indicators of anthropogenic pressure on yousmarg forest

Copyright © 2013 by Modern Scientific Press Company, Florida, USA

International Journal of Environment and Bioenergy, 2013, 5(3): 164-182

International Journal of Environment and Bioenergy

Journal homepage: www.ModernScientificPress.com/Journals/IJEE.aspx

ISSN: 2165-8951

Florida, USA

Article

Indicators of Anthropogenic Pressure on Yousmarg Forest

Ecosystem- A Tourist Destination in Kashmir Valley

Bhat Mohd Skinder1,*

, Ashok K. Pandit2, Bashir Ahmad Ganai

3

1&2 P. G. Department of Environmental Sciences / Center of Research for Development

3Department of Biochemistry, The University of Kashmir, Srinagar-190006, Kashmir, India

* Author to whom correspondence should be addressed; E-Mail: [email protected];

Tel. +91 9469037200

Article history: Received 28 February 2013, Received in revised form 21 March 2013, Accepted 25

March 2013, Published 28 March 2013.

Abstract: Yousmarg mesmerizes tourists with its scenic beauty and mountains comparable

to the European Alps. The Yousmarg main bowl has witnessed a tremendous growth in the

human and livestock population as well. Livestock (9,260) grazing a major biotic

interference in this forest area. The consequences of grazing pressure become more

obvious in the Yousmarg forest ecosystem. Besides, cattle grazers indulge in illegal

activities such as the burning of the forest floor, such practices adversely affect the

regeneration of species and further deteriorate the site quality and aesthetic value. This

interference may in long run hamper the eco-development which may affect long term

conservation of species population, also affect the forest regeneration and helped in

proliferation of weeds/shrub species such as Vibernum Sp. and Sambucas Sp. From The

last few years’ large inflow of tourists into Kashmir valley has seen the diversification of

tourism to this wonderful destination, which produces some sort of pressure on conversion

of forest land for various tourist infrastructural developments like cafeterias, huts, parking

places, pony tracks and road buildings, also use of timber for constructions and firewood

for heating purposes. Firewood extraction came around 46.50 tons/month/family. The daily

forage requirement per adult count unit (ASL) came to around 472.00 tons/day. There is no

other major source of fodder in view of low contribution of agricultural by-products and

the little bit of fodder cultivation. In view of such a situation, management measures have

been suggested to reduce livestock population and implement the eco-development

packages in order to ensure the long-term conservation of the forest ecosystem.

Keywords: Yousmarg, livestock, grazing pressure, regeneration, adult cattle unit,

ecosystem, biotic interference

mailto:[email protected]

Int. J. Environ. Bioener. 2013, 5(3): 164-182


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1. Introduction

Biodiversity is essential for human survival and economic well-being, and for the ecosystem

function and stability (Singh 2002). In India, habitat destruction, over exploitation, pollution and

species introduction are identified as major causes of biodiversity loss (UNEP 2001). These

disturbances have been considered important factors structuring communities (Sumina 1994). Forest

degradation is considered one of the most serious environmental and economic problems for many

countries in the tropical and sub-tropical regions of the globe (Sharma 1996; Hare et al., 1997). The

anthropogenic disturbances greatly affect the biodiversity and structural characteristics of a community

(Mishra et al., 2004 and Lone and Pandit, 2005; Skinder and Pandit, 2012). About 72.1% of existing

Indian forest had lost the capacity for regeneration (Rai and Saxena 1997). Forests, despite being the

dominant land use of the geological past, unfortunately are dwindling natural resources throughout the

globe. They are the first victims of outpacing populations, being faster than they can regenerate

thereby aggravating with various anthropogenic pressures like deforestation, grazing, desertification

etc. (Cronin, 1979; Eckholm, 1979; Kayastha and Jayal, 1979; Joshi, 1981; Babu et al., 1984; and Kaul

and Dar, 1985; Skinder and Pandit, 2012). The impact of the increasing biotic factors on the forest

diversity influences the ecosystem functioning (Wilson, 1992).

