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NMHS Progress Report (Period from 01.04.2018 to 31.03.2019)

1. Project Information

Project ID: NMHS/2015-16/LG-05 Sanction Date: 31.03.2016

Project Title: Assessment through Long-term Monitoring Plots in Indian Himalayan Landscape BTG: Conservation and Sustainable Use of Biodiversity

PIs & Affiliation Dr. Bipin Kumar Sinha (Institutions): Scientist F Botanical Survey of , Dr. Kailash Chandra Director Zoological Survey of India, Kolkata Name & Dr. S.S. Dash Address of the Scientist-D Co-PI, if any: Botanical Survey of India, Kolkata

Dr. K.A. Subramanian Scientist-D Zoological Survey of India, Kolkata

Dr. Vikas Kumar Scientist-D Zoological Survey of India, Kolkata Structured Botanical Survey of India: Abstract- The research staffs have conducted altogether 11 field trips to all IHR states for detailing the sampling as well as establishment and monitoring of long-term monitoring plots. A total of 1562 plant specimens were collected from different sampling sites, current year which were preserved in Central National Herbarium, Howrah. So far 802 plants progress[ were identified and rests are under process. Sampling areas of 1 km2 (1 X 1 km) Word Limit were identified in each landscape based on vegetation, habitat and threatened 250 words}: status of some selected taxa. Intensive plant sampling was carried out by selecting random plots of 20m X 20m size in each sampling area. Shurbs and herbs along with cryptogams were collected from 5m X 5m size and 1m X 1m size quadrats within the designated plots respectively. A total of 123 monitoring plot were established across the IHR for long term monitoring and base line data collection. Three moss-associated diatom species from Neora Valley National Park () were studied and reported as potential indicator species for long-term monitoring of the locality. Four climber plant species are also recorded as potential indicator species to observe alterations in the impact of climate change in , . 41 plant species from Neora Valley National Park were screened and genotypically characterized for DNA barcoding. The research outputs were published/communicated as 08 research articles in reffered journals and 02 conference abstracts.

Zoological Survey of India: Current study regarding the Biodiversity assessment in Indian Himalaya has four objectives for completion. Following are the progress regarding the study objectives: • In completion of the first objective of the project all the base layers have been gathered for the habitat suitability analysis and to model the future climatic scenarios for species distribution in the Indian Himalaya. Total of 10 habitat suitability models and 11 climate envelope models has been generated for 15 different species and further models are under construction. Around 572 DNA sequences have been generated from various vertebrate and invertebrate species collected from Indian Himalaya in the present study and has been uploaded in the online BOLD database. • As for the second objective fourteen monitoring plots have been laid in the study area across Indian Himalaya and have been surveyed. Altogether 1314 species has been identified from the collected specimens during the tenure of the project (2016-2019) from the Indian Himalaya. Selection of species for monitoring in the Indian Himalaya within the monitoring plots and analytical processes has been identified. Analysis is under progress. • As for the third objective a book demonstrating monitoring protocol for the indicator species in Indian Himalaya has been published by Director, Zoological Survey of India in April, 2018. • All the capacity building programs regarding the fourth objective have been completed. The outcomes of the project has been reflected through books (2), Book Chapters (14) and various Research Articles (17) which has been published in several National and International peer-reviewed journals. Furthermore, eight Research Articles are accepted and in press for publication in various National and International peer-reviewed journals. Project Affiliations Role & Responsibilities Partners Partne r 1 Botanical Survey of India (BSI), Floral biodiversity assessment through Kolkata, West Bengal long term monitoring plots in Indian Himalayan Landscape Partner 2 Zoological Survey of India (ZSI), Faunal biodiversity assessment through Kolkata, West Bengal long term monitoring plots in Indian Himalayan Landscape

2. Project Site Details

Project Site (1) Great Himalayan National Park () (2) Valley of Flowers National Park () (3) Kyangnosla Alpine Sanctuary (East ) (4) Dzongri (West Sikkim) - For BSI (5) Gnathang Plateau (East Sikkim) - For ZSI (6) Neora Valley National Park (West Bengal) (7) (Arunachal Pradesh) (8) Namdapha National Park (Arunachal Pradesh)

4. Financial and Resource Information

Total Grant: Rs 1,58,97,530/- (for 2018-19) Grant Received Date: 01.01.2019

Project Affiliations/ Institution Budget Allocated to Work Done Partner(s)

Partner 1 Botanical Survey of India (BSI) Rs. 87,80,611/- Detailed report is enclosed. Partner 2 Zoological Survey of India ZSI) Rs. 71,16,919/-

