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Aggarwal, Shweta and Sachdeva, M.P. 2004. A study of taste sensitivity of phenylthiocarbamide (PTC) and colour blindness among the rajputs of Kasauli, Himachal Pradesh. Anthropologist, 6(4): 289-290. Department of Anthropology, University of Delhi, Delhi 110 007, India. [COLOUR BLINDNESS; PTC; RAJPUTS; VARIATION]

            PTC taste sensitivity among 274 Rajputs of Kasauli was tested. The frequency of ‘t’ allele was 0.54. Among the males tested, 3.97 percent were colour blind. None of the females tested was found to be colour blind.

Arunachalam, A.; Adhikari, D.; Sarmah, R.; Majumder, M. and Khan, M.L. 2004. Population and conservation of Sapria himalayana Griffith. in Namdapha national park, Arunachal Pradesh, India. Biodiversity and Conservation, 13(12): 2391-2397. Department of Forestry, North Eastern Regional Institute of Science and Technology, Nirjuli 791 109, Arunachal Pradesh, India. [NAMDAPHA NATIONAL PARK; NORTH EAST INDIA; ROOT PARASITE; SAPRIA  HIMALAYANA]

            Sapria himalayana Griffith. (Rafflesiaceae), a root parasitic plant, is one of the lesser known and poorly understood taxons, which is at the brink of extinction due to incessant human interventions in the natural forest environment. This note deals with the population of Sapria in the buffer zone of Namdapha national park in Arunachal Pradesh, northeastern India. The host plant was a woody climber, Tetrastigma sp. Two patches of Sapria were observed at Hornbill (primary and relatively undisturbed forest) and four patches in Zero camp (disturbed secondary forest). Presently the species is prone to extirpation due to habitat loss through encroachments and massive NTFP extraction in the park area. All attempts to reintroduce or translocate the species will be in vain due to its phytogeographical limitations and host-specificity. A viable approach could be in situ conservation by effective protected area management.

Arunachalam, A.; Sarmah, R.; Adhikari, D.; Majumder, M. and Khan, M.L. 2004. Anthropogenic threats and biodiversity conservation in Namdapha nature reserve in the Indian Eastern Himalayas. Current Science, 87(4): 447-454. Department of Forestry, North Eastern Regional Institute of Science and Technology, Nirjuli 791 109, India. [BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION; DIVERSITY; NAMDAPHA NATURE RESERVE]

            The Namdapha nature reserve is one the largest protected areas for biological conservation in the Indian Eastern Himalayas-a global biodiversity hot spot. The reserve supports rich floral and faunal species diversity. The virgin forest cover of this nature reserve has been considerably reduced, degraded and fragmented by clear-felling for human settlements, shifting agriculture and massive extraction of non-timber forest products (NTFPs), particularly Zalacca secunda, an endemic stemless rattan palm. There are 12 villages with a population of 4191 in the northwestern periphery and 13 villages with a population of 5147 in the southeastern periphery of the park. The core zone of the park has two major Lisu local settlements with a total of 43 households. The local people totally depend on the nature reserve for their livelihood. This article focuses on the human generated threats (due to immigration pressure and its consequences manifesting as clear-felling for settlements and agriculture, over harvesting of NTFPs, hunting and poaching of rare and endangered fauna, uncontrolled fishing in the river, etc.) to biological diversity in the nature reserve. For better management of Namdapha nature reserve, approaches like formation of biodiversity management committees in the fringe villages, creation of a buffer zone in the southeastern boundary of the park, resettlement of encroached communities in the core zone, provision of alternative conservation options (substitutes for roofing and fuel wood) and development of more field staff for better patrolling are recommended.

Arunkumar, M.C. 2005. The three questions: Tests of conformity (A study on Meitei Political Culture). Anthropologist, 7(2): 85-93. Department of Anthropology, Manipur University, Imphal, India. [COLONIALISM; MANIPURI IDENTITY; NATION-BUILDING; POLITICAL STATUS OF MANIPUR; MERGER ISSUE]

            The political culture of Manipur is at a crossroad. Two opposite poles of conformists and deviants are operating in the culture. Because of these poles, the people are divided over various issues. The present paper examines the political stands of the Meiteis to three major issues: Merger of Manipur into India, Political status of Manipur, and Identity Issues. The Meitei is the dominant group in Manipur. The inconsistency of the people in their views and stand over the issues is obviously observed. This inconsistency is mainly due to the incomplete socialization of the people and it is the indication of the failure of the two poles.

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Bhan, Nirojini Bhat; Mahajan, Payal and Bhadwal, Bandana 2004. A comparative study of breast-feeding practices among Kashmiri Pandits and Dogras. Anthropologist, 6(4): 261-263. P.G. Department of Home Science, University of Jammu, Jammu 180 006, Jammu & Kashmir, India. [BREASTFEEDING; COLOSTRUM; PRE LACTEAL FEEDS; TOP FEEDING]

            The present study was undertaken to investigate the breast feeding practices prevalent among Kashmiri Pandits and Dogra communities. The sample of the study consisted of 100 infants in the age group of 0-18 months, 50 infants from each community. Snowball sampling technique was used to select the sample. Interview schedule and observation method was used to collect the data. Results revealed that the incidence of breast-feeding was 100% in both the communities. Nursing was started on an average on the first day itself, after feeding the infants with pre-lacteal feeds. Plain boiled water in Kashmiri Pandits and honey in Dogras were prevalent as prelacteal feeds. Although breast-feeding was started on the first day, 90% mothers of both the communities discarded the initial milk (colostrums) as harmful and impure, so only a part of it was fed to the infants. Breast milk was supplemented with top milk (commonly, diluted cow's), by first or second day after birth, so mixed feeding pattern was common in both the communities. Mothers preferred “on demand” pattern for breast-feed and “on schedule” for top milk. So it is concluded that infant-feeding practices among the said communities are similar to some extent with variations in the pattern of feeding.

Bisati, Shafia Nazir and Bhan, Nirojini Bhat 2005. Anthropometric measurements of Kashmiri Pandit Infants. Anthropologist, 7(2): 149-151. Institute of Home Science, University of Kashmir, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India; Department of Home Science, University of Jammu, Jammu Tawi, Jammu and Kashmir, India. [ANTHROPOMETRY; INFANT; MIGRANTS; VARIATION]

            The present study was conducted to analyse anthropometric measurements of 75 Kashmiri Pandit infants between the ages of 0-18 months residing in migrant camps in Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir. Snowball sampling technique was used to select the sample. The anthropometric measurements viz, Length, Weight, Head circumference, Chest circumference and Mid arm circumference were recorded using standard techniques and compared with the ICMR standard. The anthropometric measurement i.e., Height, Weight and Mid arm circumference was higher where as Chest and Head circumference was similar to ICMR standard in case of girls but for boys all measurements were less then ICMR standard. Girls were both heavier and taller except in the age groups of 12-18 months. The high degree coefficient of correlation was found between height and weight in all age group except for 3-6 and 12-15 months of age groups where a low degree correlation was found. In case of Head and Chest circumference a low degree correlation was found in all age groups except for 6-9 months of age where a high degree positive correlation was found.

Bisht, N.S.; Gera, Mohit; Sultan, Zafar and Gusain, M.S. 2005. Status of collection, cultivation and marketing of medicinal and aromatic plants in Pithoragarh, Uttaranchal. The Indian Forester, 131(3): 346-357. Resource Survey and Management Division, Forest Research Institute, Dehradun, Uttaranchal, India. [AROMATIC PLANTS; CULTIVATION; MEDICINAL PLANT; UTTARANCHAL]

            The status of collection, cultivation and marketing of medicinal and aromatic plants was studied in Pithoragarh District of Uttaranchal. The primary information was collected as per structured questionnaires from collectors/cultivators belonging to twelve villages spread over two blocks namely Munsiyari and Didihat. The important species being collected were observed to be Jhula, Reetha and Tejpat. The cultivators seem to be growing greater quantities of Atees, Gudhvach, Indrayan, jambo, Jatamansi, Kalajeera, Kutki, Pashanbhed, Reetha, Sameva and Tejpat. The most favoured market channel was observed to be producer Middlemen Trader Consumer which was being adopted by 50% collectors and 90% cultivators. The producer's share in consumer's rupee in case of collection varied between 45-76.47% for different species with an average of 56.22%. Similarly the producer's share in consumer's rupee for cultivated species varied between 32.67-89% with an average of 60.88%. The paper also discusses the recent changes introduced by Uttaranchal Govt. in marketing of these medicinal and aromatic plant species.

Buhroo, A.A.; Chishti, M.Z. and Masoodi, M.Amin¹ 2004. Studies on the population dynamics of shot-hole borer Scolytus nitidus schedl (Coleoptera : Scolytidae). The Indian Forester, 130(12): 1451-1458. Postgraduate Department of Zoology, University of Kashmir, Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir; ¹S.K. University of Agricultural Sciences & Technology of Kashmir, Shalimar, Srinagar, J&K. [FRUIT TREE; POPULATION DYNAMICS; SEASONAL POPULATION]

            Studies on the seasonal population trends of Scolytus nitidus on apple trees indicated adult emergence from middle of April to middle of October with two marked peaks of swarming in April-May and in July. The adults generally appeared on wing during the day time. The emergence was maximum in the second fortnight of July. There was also a third partial generation but the third time swarming was not clearly demarcated in nature mainly due to the fact that all the individuals of second brood could not complete their development and the second swarming beetles emerged for a prolonged period overlapping with the third time emergence. The emergence period for one brood lasted for 87 days. The peaks of beetle populations were found to be correlated with higher temperatures. The emergence started at a monthly maximum mean temperature of 22.5^oC and minimum mean temperature of 8.3^oC around the middle of April.