The vast and varied natural resources of the earth are essential for the sustenance and well-

being of mankind. Among the natural resources, the forest resources occupy a unique position as much

as they play an important role in the development of society by providing a wide range of goods and

services. Besides the economic amenities, the forests have diverse ecological roles as the forests are

the primary source to regenerate productivity of land through recycling of nutrients, which may change

the physicochemical features of soil favorable for plant growth (Mathur et al., 1982). Understanding

the disturbance regimes of a forest landscape and its management under natural and semi natural

conditions is essential for conservation of biological diversity (Spies and Turner, 1999). Disturbance is

an extraordinary event and human generated deviation from the normal successional development of

equilibrium communities (Oliver and Larson, 1990). Apart from natural disturbances, human induced

impacts due to forest fire, tourists, deforestation etc. have caused a significant loss of biodiversity

(Mushtaq and Pandit 2010; Skinder and Pandit, 2012 ). In this investigation, one of the most dominant

factors of anthropogenic pressures in the form of livestock grazing in and around the forest corridors of

Yousmarg forest ecosystems, besides forest fire and tourist’s impact have been assessed. Based on the

analyses of status and distribution of grazing pressure and socioeconomic status of the local

inhabitants, some management options and conservation measures to control livestock grazing

activities and other factors in the forest area so designated as an eco - tourist destination, have been

suggested.



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2. Study Area and Geographical Location of Yousmarg

Yousmarg is an emerging destination for tourists which is completely raw, pristine and still

unspoiled lying in the Budgam district of the Kashmir valley, India. It lies between the geographical

coordinates: 33049΄42”N, and 74

0 39΄59’’E and at an elevation of 2712 m above sea level(a.s.l).

Yousmarg is about 30 kms from Budgam and about 47 km from Srinagar. Yousmarg is bounded by

lush green grasslands, rivers and the backdrop of snow capped mountains could leave the travelers

spellbound for a few seconds. Yousmarg mesmerizes tourists with its scenic meadows, a sparkling

reservoir (Sadremouj reservoir) and mountains comparable to the European Alps. It has some of the

highest peaks in Pir-Panjal range like Tatakoti 4725m (a.s.l), Romesh Thong 5000m(a.s.l) and Sunset

Peak 4746m (a.s.l). The mighty river Doodh Ganga rises from these peaks and distributaries of the

same flows into the reservoir (Named Sadremouj reservoir). The mighty river Doodhganga makes this

destination more thrilling. (Fig. 1).

Fig. 1: Map of Yousmarg study sites

Yousmarg consists of good vegetation cover as well. Some of the tree species like, Pinus

wallichiana, Picea smithana, Abies pindrow; shrubs include Vibernum sp., Sambuca sp. and some

herbs include Acheilia millefolium ,Leucanthemum vulgaris, Medicago sp., Alchiemella sp., Plantago

lanceolate, Rumex sp., Barbarea sp., Poa sp., Veronica sp., Cerastum ceratoides, Trifolium sp.,

Lenontopodium sp., Polygonium sp., Potentilla sp. Prunella sp., Taraxacum sp., Cyanodon dactylon,

Polygonum hydropiper, Geranium sp., Euthrasia officinale, Thymus sp., Geum sp. Fragaria sp.

Ranunculus sp., were found there (Skinder and Pandit, 2012).



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2.1. Climate

The town of Yousmarg enjoys a sub-Mediterranean type of climate (Pandit, 1999).

Precipitation in Yousmarg is normally in the form of mild snowfall during the winters. Summers are

mild and winters in Yousmarg are very cold. During the summer the maximum temperature will range

around thirty degrees (30°C) during this time and the minimum temperature will range around eighteen

degrees (18ºC) during the summer months. Temperatures start coming down only from

September. Winters start from the month of October and lasts until March. These months experience a

maximum temperature of 15°C to 8°C and a minimum temperature of around -2°C to -5°C

2.2. Drainage System

2.2.1. Doodhganga stream

The main water resource in the Yousmarg area is Doodh Ganga which has its origin on the

eastern slopes of the Pir Panjal mountain range of Himalaya below the Tatakuti peak which is at an

altitude more than 4500 m (a.s.l), frothing and crashing on its way over the rocks; the river makes a

little white foam(milky foam), hence called Doodh Ganga. It is a principal ‘left bank tributary’ of the

River Jhelum and finds its origin on the eastern slope of Pir-Panjal mountain ranges of Himalayas

below the Tatakuti peak. The source of water for this stream is snowfields, springs, and a number of

smaller lakes.