6. Expenditure Statement and Utilization Allotte d budget for 2018-19 (for BSI and ZSI):

Sl. No. Budget Head Amount carried Amount received Total amount forward (2017-18) 3rd Installment received 2018-19 2018-19 1 Salaries/Manpower cost 21,63,213.00 57,82,400.00 79,45,613.00 2 Travel 10,69,224.00 15,00,000.00 25,69,224.00 3 Expendables &Consumables 17,02,671.00 14,00,000.00 31,02,671.00 4 Contingencies 6,99,250.00 7,00,000.00 13,99,250.00 5 Activities & Other Project 2,97,164.00 5,83,608.00 8,80,772.00 6 Institutional Charges 0 0 0 7 Equipments 0 0 0 Total 59,31,522.00 99,66,008.00 1,58,97,530.00 Expenditure Information (for BSI and ZSI):

Sl. No. Budget Head Funds Sanctioned Expenditure % of Total cost

1 Salaries/Manpower cost 79,45,613.00 54,73,348.00 68.89 2 Travel 25,69,224.00 8,76,708.00 34.12 3 Expendables &Consumables 31,02,671.00 11,67,107.00 37.62 4 Contingencies 13,99,250.00 9,24,153.00 66.05 5 Activities & Other Project cost 8,80,772.00 6,26,962.00 71.18 6 Institutional Charges 0 0 0.00 7 Equipments 0 0 0.00 Total 1,58,97,530.00 90,68,278.00 57.04 Interest 0 Gra nd 1,58,97,530.00

Period Expenditure Statement Utilization Certificate (UC)

Annual Annexure I Annexure II

SI. 3rd (2018-2019) (2018-2019) (2017-18) (a) (c) (d)

4. 5. 6. 0,00

8 59,31,522.00 99,66,008.00 1,58,97,530.00

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NMHS Progress Report (Period from 01.04.2018 to 31.03.2019)

1. Project Information

Project ID: NMHS/2015-16/LG-05 Sanction Date: 31.03.2016

Project Title: Biodiversity Assessment through Long-term Monitoring Plots in Indian Himalayan Landscape BTG: Conservation and Sustainable Use of Biodiversity

PIs & Affiliation Dr. B.K. Sinha (Institutions): Scientist-F Botanical Survey of India, Kolkata Name & Address Dr. S.S. Dash of the Co-PI, if Scientist-D any: Botanical Survey of India, Kolkata

Structured The research staffs have conducted altogether 10 field trips to all IHR states for Abstract- sampling as well as establishment and monitoring of long-term monitoring detailing the plots. A total of 1450 plant specimens were collected from different sampling current year sites, which were preserved in Central National Herbarium, Howrah. So far 664 progress [ Word plants were identified and rests are under process. Sampling areas of 1 km2 (1 X 1 km) were identified in each landscape based on vegetation, habitat and Limit 250 threatened status of some selected taxa. Intensive plant sampling was carried words}: out by selecting random plots of 20m X 20m size in each sampling area. Shurbs and herbs along with cryptogams were collected from 5m X 5m size and 1m X 1m size quadrats within the designated plots respectively. A total of 112 monitoring plot were established across the IHR for long term monitoring and base line data collection. Three moss-associated diatom species from Neora Valley National Park (West Bengal) were studied and reported as potential indicator species for long-term monitoring of the locality. Four climber plant species are also recorded as potential indicator species to observe alterations in the impact of climate change in Namdapha National Park, Arunachal Pradesh. 07 plant species from Neora Valley National Park were screened and genotypically characterized for DNA barcoding.

Project Partner Affiliations Role & Responsibilities Name

Partner 1 Zoological Survey of India (ZSI), Faunal biodiversity assessment through Kolkata, West Bengal long term monitoring plots in Indian Himalayan Landscape 2. Project Site Details

Project Site (1) Great Himalayan National Park (Himachal Pradesh) (2) Valley of Flowers National Park (Uttarakhand) (3) Kyangnosla Alpine Sanctuary (East Sikkim) (4) Dzongri (West Sikkim) (5) Neora Valley National Park (West Bengal) (6) Tawang district (Arunachal Pradesh) (7) Namdapha National Park (Arunachal Pradesh)

IHR States Covered Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, West Bengal, Arunachal Pradesh

