Selected Abstracts

Adak, Dipak Kumar 2001. Child mortality in three tribal populations of Shillong. Journal of Human Ecology, 12(2): 147-152. Anthropological Survey of India, Sagar Field Station, Sagar 470003, Madhya Pradesh, India. [CHILDHOOD MORTALITY CAUSES; MEDICAL FACILITIES; MORTALITY RATES]
            The present paper deals with the early childhood mortality among the Khasi, Garo and Mizo tribe of Shillong in respect of causes of death, mortality rates and medical facilities. The study reveals that diarrhoea, respiratory troubles, asphyxia and jaundice are the main factors causing child mortality in these three populations. Infant and under five mortality both are found to be very low among the Mizo than India's urban rate, whereas among the Garo these rate are slightly higher but among the Khasi these rate are considerably lower in comparison with India's urban population. When the medical facilities availed by these communities are taken into consideration it is found that the Mizo availed considerably more facilities than the Khasi and Garo, and in turn, the Khasi availed more medical facilities than the Garo.

Agni, Tarun; Pandit, Atul; Pant, Kavita and Tewari, Ashish 2000. Analysis of tree vegetation in the tarai-bhabhar tract of Kumaun Central Himalaya. Indian Journal of Forestry, 23(3): 252-261. Department of Forestry, Kumaun University, Nainital 263 002. [CROWN COVER; DIVERSITY INDEX; GIRTH CLASSES; RELATIVE DENSITY; TREE VEGETATION]
            The present study was undertaken to assess the regeneration pattern, tree diversity and qualitative characters of forest in the Tarai-Bhabhar belt of Kumaun Central Himalaya, India located between 29^o25' to 29^o40' N and 78^o45' to 79^o5' E longitude and between an altitudinal transect of 200-800 m. The total tree density varied from 4.3 trees/100m² to 11.2 trees/100m² and the tree diversity from 0 to 2.18. Absence of young regeneration of all the important dominant species showed the inability of these forests to produce progenies due to repeated burning by the U.P. State Forest Department and severe biotic pressure, by both wild and domestic animals.

Anand, R.K. 2000. Bio-diversity and tribal association of Acalypha indica L in Indo-Nepal Himalayan terai region. Proc.Nat.Acad.Sci. India, 70(B-II): 153-158. Department of Botany, R.L.S.Y. College, Bettiah - 845438, India. [BIODIVERSITY; CYTO-MORPHOLOGY; ETHNOBOTANY]
            A comparative cyto-morphological base study of ethnobotanical sacred plant Acalypha indica L is reported from Indo-Nepal Himalayan terai region from two epicentres of different habitat and altitude (120 474 msl.) There was no marked difference in characters, maintained same ethnographic use since time immemorial by tribal community Tharu due to its ethnomedicinal and non-plastic status. Apart from basic data, the study revealed that despite non-flexible nature, the plant colonises naturally in diverse circumstances. The paper highlights the specific under-shrub plant diversity and a hypothesis of bio-diversity and tribal association.

Bag, Niladri; Chandra, Suman; Palni, L.M.S. and Nandi, S.K. 2000. Micropropagation of Dev-ringal [Thamnocalamus spathiflorus (Trin.) Munro] - a temperate bamboo, and comparison between in vitro propagated plants and seedlings. Plant Science, 156(2): 125-135. G.B. Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment and Development, Kosi-Katarmal, Almora 263643, Uttaranchal, India. [MICROPROPAGATION; TEMPERATE BAMBOO; THAMNOCALAMUS SPATHIFLORUS; WATER USE EFFICIENCY]
            An efficient protocol for in vitro propagation of Thamnocalamus spathiflorus (Trin.) Munro, an evergreen temperate bamboo, through multiple shoot formation from zygotic embryos excised from germinating seeds, as well as from nodal explants taken from a 2-year-old plant has been developed. Multiple shoot formation was standardized in both the cases on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with 5.0 m M 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) and 1.0 m M indole-3-butyric acid (IBA). Clumps of three to four microshoots when transferred to plant growth regulator-free medium following 14 days initial culture on medium supplemented with 150.0 m M IBA, resulted in 100% rooting with five to 12 roots per rooted plant. Then, 18 months following the transfer of in vitro propagated plants into earthen pots containing soil and growth under outdoor conditions, gas and water vapour exchange rates were measured at different light levels (0, 100, 500, 1000, 1500, 2000 m mol^-2 s^-1), and compared with seedlings of the same age. Light optima for photosynthesis were recorded ~1000 m mol m^-2s^-1 in in vitro propagated plants as well as seedlings. Water use efficiency increased with increase in the light intensity up to 1000 m mol m^-2 s^-1 and then decreased subsequently at higher light intensities. Stomatal conductance and transpiration also increased with the increase in light intensity up to 2000 m mol^-2s^-1. Intercellular CO₂ concentration (C_i) and the ratio of intercellular CO₂ concentration to ambient CO₂(C_i /C_a) decreased with the increase in light intensity up to 500 m mol^-2s^-1 and then reached nearly constant levels at higher light intensities. The results show that in vitro propagated and hardened plants of T. spathiflorus are morphologically as well as functionally comparable to seed raised plants of the same age, within the limits of this study.

