in lieu of which the concessions are and were granted in the shape of grazing, fodder fuel, timber, agricultural implements and to some extent torchwood. 3.1.5. The various important townships within the Division are typical in their trade which is one way or the other connected with the forests. Shopian, Rajpora are famous for its apple trade. The ghee trade is also an important trade of this region. The ghee comes from the rich pastures of the Division. Similarly Hirpora and Sedow are known for potato trade which also comes from the adjoining forests. The Kangries of Sangerwani and Pinjoora for which twigs (brushwood) come from the nearby forests. All these demands are progressively rising. 3.1.6. The Horticulture sector plays a significant role by generating an employment potential in the Division. The significance of this sector can be observed by the fact that more and more area is being brought under apple orchard cultivation due to which there is a manifold increase in its production. The apple is not only being supplied to other States of India but is also exported to different countries of the world. The apple industry of Shopian and Pulwama has revolutionized the socioeconomic condition and living standard of the people in a long way. There is a need to explore other options that too in the field of Value Added Agricultural Sector that could help in providing job opportunities to large sections of the people particularly in the Payeen areas like Melhora, Quil, Malang-pora etc. 3.2. Marketing and Marketable Products 3.2.1. Horticulture has assumed great importance in the territorial jurisdictions of this Division and makes a handsome contribution to the domestic product of the State. The area is blessed with vast potential of growing all kinds of fruits. Horticulture is main source of livelihood for the people of Shopian District and some areas of Pulwama and plays a significant role in the economy of the District. In view of potential available, fruit growing has become a major industry in the District which contributes largely to the State domestic product. The major fruit grown in the area are apple, cherry, pear, almonds, walnut etc. The delicious apple and nakh of the District are famous both in taste and appearance throughout the Country. The fruit are being sent to various parts/ States of the Country for marketing and has proved

to be very economical sector with promising future. Agriculture sector being subsistence in nature here, therefore much food grains are not available for marketing. Mostly the people of the area depend on public distribution system for rice and wheat. 3.2.2. The demand of timber, firewood and other MFP’s is becoming an ever increasing phenomenon on account of the population explosion. The chief marketable forest produce is timber of principal coniferous species i.e. deodar, kail and fir. The demand of timber is increasing day by day due to general rising standard of people and corresponding increase in number of new constructions. The timber is mainly used in constructions and various furniture making. The setting up of wood based industries and joinery mills has increased its consumption and demand manifold. The broad leaved species like walnut and maples are much wanted for furniture and halfrot manufacture. Of these, walnut due to its durability and grain is very much sought for wood carving and furniture making. The major forest produce is source of handsome revenue to the State annually. The demand of other broad leaved species like popular has also increased manifold in the recent past and is being exported to other States of India, thus a promising market for the timber is fast developing in the Valley with commissioning of various wood based industries and joinery mills. 3.3. Demand and Supply of Forest Produce and Pressure on Forests 3.4. Timber 3.4.1. Timber is being supplied to general public either through government controlled Forest Sale Depots or sometimes through Kashmir Notice directly to people residing near and in the vicinity of forests where such government controlled Forest Sale Depots do not exist, or are not served by any road connectivity. 3.4.2. Timber supply through Kashmir Notice The timber is being supplied to people living in the vicinity of the forests at concession rates in the form of dry fallen kail and fir trees particularly in the areas where Govt. controlled timber Sale Depots are not available, or sometimes when sufficient timber is not available in the said timber sale depots and quantity of fallen material in the surrounding forests is in plenty, under “Kashmir Forest Notice”. The quantity/ number of trees issued during last seven years is represented below:

TABLE 3.2. Timber issued through Kashmir Notice in Shopian Forest Division. S.No. Year No. of trees issued Persons benefited Cfts. 01. 2007-08 9 9 643 02. 2008-09 9 8 464 03. 2009-10 7 7 689.50 04. 2010-11 22 21 1606 05. 2011-12 16 20 3409 06. 2012-13 160 163 20431 Total 223 228 27242.5

3.4.3. Timber supply through Forest Sale Depots There are 81 Forest Sale Depots where from timber is being given to concessionists at various rates depending upon its nearness to forests or its revenue status viz. Municipal Committee, Township etc. The table below gives the Zone wise number of FSD’s operating in the Division.

Table 3.3 Abstract of No. of FSDs as per zonation in the Division

Table: Range wise abstract of FSD’s of Shopian Forest Division as on 2013-14 S.No. Range M.C C B A Total 01. Shopian 1 12 3 15 31 02. Romshi 1 32 3 6 42 03. Kakapora 0 8 0 0 8 Total 2 52 6 21 81

3.5. Timber Requirement 3.5.1. The population of Shopian District including Pulwama area falling under the jurisdiction of Shopian Forest Division is around 515494 souls with 66000 households. The survey conducted revels that a construction of medium seized rural house requires around 475 cfts of timber. It is further assumed that a house requires complete renovation in about 50 years. Given a decade growth rate of 25% around 1650 new households will be added every year. Accordingly the timber requirement per year is computed as under:- TABLE 3.4 Timber requirement per year. S.No. Timber requirement Cfts Annual timber requirement for new 01. houses 788500

Annual Timber requirement for renovation 02. of old houses using only 25% of the 66000 x 119=157080 timber 50 Total Annual timber requirement 945580

3.5.2. Against an estimated requirement of 9.455 lac cfts, the forest department supplies around 1.51 lac cfts of timber per annum to the concessionists which account for only 16% of the total requirement. Out of the rest requirement around 45% is now met through private timber sale depots (particularly imported), another 35% requirement is met by use of popular and composite wood in making of trusses etc., The Forest Sale depots of the Division need to be adequately stocked, so that balance 4% requirement of timber is also met and this step will certainly prove to be damper and disincentive for the timber smuggling trade. A statement of timber sold annually from TSD’s of Shopian Forest Division is as under:-

TABLE: 3.5 Timber supplied to general public through various FSD’s

S. Timber issued through FSD's Departmental (cfts.) Year Total No A B M.C C Ext. Transp. 1 2003-04 38446 7000 0 88546 133992 227549 90330 2 2004-05 36286 5088 0 74054 115428 16386 123126 3 2005-06 34995 8092 0 83449 126536 99203 81870 4 2006-07 16543 5657 0 0 22201 47017 17266 5 2007-08 64611 15914 0 0 80525 102822 115820 6 2008-09 49898 12107 7001 21552 90558 95435 67406 7 2009-10 58531 13443 13584 38875 124432 109125 100235 8 2010-11 32777 6245 9207 39817 88046 93549 87276 9 2011-12 33751 6692 25759 50488 116690 72980 85915 10 2012-13 42768 7381 24491 65701.4 140341 244751 230339

3.6. Import of Timber 3.6.1. In order to ease the demand of timber for construction purposes, the government has cleared import of timber and also reduced the restrictions. Presently within J&K only at two Check Posts transit verification is made viz. Lakanpur Check Post of Kathua Division (entry point of imported timber into J&K State and Toll Post /Check Post at Zig Qazigund (entry point of imported timber into Kashmir Valley) The Annual arrival inside Kashmir Valley is given as below: TABLE: 3.6 Annual import of timber from outside the Country

Annual Timber Imported into S.No. Year Kashmir Valley (cfts)

01. 2008-09 1329484 02. 2009-10 1840418 03. 2010-11 2044164 04. 2011-12 2627932 05. 2012-13 3535482

3.6.2. Because of the arrival of imported timber, the pressure on forests has reduced to a considerable extent as huge demand for constructional purposes is being met out of it. A sizable quantity of timber is being sold in Shopian and Pulwama areas from Private Sale Depot owners registered in the Division. 3.7. SRO-103:- The Jammu and Kashmir wood-based (saw mills, Veneer and plywood) industries (Registration and regulation) Rules, 2012 3.7.1. Pursuant to the Order of Hon’ble Supreme Court of India dated 16-01-2012 in I.A. No. 1117 in writ petition No. 202 of 1995 the Govt. of Jammu & Kashmir by virtue of notification No.SRO-103 dated 26-03-2012 notified the Jammu & Kashmir wood- based (saw mills, Veneer and plywood) industries (Registration and regulation) Rules,

2012. These rules came into force with immediate effect and aim and object of the same are discussed hereunder: 3.7.2. Under the provisions of rules ban imposed upon installation or operation of primary wood based industry within the domain of 8 kms distance (Arial) from nearest demarcated forests as earlier laid down in the Hon’ble Supreme Court Orders stands kept in force, however industrial area/ estate and Municipal area notified by the government has been exempted. 3.7.3. Under the provisions of same rules installation/ operation of secondary wood based industries have been banned within the domain of 3 kms distance (Arial) from nearest demarcated forests. 3.8. Firewood 3.8.1. At present, the department is supplying firewood to religious institutions falling within town limit for heating purposes (in Hamam) during winter months from Mid November to Mid March of the every financial year. Based on the Hamam area, the requirement of firewood is calculated. The quantity of firewood supplied to Mosques in the past eight years is given as under:-

TABLE : 3.7 Firewood supplied to various Religious Institutions and Srinagar City w.e.f. 2005-06 to 2012-13 Quantity supplied to Quantity supplied to PC S.No. Year Religious Depot Srinagar. (Qtls) Institutions (Qtls) 01 2005-06 1262.26 8635 02. 2006-07 594.10 12278 03. 2007-08 838 9964 04. 2008-09 763 6165 05 2009-10 724 4656 06. 2010-11 1420 7600 07. 2011-12 5043 9346 08 2012-13 5254 12590