Butola, Jitendra S. and Badola, Hemant K. 2004. Effect of pre-sowing treatment on seed germination and seedling vigour in Angelica glauca, a threatened medicinal herb. Current Science, 87(6): 796-799. G.B. Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment and Development, Himachal Unit, Mohal-Kullu 175 126, India. [GERMINATION; MEDICINAL HERB; SEEDLING]

            Angelica glauca (Apiaceae), endemic to the Himalayas, is an endangered medicinal plant for which ex situ cultivation has been recommended as a conservation strategy. However, seeds of this species show poor germination. Among the 14 pre-sowing treatments, KNO₃ (150 mM) and NaHCIO₃ (30 min) significantly stimulated seed germination and reduced mean germination time under both laboratory and nursery trials, as well as developed seedling vigour under nursery conditions.

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Chandola, S. 2005. Some rare and imperfectly known medicinal plant species of Uttaranchal. The Indian Forester, 131(3): 341-345. Chief Wildlife Warden, Uttaranchal, Dehradun. [CONSERVATION; MEDICINAL PLANT; RARE SPECIES; UTTARANCHAL]

            Valuable species have been removed for so long and so intensively from the wild that they have come to the brink of extinction. The market forces, however have been so strong that substitutes have emerged to satisfy the demand, and over time the substitute has assumed the importance of the original drug. The present paper deals with correct identity of Akarkara (Anacyclas pyrethrum), Chirayta (Swertia chirata), Kuth (Saussurea costus), Salam Mishri (Eulophia dabia). Gentiana kurroo has been rediscovered after a lapse of 50 years. It is time now to educate ourselves and to adopt the latest benefits of modern science to retrieve the true herbs species from final annihilation. Serious Species Recovery Programmes need to be initiated for the highly threatened plants.

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Dolui, A.K.; Sharma, H.K. ¹; Marein, Theresia Breen and Lalhriatpuii, Tc 2004. Folk herbal remedies from Meghalaya. Indian Journal of Traditional Knowledge, 3(4): 358-364. Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Post Box No. 59, Dibrugarh University, Dibrugarh, 786 002, Assam; ¹Institute of Pharmacy, Assam Medical College, Dibrugarh, 786 002, Assam. [ETHNOMEDICINE; FOLK HERBAL REMEDIES; MEGHALAYA; TRADITIONAL MEDICINE]

            Traditional methods of treatment using plants and animals are predominant in rural societies of Meghalaya, a north-eastern state of India. As a result of an ethno botanical survey conducted during 1999-2002, information on 46 such plant species belonging to 44 genera and 34 families are presented.

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Ghildiyal, S.K. and Sharma, C.M. 2005. Effect of seed size and temperature treatments on germination of various seed sources of Pinus wallichiana and Pinus roxburghii from Garhwal Himalaya. The Indian Forester, 131(1): 56-65. Department of Forestry, HNB Garhwal University, Srinagar, Uttaranchal. [ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITION; GARHWAL HIMALAYA; SEED GERMINATION]

            The present study was undertaken to find out the effect of Hydrogen peroxide on germination of various provenances of Pinus wallichiana and Pinus roxburghii, which has a significant affect on rate and average germination percentage. It has been observed that H₂O₂ treatment has reduced the germination period of these species appreciably down to 8 days and 10 days respectively. Therefore, seeds of these commercially important tree species should be pre-treated particularly with H₂O₂ 1% v/v for 24 hours to obtain optimum germination. The large sized seeds in Pinus wallichiana (mean germination percentage, 54.66%) and medium sized seeds in Pinus roxburghii (mean germination percentage, 93.33%) have been recorded favourable for getting increased seed germination under laboratory conditions.

Ghosh, P. and Dhyani, P.P. 2004. Temporal changes in soil microbial biomass and N-mineralization in sole versus intercropped paddy and foxtail millet. International Journal of Ecology and Environmental Sciences, 30(3): 229-239. G.B. Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment and Development, Kosi-Katarmal, Almora 263 643, Uttaranchal, India. [FOXTAIL MILLET; INTERCROPPING; MICROBIAL BIOMASS; MINERAL-N; N-MINERALIZATION; PADDY; SOLE CROP]

            Soil microbial biomass and N-transformation rates as well as their temporal variation across the cropping period were compared between sole and mixed cropping of paddy and foxtail millet. The experiment was laid out in a completely randomized block design with paddy sole crop (SC), foxtail millet SC and paddy-foxtail millet intercrops (IC) as treatments with three replicates. Paddy and foxtail millet seeds were sown in the ratio of 4:2, 3:3 and 2:4 in a substitutive design. Farmyard manure (FYM) was applied at a rate of 1000 kg ha^-1. Soil microbial biomass C, N, rates of N-mineralization and mineral-N in soil was measured at regular intervals during the cropping period. Other major soil parameters were also quantified along with plant growth parameters and Land Equivalent Ratio (LER). Results indicated significant differences in soil moisture, mineral-N content, rate of N-mineralization and microbial biomass N due to cropping pattern. There was significant temporal effect on soil moisture, mineral-N content, rate of N-mineralization, nitrification, Microbial biomass C, N and organic C. Rate of N-mineralization and nitrification was highest while mineral-N content was lowest in plots with intercropped ratio of 3:3 indicating efficient uptake of nutrients. The microbial biomass in soil declined during vigorous crop growth across all the treatments indicating N immobilized in microbes is an important source of N during the growth period. The nitrogen transformation rates were higher in the IC plots in comparison to SC plots. This was probably due to favourable interactions of the root systems. Plots planted to IC ratio of 3:3 showed 58% higher efficiency followed by 4:2 (56%) and 2:4 with 47% efficiency when compared to SC plots in terms of total dry matter production, indicating that spacing of crop species is important. The optimum spacing regime for the present study was intercropping ratio of 3:3 where the available land was used most effectively to produce greatest yield. Our study showed that intercropping of paddy and foxtail millet was beneficial in terms of microbial biomass dynamics, N- transformation rates and LER.

Gupta, R.K.; Khan, M.S.; Bali, Kamlesh; Monobrullah, Md and Bhagat, R.M. 2004. Predatory bugs of Zygogramma bicolorata Pallister: An exotic beetle for biological suppression of Parthenium hysterophorus L. Current Science, 87(7): 1005-1010. Biocontrol Laboratory, Division of Entomology, SK University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Jammu 180 002, India. [NATURAL ECOSYSTEM; PREDATORY BUGS; PREDATORY POTENTIAL]

            Success of any biocontrol agent in a natural system is determined by biotic and abiotic factors over a period of time. We undertook in-depth investigation on the natural enemies associated with Zygogramma bicolorata Pallister (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), and exotic beetle introduced in India for biological suppression of Parthenium hysterophorus L. and report its predation by three species of predatory bugs, namely Andrallus spinidens Fab., Cantheoconidea furcellata Wolf and Sycanus pyrrhomelas Walker. While the former two pentatomid bugs fed upon grubs exclusively, the latter reduviid predated upon both grubs and adults. The appearance of these bugs followed a definite succession pattern coinciding with the availability of host stage in field conditions. A single adult bug of A spinidens and C. furcellata consumed on an average of 23±1.3 and 21±1.4 grubs respectively, whereas the assassin bug, S. pyrrhomelas consumed 12±0.9 grubs or 7.6±0.4 adults of this beetle per day. Our findings suggest that the foreseen consequences regarding the unlimited outbreak of this exotic beetle in the absence of a host, if completely destroyed, may not hold true, since the native natural enemies have started adopting this exotic beetle as a prey host in the natural ecosystem.

Gupta, Rajesh and Rastogi, R.A¹. 2004. Development and evaluation of geomorphological instanteous unit hydrograph (GIUH) model. Indian J. Soil Cons.,, 32(3): 188-193. People's Science Institute, Dehradun, Uttaranchal, India; ¹Emeritus Fellow, Dept. of SWCE, G.B. Pant University of Agriculture & Technology, Pantnagar, Uttaranchal, India. [ARKI WATERSHED; DRHs; GIUH MODEL; UNIT HYDROGRAPH (UH)]

            The hydrological data of Arki watershed of Satluj river catchment collected from the Divisional Forest Office (Hydrology Investigation Division), Shimla, Himachal Pradesh were analysed to develop conceptual hydrologic model. The geomorphologic instantaneous unit hydrograph (GIUH) was developed by GIUH model. The direct runoff hydrographs (DRHs) were developed by convolving effective rainfall values with one hour unit hydrograph (1-hr UH) derived by GIUH moder for evaluating prediction performance of the model. The qualitative performance based on visual observations and peak reproduction, etc. and quantitative performance based on certain statistical measures such as coefficient of efficiency, absolute relative error in predicted peak flow rates and relative squared error were evaluated in order to test the validity and assess the applicability of the model. The average values of coefficient of efficiency, absolute relative error in predicted peak flow rates and relative squared error were found to be 0.9515, 9.5185(%) and 0.0244 respectively. Thus the GIUH model can be used for simulating the DRHs for Arki watershed.