2.2.2. Khanshah-Manshah canal

It is 30 km long canal feeding the Sadremouj reservoir. This 34 year old reservoir supplies

water for irrigation and domestic purpose to many villages namely Pakherpora, Darwan, Futlipora,

Zinpanchal, etc. The sources of water for this canal are the glaciers.

3. Material and Methods

Survey data was collected from 1 May 2010 – 15 May 2011. The findings in this study are

related to various anthropogenic pressures like human habitation, grazing pressure, forest fire, erosion,

deforestation, tourism, road widening etc. in Yousmarg forest areas was simply based on:

3.1. Socioeconomic Structure

A detailed questionnaire survey in the settlements of the study area for collecting data on

various aspects of the socioeconomic structure of the local inhabitants, including demography,

occupation and major economic activities was made, where the head of each household was



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interviewed to gather information on the above parameters. Besides a structured questionnaire survey,

participant observation and formal and informal discussions with the villagers were also conducted.

3.2. Livestock Grazing Pressure Assessment

The data on livestock grazing pressure were collected at two stages. At first stage, information

on the livestock population and grazing practices collected from local inhabitants, while during the

second stage, field sampling was carried out on the identified grazing sites to quantify the grazing

pressure parameters. The data on livestock population were collected through household surveys and

Animal Husbandry Department. Regarding livestock grazing practices, entry points were identified

used for taking livestock into surrounding forests for grazing, through participant observation and

informal discussion with the herdsmen. It was followed by monitoring of identifying entry points from

1st May 2010 to 15

th May 2011 to record the data on the grazing practices, such as composition, time

spent by the livestock herds in the forest and the average distance travelled by them inside the forest

(Rodgers, 1990).

At the second stage, livestock grazing pressure was quantified through field sampling at the

specified grazing site Yousmarg main bowl. Data was collected on the number and frequency of

livestock dung piles and exposed (without herbaceous cover) and covered ground. The data on the

number of livestock dung piles and their frequency of occurrence were recorded from 1x1m quadrats

while the frequency of occurrence of exposed and covered ground was recorded by laying 50 × 50 cm

quadrats laid within 20 x 20m quadrat (Rodger, 1990).

3.3. Regeneration Status

Regeneration status of different tree species was determined based on population size of young

ones (saplings) and matured trees (Khan et al., 1997; Uma Shankar, 2001; Ashalata et al., 2006). If a

species is present only in adult form it is considered as not regenerating. Species are considered as

‘new’ if the species has no adults, but only young ones. Trees were > 31cm cbh (circumference at

breast height), saplings were 10-31 cm cbh and seedlings were <10cm cbh (Knight, 1975).

3.4. Adult Cattle Units

To understand the sustainability of the livestock grazing practices in the study area, fodder

demand for the total Adult Cattle Units (A.C.U) was calculated by following the standards given by

veterinary scientists (Ranjhan 1977; Singh et al., 1993)

4. Results



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4.1. Demography

Perusal of data reveals that a total of 80 Gujjar Kothas in Yousmarg main bowl with a

population of 574 persons lives mostly in the spring, the summer and some autumn days, shifting from

nearby settlements of Nagabal, Gogji pather, Krishtwar, Ledan etc. and return back to their native

places as winter approaches. This population, mainly consisting of shepherds, pony wallahs and

woodcutters, are Gujjar with very poor economic backward conditions engaged in menial jobs (Table

1). The study area has the village Nagabal in the north, whereas the residential activities within the

Yousmarg bowl and the surrounding of the bowl is limited to the temporary Gujjar colonies in the

form of the traditional Kothas.