Long. & Lat. Attached as Annexure I

Site Maps Attached as Annexure II Site Photographs

3. Project Activities Chart w.r.t. Timeframe [Gantt or PERT]

WORK UNDERTAKEN PROJECT ACTIVITIES Year 2018-2019 OUTPUT Qtr 1 Qtr 2 Qtr 3 Qtr 4 A database of Himalayan plants incorporating their distribution and phenological Preparation of features, is under process. Database & GIS GIS maps of the study sites showing established plot locations were prepared. A total of 10 field surveys were conducted in all the Field surveys IHR sites for establishment of plots and their monitoring. A capacity building will Capacity building tentatively be organized in training Programme Feb-Mar, 2019. 7 Himalayan plant species were targeted whose rbcL DNA barcoding of and ITS genes were targeted species sequenced for DNA barcoding. Annexure V 01 research article is Publications & published and 03 were Dissemination of communicated to refered results journals. Details in Annexure VI 4. Resource Information

Project Staff Information:

S. Name Qualification Designation Fellowship/ Wages paid Remarks No.

1. Dr. Dinesh Singh Rawat Ph.D RA 36,000/- + 20% HRA

2. Dr. Vikas Kumar Ph.D RA 36,000/- + 20% HRA

3. Dr. Sudipta Kumar Das Ph.D RA 36,000/- + 20% HRA

Resigned on 4. Dr. Samiran Pandey M.Sc. SPF 18,000/-+ 20 % HRA 14.12.2018

5. Mr. Arnab Banerjee M.Sc. SPF 18,000/-+ 20 % HRA

6. Mr. Deep Shekhar Das M.Sc. SPF 18,000/-+ 20 % HRA

7. Mr. Subhajit Lahiri M.Sc. SPF 18,000/-+ 20 % HRA

Joined on 8. Ms. Chandni Gupta M.Sc. SPF 18,000/-+ 20 % HRA 14.03.2019

Resigned on 9. Ms. Natasha Shrivastava M.Sc. JPF 16,000/-+ 20 % HRA 24.07.2018

Joined on 10. Ms. Sanhita Dhar M.Sc. JPF 16,000/-+ 20 % HRA 14.12.2018

11. Mr. Madhav Kumar Jha 10+2 FA 10,000/-

Resigned on 12. Mr. Nikesh Kumar B.Sc. FA 10,000/- 13.08.2018

5. Equipment and Asset Information

S. Equipment Details (Make/ Cost Date of Photographs Lowest No. Name (Qty) Model) Installation of Equipment Quotation, IF NOT Purchased

No equipment was procured under this project. 6. Expenditure Statement and Utilization Certificate

Period Expenditure Statement Utilization Certificate (UC)

Annual AnnexureI Annexure II

7. Project Beneficiary Groups

Beneficiary Groups Target Achieved [Capacity Building] No. of Beneficiaries with Nil Nil income generation:

No. of stakeholders trained, Nil Nil particularly women:

No. of capacity building Nil Nil Workshops/ trainings: No. of Awareness & 02 The project staffs have outreach programmes: participated as resource persons in 2nd Annual Biodiversity camp of Neora Valley National Park, organized by Wildlife wing, Department of Forestry, Govt. of West Bengal, w.e.f. 30.09.18 to 01.10.18. Workshop/Awareness Programme on Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources at Sangharh village (Sainj, Kullu) on 04.07.2018. No. of Research/ 10 10 (3 Research Associates, 5 Manpower developed: Junior Project Fellows and 2 Field Assistants) 8. Project Progress Summary (as applicable to the project)

Description Total (Numeric) Description 05 Himachal Pradesh (Great Himalayan National IHR States Covered Park) 07 Uttarakhand (Valley of Flowers National Park) Project Site/ Field Stations Developed: West Bengal (Neora Valley National Park) Sikkim (Dzongri and Kyangnosla Alpine Sanctuary) Arunachal Pradesh (Tawang district and Namdapha National Park)

No. ofPatentsfiled (Description): Nil Nil Article/ Review/ Research 06 Research articles = 04 Paper/ Publication: Abstracts = 02

New Methods/ Modellings Methodology for long-term monitoring by Developed (description in 250 studying moss-associated diatoms was words): 01 standardized. Three potential indicator species were screened from Neora Valley National Park. See Annexure IV Nil No. of Trainings Nil (No. of Beneficiaries):

Workshop: 02 02 project staffs have participated in the 2nd Annual Biodiversity camp of Neora Valley National Park, organized by Wildlife wing, Department of Forestry, Govt. of West Bengal, w.e.f. 30.09.18 to 01.10.18. 03 project staffs have participated as resource persons in "Workshop/Awareness Programme on Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources" organized by BSI-NRC, , w.e.f. 04.07.2018.