TABLE: 3.8 Firewood rates w.e.f. 2004 (per Qtl) Religious S.No. Order No. District Leh Kargil Army places 01. 230-FST of 2004 130 380 350 250 02. 218-FST of 2005 150 440 400 300 03. 26-FST of 2006 130 420 380 300 04. 211-FST of 2010 190 0 0 450

3.9. Non-Timber Forest Produce 3.9.1. The non-timber forest produces (NTFP’s) such as Diascoria, Podophyllum hexandrum, Atropa belladonna, Inula spp, Digitalis spp, Chrysanthemum cinnararifolium (Pyrethrum), Guchies etc. are available in the Division. In 2004, a

temporary ban was imposed for collection of all major MFP’s excepting Guchies and Walnut, but the same has now been lifted, permitting their extraction in a non- destructive manner of above ground parts only. Earlier before imposition of ban all the NTFP’s were being auctioned every year and as such huge quantities were extracted from the demarcated forests of the Division. The extraction of Guchies and Walnut however continued as no restriction was imposed for their collection from demarcated forests. The revenue generated from NTFP’s of the Division are reflected in the Table below:-

TABLE: 3.9 Revenue from NTFP’s – Shopian Forest Division S.No. Financial Year Auction value (in Rs) Walnut 01. 2004-05 11000

02. 2005-06 10000

03. 2006-07 10177 Guchies 01. 2004-05 15000 02. 2005-06 17000 03. 2006-07 04. 2007-08 05 2008-09 06. 2009-10 26000

07. 2010-11 34000 08. 2011-12 41000 09. 2012-13 10 2013-14 35000

3.10. Timber Transportation 3.10.1. Earlier the main method of transportation of timber was “Mahan” timber floated on river. Rupri-Sukhsarai (Comptt. Rb-9 to Rb-16) was one of the stream which was used for transportation of timber in the recent past during the summer. However, at present the major line of export of timber is by road. The Division has a network of black topped roads reaching into interior of Catchments. This is easy mode of transportation free from enroute pilferage and theft. Aharbal – Sedow – Shopain – Kakapora motor road, Naserpora – Pulwama road, Mugal Road are some of the worth mentioning roads which are now-a-days used for transportation of timber through mechanical transportation by trucks and remain open throughout the year. 3.11. Methods of Exploitation 3.11.1. Due to imposition of ban by Hon’ble Supreme Court of India on green felling, generally fallen trees and some dry standing trees are being exploited from the forests of Jammu & Kashmir. The markings are done in advance and all trees (fallen as well as dry standing) are marked serially and classified into diameter classes for volume estimation. Besides, these are branded with hammer marks at the base and breast height of the trees. The dry standing are felled by means of Saws and Axes as

near to the ground as possible. The bole of the fallen as well as the cut trees is then cut into logs of standard sizes by cross cut saw. The logs are then delimbed and then rolled down through the rolling paths and are collected on loading points where they are debarked and finally loaded into trucks for onward transportation. The exploitation of the timber is being done either by State Forest Corporation on a large scale or undertaken departmentally on a smaller scale. The cost of extraction is given in greater detail in the next Chapter. 3.12. Past and Current Prices 3.12.1. 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. A Comprehensive analyisis of average sale price of timber of various species w.e.f. 2001-02 to 2012-12 is tabulated under Appendix XV.

CHAPTER-IV Activities of Forest Development Corporations in Harvesting and Marketing Forest Produce

4.1. Jammu & Kashmir State Forest Corporation 4.1.1. The State Forest Corporation by virtue of Jammu & Kashmir State Forest Act 1978 and rules thereof framed in 1981 came into being for the purpose of exploitation of the forests of Jammu & Kashmir State on Scientific lines. The entire forest operations viz. extraction, transportation and sales of timber in the J&K State has formally entrusted to the Corporation for best hygienic atmosphere of existing forests. Prior to this it was known as GLU. During past exploitation as per the then Working Plan prescriptions the forests were worked out through Private lessees by leasing out forest compartment-wise who would be responsible for extraction, transportation and sale of timber throughout the State and such forest leases were given to these lessees on royalty basis. In order to put an end to the monopoly of private lessees system and to introduce scientific management for maximization of the production, the Corporation was put in place. Therefore, this step did not only have a scientific base but also the economic and social objectives. The following table shows the extent of work done by State Forest Corporation during the period in the Division.

TABLE 4.1 Showing the volume (in cfts) handed over to SFC from Shopian Forest Division w.e.f. 1979 to 01/2014. Marking handed over to SFC S.No Year (cfts convted vol.) 01. 1979-80 662195 02. 1980-81 448198 03. 1981-82 -Nil- 04. 1982-83 -Nil- 05. 1983-84 236914 06 1984-85 -Nil- 07. 1985-86 526097 08. 1986-87 324316 09. 1887-88 234881 10. 1988-89 1355364 11. 1989-90 1557858 12. 1990-91 -Nil- 13. 1991-92 -Nil- 14. 1992-93 729426 15. 1993-94 241162 16. 1994-95 27907 17. 1995-96 24103 18. 1996-97 965660 19. 1997-98 2251920 20. 1998-99 51170

21. 1999-20 576183 22. 2000-01 Nil 23. 2001-02 784083 24. 2002-03 680404 25. 2003-04 666658 26. 2004-05 222869 27. 2005-06 523480 28. 2006-07 265780 29. 2007-08 78857 30. 2008-09 157321 31. 2009-10 1473944.5 32. 2010-11 Nil 33. 2011-12 276175 34. 2012-13 2360806 35. 2013-14 399424 Grand Total 16610718.5

4.1.2. The Forest department hands over the coupes to SFC and levies the royalty. Before the ban of green felling trees, the SFC was handling huge volume of timber every year. Due to imposition of ban on green felling by the State Govt. 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 State. As per the Q&Q norms, 80 lakh cfts 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 cfts was never touched. Hence it resulted in financial crunch to the corporation. 4.1.3. The State Forest Corporation suggests the available volume from different compartments, if the compartment qualifies to be worked out as per the Q&Q norms, then only it is enumerated for fallen/ dry standing trees. Since almost all forest cover of this Division happen to be vulnerable in respect of forest damages, as such enumeration/ marking has remained restricted to fallen stocks only although dry standing as per Q&Q norms was allowed for extraction. The CF (Working Plan Circle) issues the Technical Clearance. Thereafter on the basis of Technical clearance the fallen trees in the compartments are marked. The marking list is sent to CF Working Plan Circle for issuance of Technical Sanction. The CCF (Territorial) issues the Administrative Approval based on the TS. Then the marking in the compartment is handed over to SFC for its exploitation. 4.1.4. On the basis of markings and subsequent handing over thereof to the State Forest Corporation, it becomes obligatory on the part of Corporation to meet out requirement of concessionists for their bonofide purpose as well. Virtually the State Forest Corporation plays a vital role in supply of timber to the forest timber sale depots where from the forest department is providing timber to the beneficiaries on concession basis. The State Forest Corporation spends a handsome amount on account of extraction/ transportation of timber thus supplied to forest department

which is provided to the consumers on concessional rates. However, while visualizing the graph of expenditure incurred upon extraction/ transportation of timber thus supplied by SFC to Forest Timber Sale Depots the quantum of timber supply was confined to C-Zone depots only while as A & B concession zones are being fed by departmental timber extraction. This arrangement of relaxation proved fruitful for SFC upgradation as well as timely supply of timber by Forest Department to A & B Zone depots. The State Forest Corporation has been providing timber to C-Zone depots of this Division to the tune of around 40000 cfts every year. On the basis of timber supplies made by SFC the Forest Department not only generates revenue but also sustains committed requirements of general public which is obligatory on the part of forest department. TABLE: 4.2 Shows the compartments lying with SFC and markings handed over

S. Total Markings handed Compartment Date of handing over No. over 01. Ri-1 1979-80 345169 02. Ri-2 1986-87 126533 03. Ri-3a 1979-80 124708 04. Ri-6 1992-93 510734 05. Ri-7 1995-96 353374 06. Ri-8a 1988-89 2043339 07. Ri-9b 1988-89 695702 08. Ri-10 1988-89 359096 09. Ri-11 1988-89 361158 10. Rb-26a 1998-99 423893 11. Rb-27a 1992-93 203532 12. Rb-27b 1992-93 211140 13. Rb-28 1996-97 1119402 14. Rb-29 1980-81 639530 15. Rb-30 1996-97 990713 4.1.5 The above mentioned compartments lying with SFC since long need to be taken back after exploitation of the leftover markings, so that these compartments are given the requisite rest besides giving them required treatment by way of artificial plantation. TABLE: 4.3. The rates in vogue in SFC for timber operations during 2013-14:

Activity S.No SAWN FORM

(a) Extraction (on FMM)

1 Felling (per cft)

Hand sawing - under/odd size (per cft) 2 Hand sawing - standard size (per cft)

(b)

3 Pathroo (per cft/km of 33 chain)

4 Pacci nail (per cft/km of 33 chain)

5 Tarspan (per span/cft)

6 S.N. Mahan (per cft per km of 33 chain)

7 Main Nallah Mahan (cft/km)

8 Head Carriage (forests) (per cft/chain)

9 Crane (per cft/km)

10 H/C after nikkasi (per cft/chain)

(c) Minor related activity 11 Launching (S.N. Mahaning)/cft 0.36 12 Nikassi (per cft) 0.71 13 Stacking (per cft) 0.67 LOG FORM A. Extraction (A1 + A3) 6.53 (d) A.1 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 upto Katcha loading point S.No. Norms Rate in Rupees (per cft/ 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) Katcha road transportation ( Log Form) (Figures in Rupees) Volume Distance slab slab cft. 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 2.5 1.81 1.27 0.85 Above 80001 2.36 1.7 1.18 0.79 (g) Pucca road transportation ( Log Form) (Figures in Rupees) Rate in Rate with 15% Contractor's profit S.No Distance slab in km 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 (g) Pucca road transportation ( Sawn Form) - National Highways (Figures in Rupees)