Table 1: Survey of Gujjar Kothas

4.2. Livestock Grazing Practices

During the field survey it was observed that almost 90% of total livestock graze throughout the

seven months (April - October) of the year in the forest area and adjoining areas while as 10% graze

hardly in the month of November-December and during remaining months it is covered with snow

(January-March). Livestock herds enter 4-6km deep into the surrounding forest through different entry

points and spend about 8-9 hour grazing (Fig. 2). Besides the resident population substantial number of

migratory livestock grazes inside the forest and move forwarded to the upper reaches like Tose

Maidaan and stays there for 3-4 months. According to field monitoring and official records from the

Animal Husbandry Department (Yousmarg) about 9,260 livestock immigrated into the forest for

grazing (Table 2). In addition to these, a sizeable population of livestock also enters the forest from

neighboring villages like Kanidajan, Dalwan, Futlipora, Pakherpora, Charie-Sharief, Chrawin,

Hayatpora, Khampora Sarie, Waanpora, and Wadipora, which remained unrecorded by the Animal

Husbandry Department

4.3. Livestock Grazing Pressure Indicator

The density of cattle dung piles was (80/100m2) at specified highly grazing area in a Yousmarg

main bowl. The frequency of livestock dung piles was 70%. Similarly the frequency of occurrence of

exposed ground was 33.33% (Table 3; Fig. 3)

No.of

Kothas

Population Stay period

in Yousmarg

Profession of Gujjar people

80 574 Six months Shepherd, Pony wallas and wood

cutter



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Fig 2: Extensive grazing taking place at Yousmarg forest area

Table 2: Livestock of the study area Yousmarg main bowl

Livestock Average No. * Adult Cattle Unit (ACU)

Cows 2360 2360

Buffaloes 650 910

Sheep 5500 1375

Horses 750 750

Total 9260 5395 Note: 1ACU Conversion Units: 1 adult cow or bull = 1 ACU; 1 cow calf = 0.5 ACU; 1 buffalo = 1.4 ACU; 1 Buffalo Calf = 0.5

ACU; 1 sheep or goat = 0.25 ACU: 1 Horse=1ACU.

Table 3. Livestock grazing pressure indicators on the forest study site Yousmarg main bowl

Site Livestock

Dung density

(No./100m2)

Frequency of dung

piles (%)

Frequency of

exposed

ground (%)

Yousmarg main bowl 80 70 33.33



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Fig 3: Indicator of Grazing at Yousmarg study area

4.4. Regeneration Status of the Yousmarg Main Bowl Forest Tree Community

Regeneration data status of the study site Yousmarg main bowl shows the density of trees is the

highest at both protected as well as degraded areas i.e. 403 and 293/hectare. While as the density of

saplings were 223/hec at protecting site as against 208/hec at degraded site. Similarly, the densities of

seedlings were 203/hec and 113/hec at protected and degraded site respectively (Fig. 4).

4.5. Forest Fire

The data on the basis of forest fire are shown in Figure (5). There was 100% frequency of all

three species at unburnt plot while it ranged 50 to 100 at burnt plot. The density ranged 1.5 to 3.5 at the

unburnt plot as against 0.5 to 2 at burnt plot. Similarly, abundance was 1.5 to 3.5 in unburnt plot and



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1.0 to 2.0 at burnt plot. The IVI depicting the overall picture of the system, ranged from 73.3 to 127 at

unburnt plot and 59.6 to 147 at burnt plot.

Fig 4: Density of trees, saplings and seedlings in the Yousmarg study area

(a) Unburnt

(b) Burnt Fig 5: Comparison of tree species on the basis of frequency, density, abundance

and IVI from unburnt and burnt forest plot



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4.6. Fodder Demand

Fodder demand for the total ACU was calculated by following the standards given by

veterinary scientists (Ranjhan 1977; Singh et al., 1993). According to these standards, the daily forage

requirement per ACU came to around 2.5% of 100 kg bodyweight. Thus, for an ACU weighs around

350 kg, daily dry matter requirement came to around 8.75 kg. The fodder requirement of the total

resident livestock was calculated at 472.00 tons/day.

4.7. Firewood Demand

During the survey of the settlement area of Yousmarg main bowl and nearby village Nagabal,

the firewood demand was about 46.50 tons/month/family (Fig.6/Table 4).

Table 4. Use of firewood in two seasons of the year

Fig. 6: Firewood extraction by locals from the Yousmarg forest

Seasons Weight

Kg/day/family

Weight

Tons/month/family

Period

Summer 45 13.50 April -October

Winter 110 33.00 Nov- March

Total 155 46.50



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4.8. Land Use Patterns in the Yousmarg Area

The present land use land cover (LULC) data about Yousmarg forest landscape are presented in

Table 5. Although 59.72% of land is under forest nursery, plantation, drug farm, etc. but at the same

time valuable land (17.85%) of forest has been utilized by the nearby village settlements and Gujjar

Kothas

4.9. Conversion of Forest Land into Varied Tourist Infrastructural Development

Direct impact on natural resources is affected by the provision of tourist facilities which not

only necessitates the use of land for accommodation purposes and other infrastructure developments

but the use of building materials like timber for construction and firewood for heating purposes (Table

6).