Gupta, Vikram and Bist, K.S. 2004. The 23 September 2003 Varunavat Parvat landslide in Uttarkashi township, Uttaranchal. Current Science, 87(11): 1600-1605. Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology, 33, General Mahadeo Singh Road, Dehradun 248 001, Uttaranchal, India. [CRYSTALLINES; LANDSLIDE; LESSER HIMALAYA SEDIMENT; VARUNAVAT PARVAT]

            Uttarkashi township, located on the right bank of the Bhaghirathi river, is known to have had a history of natural disasters, including the mass movement activities. A disastrous landslide in the area on the slopes of the Varunavat Parvat struck late in the night on 23 September 2003, immediately after the rainy season. The Varunavat landslide has been classified as a classical example of debris slide (debris slide in the crown portion, and rockfall and rockslide in the middle part). Both natural and human-induced factors are responsible for this slide, however, the main triggering factor is the surface and groundwater. The present study lays the foundations for further work to link landslide activity to rainfall intensity duration trends so that stochastic relationships may by developed to assess high-risk areas around the slide zone.

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Joshi, B.K. 2004. Soil, water and nutrient conservation in deferent landuse system in mid hill of Indian Central Himalaya - A case study from Bhetagad Watershed. Journal of soil and Water Conservation, 3(3&4): 113-122. G.B. Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment and Development, Kosi-Katarmal, Almora 263 643, Uttaranchal, India. [EROSION; LAND-USE; PRACTICES; WATERSHED AND CONSERVATION VALUES]

            The paper describes the effect of rains on vegetal cover, different traditional practices and soil properties in the dry and monsoon period. Seven landuse systems i.e. open pine forests, tea plantation, rainfed agriculture, degraded land, grassland, recently restored site and a bare land were identified in the Bhetagad watershed of Central Himalaya (India). The study, conducted during 1^st October 2001-30^th September 2002, involved establishment of 20x5 = 100 m² plots, which were located in the slope range between 14^o-28^o. Study revealed that the bare plot among all other land use system has produced maximum surface runoff of 68.18 mm and 85.95 mm and loss of 9.982 t/ha and 10.978 t/ha, during dry and monsoon period respectively. Also for the corresponding periods nutrient concentration was highest; O.M. (426.30 kg/ha and 510.80 kg/ha), total N (157.10 kg/ha and 171.40 kg/ha), total P (34.12 kg/ha and 39.52 kg/ha) and total K (34.12 kg/ha and 36.12 kg/ha) for the bare land, which was followed by open pine forest. The rainfed agriculture, terrace bonding, mature tea plantation and restored sites minimized the water, soil and nutrient losses and enhanced the importance of appropriate measures of the parameters, which retard the erosion process.

Joshi, H.C. and Samant, S.S. 2004. Assessment of forest vegetation and conservation priorities of communities in part of Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve, West Himalaya. Part I. International Journal of Sustainable Development and World Ecology, 11(3): 326-336. G.B. Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment and Development, Himachal Unit, Mohal-Kullu, Himachal Pradesh, India. [CONSERVATION VALUE; ENDEMISM; NATIVE SPECIES; PRIORITIZATION; STRUCTURE; COMPOSITION]

            In most protected areas of the Indian Himalayan region site/habitat characteristics, community diversity and distribution patterns, vegetation composition (richness of native and endemic species), structural patterns, economic importance of forest communities and community priorities have rarely been studied. Therefore, the present study has focused on these in the buffer zone of Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve. Seventy-six woody species (tree: 24; shrubs: 52) and 13 forest communities have been recorded between 2300-3800m asl. Tree density ranged from 533-1220 ind ha^-1, tree basal area from 14.68-80.28 m²ha^-1 and shrub density from 1490-6695 ind ha^-1. Mean density of trees was significantly lower in temperate forests in comparison to sub-alpine forests. Richness of trees ranged from 3-18 and shrubs from 5-29. Species diversity (H') of trees ranged from 0.45-2.08 and shrubs from 0.90-3.14. In the temperature zone, species richness and altitude had significant positive correlations whereas in the sub-alpine zone the two variables were negatively correlated. The native species were high in the area (>65% species) and in communities (>70% species), and was highest for the Picea smithiana-Pinus wallichiana mixed community, whereas the maximum numbers of natives and endemic species were recorded in the Pinus wallichiana community. The density and richness of non-natives were found to be significantly lower in comparison to the natives. Economic importance and conservation value of the communities were assessed and communities priorized. Monitoring of the identified habitats, species, populations and communities, and development of appropriate strategies for their conservation and management are suggested.

Joshi, Kirti; Harsh, N.S.K.; Rawat, P.S. and Shukla, A.N. 2004. Mycoflora associated with different seed sources of Pinus wallichiana. The Indian Forester, 130(12): 1410-1415. Forest Pathology Division, Forest Research Institute, Dehradun, Uttaranchal, India. [FUNGAL SPECIES; HIMACHAL PRADESH; MYCOFLORA; SEEDLING]

            Seed samples from different sources of Pinus wallichiana from Himachal Pradesh and Uttaranchal were evaluated for the occurrence of seed mycoflora. A total of 13 fungi with 22 fungal species were isolated of which species of Aspergillus and Penicillium were dominant. Seed source Kufri (H.P.) reported maximum number of mycoflora i.e. 9 fungi, while in Sawat and Kharapathar (H.P.) only one fungus was recorded namely Aspergillus niger.

Joshi, Mallickarjun and Tiwari, A.N. 2004. Quartz C-axes metastable phases in the metamorphic rocks of Almora Nappe: Evidence of pre-Himalayan signatures. Current Science, 87(7): 995-999. Department of Geology, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221 005, India. [GEOLOGICAL MAP; LESSER HIMALAYA; METAMORPHIC ROCKS; PHYTOPLANKTON DENSITY]

            The alternating sequence of metapelites and metapsammites exposed in the central part of the Almora Nappe is part of the Saryu Formation of the Almora Group¹. These metamorphic rocks have escaped pervasive mylonitization that characterizes the Higher Himalayan Metamorphic Belt^2-4, considered to be root zone of the Almora Nappe. These metamorphics do not show field or petrographic evidence of mylonitization. Lattice preferred orientation of quartz in these rocks suggests that they remained unaffected by shearing during the southward tectonic transport of the nappe from Higher Himalaya to Lesser Himalaya during the Himalayan orogeny. These unmylonitized rocks of Almora Nappe preserve Pre-Himalayan metamorphic signatures.

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Kala, C.P. 2004. Indigenous uses and structure of chir pine forest in Uttaranchal Himalaya, India. International Journal of Sustainable Development and World Ecology, 11(2): 205-210. G.B. Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment and Development, Kosi-Katarmal, Almora, Uttaranchal. [CONSERVATION; INDIGENOUS USES; LOCAL COMMUNITIES; UTTARANCHAL; CHIRPINE FOREST]

            The various indigenous uses and structure of chir pine forests were studies in Uttaranchal state of the Indian Republic. A questionnaire survey was conducted in 50 villages of Uttaranchal to gather information on the indigenous uses of chir pine. For the study of community composition and structure of chir pine forest, at least 15 quadrats of 10 x 10m were selected randomly across various localities, and the number of individuals, along with other dominant tree and shrub species, were enumerated in each quadrat. About 10 indigenous uses of chir pine were prominent in Uttaranchal. Besides resin, an important non-wood product, different parts of chir pine, such as cones, trunk, stems, wood, leaves and bark, were used by the local people. Chir pine is a subject of the folklore and mythology of indigenous cultures in Uttaranchal. Chir pine forest formed three major communities in Uttaranchal viz., sal-pine (Shorea robusta-Pinus roxburghii), pine pure stands and oak-pine (Quercus leucho-trichophora-Pinus roxburghii). These communities sustained various multiple-use trees and shrubs along with various edible mushrooms (e.g. Agaricus campestris, Morchella esculenta and Sparassis crispa). The results of this study are discussed in the light of chir pine conservation and management policies.

Kant, Rama; Chakrabarty, S.; Dhyani, S.K.¹; Mourya, G.S. and Upadhayay, R.K.² 2004. Mulberry (Morus Alba L.) as an agroforestry plant in Uttaranchal. The Indian Forester, 130(8): 939-944. Regional Sericultural Research Station, Sahaspur, Dehradun, Uttaranchal, India; ¹Central Soil & Water Conservation Research & Training Institute, Dehradun, Uttaranchal; ²IGNFA, New Forest, Dehradun, Uttaranchal, India. [AGRO-CLIMATIC CONDITION; AGROFORESTRY SYSTEM; ENVIRONMENTAL DEGRADATION; FODDER; FUEL-WOOD; WASTELAND]

            Sericulture based agroforestry system has great potential to generate larger income in Uttaranchal with its hilly, valley and tarai conditions. It is a job oriented agro based industry, particularly for the below poverty line farmers. Uttaranchal has a long tradition of agroforestry that is widely practiced in all ecological and geographical regions. Farmers and land owners in different parts of Uttaranchal integrate a variety of woody perennials with the Mulberry crop and livestock production systems depending upon the agro-climatic conditions and local requirements. In addition to sericulture, Mulberry has a wide and diverse potential to protect the environment in varying agro-climatic conditions. It is perennial, deep rooted, widely adaptable with fast growing and determinate type of plant growth. It produces high biomass and foliage with rich in protein. Though it is medium sized tree but for intensive cultivation it is maintained as bushes of different sizes depending on suitability of the situation. Mulberry can be grown as a tree as well as in combination with agricultural crops (intercrop) to increase per unit area production as sericulture is a subsidiary crop in sub-tropical area. Mulberry plant is capable of meeting the present challenges of shortage of fuel wood, fodder, timber, unemployment, cottage industry, environmental degradation, protection and improvement of wastelands etc.