Distance slab in Rate in Rate with 15% Contractor's profit S.No km 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 4.2. Results of Socio Economic Survey 4.2.1. Shopian Forest Division has a territorial jurisdiction over whole of Shopian District and some Blocks falling in Pulwama District (Pulwama, Kakapora and part of Pompore Block) comprising 515494 souls, around 85% of which belong to rural areas. The literacy rate varies from 62.49% to 65.00%. The density of population for Shopian District is 345 per Sq.km as compared to 799 per sq.km at the State level. Shopian District is also known as the apple bowl of J&K State as it produces a quality apple which is famous all over the Country. The Shopian District rests in the lap of foothills of Pir Panjal and as such is also called the Hill District. Male- female ratio is 1000 M – 951 F as compared to 1000 M – 883 F rest of the State. The population growth rate 25.85% for Shopian and 29.18% for Pulwama has been recorded as per Census 2011. The main occupation engaging in the work force are cultivators, manufacturing, processing etc. Cultivators account for around 46.4% of working force. The schedule tribe population is around 3.30% of the total population. Total number of Panchayats in the jurisdiction of the Division is 207. 4.2.2. The various important townships within the Division are typical in their trade which is one way or the other connected with the forests. Shopian, Rajpora are famous for its apple trade. The ghee trade is also an important trade of this region. The ghee comes from the rich pastures of the Division. Similarly Hirpora and Sedow are known for potato trade which also comes from the adjoining forests. The Kangries of Sangerwani and Pinjoora for which twigs (brushwood) come from the nearby forests. All these demands are progressively rising. 4.2.3. The Horticulture sector plays a significant role by generating an employment potential in the Division. The significance of this sector can be observed by the fact that more and more area is being brought under apple orchard cultivation due to which there in a manifold increase in its production. The apple is not only being supplied to other States of India but is also exported to different countries of the world. The apple industry of Shopian and Pulwama has revolutionized the socioeconomic condition and living standard of the people in a long way. There is need to explore other options that too in the field of Value Added Agricultural Sector that could help in providing job opportunities to large section of the people particularly in the Payeen areas like Melhora, Quil, Malang-pora etc. 4.3. Role of Panchayats 4.3.1. Govt. Order No: 1126-GAD of 2011 dated: 22/9/2011, with subsequent Govt. Order No: 259-FST of 2012 dated: 04/6/2012 is being implemented in letter & spirit. The

achievements under the guidelines of said Government Order are highlighted here under: 4.3.2. Constitution of Fire Protection Committee In Fire prone areas, the Forest Department is on way to constitute Fire Protection Committee’s in consultation with concerned halqa panchayat members. The funds under sub-head Fire Protection works should be utilized through the concerned Panchayats. 4.3.3. Implementation of Monitoring of Micro Plans Since plantation work outside demarcated forests is being done by the sister concerned department i.e. Social Forestry, as such Social Forestry department is taking plantation and allied works on private lands/ state land. 4.3.4. In addition to above, the main activity of Forest department is to benefit the public by way of issuance/ distribution of timber from established govt. timber sale depots as well as in the form of dry/ fallen trees directly from the forests under Kashmir Forest Notice. In both the cases, concerned Panch’s & SarPanch’s are involved in verification of genuine people and subsequently distribution of timber has been carried out in consultation with concerned Panch’s & Sar-Panch’s. During current financial year following timber has been issued/ distributed among beneficiaries with the territorial jurisdiction of District Shopian. Timber sold from FSD’s =146512 cfts. Timber sold through Kashmir Notice = 20431 cfts. 4.4. Jammu & Kashmir Right to Information Act-2009 4.4.1. The Jammu & Kashmir government by virtue of Jammu & Kashmir Right to Information Act-2009 provided an opportunity to the general public to seek any information with regard to day today working of government Offices which ultimately made all government functionaries accountable. Under the provisions of this Act any person belonging to any religion/ caste can seek information related to functioning of the department for his knowledge or satisfaction and it is obligatory on the part of concerned Officer to provide such information to the information seeker in a time bond manner, failing which such Officer is liable to punishment. 4.4.2. This Office well obeying and implementing the Jammu & Kashmir Right to Information Act-2009 have been very prompt to provide relevant information to the information seekers well in time. The cases dealt with under provisions of the Act are summarized hereunder:

TABLE: 4.4 Applications received under RTI No. of application No. of applications Fee recovered in S.No. Year received replied Rs 01. 2009-10 - - - 02. 2010-11 01 01 50 03. 2011-12 06 06 50 04. 2012-13 23 23 510 2013-14 05. (upto ending 04 04 130 01/14)

CHAPTER-V Five Year Plans

5.1. Management of Forests under Five Year Plan 5.1.1. Five Year Plans are centralized and integrated National economic programmes of India. First Five Year Plan was launched in 1951, immediately after independence by first Prime Minister of India Jawahar Lal Nehru. The 11th Plan completed its term in March, 2012 and 12th Plan 2012-17 is currently under way. 5.1.2. Forest Development being an important subject for long term planning, the Central Govt. in consultation with the State drew up a comprehensive Forest Policy Document in 1952. This policy resolution of 1952 laid down the main direction for forest departments in the Country which included measures of complementary and balanced land use, protection of natural forests, checking denudation in mountainous regions and preventing erosion and land degradation. 5.1.3. In line with these objectives of the National Forest Policy of 1952, the Planning Commission which is approving Plans for the most effective and balanced utilization of the Countries resources has given 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 the needs of the industrial sector. The first six Five Year Plans allocated funds for aforestation, rehabilitation of degraded forests, watershed development, social forestry, strip plantations, canal bank plantations, raising of plantations of industrial importance etc. 5.1.4. Inspite of development under various Plans, the forests in the Country suffered serious depletion due to relentless pressures arising out of increasing demands for fuel wood, fodder, timber, diversion of forest land for non-forest use etc. The need to review the situation, to evolve, for the future, a new strategy of forest conservation led to the adoption of the “National Forest Policy Resolution” of 1988. The policy focused on environmental conservation. The 7th Five Year Plan therefore laid greater emphasis on the maintenance of environmental stability through preservation and restoration of the ecological balance that was affected by depleting of forests. The 8th and 9th Five Year Plans laid maximum emphasis on rehabilitation of degraded forests and catchments. The enlarging of forest exploitation and revenue from it took a back seat. Infact, in the State of Jammu & Kashmir, forestry working was completely nationalized, so the annual cut in timber extraction was reduced to 3.40 lakh cum as against the annual yield of 11.04 lakh cum. Similarly, the extraction of resin was reduced from 37000 MTs to 10000 MTs. The extraction of Firewood and its distribution at subsidized rates was reduced by 50%. Similarly, comprehensive management projects for the preservation of wildlife and areas of biodiversity were drawn to maintain ecological balance.

5.1.5. The Jammu & Kashmir Govt. received funds from the Center in the successive Five Year Plans starting from 1951 and utilized the same very efficiently. It achieved tremendous success in Social Forestry Project, which by its massive plantations outside forest area was able to increase the tree cover of the State to a considerable extent. Massive plantation of popular outside forest area in farm lands, waste lands, canal banks, roadside plantations helped in a long way to reduce pressure on forests by supplying requisite timber for making of fruit boxes, agricultural implements etc. 5.2. 12th Five Year Plan and its Scope for Jammu and Kashmir Forest Department 5.2.1. In the 12th Five Year Plan, one of the important component is National Mission for a Green India also known as GIM (Green India Mission). 5.2.2. 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 the 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. 5.2.3. The major objectives of GIM are:  Increased forest/ tree cover on 5 m ha 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 a result of treatment of 10 m ha.  Increased forest-based livelihood income for 3 million forest dependent households.  Enhances annual CO2 sequestration of 50-60 million tons by the year 2020. 5.2.4. Presently Shopian Forest Division started preparing plan under GIM were L.2 landscapes and L .3 landscapes are already indentified and comprehensive plan to improve quality besides increasing and forest cover is in offing. Shopian Division has taken up some works under various Five Year Plans, some of them under State Sector, District Sectors is tabulated under Appendix XIV.

CHAPTER-VI Staff and Labour Supply

6.1. Establishment 6.1.1. The subjoined statement envisages the establishment working for the Division for the year 2013-14.

S.No. Designation Total No. Pay Scale working at 1 D.C.F 0 15600-39100+6600 2 A.C.F 01 9300-34800+4800 3 Range Officers – I 02 9300-34800+4280 4 Sr. Forests as I/C RO 05 9300-34800+4200

5 Foresters 14 5200-20200+2800

6 Dy. Foresters 14 5200-20200+2300 7 Forest Guards 34 5200-20200+1900 8 Watchers 12 4440-7440+1300 9 Malies 13 4440-7440+1300

10 Chowkidars 37 4440-7440+1300

11 Boom Chowkidars 01 4440-7440+1300 14 Rest House 01 4440-7440+1300 Chowkidar 15 Orderlies 07 4440-7440+1300 16 Helper 59 4440-7440+1300

Ministerial Staff

17 Accountant 01 9300-34800+4200 18 Sr. Assistant 0 5200-20200+2400 19 Jr. Assistant 05 5200-20200+1900 20 Drivers 1 4440-7440+1300

21 Cleaners 0 4440-7440+1300

22 Consolidate Workers 10 23 Daily Rated Workers 20

6.2. Labour Supply 6.2.1. The labour supply in the Division is by and large satisfactory. The labourers employed are mostly local. They have acquired considerable skill in various logging operations due to their long standing association with forest working. The main occupation of the labourers is Horticulture and Agriculture and labour scarcity is caused during sowing and harvesting season. Relatively higher wages and easier nature of work is attracting labourers towards other Sectors, which may affect the future adequate labour supply required for various forestry operations which therefore, have to be mechanized to least reliance on man power.