Table 6: Utilization of land for tourist facilities

Constructions Land under structures

Construction of road from JKTDC cafeteria to

YDA Huts & via CRPF camp up to Jhulla

12 Kanal 15 Marlas

Gazebos (viewpoints) 5 No. 15 Marlas

Rain shelter 3 No. at different sites 8 Marlas

Pony tracks up to Doodhganga 2 Kanal

Footbridge over Doodhganga 3 Marlas

Cafeteria IST 3 Marlas

Cafeteria 2nd 4 Marlas

Cafeteria 3rd 4 Marlas

Pony shelter 1st 5 Marlas

Pony shelter 2nd 5 Marlas

4 seated toilet 1st 2.5 Marlas

4 seated toilet 2nd 2.5 Marlas

6 seated toilet 1st 3.5 Marlas

6 seated toilet 2nd 3.5 Marlas

Parking places 12 Kanal 6 Marlas

Road from main road to timber dumping site 5 Kanal 6 Marlas

Picnic spots at various places 5 Kanal

Open air cafeteria at Doodhganga 3 Marlas

CRPF Camp sites 13 Kanal

Huts 3 Kanal 10 Marlas



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4.10. Road Widening

During the survey of study area it was observed that the road widening process was in progress

and their likely impacts are witnessed by way of soil erosion, uprooting trees in places (Fig.7). Road

construction leads to fragmentation of forest ecosystem which is great technological intervention in the

natural ecosystem.

Fig. 7: Impact of road widening

5. Discussion

Large-scale livestock grazing is a common conservation problem in the majority of protected

areas in India (Berk Muller et al., 1990; John Singh et al., 1990; Panwar et al., 1993). The Yousmarg

main bowl has witnessed a tremendous growth in the human and livestock population over the last

few decades, which is the result of the increasing status of Yousmarg as a tourist place from the last

about 10-15 years. The consequences of grazing pressure became more obvious in Yousmarg forest

ecosystems due to uncontrolled grazing by huge numbers of resident as well as migratory livestock.

Livestock grazing, a major biotic interference in this forest area (Fig.2), originates from temporary



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residents (Gujjar) of Yousmarg area and permanent residents of Nagabal area and also from the

migratory livestock coming from neighboring villages like Kanidajan, Dalwan, Futlipora, Pakherpora,

Charie-Sharief, Chrawin, Hayatpora, Khampora Sarie, Waanpora and Wadipora. This interference may

in long run hamper the eco-development thus, may affect long term conservation of species

populations. This not only became the cause for the destruction of herbaceous cover (Fig.3 a & b) but

further lead to soil erosion especially in sloppy areas, as sometimes grazers root out herbs exposing the

soil (Table 3). Overgrazing can increase soil erosion, reduce soil depth, soil organic matter, and soil

fertility and thus hurt the land's future productivity (Ed Rayburn 2000).

The population structure and size class distribution have generally been used by many

researchers for understanding regeneration and the magnitude of disturbances and future stability of

population tree species in forest communities (Upreti, 1982). The results of study on forest structure

revealed poor health of the forest ecosystem (Fig. 4). This may be due to the high rate of grazing or

browsing pressure or may be extraction of firewood and timber for housing construction. A similar

pattern has also been reported by Chandrasekhar and Mishra (2001). Regeneration from vegetative

propagules is often impaired, because prolonged grazing may weaken the coppicing and resprouting

ability of rootstocks and stumps as has been reported by Aweto and Adejumbi, (1991), and Shankar et

al., (1998). As a result, the degraded forest sites have developed into a species-poor vegetative

community with more open areas being colonized by shrubs, thus leading to gradual elimination of

primary forest species. It has been observed that grazing by the resident as well as migratory livestock

in and around the Yousmarg forest area, has adversely affected the forest regeneration and helped

proliferation of shrub species such as Vibernum Sp. and Sambucas Sp. This may lead to the reduction

of mature trees and hence a change in the structure of the forest. Due to the less number of younger

individuals there may be a threat to the most of the tree species in near future. Moreover, due to the

decreasing availability of palatable grass species, especially during summer, cattle graziers indulge in

illegal activities such as the burning of the forest floor, which is frequently reported in some parts of

Yousmarg main bowl. Such a practice adversely affects the regeneration of species and further

deteriorates the site quality and aesthetic value.