Demonstration Models (Site): Nil Nil

Livelihood Options: Nil Nil

Training Manuals: Nil Nil

Processing Units: Nil Nil

Species Collection: 1450 Plant species of all different groups including cryptogams were collected and identified. Species identified: 664 See Annexure III Database/ Images/ GIS Maps: GIS maps of all study sites are prepared showing the location of monitoring plots and given in Annexure II

9. Project Linkages (with nearby Institutions/ State Agencies)

S. Institute/ Organization Type of Linkages Brief Description No. 1 West Bengal Forest Department, Official Provided necessary permission Govt. of West Bengal and support for the field studies under this project 2 Department of Environment and Official Provided necessary permission Forests, Govt. of Arunachal and support for the field studies Pradesh under this project

3 Forest Environment and Wildlife Official Provided necessary permission Management Department, Govt. and support for the field studies of Sikkim under this project

4 Department of Environment and Official Provided necessary permission Forests, Government of and support for the field studies Uttarakhand under this project 5 Himachal Pradesh Forest Official Provided necessary permission Department, Govt. of Himachal and support for the field studies Pradesh under this project 6 University of Calcutta, Kolkata, Official Providing necessary West Bengal infrastructure for capacity building (PhD Programme) of the research personnel of the project 6 Zoological Survey of India, Kolkata Project Partner

7 Alipurduar Nature Club Himalayan Stakeholder

8 BAMOS, Sikkim Himalayan Stakeholder

10. Additional (publication, recommendations, etc.)

Time Period Publications (Research Papers, Information Material, Policy drafts, Patents, etc.) Annual [Year 2017-2018] Details of publications are given in Annexure - VI

11. Project Concluding Remark

Progress made against Project Objectives Project Output Monitoring Indicators Remarks against each objective (specified in Sanction Letter)

To create a geospatial and Geospatial distribution The plant species See Annexure genetic database on the flora map of 10 important plant selected for geospatial V of Himalaya and the climate species were made. analysis and genetic change-induced impact on Genetic assessment of 25 assessment includes all floral diversity of the region. plant specimens was the identified indicator made. species from various IHR sites. To establish long-term floral A total 112 new plots A total of 112 long term See Annexure diversity monitoring plots were established in monitoring plots were I across the Himalayan region different Himalayan established on the targeted landscapes. localities as per the occurrence of the indicator species. To develop long-term An established protocol Three moss-associated Details of monitoring protocols for was followed for diatoms and four climber the selected indicator taxa in the monitoring of trees, species were selected as ecological region and to develop shrubs and herbs in indicator species for Neora observations appropriate methodology for individual sites. Valley National Park and are given in propagation of individual Standardization of a new Namdapha National Park, Annexure IV species for conservation. protocol for monitoring respectively. moss-associated diatoms was made. To develop local level A capacity building Local stakeholders including capacity building among workshop is planned to be Govt. and Non-Govt. students, teachers and NGO's conducted during Feb- organizations, students and in long- term monitoring Mar, 2019. locals of IHR states will be through training programme targeted. and publications for awareness.

Methodology (in brief): Extensive field surveys were made in the selected landscapes of IHR for floristic as well as ecological assessment. Long term monitoring grids of size 1 km x 1 km were established to document species diversity. Size of plots/quadrats for trees were 20 m x 20 m, shrubs 5 m x 5 m, herbs and cryptogams 1 m x 1 m. Species occurred within each plots were collected and a particular code was given to each of unidentified species (when vegetative stage) and processed for herbarium following standard botanical practice (Jain & Rao 1977). Quantitative analysis of each group of plants was also made for ecological interpretations. Major Research Achievements: A total 112 long-term monitoring plots were established in 5 selected Himalayan landscapes. The individual plots were sampled extensively for different vegetation layers.

Brief Conclusion - the current • A total 1450 specimens are collected, out of this 664 are year progress - during the identified so far. reporting period (point-wise): • A total 112 monitoring plot were established across the IHR for long term monitoring and base line data collected. • Research findings were published in 4 research papers and 2 conference abstracts. Research outputs were also presented in various seminars /conferences by the research staffs of the project. • 4 climber species and 3 diatoms are selected as potential indicator species • rbcL and ITS gene sequencing was carried for 07 selected himalayan plants. Progress Achieved (%): Total progress - 20% out of 100 (Cumulative 87 % for 2016-2019) Remaining work to be done: New plots will be established. Seasonal qualitative and quantitative studies will be continued to observe the phenological and ecological changes of the indicator species.

Submitted to: Submitted by:

Nodal Officer, NMHS-PMU National Mission on Himalayan Studies (NMHS) GBPNIHESD, Kosi-Katarmal, Almora 263643, Uttarakhand E-mail, [email protected] Principal Investigator

Director, Botanical Survey of India