CHAPTER-VII Past System of Management

7.1. Past History of the Forests 7.1.1. The history of the forestry in the State of Jammu & Kashmir is difficult to compile as the bulk of the forest areas till 1940’s were under the princely rulers of the State and other Jagirders, whose records are scanty or not available at all. There are no reports of any reckless clearance of vegetation of Kashmir forests and instead history is replete with examples of rulers having enriched the local vegetation through plant introductions. The present day Chinars, maples, willows and number of herbaceous elements of local forests are ecological gifts from this period. Even the local people of the State, have demonstrated a great love for trees and nature conservation. This is born by the poetry of Sheikh Noor-Ud-Din Wali and Lal Arifa, the great Sofi saints of Kashmir. The maxim of Sheikh Noor-Ud-Din Wali (An-Poshi-Teli-Yeli-Van-Poshi) 500 years ago shows the great ecological consciousness of the times. 7.1.2. Given the above scenario of forests of the State, and also in view of little or no demand for timber and other forest products, the forests of the State remained unmanaged till early beginning of 20th Century. The 1st step towards protection of forests in the State was taken up in 1857-58 (A.D) when a forest section called “Mahal Nawara” was created in the department of revenue of the State. It was for the first time that a forestry staff was created mainly with aim to collect revenue from the contractors who worked in the forests at their will. In 1883 a preliminary regulation to control forest working called “Ain-e-Junglat” was introduced were by the collection of Govt. share was done for the produce removed from the forests. But nothing was prescribed for the working or improvement of the forests. The condition of the privately owned “Jagirs” of “Rajas of Kashmir” were no better. Infact it was worst in Jagirs than in the State owned forests. A tree of deodar of any size would be allowed to be felled and carried at a petty royalty. 7.2. 1890-91 (AD) 7.2.1. The year 1890 (AD), stands out as the dawn of scientific forestry in Kashmir when the services of J.C. Mc Donald of Indian Forest Service (British India) were secured. He helped in consolidation of the forests and focused on demarcation, organization of forest beats and Ranges, construction of Forest roads, buildings, fire protection and other conservation measures. As much as 233500 hectares of forest land were demarcated on ground. This was the pioneering work in putting the forest management in the State on Scientific lines. 7.2.2. However, the fellings mainly for fuel wood remained unregulated till 1914 A.D, when two Working Schemes were prepared, one for Sri Partap Singh Pora Range by Pt. Pran Nath Dakshnidar and the other for Kashmir Division including (Haripora Range) by Mr. Fuller, the former was sanctioned, the latter was not. Both schemes prescribed working of the forests under Indian Selection System with an exploitable

girth of 2.28 mts. The intensive working of more accessible areas like Hirpora and Dudh Ganga was done in this period leading to undesired overexploitation. In 1919 AD, Shopian Forest Division the precursor of Pir Panjal Division was constituted out of Haripora (Hirpor and Shupyan Ranges), detached from Kashmir Division, pulse a part of Shri Partap Singh Pora Range transferred from the Panjal Division, extending its boundary from the Noor-abad Range of Kashmir Division upto the Watershed between Shali-Ganga and Sukhnag Block. In 1924 AD, however, Khag Range (Sukhnag Block) was added on, while Narwa (Noor-abad Range) was excluded and transferred back to Kashmir Division, thus Pir Panjal Division came into existence. The present day Shopian Forest Division was later on carved from Pir Panjal Division in the year 1982 which included present day Veshue and D.H.Pora Ranges of Kashmir Division. However, D.H.Pora and Veshue Ranges are now the part of Special Forest Division Kulgam, which came into being in the year 2010 vide Govt. Order No.407-FST of 2010-10-25-Forest dated:25-10-2010. 7.3. B. Sher Singh 1925-34 7.3.1. The first regular and scientific Working Plan for PP Division was prepared by B. Sher Singh in 1925 and prescribed conversion to uniformity of all easily accessible kail (deodar) and fir forests, and selection system for the distant and interior (mainly fir) forests. Following five working circles were prescribed:-  Pine W.C. : (Kail and Deodar Forests).  Fir W.C. : (All low lying accessible Fir forests).  Selection W.C. : (All inaccessible Fir forests of Dudh Ganga and Sukhnag)  High level W.C.: (Inaccessible High level forests of Veshav, Rambiara and Romshi)  Unregulated W.C.: (Forests of Nilnag to provide fuel wood for Tsrari-Sharief) 7.3.2. Pine Working Circle: 7.3.3. Important Prescriptions for the Working Circle are

a) Rotation 120 years b) PB’s 5 (Fixed) of 24 years each. c) PB1 16% of the total area with mature and over mature crop devoid of regeneration. d) PBV 6% of total area of Yarwan Block (Deodar- Kail) e) PB intermediate PBII to IV f) Yield form PB1 Kail 10957 cum, Fir 2882 cum g) Prescriptions In PBV (thinning and cleanings in young crop, removal of mother tress suppressing regeneration and artificial regeneration of blanks. In PB intermediate light and cautious thinnings

7.3.4. Results a) The advance growth did not come up as quickly as was desired. b) The felled compartments failed to regenerate naturally. c) The concentration of mature stock in PBI were tended to give a higher yield than was rationally possible form these forests. 7.3.5. Fir Working Circle 7.3.6. Important Prescriptions for the Working Circle are a) Rotation 150 years b) Regeneration period 30 years. c) Exploitable size 1.82 meters d) Total yield Fir 90227 cum, Kail 5792 cum 7.3.7. Results The working circle was subdivided into Veshav, Rambiara and Romshi felling series. There was an undue over enthusiasm in calculating and exaggerating the yield, based on very short regeneration period. Fortunately full yield could not be worked for want of market for fir. Parts of compartment Rb-2 and Rb-3 are glaring instances of the inadaptability of shade-tolerant species like fir to the drastic treatment that the typical uniform systems entails. Post felling regeneration also failed in some of the compartments like Ri-24 and Ri-25. Blanks caused by concentrated fellings in these compartments (Ri-24 and Ri-25) were tried to be filled up with planting of deodar in a typical fir forests. 7.3.8. Selection Working Circle In this working circle Dudh Ganga forests were prescribed rest because of over working in the past and yield was to be realized from Sukhnag Block under a conservative (light Selection System). Exploitable diameter was fixed at 75 cm and felling cycle of 10 years. Yield prescribed was 2250 cum for kail and 41485 cum for fir annually which was obviously excessive. Only parts of compartments 56 and 7, were however worked. 7.3.9. In the last two Working Circles no fellings, but only minor works of improvement were prescribed. 7.4. R.L. Khajuria 1935-44 7.4.1. The first revision B. Sher Singh’s Working Plan was prepared by Shri R.L. Khajuria in the year 1935. He retained more or less the broad outlines of the previous plan except with a switch over to allotment of compartments for working (in regeneration Block) with sufficient advance growth (regeneration). This was due to the failure of regeneration in the worked areas. The forests were divided into four working circles namely:- a) Kail working circle

b) Fir regular working circle c) Selection working circle d) Unregulated working circle 7.4.2. Kail Working Circle 7.4.3. Important Prescriptions for the working Circle are: a) Silvi-cultural system adopted Conversion to uniformity to Continue b) Rotation 150 years corresponding to an exploitable size of 75 cms dbhob c) Conversion Period 120 years (from inception of last plan) d) Regeneration period 30 years, 5 (fixed) PB’s allotted only PBI and PBV, rest II-IV intermediate e) Yield (1) entire W.C.-kail (deodar) 9555 cum, Fir 8417 cum, (2) PBI- kail (deodar) 7417 cum, Fir 6111 cum 7.4.4. Results Artificial regeneration of failed PBI areas (with kail and deodar) were the silent features of the management prescribed. Regeneration of compartments Rb-19b, Rb- 22b and Rb-24a within 20 years (the remaining part of the regeneration period) were stressed upon, but the progress was very slow. The freshly allotted areas were worked according to the prescription and therefore contained a residual crop of primarily young and almost even aged pole. 7.4.5. Fir Regular Working Circle 7.4.6. Important Prescriptions for the working Circle are a) Silvi-cultural system adopted Conversion to uniformity to Continue b) Rotation 200 years corresponding to an exploitable size of 75 cms dbhob c) Conversion Period 160 years d) Regeneration period 40 years, 5 PB’s, regeneration block =PBI+PBV (30% of the area). e) Yield Kail 3398 cum, Fir 37662 cum

7.4.7. Results Uniform system was continued in the compartments having advance growth. Only compartments V-11, V-16, Rb-3, (part) d-7 and S-2b were worked. However, artificial regeneration of parts of Rb-2b, Ri-24a and Ri-25 was carried out despite the prescription of the plan. The last two compartments were only nominally closed to grazing resulting in rank growth of weeds only.