Incendiary forest fires often induce a higher concentration of nutrient losses from litter fall and

soil organic matter susceptible to leaching, surface runoff and gaseous loss to the troposphere

(Malmer, 1996). It was also observed through field survey that the density and abundance of all the

three tree species at the burnt sites of Yousmarg forest area were low as compared to the unburnt sites.

This is further corroborated by the IVI of two species (Pinus Sp. and Abies Sp.) which showed a

decreased trend (Fig.5). Hence it can be inferred that the forest fires induced by man are injurious to

the forest ecosystem health. It not only affect the tree community but also shrubs and herbs, besides it



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also affects the nutrient cycle as revealed by Islam et al., (2001). In response to incendiary forest fires,

the seeds and vegetative propagules of primary forest species failed to withstand fire as these lost their

ability to germinate and succeed in the degraded forest site over a period of time (Uhl et al., 1981;

Woods, 1989; Shankar et al., 1998). Once burnt, seedlings and saplings are seldom recovered due to

lack of resprouting capability (Goldammer et al., 1996). Further, Some species (for example Pinus Sp.)

are very susceptible to fires due to high content of amiable resins in their bark and for this reason the

local residents use them for illuminating purpose ( locally called “Lesh” ).

So far as the fodder demand is concerned, the daily forage requirement per adult count unit

(ACU) is about 472 tons/day. Besides free grazing, there is no other major source of fodder in view of

low contribution of agricultural products/by-products. This may result the increasing grazing pressures

on vegetation cover of the Yousmarg area.

Firewood extraction is another activity observed in Yousmarg forest area for the fulfillment of

cooking and the heating purposes, as the local residents are completely dependent on the forest

resources (Fig.6). Most of the resident population being illiterate mainly consisting of shepherds, Pony

Wallahs and woodcutters, are Gujjar with very poor economic conditions are thus engaged in such

activities. This may produce sensible pressures on the Yousmarg forest ecosystem. It has been

calculated that daily need of firewood is about 46.50 tons/month/family (Table 4), if the same trend of

firewood consumption continues in the Yousmarg area then in the nearby future there will be very less

number of trees left in the forest, as a result of deforestation which surely is a great concern.

Rural tourism is often considered to be intrinsically sustainable as it attracts a small number of

visitors. There is no need for extensive infrastructural development; tourists are usually genuinely

interested in the local culture and traditions. One of the main attractions of rural holidays is the

personal interaction with local residents, so hosts and guests are able to share ideas and knowledge,

and consequently tourism can fulfil its role as the “industry of peace”, as a tool of mutual

understanding (Nawaz Ahmed and Abdul Bari, 2010). But contrary to the above concept of eco-

tourism (sustainable tourism), it has been observed in the Yousmarg area the tourism is also playing its

role in the degradation of the forest ecosystem as much of the forest land has been converted for tourist

infrastructural developments like parking places, cafeteria, shops, huts, pony tracks etc. (Table 5).

Tourists using the same trail over and over again trample the vegetation and soil, eventually causing

damage that can lead to loss of biodiversity and other impacts. Such damage can be even more

extensive when visitors frequently stray off established trails. Further tourist influx has greatly

increased during the recent past due to the return of normalcy in the valley. Military activities also play

its role in degrading the forest ecosystem, about 3.2 hectares of forest land have been converted into

the construction of many barracks. The army personals also use the forest resource (timber and



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firewood) and in turn generate solid and liquid wastes which are housed to deteriorate the environment

of the area. Besides military occupation of the land of the forest, about 17.5% land has been occupied

by nearby settlement particularly Nagabal village. Yousmarg Development Authority (Y.D.A) has

adopted a Master Plan of widening roads from Charie-Sharief to Yousmarg (21km), due to which

potential negative impact on trees, vegetation and soil along the roads have been envisaged (Fig. 7).