Khan, M.A. and Shah, M.A. 2004. Hydrology and sediment loading of hokersar wetland sanctuary in the Kashmir Himalaya, India. The Indian Forester, 130(8): 899-910. Department of Environmental Sciences, S.K. University of Agriculture Science & Technology, Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir. [ECOSYSTEM; SANCTUARY; SEDIMENTS; SOCIO-ECONOMY]

            Hydrological characteristics and sedimentation loading in Hokersar wetland of Kashmir Himalaya was monitored from November 2000 to October 2001. The computed water budget showed a substantial (91%) input from various surface inflows and just 9% through precipitation. Major water discharge (67%) occurs through surface outlets, whilst, 33% is attributed to evapo-transpiration and other unaccounted for losses. Relatively low flushing rate (3.75 times/year) and high residence time (97.3 days) contribute to increased nutrient retention in the wetland. The inflow/outflow rates are closely linked to precipitation and water demand in the catchment. Annual sediment accumulation of 16,862.2 metric tonnes (93% contributed by Doodganga Channel) accounts for gradual filling-in of the Kokersar wetland ecosystem.

Khan, Z.S.; Khuroo, A.A. and Dar, G.H. 2004. Ethnomedicinal survey of Uri, Kashmir Himalaya. Indian Journal of Traditional Knowledge, 3(4): 351-357. Centre of Plant Taxonomy (COPT), University of Kashmir, Srinagar 190 006, Jammu & Kashmir, India. [ETHNOMEDICINE; INDIGENOUS KNOWLEDGE; KASHMIR; MEDICINAL PLANTS]

            In the contemporary global milieu, the documentation of the biological resources and the associated indigenous knowledge existing within a country has assumed highest priority. The present paper records ethnomedicinal value of 27 plant species belonging to 20 families, in vogue, from the study area. Each plant species included, contains information regarding crude drug preparation and its method of use. Such documentation would be helpful in terms of commercial production of drugs, readily accessible health care to larger population, sustainable use and above all, safeguard from bio-piracy.

Kishtwaria, Jatinder; Awasthi, Kumud; Talwar, Neetika; Rana, Aruna and Nayyar, Pooja 2004. An ergonomic assessment of women workers involved in tea plantation in Himachal Pradesh. Journal of Human Ecology, 16(3): 223-226. Department of Family Resource Management, College of Home Science, C.S.K.H.P.K.V., Palampur 176 062, Himachal Pradesh, India. [CARDIOVASCULAR STRESS; DRUDGERY; ERGONOMIC; PHYSICAL FITNESS INDEX]

            The present study was conducted in Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh to study the socio-personal, physical characteristics (n=80) and physiological workload (n=30) of respondents engaged in plucking tea leaves. Majority of the respondents were illiterate and belonged to scheduled caste and other backward classes. Majority of the respondents had ectomorph body with average physical fitness level. The average working heart rate values were upto acceptable limits whereas, the peak heart rate values (HR_25-35 -110.93; 111.44; HR_35-45 -106.22,110.58 beats/min.) were beyond acceptable limits. Both average and peak heart rate values were significantly related with elder age group, indicating work to be stressful especially with increase in age. Thus, it is recommended to generate awareness regarding faulty working habits and to develop women friendly technologies to improve efficiency and output of women workers.

Kothiyal, Vimal; Khanduri, A.K. and Jain, V.K. 2005. Wood quality assessment of Populus deltoides clones from Haldwani, Uttaranchal. The Indian Forester, 131(1): 14-24. Timber Mechanics Discipline, Forest Products Division, Forest Research Institute, Dehradun, Uttaranchal, India. [CLONES; NATURAL FOREST; POPULUS DELTOIDES; TIMBER]

            Strength properties of 12 clones of 10-years old Populus deltoides from single trees obtained from Haldwani (Uttaranchal), India are reported. The preliminary results on strength properties for screening the clones for timber indicated that at Haldwani, clone number 290/84 has the highest specific gravity and strength properties. Clone number 75/84 has the lowest values among all the 12 clones tested.

Kotlia, B.S. and Sanwal, Jaishri 2004. Fauna and palaeoenvironment of a late quaternary fluvio-lacustrine basin in Central Kumaun Himalaya. Current Science, 87(9): 1295-1299. Department of Geology, The Durham, Kumaun University, Nainital 263 002, Uttaranchal, India. [FAUNA; FOSSIL; GRASSLAND; KUMAUN HIMALAYA]

            In recent years, vertebrate faunas recovered from the Late Quaternary lake deposits have become increasingly important, especially for phylogenetic relationship, evolutionary pattern, comparison with the recent counterparts, palaeoecology and palaeoenvironment. We describe the Late Quaternary fauna from a tectonically formed palaeolake basin at Dulam, Kumaun Central Himalaya. The age of the fossil horizon is estimated as ca. 30 ka BP. Murids and other faunal elements have been recovered from the Kumaun Himalaya. The large mammals are represented only by Bovidae, whereas the small ones are dominated by murid rodents. The bones have greater frequency compared to the teeth. Based on the faunal components, four palaeocommunities are proposed. The savanna grassland community is represented by the large mammals, the lacustrine community by Cyprinidae fishes, ostracods and freshwater gastropods, the upland community by Soriculus and Mus, and semi-arid bush land community by Golunda and lizards.

Kumar, Anil; Tiwari, Nilay and Tripathi, Saurabh 2004. Development of distribution hydrograph for estimation of direct run off from a hilly watershed in Uttaranchal. Indian J. Soil Cons.,, 32(3): 206-211. Department of Soil and Water Conservation Engineering, G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar 263 145, Dist.- Udham Singh Nagar, Uttaranchal, India. [BASIN LAG; DISTRIBUTION HYDROGRAPH; EFFECTIVE RAINFALL; UNIT HYDRGRAPH]

            A distribution hydrograph (DH) is developed for the Gagas sub-watershed of Ramganga river catchment in Uttaranchal. The distribution hydrograph is considered to be more stable than a unit hydrograph (UH) for modeling the rainfall-runoff response of a watershed particularly for computation of its lag time. Its shape may vary from one watershed to another, reflecting the difference in their runoff characteristics. The DH is preferable to UH for comparing the runoff characteristics of watersheds of different sizes. In this study several rainfall-runoff events have been used for synthesis of average DH and prediction of direct runoff hydrograph (DRH) for Gagas watershed. Various relationships have been developed between different hydrological parameters of rainfall-runoff transformation.

Kumar, Vijay¹; Rai, S.P. ¹ and Rathore, D.S. ² 2004. Land use mapping of Kandi belt of Jammu region. Journal of the Indian Society of Remote Sensing, 32(4): 323-328. ¹National Institute of Hydrology, Western Himalayan Regional Centre, Satwari, Jammu 180 003; ²National Institute of Hydrology, Jalvigyan Bhawan, Roorkee 247 667, India. [LANDUSE MAPPING; REMOTE SENSING; SPECTRAL SIGNATURE]

            Digital image processing on IRS-1C-LISS-III data acquired on October 13, 1998 has been carried out to map the land use classes in part of the Kandli belt, the submontane tract lying in the Outer Himalaya of Jammu region of Jammu and Kashmir. Supervised classification has been combined with rule-based classification to delineate various land use classes. The various categories of land use in the area recognized are forest, agriculture, riverbed, urban, fallow, wasteland and water. Forest is dominant along the upper boundary of the Kandi belt (along Siwalik) and on ridges, whereas, agriculture land is mainly along the lower boundary (along Sirowal) of the study area.

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Mahajan, Payal and Sharma, Neeru 2005. Awareness level of adolescent girls regarding HIV/AIDs (A comparative study of rural and urban areas of Jammu). Journal of Human Ecology, 17(4): 313-314. Department of Home Science, University of Jammu, Jammu 180 006, Jammu & Kashmir, India; Correspondence Address: Payal Mahajan, F-6, Rani Park, Kachi Chawni, Jammu 180 001, Jammu & Kashmir, India. [AIDS; HIV; REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM; SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES]

            The present study was undertaken to determine the knowledge level of adolescents towards HIV/AIDS. This study has been conducted on 400 adolescent girls (200 adolescent girls were taken from rural areas and 200 adolescent girls from urban areas of Jammu). Random sample technique was used to select the sample. For data collection, questionnaire was used in which there were questions regarding HIV/AIDS. Chi-square values reveal that there is a significant difference in the knowledge level of adolescent girls of urban and rural areas of Jammu, regarding these issues. But urban adolescent girls have comparatively better knowledge regarding these issues than rural adolescent girls. Adolescents need to be taught about these body functions since ignorance perpetuates myths and mis- belief. School teachers play a key role in bringing about this desirable change and socially acceptable approaches to sex education such as letter box approach may be used for providing scientific knowledge about sex and related issues.