7.4.8. Selection Working Circle In this working circle yield for each compartment was fixed on the basis of partial enumerations. Markings conducted were to be done on selection-cum improvement lines. The actual working was restricted to the grant of trees to concessionists. Sales on standard and commercial rates were practically negilable. 7.4.9. The unregulated working circle comprised all those compartments not allotted to any above mentioned three working circles. No prescription for such compartments excepting to meet the requirements of fruit box demands and other minor requirements were to be met from such compartments. In view of limited demand for fruit boxes only compartment Rb-25, Ri-30 and D-32 were worked, yielding a volume of about 7100 cums. 7.5. Shri Habib Khan 1945-64 7.5.1. The main feature of this Plan was the replacement of conversion to uniformity by Indian Selection System in respect of Fir. The following three working circles were constituted:- 1. Kail Conversion W.C. 2. Fir Selection W.C. 3. Unregulated W.C. 7.5.2. Kail Conversion Working Circle 7.5.3. Important Prescriptions for the working Circle are

a) Silvi-cultural system adopted Conversion to uniformity b) Rotation 150 years corresponding to an exploitable size of 75 cms dbh(ob) c) Periodic Blocks only conversion and converted blocks d) Area allotted to converted Block 1/3 of the working circle. e) Conversion period 100 years including 20 years since inception of conversion to uniformity (1924- 25) f) Regeneration period 30 years g) Yield 1) Entire working circle=kail (deodar) 10100 cum fir 7400 cum 2) Conversion block Total fit volume over 60 cm dbh(ob)--1/3 vol. of 45-60 cm dia class 80(remaining years of conversion period)+ Kail and (deodar) : 5700 cum, Fir : 5300 cum h) Yield(1)- Yield (2)=Yield from thinning and improvement fellings in converted block i) Method of executing fellings: 1. No stem above 65 cm dbh(ob) to be retained except seed bearers. 2. Healthy trees upto 45 cm dbh(ob) to be retained as part of future crop.

3. Compact group of 45-60 cm dbh(ob) class to be retained when merging with the surrounding crop. 4. All fit trees above 30 cm dbh(ob) marked to count towards yield. 7.5.4. Results: a) There was a deliberate attempt on the part of Working Plan Officer to under estimate the yield, otherwise he would have divided the total fit volume 45 cm dbhob and above of the entire working circle by 60 years (time taken by a kail tree of 30 cm dbhob to reach 65 cm and not 75 cm dbhob, and because of this he was able to mitigate the so called silvi-cultural availability factor and therefore made the prescribed yield look rather realistic. b) The proportion of the area converted to area under conversion should have been 20:100 or 1:5 when it was 8345:16774 or 1:2 at the start of Khan’s Plan. With the checks and slowing down tactics by him it should have been 40:100 or 2:5 but instead it was 9:5 at the expiry of his plan in 1954. c) By and large the prescriptions of the plan were quite practical and precise, but the cultural operations prescribed were never carried out and artificial stocking of some of the compartments were completely ignored 7.5.5. Fir Selection Working Circle 7.5.6. Important Prescriptions for the Working Circle are It was sub-divided into two felling series. a) Timber felling series (it contained all the compartments of fir regular WC of previous Plan. b) Fruit box felling series (it contained some of the well stocked forests of unregulated WC of last Plan) Summary of important prescriptions:-

a) Silvi-cultural system adopted Indian Selection System b) Rotation 180 years corresponding to an exploitable size of 75 cms dbh(ob) c) Felling cycle 30 years d) Felling series 2

i) Timber FS (within short distance of main floating system) ii) Fruit Box FS (Not served by any dependable streams) e) Yield i) Timber Felling Series (Kail 2415, Fir 55555) ii) Fruit Box felling series (Kail 1100 cum, Fir 19440 cum).

7.5.7. Results: a) The fact that prescribing even removal of odd trees of 60-75 cm db(hob) class occurring among poles of less than 60 cm db(hob) was not convincing in view of the conservation shown by him in regulating the yield. b) The tendency of the working plan officer to recommend markings of trees even quite below the prescribed exploitable diameter, he should not have arbitrarily slashed down the calculated yield and pitched it so low. This fact defeated the purpose of his otherwise convincing and rational marking rules, because the tendency of the marking Officer is to conserve the prescribed yield rather than going beyond it. 7.5.8. Unregulated Working Circle It was subdivided into Protection felling series and Miscellaneous felling series. The former included all such fir and kail compartments which though well stocked could not be worked because of their location near head water catchments and closure for grazing to allow the blanks to regenerate. The Miscellaneous felling series included removal of trees to the extent of meeting only the demands of the concessionists. No markings except for improvement were to be done below 45 cm. 7.6. Shri P.N. Pandita 1965-76 7.6.1. The main feature of this Working Plan were:- a) A switch over to the metric system in consonance with the National Policy. b) Total enumeration were conducted in (10 cm diameter classes) in both regulated working circles viz. DKCWC and FSWC. The following working circle were constituted:- 1. Deodar Kail Conversion WC (identical with KCWC of previous plan) 2. Fir Selection WC (identical with that of previous plan) 3. Rehabilitation WC (identical with miscellaneous felling series of previous plan) 4. Protection WC (identical with protection FS of unregulated WC of previous plan) 7.6.2. DK Conversion Working Circle 7.6.3. Important Prescriptions for the Working Circle are a) Silvi-cultural system adopted Conversion to uniformity (Shelter wood compartment system) b) Rotation 120 years corresponding to dbh(ob) 70 cms c) Conversion period 100 years (from beginning of 1st Plan) d) Periodic Block Floating

a) Regeneration block (Conversion block and converted block) b) Un-allotted block

e) Yield a) Conversion block (Regeneration fellings A. Y=80% of G. stock 70cm dbh(ob) + 50%) 50-70 cm dia class of kail (and deodar exploitation period 25 years) and =6700 cum of Kail (and deodar) =50% of G. Stock over 50 cm dbh(ob) of fir exploitation period (25) =3600 cum of fir. f) Exploitation period (EP) =Reduced area of the balance area yet to be Converted x 60 Total reduced area of the working circle =27 years G.S. over 50 cm dbh(ob) in converted block = x 60 G. stock over 50 cm dbhob in whole of the WC =25 years A.Y. =80% of G.S. over 70 cm dbh(ob) + 50% of 50-70 dia class Remaining conversion period 60 years =9300 cums of kail (and deodar) =50% of G.S. over 50 cm dbh(ob) Remaining conversion period 60 years =5850 cums of Fir The above Yield worked was 1% and 8% of the growing stock of Kail (and deodar) and fir respectively. 7.6.4. Results In the conversion blocks, against a possible annual coupe of about 116 hac (1392 ha during 12 years currency of the Plan), only two compartments Rb-19b and Rb-26b of 369.6 hacs were worked. The position at the end of the 12 years was that the proportion of converted to unconverted 6615.6 hacs : 5032.3 hacs in terms of commercial area or 6074.9 hacs : 4332.4 hacs in terms of net stocked area which gives a proportion of 52 : 39, against a normally desired proportion of 52:48, considering a total conversion period of 100 years out of which 52 (40+12) years of the plan that had gone by, leaving only 48 years for the remaining conversion to go through thereby showing that the proportion of converted to under conversion is still more that desired. 7.6.5. In respect of converted blocks a total area of 1080.3 hacs were marked against a net stocked commercial area (381912/10) 4582.5 hacs. Obliviously the volume yield actually marked was much in deficit. For the whole working circle against a total prescription of 181800 cum for the 12 years period, only 24868 cum were actually marked which works out to be mere 13.7 cum of the total prescribed yield. 7.6.6. A third category of the treated (Conversion) areas were those that were not regenerated inspite of the first seeding fellings (Co. V-6 & V-7) and no effort what so ever was done to regenerate them artificially or otherwise.

7.6.7. Fir Selection Working Circle 7.6.8. Important Prescriptions for the working Circle are a) Silvi-cultural system adopted Indian Selection System b) Rotation 180 years corresponding to an exploitable size of 70 cms dbhob c) Felling cycle 30 years d) Felling series Six e) Prescribed Yield 1) Veshue FS- Kail (and deodar) 1300 cum, Fir 15200 cum 2) Rambiara FS – Kail (and deodar) 2350 cum, Fir 22600 cum 3) Romshi FS – Kail (and deodar) 1400 cum, Fir 23500 cum 4) Dudhganga FS – kail (and deodar) 1400 cum, Fir 20000 cum. 5) Sukhnag FS – Kail (and deodar) 600 cum Fir 12900 cum. 6) Timber Sale WC Total for whole WC=Kail(and deodar) 7050 cum, Fir 94200 cum

7.6.9. Results There was under realization of the yield than yield realized in the past (1965 -1976). Also the distribution of the work in various drainages was grossly uneven. The highest concentration of work was in Romshi, however under working of Veshav Range was questionable. 7.6.10. Rehabilitation Working Circle Reboisment of some of the areas (Co. Rb-19c, Ri-23c) etc. was taken and closed to grazing under RDF Scheme. However, the areas closed were factually in name only. 7.6.11. Light selection-cum improvement markings in order to meet the concessionists demand were allowed in compartments V-32a, V-36a etc. 7.6.12. Protection Working Circle Complete rest was prescribed and practically no treatment was given to this working circle 7.7. Shri B.L. Ticku (1977-78 to 1986-87) 7.7.1. A 4th revision of Pir Panjal working plan was prepared by Shri B.L. Ticku in 1977 and remained in vogue from 1977 to 1986. The Plan retained the broad outlines of the previous working plan in which the conversion to uniformity was advocated; of course, in a phased manner for all the easily stocked kail (with a small portion deodar in Yarwan Block) and fir forests. Last but not the least, the alpine and sub-

alpine pastures, a distinct feature of Pir Panjal were brought under special developmental regulations. The following working circles were constituted:- 1. Kail Conversion W.C. 2. Fir Selection W.C. 3. Reboisment W.C. 4. Protection W.C. 7.7.2. Kail Conversion Working Circle To this working circle were allotted all the compartments which constituted the DKCWC of the previous working plan and included all the easily accessible and stocked kail forests with the mixed deodar forests of Yarwan and Khag Blocks and treated under concentrated form of working under shelter wood compartment system, aiming at conversion of crop to uniformity. The following rotation period was adopted. 1. Kail and Deodar 120 years 2. Fir 150 years 7.7.3. The exploitable diameter adopted was 60 cm dbhob for both Kail and Fir and conversion period of 90 years was adopted, out of which 50 years had already gone by (since first regular plan of 1925), and the balance area was to be converted in remaining 40 years. TABLE 7.1 Allotment to Periodic Block