The fragmentation of habitats caused by highway development is often severe (Frey and Hexem 1985).

Transportation routes can be described as “disturbance corridors” that disrupt the natural, more

homogeneous landscape. In forested environments, these disturbances can cause (i) dramatic physical

disruption to the continuous vegetative community (ii) disruption to the structure and function of

habitat and (iii) impacts to resident wildlife, which must negotiate, tolerate, and cope with the habitat

barriers. In addition, disturbance corridors created by forest fragmentation alter the natural mix of

habitats and species by providing conditions suitable for early successional plants and animals. They

replace forest trees with grasses and shrubs, eliminating nesting habitat for forest-interior species.

While they provide dispersal routes for certain small mammals, they present barriers to many species

(Barrett and Bohlen, 1991).

6. Conclusion

In the present study, the combined impact of growing anthropogenic pressures like excessive

grazing, free browsing, forest fire, firewood extraction, fodder demand, road widening and tourist

flow, human habitation by constructing Kothas for Gujjar was observed in the form of retarded species

regeneration, frequent occurrence of exposed ground, soil erosion ,overall poor health of the forest

ecosystem. This indicates that the growing anthropogenic pressure on Yousmarg forest ecosystems and

necessitates for the formulation of management programs to save the deteriorating health of the virgin

Yousmarg forest ecosystem.

7. Management Recommendations

The concept of conservation seems to be deep rooted in Kashmir. Following are the few

important conservation strategies needed to be implemented for restoring the degraded Yousmarg

forest ecosystem from further deterioration:

(1) Creation of buffer zone in the main Yousmarg bowl away from the forest area for the

grazing of cattle.

(2) Regulation of free browsing by the grazers and immigration of livestock especially from the

neighbouring village needs to be checked by the state forest department through proper



179

vigils and vaccination of resident livestock should be ensured to avoid the potential of

disease outbreak in the wild.

(3) The local people should get educated, so that they get smart job and this may attribute to

change in the preferences for alternative source of energy- the better and convenient ones

rather than to use firewood exclusively

(4) Environmental awareness programs should be organized to protect the rich heritage of a

Yousmarg Forest Ecosystem.

(5) Implementation of Socio-agricultural forestry, so that people could meet the timber,

firewood and other demands.

(6) Availability of natural felled trees to the locals at cheap rates in order to meet their timber

and firewood demands.

(7) Implementing and strict imposition of the environmental protection laws particularly Indian

forest act and Jammu and Kashmir forest conservation policy in true spirit.

(8) The illicit cutting (lopping) of trees should be banned.

(9) Banning on the land conversion for constructions (Kothas) by the Gujjar people. The sprawl

of Gujjar Kothas in the bowl has to be arrested immediately by relocating them in the cluster

housing form in the areas where it does not drastically affect the aesthetic value and diversity

of the forest ecosystem.

(10) There is no need to construct many cafeterias and parking places.

(11) Since Yousmarg forest area is a famous tourist destination all the developments be

undertaken under the banner of ecotourism or sustainable tourism. Policies related to rural

tourism also to be implemented.

(12) Pasture development, rotational grazing and fodder cultivation in the restricted areas should

be encouraged in order to mitigate the grazing pressure on the resources of a Yousmarg

forest ecosystem.

(13) Concerted animal husbandry programs for high yielding cattle aimed at preventing

proliferation of scrub cattle, especially by involving the families having agricultural lands,

may be taken up to organize and strengthen the dairy-based economy.

(14) In addition, the marginal landholders and landless families with livestock can be brought

under dairy development schemes by persuading them to keep fewer numbers of high milk-

yielding stall-fed cattle breeds, with alternate employment incentives under an eco-

development package.



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Acknowledgment

The authors are thankful to the Head, P. G. Department of Environmental Science University of

Kashmir for providing necessary facilities for field study as well as transportation. Thanks are due to

Yousmarg Development Authority (YDA) and Animal Husbandry Department of Yousmarg for their

support and providing some useful data.

The authors acknowledge the immense help received from the scholars whose articles are cited

and included in references of this manuscript. The authors are also grateful to authors / editors /

publishers of all those articles, journals and books from where the literature for this article has been

reviewed.

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