Mohan, Lalit¹; Sharma, R.M. ² and Tak, P.C. ² 2005. Renuka watland: A newfound abode for migratory birds in Himachal Pradesh. The Indian Forester, 131(2): 163-169. ¹Conservator of Forests, Wildlife (South) Shimla, Himachal Pradesh; ²Zoological Survey of India, High Altitude Zoology Field Station, Solan, Himachal Pradesh, India. [HIMACHAL PRADESH; MIGRATORY BIRDS; SOIL CONSERVATION; WILDLIFE]

            Renuka lake, named after the Goddess Renuka ji, the mother of Lord Parashuram, is situated near Dadahu in Sirmour district of Himachal Pradesh. Since years, it has been receiving silt and debris from 22 nallas, which are all around the catchment of the lake, which is causing ecological deterioration, habitat degradation and eutrification, etc. The first author (LM) prepared an action plan during 1999-2000 for the Eco-restoration of the lake. A major thrust was given to check silt and debris going into lake along with water by carrying out soil conservation and Bio-engineering works, construction of toe wall and filtration tank around the lake and chennalization of water to ensure that only clean water would enter the lake. Visual observations suggest that the rate of siltation has decreased and quality of water has improved as the migratory birds are visiting this lake since 1999-2000. The maximum number of birds i.e. 542 of 13 different species was recorded during 2003-2004. This is one of the indicators to show that habitat of this lake has improved.

Mukhopadhyay, Rupak and Kshatriya, Gautam K. 2004. Distribution of blood groups among brahmins and rajputs of Himachal Pradesh. Anthropologist, 6(4): 293-294. Department of Anthropology, University of Delhi, Delhi 110 007, India. [BLOOD GROUPS; BRAHMIN; HIMACHAL PRADESH; RAJPUTS]

            The present paper reports the distribution of A1A2BO and Rh(D) blood groups among the Brahmins and the Rajputs of Kasauli of Solan district, Himachal Pradesh. In both groups the frequency of blood group B is found to be the highest. Frequency of Rh(D) positive among Brahmins and Rajputs is above 90%. Inter-group differences for A1A2BO and Rh(D) blood groups are found to be statistically non-significant.

Murry, Benrithung; Sachdeva, M.P. and Kalla, A.K. 2005. Estimates of Fertility and Mortality differentials among the Lotha Nagas of Nagaland. Anthropologist, 7(1): 45-52. Department of Anthropology, University of Delhi, Delhi 110 007, India. [FERTILITY RATES; LOTHA NAGAS; MORTALITY RATES; SOCIO CULTURE]

            Data were collected from 546 ever married Lothas, a scheduled tribe population of Wokha district of Nagaland, with a view to understand their reproductive performance and the factors affecting fertility. The CBR, GFR, TFR and GRR of the Lothas are found to be 28.35, 192.05, 7.15 and 3.88, respectively. Variables such as education, use of BCM and age at menarche are not found to have contributed significantly to fertility. Socio-cultural factors seem to have played an important role in determining fertility. Of all deaths prenatal mortality was highest (56.62%) of what about 60% are found to be cases of induced abortion. The least fertile age group of the Lothas are found to be at greater generic risks to the prenates. It is also found that mortality decreased with proper vaccination and better income level.

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Negi, Chandra Singh and Nautiyal, Sunil 2005. Phyto-sociological studies of a traditional reserve forest - Thal Ke Dhar, Pithoragarh, Central Himalayas (India). The Indian Forester, 131(4): 519-534. Department of Zoology, Government Post Graduate College, Pithoragarh, Uttaranchal; Institute of Spatial Information Science, University of Tokyo, Japan. [BIODIVERSITY; PHYTOSOCIOLOGY; RESERVE FOREST; THAL KE DHAR]

            Traditional reserve forests or sacred forests have in the recent years attracted the attention of conservation scientists as well as that of wildlife officials, for the reason that they are the last vestiges of forests which were once in their prime. They are the last remnants of the biodiversity and are zealously guarded by the common village folks, who safeguard these patches of greens, through their own sets of rules, in the form of taboos, religious sanctions and belief systems. Forest being no longer in possession of the villagers, sanction mechanisms have denigrated with the passage of time, as the villagers no longer perceive these forests as belonging to them. However inspite of the ordeal of the times, there are still few sacred forests, wherein these mechanisms are still enforced. Sacred forest of `Thal Ke Dhar' is one such forest. Phytosociological study in Thal Ke Dhar sacred forest has been carried out in view to understand the structure, regeneration potential and conservation status.

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Pande, P.C. and Pande, H.C.¹ 2004. Traditional usage of ‘Urad’ (Vigna mungo) in Kumaon Himalaya, Uttaranchal. Ethnobotany, 16(1&2): 96-98. Department of Botany, Kumaon University, S.S.J. Campus, Almora 263 601, Uttaranchal; ¹Botanical Survey of India (NC), Dehradun 248 195, Uttaranchal, India. [“URAD” (VIGNA MUNGO); ETHNOBOTANY; TRADITIONAL UTILIZATION; UTTARANCHAL]

            The present article describes the traditional uses of “Urad” by different communities residing in Kumaon Himalaya, Uttaranchal. The information provided here is based on personal interviews with the local people. Botanical description of the plant is given with vernacular name and usages.

Pandey, Anjula 2004. Some observations on the use of Indigenous Knowledge (ITK) for preservation of fruit juices in Kumaon Himalayas. Ethnobotany, 16(1&2): 116-117. National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources, Pusa Campus, New Delhi 110 012, India. [FRUIT JUICES; INDIGENOUS KNOWLEDGE; SMALL-SCALE INDUSTRY; VALUE ADDED PRODUCTS]

            The present communication is an effort to report the use of Indigenous Technical Knowledge (ITK) for long term preservation and utilization of fruit juices from domesticated, semi-domesticated and wild plant species in Kumaon Himalayas. Small scale industries based on utilization of these plant products has opened new dimensions for employment generation in rural areas. However, thrust in this direction is required through active involvement of entrepreneurs and further R & D efforts.

Parandial, A.K.; Kumar, Pankaj; Naithani, H.B. and Pokhriyal, T.C. 2005. Introduction of nitrogen fixing medicinal plants: A suitable alternative for the conservation of exposed sites in the Garhwal Himalayan Ecosystem. The Indian Forester, 131(3): 449-462. Plant Physiology, Botany Division, Forest Research Institute, Dehradun, Uttaranchal, India. [CONSERVATION; FLORISTIC ZONES; MEDICINAL PLANT; NITROGEN FIXING]

            The Garhwal Himalayas are one of the richest floristic zones for the medicinal plants of Indian subcontinent. It provides matchless wealth of more than 300 rare and endangered species of medicinal plants having therapeutic properties. The over exploitation of these precious material from Himalayan forest ecosystem over last few decades have not only pushed these towards extinction but also enhanced the problem of soil erosion, land degradation and loss of biodiversity in the area. Introduction of nitrogen fixing plants may provide an important tool for the eco-restoration attempts in this area. Advocating nitrogen fixing plants having medicinal uses may provide wider acceptability among the local populace from economic as well as soil conservation point of view. The adoptability of indigenous species may be useful for planting and rejuvenating the degraded sites in different altitudinal zones of the Himalayan ecosystem. In the present article an attempt has been made to enumerate the existing nitrogen fixing species of medicinal values at various altitudes for the conservation of degraded sites in Garhwal Himalayas.

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Rao, D. Rameshwar; Rai, Hakim and Kumar, J. Senthil 2004. Origin of oceanic plagiogranite in the Nidar ophiolitic sequence of eastern Ladakh, India. Current Science, 87(7): 999-1005. Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology, 33 General Mahadeo Singh Road, Dehradun 248 001, Uttaranchal, India. [GEOCHEMICAL DATA; GRABBROIC ROCKS; LADAKH; NIDAR OPHIOLITIC SEQUENCE]

            Occurrence of high-SiO₂, low K₂O leucocratic rocks, the ‘oceanic plagiogranite’ of Coleman and Peterman, within the basic and ultrabasic rocks of the ophiolites and modern oceanic settings, is of particular interest because of their extreme composition and controversial origin. Ophiolitic sequences are considered incomplete without these rocks. However, these rocks are not present in all the known ophiolite sequences in the world. The present study reports the occurrence of plagiogranite to the north of Kyun Tso, within the Nidar ophiolitic sequence of eastern Ladakh. Plagiogranites occur as intrusives within the gabbro, in the northern part of the ophiolitic sequence. Chemically, they are classified into tonalite and trondhjemite. They show nearly flat REE pattern and fractionation relation that are comparable with the host gabbro. The origin of these rocks is explained by fractional crystallization aided by filter-pressing processes of sub-alka-line tholeiitic magmas.

Roy, Parth Sarathi¹ and Behera, Mukunda Dev² 2005. Assessment of biological richness in different altitudinal zones in the Eastern Himalayas, Arunachal Pradesh, India. Current Science, 88(2): 250-257. ¹National Remote Sensing Agency, Balanagar, Hyderabad 500 037, India; ²Regional Remote Sensing Service Centre, Indian Space Research Organization, IIT Campus, Kharagpur 721 302, India. [ARUNACHAL PRADESH; BIODIVERSITY; REMOTE SENSING; SATTELLITE IMAGES]

            This article evaluates an approach for biological richness assessment at landscape level using satellite remote sensing, phytosociological data and knowledge base in a GIS domain at a test site in the Eastern Himalayan region. An attempt is made to establish the relationship existing between biological richness and biotic disturbances across an altitudinal gradient, divided into six zones based on different vegetation types. Biological richness was determined as a function of ecosystem uniqueness, species diversity, biodiversity value, terrain complexity and disturbance index. Satellite images of IRS 1C/1D LISS III are used to stratify different vegetation types following a hybrid approach supplemented with biogeographic and altitude zone maps. The number of economically important species, medicinal species and endemic species decreases with altitude. High level of disturbance was observed across settlements and road networks and the area having simpler and easily accessible terrains. A declining trend in species richness and plant endemism is noticed with increase in altitude. Habitats with low disturbance, highly complex terrain, high degree of species richness, plant endemism and species uniqueness show high level of biological richness. In general, the disturbance decreased with increase in altitude, whereas biological richness shows a hump-shaped pattern for Arunachal Pradesh. It was observed that high biological richness and high disturbance occurred in lower altitudes, whereas high-altitude areas showed low biological richness and low level of disturbance. The study demonstrates integration of remote sensing and GIS for landscape ecological modeling and thereby contributes to the understanding of biodiversity distribution in the Eastern Himalayas, Arunachal Pradesh.