Productive Commercial area S.No. Periodic Block Total Deodar Kail Fir 1. Converted Block 748.2 4598.2 730.5 6066.9 2. Conversion Block - 2284.7 482.3 2767.0 3. Un-allotted 70.7 922.5 531.9 1525.1 Total 818.9 7805.4 1734.7 10359.0

The total productive commercial area of the working circle was =10359.0 hectares a) Area already converted was 6066.9 hac b) Un-converted 4292.1 hac c) Taking the total conversion of 90 years, the annual conversion unit worked out was 10359=115 hac 90 Area allotted for conversion in the Ticku’s Plan 2767.0 hac (Instead of normal (4292 x 10/40) i.e. 1073 hacs, due to the fact that large area remains un-regenerated necessitates additional allotment to the latter block for

purpose of realization of yield or also to safeguard against any eventuality of the plan getting extended). a) In view of the class wise irregular distribution of the crop in different drainages only one felling series was proposed. b) The growing stock (volume) per hectare recorded was found to be =409744 (including blocks & BL)=351.97 cums 11647.9 7.7.4. The following comparison of the growing stock (Vol/ hac) was found:- S.No. Year Growing stock (Vol/ hac) 01. 1934 AD (Khajurias Plan) 135.54 cum 02. 1944 AD( Khan’s Plan) 175.49 cum 03. 1964 AD (Pandita’s Plan) 222.79 cum 7.7.5. The higher growing stock of 351.97 cums (vol/ hac) recorded was probably due to the use of regional volume table prepared by the author as compared to Kulu volume table adopted by earlier Working Plan Officers. 7.7.6. Exploitation Period The exploitation period adopted to convert 2767 hectares of the Conversion block in Tikhu’s Plan=2767 x 90 say= 24 years =25 years 10359 7.7.7. The yield worked out by dividing the growing stock over 60 cm dbhob by remaining conversion period (i.e. 40 years) Kail (deodar) 14900 cum Fir 8100 cum Total 23000 cum Yield per hectare per annum 23000=2.22 cum/hac/annum=23000 =0.561% of total GS of WC 10359 4099746 7.7.8. Periodic block wise annual yield:- a) Conversion blocks Kail (deodar) 8700 Fir 4800 Total 13500 b) Converted blocks & Un-allotted block Kail (deodar) 6200 Fir 3300 Total 9580

The yield would come mainly from thinnings and removal of the leftover wood in fixed fellings.

7.8. Fir Selection Working Circle 7.8.1. This working circle comprised all the well stocked commercially and silvi-culturally exploitable Fir forests of Pir Panjal Division. This working circle was identical with the Fir Selection working circle of the previous plans barring a few additions. As in the case of Fir, in Kail working circle, some kail (and very little deodar) was included herein, because the latter is either too intimately mixed up or is too small in extent to be separable. This working circle spread over a commercial area of 30014.1 hectares or a commercial productive area (deodar, kail, fir) of 27238 hectares. The silvi-cultural system adopted was Indian selection system wherein the main operation is removal of over wood from amongst groups of advance growth. The exploitable size for both kail and fir was fixed at 60 cm + db(hob), corresponding to an exploitable dia of 60 cm + db(hob), the rotation for Fir and Kail adopted is:- i. Fir 165 years ii. Kail 120 years 7.8.2. The felling cycle for principal spices i.e. Fir is adopted as 33 years and following felling series corresponding to individual main drainage system were constituted. S.No. Name of Felling Series Total productive commercial area 01. Veshav FS 4097.5 hacs 02. Rambiara FS 6053.7 hacs 03. Romshi FS 7347.8 hacs 04. Dudhgangs FS 5778.8 hacs 05. Sukhnag FS 3961.0 hacs Total 27238.8 (commercial area under Deodar, Kail & Fir) No compartments from Yarwan block were allotted to this circle 7.8.3. The comparison of growing stock per hectare of Pandita’s and Ticku’s Plan felling series wise is tabulated as under:-

TABLE: 7.2. Variation between Tickus Plan and Panditas Plan S.No. Felling series Ticku’s Plan Pandita’s Plan Variation 01. Veshav 444.41 430.50 +3.1 02. Rambiara 436.06 454.48 -4.2 03. Romshi 435.80 399.20 +8.4 04. Dudhganga 439.93 434.57 +1.2 05. Sukhnag 333.38 380.38 -14.1 Average 417.92 419.83 -0.5

7.8.4. The variation worked out was very small for the working circle as a whole, higher for Sukhnag series and lesser in extent in case of Romshi felling series. 7.8.5. Calculation of yield: The modified Brandies method was used to calculate volume yield. The following presumptions were made:- 1. It takes 163 and 112 years (165 and 120 years actually adopted) for an average Fir and Kail tree respectively to attain a diameter dbh(ob) of 60 cms+ 2. It takes 29 and 17 years (30 and 20 years actually adopted) for an average fir and Kail tree respectively to pass from 50-60 cm to 60-70 cum db(hob) class. 3. The disappearance percentage for an average crop fo 50-60 cm to reach an average of 60-70 cm db(hob) is assumed at 10% while fir crop to reach from 10-20 cum class to 60 cm+ db(hob), the disappearance percentage is assumed at 20% for the entire Range from 10-60 cm, except for Veshav Felling series where it is 10% because of paucity of lower diameters. 4. Within the period of two felling cycles (2 x 33 or 66 years), the disappearance in the mature and over mature stocks viz. over 60 cm db(hob) is 40% in view of the preponderance of the trees over 70 cm db(hob). 7.8.6. The annual volume yield prescribed for whole of Working circle felling series wise is depicted as under:-

TABLE 7.3 Annual volume prescribed for whole working circle Size of G.S. Allowable Volume Allowable S. Felling annual value cut as yield cut/hac No Series coupe per hac %age of (cum) (cum) (hac) (cum) GS (Vol) 01. Vashue 17900 125 143.2 445 33.2=33 02. Rambiara 26700 185 144.3 436 33.1=33 03. Romshi 30500 225 135.6 436 31.1=31 04. Dudhganga 22900 175 130.0 440 29.8=30 05. Sukhnag 12100 120 100.8 333 30.3=30

The average allowable cut of 31% was well within permissible limits. 7.9. Reboisment Working Circle 7.9.1. To this Working Circle were allotted all the under stocked forests due to past maltreatment, over exploitation, illicit damage, encroachment and the biotic interferences. The total commercial area of the working circle was around 4172.5 hectares, and it was felt that there is an urgent need of reboising these forests back to vigour, life and lusture mostly through such aids as strict closure to grazing, inducing natural regeneration through subsidiary measures as working of soil in patches, raking of humus, uprooting of weeds, artificial regeneration through sowing and planting of the most suited species among kail, deodar and fir. An annual area of 105 hectares (41725/40) hectares was prescribed for reforestation each year as:-

1. Veshue 46.0 hac per annum 2. Rambiara 13.5 hac 3. Romshi 13.5 hac 4. Dudhganga and Nilnag 14.5 hac 5. Sukhnag 17.5 hac No yield was prescribed from this working circle, however to meet the ubiquitous concessionists demand, only dead, dry, diseased trees were to be removed. 7.10. Protection Working Circle 7.10.1. To this Working Circle were allotted all those forests not included under any of the three working circles situated at very high altitude bordering on high level alpine pasture lands, the stocking whereof is poor in quality and quantity besides being un- commercial to exploit are unworkable for purposes of National land (erosion), safeguard and water (moisture) conservation. The constitution of this working circle is almost identical with that of previous plans. No treatment except complete rest was prescribed for these forests and no fellings whatsoever were prescribed in the working circle. These forests are the home to various minor forest produces including medicinal plants of economic value. 7.10.2. Result The Working Plan remained in operation upto 1986. The plan was originally to expire on 1986, but its revision was not possible due to on spurt of militancy in the Valley. The fact that forests of the Division were over worked and past felling regeneration failed to come resulted in creation of huge blanks thereby rendering the forests under stocked. The Working Circle Wise Timber extracted/ supplied during the last ten years i.e. from 2004-05 to 2013-14 from is given in Table below: TABLE 7.4 Timber Extracted/ supplied from Kail Conversion WC. w.e.f 2004-5 to 2013-14

S. No. Comptt. Status Total 1 V-1a 2129 2 V-2b 8789 3 V-2c 1425 4 V-4c 8840 5 V-5a Departmental 22665 6 V-5b 556 7 V-6 24159 8 V-7 16770 9 Rb-1a 10775 10 Rb-2a 1563 11 Rb-5b Departmental 2859 12 Rb-17a 41204

S. No. Comptt. Status Total 13 Rb-18 37397 14 Rb-19a 24429 15 Rb-19b 5625 16 Rb-20 1585 17 Rb-21 3173 18 Rb-22a 13248 19 Rb-22b 5216 20 Rb-24a 34576 21 Rb-25 46931 22 Ri-8b 7838 23 Ri-9a 3402 Sub-Total (Departmental) 325154 24 Ri-7 SFC 75900 Sub-Total (SFC) 75900 Total 401054

TABLE 7.5. Timber Extracted/ supplied from Fir Selection WC. w.e.f.2004-5 to 2013-14 S.No. Comptt. Status Timber extracted (cfts) 1 V-3 39943 2 Rb-1b 14603 3 Rb-2b 6111 4 Rb-6 128937 5 Rb-24b 38459 6 Rb-31 146175 Departmental 7 Rb-32 98002 8 Ri-5b 26297 9 Ri-15b 17828 10 Ri-19 21627 11 Ri-23a 1554 12 Ri-24a 26297 Sub-Total (Departmental) 565833 13 V-4a 87602 14 Rb-5a 135200 15 Rb-26a 176400 16 Rb-27a 86000 17 Rb-27b 63500 18 Rb-28 287000 SFC 19 Rb-29 202900 20 Rb-30 252300 21 Ri-1 106400 22 Ri-2 37500 23 Ri-3a 36200 24 Ri-6 119800 25 Ri-8a 130400 SFC 26 Ri-9b 110100

S.No. Comptt. Status Timber extracted (cfts) 27 Ri-10 49800 28 Ri-11 88400 29 Ri-12a 63000 30 Ri-16 109900 31 Ri-17 76800 32 Ri-18 62300 33 Ri-20a 57200 34 Ri-20b 26600 Sub-Total (SFC) 2365302 Total 2931135

TABLE 7.6 Timber Extracted/ supplied from Reboisment WC. W.e.f.2004-5 to 2013-14

S.No. Comptt. Status Timber extracted (cfts)

1 Rb-3 121155 2 Ri-21 Departmental 13293 3 Ri-22 76772 Total 211220

TABLE 7.7 Timber Extracted/ supplied from Protection WC. w.e.f. 2004-5 to 2013-14

S.No. Comptt. Status Timber extracted (cfts) 1 Ri-3b 47704 2 Ri-4 53972 3 Ri-5a Departmental 41203 4 Ri-14 46272 5 Ri-15a 37145 6 Ri-13 SFC 22800 Total 249096 7.11. Special Works of Improvement Undertaken 7.11.1. Buildings The Forest Division Shopian which was created in the year 1982, had its Head Quarter at Shopian Town, a prime location near Mohammidia Institute. The premises had a Divisional Office building and all associated Offices viz. Forest Range Office Shopian, Soil Conservation Range, Block Forest Office Shopian and Central reserve depot Shopian etc. The forest department had to vacate the complex when it was occupied by District Administration for use as the Office of Deputy Commissioner Shopian, when it was given the status of Hill District. However, recently new Divisional Complex was created at Padpawan harbouring Divisional Office Building and Range Office Shopian Building.

7.11.2. The infrastructure of the Division suffered heavily during the turmoil period. The Divisional Office building at Shopian, Range Office and B.O’s Hut at Kakapora, Rest Houses at Sedow, Keller, Methwani, Sangerwani and Check Post at Shopian, all were set ablaze and as such the Division could not consolidate the requisite infrastructure required for accommodating the staff at Block and Beat levels. However, since 2009 onwards, development of infrastructure received a boost due to launch of CAMPA and other allied Schemes. Following buildings under infrastructure development have been constructed:- a) Awareness Centre at Karewa Zawoora. b) Malies Hut at Nagbal. c) Divisional Office at Padpawan. d) Range Office Kakapora. e) Check Post Domail. f) B.O’s Hut at Tharina. g) B.O’s Hut at Yarwan. h) B.O.’s Hut at Keller. i) Range Office Shopian. j) B.O’s Hut at Sedow etc. 7.11.3. The Division needs to consolidate its infrastructure both at Block and Beat levels in a big way so as to strengthen its protection network. All the Check Posts which form an important protection network of the Division also need to be constructed afresh or renovated as the same are in a very dilapidated condition. 7.11.4. Roads The Division is well served by a network of road connectivity black topped, metalled as well as fair weather type. The opening up of Historic Mugal Road connecting Kashmir Valley via to Poonch & Rajouri to Jammu Province has strengthened the road network to multifold. The other Principal metalled roads are:- a) Shopian – Pulwama – Srinagar via Kakapora. b) Shopian – Pulwama – Srinagar via Newa. c) Shopian – Anantnag via Kadder. d) Shopian – Bijbehara via Zainpora. e) Shopian – Aharbal via Sedow. f) Shopian – Kulgam via Kachdora. g) Shopian – Keller via Rajpora. h) Besides above various link roads connecting the Division to various far-flung areas of the District are as under:-

i. Shopian – Zawoora – Methwani – Narpora – Naserpora. ii. Zawoora – Keller – Maishwara – Kathahallan – Nagbal. iii. Pulwama – Rajpora – Keller etc. 7.11.5. The forest approach roads including extraction roads either constructed by State Forest Corporation or Forest Department exist in good numbers in the Division inside the forests to bring the extracted timber from KLP (Kacha Loading Point) to PLP (Pucca Loading Point). 7.12. Nursery 7.12.1. The Division at present is having the only Nursery at Nagbal Shopian managed by Soil Conservation Range Shopian. It is spread over an area of 4.5 hacs, has a capacity of producing around three lakh Conifer and three lakh Naked root plants in a regular manner since 2010-11. Even though the Nursery is provided with some shade net structure, however lot more needs to be done for its further improvement. Following is the number of plants produced by the nursery from 2010-11 to 2013-14. TABLE:7.8 Number of New Nurseries established with No. of plants raised G. N. Scheme Year No. of plants G. Name Area Area raised Total of Range Broad No's Conifer Nursery leaved

Division Division Hac Hac No's No's CAMPA 2010-11 163000 300000 463000 Central S.C. 2011-12 103396 129831 233227 Nursery Range 4.5 4.5 2012-13 114543 200000 314543

Shopian Nagbal Shopian 2013-14 220000 200000 420000 GIM 2012-13 50000 32000 82000 TOTAL 4.5 4.5 650939 861831 1512770

7.13. Fire conservancy 7.13.1. The occurrence of fire outbreaks is not very common in the Division. Minor outbreaks of forest fires are reported particularly during the drought period in some pockets. The Division has set up two Forest Fire Protection Control Rooms, one each at Shopian Range and Romshi Range wherein seasonal forest fire protection watchers and other staff are kept ready with fire fighting equipments to mitigate any occurrence of fire. Strict fire conservancy measures are being followed and no major violation has been reported for last so many years.

CHAPTER-VIII Statistics of Growth and Yield

8.1. Methodology Adopted for the Assessment of Growing Stock

8.1.1. For estimation of growing stock, stratified random sampling using Bitterlich technique, also known as Point Sampling using Wedge Prism was adopted. This technique was preferred over conventional methods of total or partial enumeration because of its precision, time and expenditure factors. However, enumeration were conducted over some areas which acted as cross check on the results obtained in Point Sampling.

8.1.2. The Forests of the Division were distributed into more or less homogenous areas. The primary stratification was governed by the condition of the crop and the treatment warranted by it. Two major strata were indentified thus:-

1. Commercially exploitable stratum.

2. Commercially non-exploitable stratum.

8.1.3. On the basis of crop composition, the commercially exploitable stratum was further named as Fir sub-stratum.

8.1.4. The commercially non-exploitable stratum was further sub-divided into two sub- stratum:- a) Rehabilitation Sub-Stratum. b) Ecological Conservation Sub-Stratum.

8.1.5. The crop characteristics were studied and measured objectively at various unbiased (Sample Points). These points were selected by fixing the co-ordinates using pairs of random numbers taken from the table of random numbers on Sample Frame, that gives the location of the Point on the Sample frame, which was then transferred to the base map and the relevant GT Sheet of the area. Once the points were interpolated on the map and GT Sheet, these were then located on ground with the help of G.P.S. and Sampling exercise was conducted at each point using wedge prism of basal area factor-3. At each point stems were viewed through a fixed angle wedge prism and a complete sweep of 360 degree was taken, the trees whose trunks at breast height subtended angles lesser than the critical angel of the instrument, were counted and measured. The fully tallied trees were counted as one, while the half tallied trees were counted as half. The DBH (ob) and the heights of the tallied trees were recorded as basic data for assessment of growing stock. The number of trees and volume per hac 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 results were subjected to various statistical tests.

8.1.6. The number of Sample points surveyed in each stratum/ sub-stratum are listed below:-

1. Fir Sub-Stratum 075 Points

2. Rehabilitation Sub-Stratum 169 Points

3. Ecological Conservation Sub-Stratum 090 Points

Total = 334 Points

The results of statistical analysis performed are given as under:-

TABLE 8.1 Showing the results of Statistical Analysis performed are given as under:

Confidence limit (95%) Lower Coefficient Sample Standard Standard (X± 1.96 x S.E.) Confidence limit as Working Variable Mean Variance of points Deviation error Interval mean Circle (ha) (X) (S²) Variation Lower Upper (n) (S) (S.E.) (C.I) (%) of (%) limit limit mean 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 No. of 75 83.64 7263 85.22 9.84 101.89 64.35 102.92 38.57 76.93 Fir Selection stems WC Volume 75 226.66 21376 146.21 16.88 64.50 193.57 259.74 66.17 85.40 No. of 169 110.51 95886 309.65 23.82 280.20 63.82 157.20 93.38 57.75 Rehabilitation stems WC Volume 169 103.49 15598 124.89 9.61 113.01 84.65 122.32 37.67 81.80 No. of Ecological 90 27.84 123.37 43.86 4.62 157.33 18.78 36.90 18.12 67.45 Conservation stems WC Volume 90 110.66 17977.4 134.08 14.13 121.16 82.96 138.35 55.39 74.97

The measure of Dispersion like Standard deviation, Co-efficient of variation, are based on figures for total number of Stems and Total Volume computed for each Sample Point. Col. 7 =SE = S/Square root (n) Col. 8 =C.O.V% = (S/X) x 100 Col. 9 =Lower Limit = X – 1.96 x S.E. Col. 10 =Upper limit = X + 1.96 x S.E. Col. 11 =Upper limit – Lower limit