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Saikia, S.K. and Das, D.N. 2004. `Aji gnui assonii' - a practice of organic hill farming among the Apatani tribe of eastern Himalaya. International Journal of Sustainable Development and World Ecology, 11(2): 211-217. Department of Zoology, Arunachal University, Rono Hills, Itanagar, India. [APATANI TRIBE; ORGANIC FARMING; RICE-FISH CULTURE ]

            Apatani, a hill tribe of Arunachal Pradesh, India, has been practicing rice fish culture traditionally for many decades. Their practice, locally termed aji gnui assonii, is free from the use of agro-chemicals and additional input of supplementary feed for fish. They basically follow the traditional agronomic practices for rice even in rice-fish combination pertaining to field preparation and maintenance. Field preparation starts in April, occasionally continues up to late May, and rice seedlings are planted in May-June. The strains of common carp are stocked at fry stage (3-5 cm), after just ten days of planting the rice and reared in the field for about 4 months in total. Sometimes they harvest fish partially from the field after an interval of 1.5 months. With multiple harvesting, only 200-300 kg ha^-1 of fish are produced in each harvest whereas with final harvesting the production rate is 500 kg ha^-1. The dykes of rice field are utilized for growing millet in June and are harvested during August-September. The system of such integrated farming is an organic practice, as well as sustainable in the sense that it is based solely on available natural resources in the ecosystem and also preserves the agro-biodiversity, enhancing multidimensional support to the tribal livelihood.

Samati, H. 2004. Kitchen garden plants of Pnar tribe in Jaintia Hills. Ethnobotany, 16(1&2): 125-130. Botanical Survey of India, Eastern Circle, Shillong 793 003, India. [JAINTIA HILLS; KITCHEN GARDEN; MEGHALAYA; PNAR]

            Pnar tribe constitutes the largest tribal community in Jaintia Hills district. Their major occupations are agriculture and collection of forest resources. The community derives articles for edible purposes from these sources in sufficient quantities to sustain their daily life. To supplement this, they also regularly maintain kitchen gardens surrounding their houses to get fresh and urgently needed vegetables, species, fruits and other domestic articles. These plant resources are being grown from generation to generation and as such, constitute indigenous sources of germplasm. The paper reports 55 taxa of kitchen garden plants documented during field visits in Jaintia Hills, eastern district of Meghalaya, with botanical notes about their local names, useful parts, uses, etc.

Saroj, P.L. ¹; Sharma, N.K.; Dadhwal, K.S. and Shrimali, S.S. 2004. Mango-toria based agri-horti model for degraded foothills of north-western Himalayan region. Indian J. Soil Cons., 32(3): 231-234. Division of Plant Sciences, CSWCRTI, Dehradun 248 195, Uttaranchal, India; ¹Central Institute for Arid Horticulture, Bikaner 334 006, Rajasthan, India. [AGRI-HORTI SYSTEM; DEGRADED LANDS; ECONOMICS; MANGO; TORIA]

            The mango based agri-horti model was studied under gravely riverbed land in foothills of north-western Himalayan region from 1995 to 1997. The perennial overstorey component ‘mango’ was managed by drip irrigation system while annual groundstorey component ‘toria’ was raised under rainfed conditions. At initial stage, overall growth of mango plants was not much influenced when toria was grown as an intercrop in comparison to sole plantation of mango. About 3.68 q ha^-1 (average of 1996 and 1997) grain yield of toria was obtained under gravely rainfed conditions. The yield of toria was highly influenced by distribution of rains during growing period. There was no significant effect of direction on the yield of toria but negative response was recorded at close proximity with tree canopy due to shade effect. There were significant differences in dry matter and grain yield of toria under varying topsoil depths, which increased with increasing depth of topsoil. The net income of about Rs. 3000/- ha^-1 annum^-1 can be obtained by growing toria as intercrop with mango orchard under gravely rainfed conditions. The model needs long term testing for interaction effect among components and on site productivity.

Sharma, Ajay; Verma, T.D. and Sood, Anil 2005. Some important insect pests of poplars in the western Himalayas and their management. The Indian Forester, 131(4): 553-562. Department of Entomology & Apiculture, Dr. Y.S. Parmar University of Horticulture & Forestry, Nauni, Solan, Himachal Pradesh. [AGROFORESTRY SYSTEM; INSECTS; MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES]

            Poplars hold an important place in the agroforestry systems because of their multiple use, fast growing nature and short rotation. They are being grown on large scale in the plains of northern India, valley area of Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir. Different Poplar clones being grown on these areas are invariably attacked by a number of insect pests. Various insect species invade Poplar plant parts right from the nursery stage to the maturity of the crop. Some of the important insect pests infesting these trees include Apriona cinerea, Eucosma glaciata, Plagiodera versicolora etc. They not only affect the growth and render them unfit for proper utilization but also sometimes threat their survival. An account of insect pests associated with Poplars in western Himalayan region in respect of their incidence, nature and extent of damage and management strategies have been discussed in the text.

Sharma, Neeru; Mahajan, Payal and Samkaria, Meenakshi 2004. Attitude of adolescents towards family life education (FLE): A comparative study of Jammu and Palampur. Anthropologist, 6(4): 265-268. P.G. Department of Home Science, University of Jammu, Jammu 180 006, Jammu & Kashmir, India. [ADOLESCENTS; FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION; POPULATION EDUCATION; SEX EDUCATION PROGRAMME]

            The present study was conducted to investigate the attitude of adolescents regarding issues in Family Life Education (FLE) as it appears in their curriculum, to assess their sources of information and to study and attitudes of adolescents in 2 different regions - Jammu (J&K) and Palampur (Himachal Pradesh). The 1^st sample consisted to SCERT textbooks and 2^nd sample was 40 adolescent boys and girls in each region from selected schools. Multi stage sampling technique was used. Data was collected with help of tools: content analysis of SCERT books of std-7^th-10^th and based on this a questionnaire was prepared. The results of the study show that most of ELE content are their science books they have. Majority of the adolescents were aware of the issues related to ELE in their textbooks. Few adolescents were either having false beliefs or no knowledge regarding the content present in their curriculum. Source of information regarding FLE were books, friends, parents and teachers.

Sharma, Sandeep; Negi, P.S.; Thakur, K.S. and Kumar, Surinder 2004. Studies on vegetative propagation of Colutea nepalensis sims through shoot cuttings: A potential species for cold desert afforestation. The Indian Forester, 130(12): 1422-1431. Himalayan Forest Research Institute, Conifer Campus, Panthaghati, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, India. [COLD DESERT; MASS PROPAGATION; ROOT FORMATION; STEM CUTTING]

            Colutea nepalensis is an important shrub of cold desert areas. A study was conducted to examine vegetative propagation of this species through shoot cuttings. The cuttings were collected from Pooh area of Kinnaur District of Himachal Pradesh during spring and autumn seasons and treated with IBA and IBA in combination with thiamine for induction and growth of adventitious roots under intermittent mist in sterilized sand. Assessments on rooting, sprouting, root number, root length, shoot number and shoot length on the cuttings were conducted after 120-days of treatments. Of these, IBA treatments significantly promoted adventitious rooting in shoot cuttings collected during spring but in combination with thiamine failed to produce any synergetic effects on induction and growth of adventitious roots. The highest rooting in that season (96.67%) was obtained from cuttings treated with 0.2% IBA + 0.05% Captan + 0.1% Sucrose. However, treatment of 0.1% IBA + 0.05% Captan+0.1% Sucrose is recommended as most economical treatment for mass propagation of Colutea nepalensis in mist chamber during spring season.

Sharma, Sushma and Thakur, Nikhlesh 2005. Clenbuterol induced changes in rat gastrocnemius muscle after oral and intraperitoneal administration. Proc.of the National Academy of Sciences, 75B(1): 1-7. Department of Bio-Sciences, H.P. University, Summer Hill, Shimla 171 005, India. [ADRENOCEPTORS; BETA-AGONIST; CLENBUTEROL; DRY MUSCLE MASS; GASTROCNEMIUS; HYPERTROPHY; INTRAPERITONEAL]

            Growth of muscle involves hypertrophy of its fibres which leads to an increase in size and weight of muscles. β₂-agonist clenbuterol when administered orally and intraperitoneally appear to improve muscular strength due to its potential role in increasing muscle mass which causes increase in body weight and at the same time results in cardiac hypertrophy. Growth of skeletal muscle and its enlargement resulting from regular exercise are due to an increase in the size of individual muscle fibers rather than to an increase in their number. General hypertrophy of constituent cells result from chronic exercises and excessive work load. It exerts its effect on skeletal muscle via β₂-adrenoceptors resulting in rapid increase in muscle mass. Oral and intraperitoneal administration of clenbuterol (5 mg kg^-1day^-1) to adult rats for two weeks resulted in their increased body weight and heart weight. Fiber diameter of gastrocnemius muscle increased progressively on different days showing muscle hypertrophy. Increased dry muscle mass and total protein content further supported its hypertrophy, which is largely responsible for the increase in live weight of animals. Increased heart weight suggests cardiac hypertrophy as well. Oral mode of clenbuterol treatment brought significant increase in fibre diameter of intermediate fibers when compared with intraperitoneal mode of administration thereby inferring that clenbuterol is more effective when given orally.