TABLE 8.2 Showing the total growing stock over the entire Commercial area of the Division

Table 8.2.1. showing total Tree count over the entire Commercial area of the Division: 100 & Grand Working Circle 10-20 20-30 30-40 40-50 50-60 60-70 70-80 80-90 90-100 over Total Fir Selection WC 36265.38 71935.16 104626.94 99398.91 87817.81 65185.03 38184.53 23757.79 12044.34 14294.38 553444.11 Rehabilitation 540723.00 46754.54 36786.57 67165.15 58542.07 34255.02 25157.27 18749.28 6724.43 9255.98 844113.30 WC Ecological WC 2120.74 7553.31 14002.68 10342.23 10807.05 10255.07 10748.94 6362.21 2556.51 6129.80 80878.54 Total 579109.12 126243.01 155416.19 176906.29 157166.93 109695.12 74090.74 48869.28 21325.28 29680.16 1478435.95

No. of trees per hectare (over the) Commercial area of the Division = 84.80/ hac

TABLE 8.2.2 Showing total growing Stock volume (m³) over the entire Commercial area of the Division: Working 10- 20- 100 & Grand 30-40 40-50 50-60 60-70 70-80 80-90 90-100 Circle 20 30 over Total Fir Selection 0.00 0.00 82589.77 149363.07 252798.81 304020.35 257497.43 195555.10 112502.09 145657.12 1499983.75 WC Rehabilitation 0.00 0.00 29271.03 95249.52 153237.81 146196.94 140817.40 130374.76 50710.09 72782.03 818639.59 WC Ecological 0.00 0.00 11765.74 16123.416 32101.576 48718.86 73644.79 52786.03 23938.2 62489.1 321567.73 WC Total 0.00 0.00 123626.54 260736.01 438138.2 498936.15 471959.6 378715.9 187150.4 280928.3 2640191.07 Average Volume per hectare (over the) entire Commercial area of the Division = 151.44cum/hac

8.2. Volume Table 8.2.1. The regional Volume Table prepared by Shri B.L. Ticku and used in the calculation of growing stock in the previous Working Plan (1977-86), has not been applied here due to the fact that it predicts higher volume for the principal Conifer species viz. Kail and Deodar. Furthermore, since no Sample Plots have been laid or maintained in the area by State Forest Research Institute or Territorial Division, it was not possible to prepare new local volume table by developing some local equation. Therefore, for the sake of continuity and uniformity Kulu Volume Table has been used in yield calculation with respect to Conifer species of the Division. A comparison of regional volume table prepared by Shri B.L. Tiku and Kulu Volume table is reproduced as under: TABLE: 8.3 Comparison of regional volume table Deodar Kail Fir Ticku Ticku Ticku S. Dia Class Kulu Vol. Kulu Vol. Kulu Vol. Vol. Vol. Vol. No. cms Table Table Table Table Table Table (cum) (cum) (cum) (cum) (cum) (cum) 01. 30 – 40 0.76 0.91 0.76 0.83 0.84 1.09 02. 40 – 50 1.33 1.64 1.36 1.48 1.56 1.83 03. 50 – 60 2.10 2.61 2.27 2.36 2.97 2.76 04. 60 – 70 3.14 3.85 3.34 3.49 4.90 3.89 05. 70 – 80 4.39 5.36 4.42 4.87 6.85 5.22 05. 80 – 90 5.66 7.17 5.35 6.52 8.30 6.74 06. 90 – 100 6.85 9.29 6.14 8.45 9.40 8.46 100 & 07. 7.56 11.72 6.74 10.67 10.19 10.38 above 8.2.2. The inference drawn from the above table revel a contrasting variation between the two. The Tickus Volume Table predicts higher volume for Kail and Deodar and comparatively lower volume for Fir. As a matter of fact, Tciku’s regional volume table has not been applied in calculation of growing stock/ yield in the present Plan. 8.3. Growth Studies 8.3.1. Growth studies carried out by Shri B.L. Ticku based on the results of data analyzed for Kail and Fir is reproduced as under:-

TABLE: 8.4 Growth studies carried out by Shri B.L. Ticku

Age Dia-meter (in cm) dbhob MAI (in cums per hac) S.No. ( in Years) Kail Fir Kail Fir 01. 20 3.4 2.2 0.6567 1.2016 02. 30 7.4 4.4 0.9651 1.4554 03. 40 12.9 7.5 1.2760 1.6614 04. 50 19.2 11.4 1.5419 1.8683 05. 60 26.2 15.7 1.7615 2.0426 06. 70 33.2 20.3 1.9259 2.1691 07. 80 40.1 25.0 2.0376 2.2596 08. 90 46.8 29.8 2.1252 2.3188 09. 100 53.2 34.4 2.19 2.3510 10. 110 59.2 39.0 2.2159 2.3760 11. 120 64.9 43.4 2.2284 2.3755 12. 130 70.3 47.5 2.2239 2.3655 13. 140 75.3 51.5 2.2145 2.3485 14. 150 80.2 55.3 2.1999 2.3325 15. 160 84.5 58.9 2.1724 2.3038 16. 170 88.7 62.4 2.1614 2.2723 17. 180 92.7 65.6 2.1274 2.2260 18. 190 96.6 68.7 2.1270 2.2022 19. 200 100.0 71.8 2.0948 2.1685 20. 220 106.4 77.1 2.0000 2.0074 21. 240 101.9 82.0 1.9570 2.0105 22. 260 116.9 86.5 1.8968 1.9332

8.3.2. A perusal of the above growth table shows that MAI culminates at 120 years of age, corresponding to a dbh(ob) of 64.9 (say 65) cms for Kail and at 110 years of age corresponding to dbh(ob) of 39 cms for Fir. Again the analysis carried by the Author seems to be irrelevant, the fact that MAI for Fir culminating at an age of 110 years is not borrowable. As a matter of fact, the growth table used by Shri B.L. Ticku, has not been adhered to in this Plan, rather the growth studies carried by Shri Shameem Mohd. Khan based on the results of data analyzed seem to be in conformity with the ground situation and thus adhered to in this Working Plan and is reproduced in the table below:-

TABLE: 8.5 Growth studies carried out by Shri Shameem Mohd. Khan

Age Dia-meter (in cm) dbhob MAI (in cums per hac) S.No. ( in Years) Kail Fir Kail Fir 01. 10 1.42 1.18 0.4591 0.8737

02. 20 3.86 2.48 0.8645 08761 03. 30 8.28 5.00 1.0530 1.1252 04. 40 14.09 8.54 1.4123 1.3950 05. 50 20.62 12.78 1.7490 1.6627 06. 60 27.39 17.42 1.9509 1.8672

07. 70 34.10 22.25 2.1247 2.0217 08. 80 40.56 27.09 2.2409 2.1388 09. 90 46.70 31.84 2.3219 2.2190 10. 100 52.48 36.44 2.3823 2.2724 11. 110 57.88 40.86 2.4078 2.3133

12. 120 62.93 45.07 2.4197 2.3250 13. 130 67.63 49.07 2.4163 2.3316 14. 140 72.00 52.86 2.4019 2.3309 15. 150 76.08 56.45 2.3811 2.3098

8.3.3. From the above table, it can be seen that MAI culminates at 120 years of age corresponding to dbh (ob) of 62.93 cms in case of Kail and at 130 years of age corresponding to dbh (ob) of 49.09 cms in case of Fir. 8.4. Age, Dia-meter correlation: 8.4.1. The following dia-meter/ age table prepared by Shri Shameem Ahmad Khan (1982-83) worked out on the basis of stump analysis for 3 principal Conifer species is adhered to for yield calculation Age in years S.No. Dia-Class (cum) Mean Fir Kail Deodar 01. 0 – 10 5 30 23 25 02. 10 – 20 15 55 41 45 03. 20 – 30 25 76 56 61 04. 30 – 40 35 97 71 78 05. 40 – 50 45 120 87 95 06. 50 – 60 55 186 105 114 07. 60 – 70 65 216 124 135 08. 70 – 80 75 263 147 160 09. 80 – 90 85 295 175 190 10 90 – 100 95 - 208 227 11. 100 & above (100+110) 105 - 250 273

8.5. Yield Calculation: 8.5.1. For Yield calculation two methods were applied:- a) Modified Brandies Dia-Class Method. b) Van-Mantels Method. 8.5.2. Modified Brandies Dia-Class Method: It is also known as Annual Recruitment/ Possibility formula and is being used to calculate the volume yield. It aims at sustained yield of Class-I trees. For sustained yield, regular entry of trees into Class-II and Class-III are required. The mean number of trees/hac and volume/hac for each dia-class of lower confidence limit is extrapolated to the productive commercial area of Working Circle to arrive at total number of Stems/ Volume in each of the dia-class for the whole commercial area of concerned working circle. Based on survival coefficient of each of the dia-class, potential availability is worked out species and dia- class wise. Then the entry of stems into Class-I category from Class-II and Class-III is worked out. In case of Deodar and Kail stems of 70 cms dbh(ob) and above are considered as Class-I, 60-70 cms dbh(ob) as Class-II and 50-60 cms dbh(ob) as Class- III, while as in case of Fir, dia-class of 80 cms dbh(ob) and above is considered as Class-I, 70-80 cms dbh(ob) as Class-II and 60-70 cms dbh(ob) as Class-III respectively. 8.5.3. Van-Mantels Method: In this method the annual yield is calculated as per the following formula:- Yield = 2(Growing Stock Volume) Rotation Period