Sharma, Y.K.; Singh, Harbans and Mehra, B.L. 2004. Hepatoprotective effect of few Ayurvedic herbs in patients receiving anti tuberculus treatment. Indian Journal of Traditional Knowledge, 3(4): 391-396. P.G. Department of Kayachikitsa, RGGPG Ayurveda College, Paprola 176 115, Himachal Pradesh, India. [AYURVEDA; HEPATITIS; HEPATOPROTECTIVE ACTIVITY; TUBERCULOSIS]

            Under the anti tuberculosis treatment (ATT) drug therapy, inclusion of a hepatoprotective drugs is not mandatory but in Indian scenario these are prescribed by most of the physicians. In present clinical trial three groups of patients receiving ant tuberculosis treatment have been studied to evaluate the hepatoprotective effect of few Ayurvedic herbs. The first group of 10 patients was given capsules Liv-600 containing hydroalcoholic extract of Daruharidra (Berberis aristata) roots, Kakmachi (Solanum nigrum) whole plant, Ghritakumari (Aloe vera) ariel parts. Second group was given a standardized decoction of herb Bhumyamalaki (Phyllanthus fraternus). Third group was kept on ATT and a placebo starch capsule for equal duration. The trial was conducted for 12 weeks from initiation of ATT and liver functions were periodically evaluated to assess the hepatoprotective effect of drugs under trial. At the end of trial, Group first and second exhibited their hepatoprotective efficiency over the placebo.

Sharma, Yogendra and Sharma, J.C. 2004. Effect of irrigation and nutrient regimes on moisture distribution pattern and available nutrients under young chir pine (Pinus Roxburghii) plantation in mid hill conditions of Himachal Pradesh. The Indian Forester, 130(8): 911-920. Department of Soil Science and Water Management, Dr. Y.S. Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni-Solan, Himachal Pradesh. [BIOMASS; CHIRPINE; DISTRIBUTION PATTERN; HIMACHAL PRADESH]

            A field experiment was conducted during May 2001 to May 2002 to study the effect of irrigation and nutrient regimes on soil moisture status, availability of nutrients and biomass in under young Chir pine (Pinus roxburghii) plantation. Nine treatment combinations comprising of three irrigation regimes and three nutrient regimes were tested. The study revealed that the higher irrigation (IR₂) and nutrient (NR₂) regimes and their interaction (IR₂NR₂) significantly increased the availability of N,P and K over control (IR_oNR_o). The availability of N,P and K decreased by 12.4-16.0, 4.07-5.18 and 12.5-14.0 kg/ha, respectively in 0-15 cm depth during a period of six months and also decreased with depth. The plantation under dry irrigation regime (IR_o) encountered severe moisture stress during September to January and March to May and growth was adversely affected. The higher irrigation (IR₂) and nutrient (NR₂) regimes and their positive interaction (IR₂NR₂) effect registered 21.87, 24.77 and 48.10 per cent higher above ground biomass over control.

Silori, C.S.^* 2004. Fuel wood collection and consumption pattern in the buffer zone of Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve, western Himalaya, India. The Indian Forester, 130(10): 1186-1200. Wildlife Institute of India, Chandrabani, Dehradun, Uttaranchal, India; ^*Presently at: Gujarat Institute of Desert Ecology, Bhuj-Kachchh, Gujarat, India. [BUFFER ZONE; CLIMATIC CONDITIONS; CONSERVATION; FUEL-WOOD; NANDA DEVI BIOSPHERE RESERVE]

            The article describes patterns of fuel wood collection and per capita daily consumption across seasons and altitudes in the buffer zone of Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve, Western Himalayas. Three villages, located at different altitudes were monitored during 1994-1995 in order to identify fuel wood collection pattern during 1995-1996 to quantify fuel wood consumption patterns. Rate of fuel wood collection was found to be highest just before the onset of winter during September-October. With declining altitude, per capita daily and seasonal consumption of fuel wood also declined. Average per capita daily consumption was, however, substantially higher in the study villages when compared to other studies. At the household level there was a negative correlation between family size and per capita daily consumption of wood. Easy accessibility to fuel wood in the surrounding forests, cold climatic conditions and the lack of alternatives resources have been identified as the major factors for the higher consumption rates of fuel wood, especially in the higher altitude villages. The findings of the study have been concluded in the light of the sustainable use of wood fuel for the long-term conservation of the buffer zone forest.

Silori, Chandra Shekhar 2004. Socio-economic and ecological consequences of the ban on adventure tourism in Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve, western Himalaya. Biodiversity and Conservation, 13(12): 2237-2252. The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), Darbari Seth Block, Habitat Place, Lodhi Road, New Delhi 110 001, India. [ADVENTURE TOURISM; BIOTIC PRESSURE; ECO-TOURISM; NANDA DEVI BIOSPHERE RESERVE; PEOPLE'S PARTICIPATION; SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT]

            Prior to 1982, the uncontrolled mountaineering activities to the Nanda Devi peak led to the heavy destruction of the biological resources of the region in the form of poaching of wild animals, tree felling by expedition parties, collection of medicinal herbs and accumulation of garbage. To curb the biotic interference, the area was declared as Nanda Devi National Park (NDNP) and adventure tourism was stopped in 1982. Further in 1988, an area of 2236.74km² was designated as Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve (NDBR) with an inner core zone (NDNP) surrounded by a buffer zone. A ban on tourism activities, followed by the designation of NDBR directly helped in a significant improvement in forest cover and density. The better status of wild animals, including rare and endangered species such as musk deer (Moschus chrysogaster) and blue sheep (Psuedois nayaur), is an indicator of such improvements. However, from a socio-economic point of view the loss of income from adventure tourism forced local people to migrate from the area, a phenomenon that was reflected in the human population trends, registering 15% decline between 1981 and 1991 and another 13% between 1991 and 1996. In the absence of alternative income sources, marginal agriculture and animal husbandry became the major sources of income for the locals. Nonetheless, the low density of human population kept the level of biotic pressure under control in NDBR. Promotion of eco-tourism and natural resource based employment generation schemes are suggested to compensate for the economic loss to the local people and to maintain the biodiversity of NDBR.

Singh, Asha and Lakhanpal, T.N. 2005. Seasonal distribution of active ectomycorrhizal roots in natural forest of Pinus roxburghii. The Indian Forester, 131(4): 583-590. Faculty of Life Sciences, Department of Biosciences, H.P. University, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh. [NATURAL FOREST; PHYSICO-CHEMICAL PROPERTIES; SOIL MOISTURE]

            The results of present study on ectomycorrhizal distribution and physico-chemical properties of three different soil layers of P. roxburghii forest have shown occurrence of more number of mycorrhizal roots during rainy season. The humus layer was observed to support more number of ectomycorrhizal roots. The nutrients (NPK) content in different soil layers were found to be higher during rainy season possibly due to occurrence of more number of active mycorrhizae.

Singh, Dhan; Srivastava, R.K. and Khanduri, V.P. 2005. Marketing strategies and trade of medicinal plants in Uttaranchal: Present and future prospects. The Indian Forester, 131(3): 330-340. Herbal Research & Development Institute, UCMF, 125 Old Nehru Colony, Dehradun; Silviculture Division, FRI, Dehradun; Forest Research Institute, Dehradun, Uttaranchal. [CONSERVATION; MEDICINAL PLANT; UTTARANCHAL]

            Medicinal plants have attracted considerable interest in recent years. Commercial enterprises and local dwellers are regularly exploiting natural heritage of these medicinal plants. There is an urgent need of conservation of these valuable medicinal plants through cultivation. Poor marketing structure in the country is the primary challenge towards its promotion and cultivation. In Uttaranchal, attention has been given to conservation/cultivation and its open trading system by the government. The present paper highlights the cultivation and open trading aspects of medicinal plants in the state.

Singh, J.N. 2004. Edaphic characteristics of woodland habitat of Nokrek Biosphere Reserve, Meghalaya and their relationship with its flora. The Indian Forester, 130(8): 921-938. Botanical Survey of India, Howrah, West Bengal, India. [CLIMATIC CONDITIONS; FLORA; MEGHALAYA; NOKREK BIOSPHERE RESERVE]

            The present investigation deals with edaphic characteristics of woodland habitat of Nokrek Biosphere Reserve and their relationship with its flora. It is concluded from the results that majority of the soil types of the habitat possess high proportion of sands in their mechanical composition. Soils as a whole are acidic in reaction, poor in energy materials, available nitrogen and phosphorus, poor to moderate in water holding capacity, but highly conducive in porosity. It is further elucidated that soils contain high quantum of silica (93.2 percent) an inert element and against this element the integrating agents like energy materials (organic) and sesquioxides, ironoxide and liming materials (inorganic) are relatively low. The habitat receives maximum injury/damage from its jhum. The commencement of the jhum causes terrestrial media to lose their acquired characteristics rapidly and leave the flora/vegetations exposed to interact directly with soils inherent characteristics, which have been observed to be unconducive for their proper growth and development. Soils mechanical and physical characteristics are mainly responsible for the plant species distribution within the biosphere reserve than their chemical characteristics.

Singh, Virendra; Lavania, S.K.; Sah, V.K. and Kumar, Shashi¹ 2005. Studies on the effect of date of fruit collection on seed germination and early seedling growth in Himalayan ash (Fraxinus micrantha Lingelsh). The Indian Forester, 131(1): 31-36. College of Forestry & Hill Agriculture G.B.P.U.A & T., Hill Campus, Ranichauri, Tehri Garhwal, Uttaranchal; ¹Forest Research Institute, Dehradun, Uttaranchal. [MOISTURE CONTENT; SEED GERMINATION; VIGOUR INDEX]

            The present study was conducted to find out the optimum time of seed (fruit) collection in Fraxinus micrantha. The fruits were collected at fortnightly interval. The results of the present study revealed that the maximum germination of 44.50 per cent was found in treatment T₃ (15th October collection or 180 days after anthesis) at a time when the fruit colour changed from green to grey orange. The moisture and dry weight/100 seed at this stage was 17.82 per cent and 1.40 g, respectively. The shoot length, root length, shoot dry weight and root dry weight of 45 days old seedlings were also found better in this treatment. Therefore, the seeds of this species should be collected in the second fortnight of October (180 days after anthesis) at a time when the fruit colour changed to grey orange for better germination, seedling growth and vigour index.

Srivastava, S.K. and Sekar, K. Chandra 2004. Ethnomedicine of the Pin Valley National Park, Himachal Pradesh: Plants used in treating dysentery. Ethnobotany, 16(1&2): 62-63. Botanical Survey of India, Dehradun 248 195, Uttaranchal, India. [DYSENTERY; ETHNOMEDICINE; NATIONAL PARK; TRIBALS]

            The paper describes ethno medicinal applications of 10 plant species by the tribals of Pin Valley National Park, Himachal Pradesh in treating dysentery. It forms the first ethno botanical report on their use in curing this ailment. Information on botanical name, family, local name, locality, mode of application and dosage is given.

Sundriyal, Manju; Sundriyal, R.C. and Sharma, E. 2004. Dietary use of wild plant resources in the Sikkim Himalaya, India. Economic Botany, 58(4): 626-638. G.B. Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment and Development, North East Unit, Vivek Vihar, Itanagar 791113, Arunachal Pradesh, India. [DIETARY USES; SIKKIM HIMALAYA; SPECIES RICHNESS; TRADITIONAL FOOD DISHES; WILD EDIBLE PLANT]

            The edible wild plants are greatly valued throughout the Himalayan region and serve as an important source of food for indigenous communities. This paper describes the botanical richness, elevational distribution and dietary use of the edible wild plant resources from the Sikkim Himalaya (Eastern Himalaya), many with promising potential. A total of 190 wild plant species have been screened from the Sikkim Himalaya, this derived from 143 genera and 78 families and accounting for nearly 15% of total edible wild plants resources of India. Of the total, 65% were edible for their fruits, 22% for leaves/shoots, 7% for flowers and 3% for roots/rhizomes. Nearly 91 wild edible species were recorded from low-hills, 70 from mid-hills and 28 species from high-hill areas. Within Sikkim state, the North and East districts represent maximum diversity of edible wild plants due to the wilderness and inaccessibility to most of the habitats. An average rural family annually consumes nearly 8 types of edible wild plants, and a few species provide over five meals in a season. Selected plants also form a source of earning to a few families that sell them in local markets. It is suggested that the high diversity of edible plants needs to be conserved for future use. Some species may be grown in traditional agroforestry systems and on marginal lands of otherwise low agricultural value. Such measures may help protect wild plant resources in their natural habitats.

Sundriyal, R.C. 2005. Medicinal plant cultivation and conservation in the Himalaya : An agenda for action. The Indian Forester, 131(3): 410-424. G.B. Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment & Development, North East Unit, Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh. [AGRO-CLIMATIC ZONES; CONSERVATION; MEDICINAL PLANT]

            This paper highlights strategy for large scale cultivation and long-term conservation of medicinal plants involving different stakeholders in the Himalaya. It is emphasized that the focus of the cultivation could be protection of endangered species and/or achieving the target of higher income by raising and cultivating market demanding species. The paper discusses selection of potential Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (MAPs) broadly recommended for the region and ways and means of domestication, value addition, product formulation, processing, conservation, infrastructure, and R&D support desired for cultivation of medicinal plants. Designs for marketing and possible funding sources are also given. It is highlighted that if cultivation of MAPs is planned properly, it could emerge as a potential sector to support large number of people with high revenue generation.

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Tamuli, P. ¹ and Saikia, R. 2004. Ethno-medico-botany of the Zeme tribe of North Cachar Hills district of Assam. Indian Journal of Traditional Knowledge, 3(4): 430-436. Division of Medicinal, Aromatic & Economic Plants, Regional Research Laboratory, Jorhat 785 006, Assam; ¹Department of Botany, Darrang College, Tezpur, Assam. [ETHNO-MEDICINE; FOLK MEDICINES; HERBAL REMEDIES; ZEMES; ASSAM]

            Folklore medicinal uses of 33 plant species belonging to 22 families for various ailments among the Zeme Nagas, one of the prominent ethnic tribes of North Cachar Hills district of Assam, India is reported. The study was undertaken during 1999-2000 covering the area of Zeme inhabiting villages of N.C. Hills district of Assam.

Thakur, Vikram C. and Pandey, A.K. 2004. Late quaternary tectonic evolution of Dun in fault bend/propagated fold system, Garhwal Sub-Himalaya. Current Science, 87(11): 1567-1576. Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology, Dehradun 248 001, Uttaranchal, Present address: National Geophysical Research Institute, Uppal Road, Hyderabad 500 007, India. [GARHWAL HIMALAYA; HIMALAYAN FRONTAL THRUST; MAIN BOUNDARY THRUST; SANDSTONES; TECTONIC EVOLUTION]

            Two distinct styles and amplitudes of folding occur in Dun. In the northern part, the overturned Santaurgarh anticline with both limbs dipping steep to moderate was developed as fault propagated fold over the Santaurgarh Thrust (ST). The uplifted hanging wall of the ST constituted the dissected Siwalik, and the down-faulted footwall formed the pedimented Siwalik. To the South in the frontal range, the Siwalik strata were folded into Mohand anticline as fault-bend fold over the Himalayan Frontal Thrust (HFT). The uplifted terraces on the fore-limb of the anticline resulted due to displacement on the HFT in Holocene. The Bhauwala Thrust, Majhaun Fault and Asan Fault were formed as out-of-sequence thrusts within the Main Boundary Thrust-HFT wedge of folded Siwalik and overlying Dun gravels subsequent to ST. Extrapolation of earlier published OSL age data and our observations suggest initiation of HFT between 500 and 100 Ka; the ST was initiated in post-500 Ka and continued to propagate till post-40 Ka. The Bhauwala Thrust was developed between 29 and 20 Ka, and the Asan fault post-dated 10 Ka.

Tiwari, Lalit and Pande, P.C. 2004. Traditional veterinary practices in south-eastern part of Chamoli district, Uttaranchal. Indian Journal of Traditional Knowledge, 3(4): 397-406. Department of Botany, Kumaon University, S.S.J. Campus, Almora 263 601, Uttaranchal, India. [ETHNOVETERINARY MEDICINE; GARHWAL; CHAMOLI; UTTARANCHAL ]

            Most of the people of south-eastern part of the Chamoli district, Uttaranchal live in remote areas and usually depend on the traditional medicines. The present investigation has brought to light some popular and frequently used prescription for domestic animals. In all, 72 plants important in ethno veterinary, their mode of preparations and applications to the diseases and disorders are given.

Tiwari, R.K. and Lakshmi, S. Sri 2005. Some common and contrasting features of earthquake dynamics in major tectonic zones of Himalayas using nonlinear forecasting approach. Current Science, 88(4): 640-647. National Geophysical Research Institute, Hyderabad 500 007, India. [EARTHQUAKE; SEISMICITY; TECTONIC ZONE]

            Although the Northeast, Western and Central Himalayas distinctly differ in their tectonic activities, this distinction is not examined from a dynamical perspective. The identification of dynamical pattern is, however, central for characterizing the appropriate models of seismic hazard analysis in such critical tectonic regions. We examine here the temporal evolution of seismicity (M³4) of the Central Himalaya (CH), Western Himalaya (WH) and Northeast Himalayas (NEH) for the period 1960-2003 using the modern nonlinear forecasting scheme to decipher the comparative determinism of underlying dynamical patterns, which may yield insight into earthquake processes. The nonlinear analyses of monthly resolution earthquake frequency time series suggest that earthquake processes in all three regions evolved on a high-dimensional chaotic plane, though with a contrasting predictive pattern. The predictive correlation analysis suggests that the available earthquake data of the NEH and WH can be predicted by more than 40-50%, whereas CH data only by 0-30%, implying that the earthquake dynamics in the NEH and WH are better ‘organized’ than in the CH. The significant distinction in the earthquake dynamical patters seems to be associated with the underlying seismo-tectonics of these three regions. These results may place significant constraints for developing criteria to test the models of Himalayan earthquakes on a more rigorous and quantitative basis.

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