Bhadauria, T.; Ramakrishnan, P.S. and Srivastava, K.N. 2000. Diversity and distribution of endemic and exotic earthworms in natural and regenerating ecosystems in the central Himalayas, India. Soil Biology & Biochemistry, 32(14): 2045-2054. School of Environmental Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi 110067; Department of Zoology, Environmental Research Centre, Feroz Gandhi College, Raebareli 229001, India. [EARTHWORMS; ECOSYSTEM; REGENERATION]
            A comparative analysis of earthworm communities was carried out in the central Himalayas to understand the impact of deforestation and degradation of natural forest sites. Earthworm communities were studied in the climax forest, sub climax mixed forest, regenerating open grassland and 6 and 40 year-old pine forest sites with varying degree of disturbance at monthly intervals over a period of 1 year. Eight species belonging to four families were recorded from these sites, Lumbricidae (Bimostus parvus, Octolasion tyrtaeum), Octochaetidae (Octochaetona beatrix), Megascolecidae (Amynthas corticis, Eutyphoeus festivus, E. nanianus, E. wawaltonii) and Moniligastridae (Drawida sp.). The loss of natural climax vegetation led to the loss of endemic E. nanianus, endemic E. festivus and E. waltoni and three exotic species A. corticis, B. parvus and O. beatrix sp. and Drawida sp. appeared in the regenerating sites. Due to the process of deforestation and degradation a general decline in the density of the endemic species and the dominance by exotics were observed. The maximum number of species were recorded in 40 year-old pine forest. The present study emphasised the fact that in the central Himalayas the functional guild (endogees-anecies) change under different vegetation type; organic matter characteristics could be an important factor for this. Biological invasion was also observed in the climax forest due to the presence of exotic O. tyrtaeum. Except for A. corticis all other species had significantly higher density during the rainy season. A. corticis had maximum winter population in both 6 and 40 year-old pine forest. Population size of earthworms were significantly correlated with soil moisture, temperature and organic matter. Fire in the subclimax mixed forest caused significant decline in the population density of earthworm species. The accidental fire in the subclimax forest affected population recovery differently for different species. Thus O. tyrtaeum and E. nanianus improved significantly after 60 and 120 days after the fire.

Bhatt, H.P. and Bhatt, Sangeeta 2000. Spatial inequality in Garhwal Himalaya. Geographical Review of India, 62(2): 142-149. Department of Geography, H.N.B. Garhwal University, Campus Tehri, Tehri Garhwal 249 001. [DEVELOPMENT LEVEL; PATTERN OF DEVELOPMENT; SOCIO-ECONOMIC DIVERSITY; TAXONOMIC METHOD]
            Development is a process in which dissimilar communities and groups of people react to new economic opportunities. India is a predominantly rural country and rural development is national development. But conditions of the poor is more severe in rural areas. The aim of the present study is to analyse spatial inequality in Garhwal Himalaya which is part of the Himalayas. Tehri Garhwal is the poorest district of Garhwal Himalaya. Such inequalities are due to ignorance of socio-economic and physiographic diversity of different regions, lack of employment opportunities in the hills and the polikcy of protective discrimination.

Bhatt, I.D. and Dhar, Uppeandra 2000. Combined effect of cytokinins on multiple shoot production from cotyledonary node explants of Bauhinia vahlii. Plant Cell, Tissue and Organ Culture, 60(1): 79-83. G.B. Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment & Development, Kosi-Katarmal, Almora 263643, India. [ACCLIMATIZATION; CYTOKININS; MICROPROPAGATION; SUBCULTURE; THIDIAZURON]
            Using seedling explants, and improved regeneration protocol was developed for Bauhinia vahlii. A combination of thidiazuron and kinetin (1.0 m M each) increased the number of shoots significantly (p<0.05) up to four successive subculture cycles. Over 83% shoots rooted on one-fourth strength Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with 1.0 m M a-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA). Fifty percent of plantlets (15 No.) successfully acclimatized in 90 g (w/v) soilrite + sand + soil (2:1:1) in the shed house. Preconditioning at different sucrose concentrations prior to acclimatization showed no effect on percent survival but improved plant quality.

Bhatt, I.D. and Dhar, Uppeandra 2000. Micropropagation of Indian wild strawberry. Plant Cell, Tissue and Organ Culture, 60(2): 83-88. G.B. Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment & Development, Kosi-Katarmal, Almora 263643, India. [BROWNING; EX VITRO; FRAGARIA INDICA; NODAL SEGMENTS; SERIAL TRANSFER]
            An efficient method of micropropagation based on an increased percentage survival of explants and reduced phenolinduced browing in wild strawberry has been developed. Serial transfer of nodal explants was carried out at 24-,48- and 96-h intervals. Nodal segments cultured on Murashige and Skoog medium supplemented with 6-benzyladenine (4.0 m M) and a-naphthalene acetic acid (0.1 m M) gave the best (94.4%) explant establishment and shoot number (22.3) per explant. Of the cytokinins tested, 6-benzyladenine was found more effective than kinetin and N⁶-(g ,g dimethylallyamino) purine. Excised shoots rooted on half-strength agar-gelled medium with 1.0 m M a-naphthalene acetic acid. Rooted shoots with fully expanded leaves acclimatized successfully and about 70% of plantlets survived ex vitro.

Bhatt, I.D.; Rawal, R.S. and Dhar, U. 2000. Improvement in seed germination of Myrica esculenta Buch.-Ham. ex D. Don - a high value tree species of Kumaun Himalaya, India. Seed Science and Technology, 28(3): 597-605. G.B. Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment and Development, Kosi-Katarmal, Almora 263643, Uttaranchal, India. [KUMAUN HIMALAYA; MEAN GERMINATION TIME; SEED GERMINATION]
            The paper describes various experiments carried out to break the dormancy, improve germination ability and reduce the mean germination time (MGT). Germination ability of seeds from different sources (population) were compared to determine the effect of source environment. However, results revealed no significant variation in germination among sources. Compared to control, most of the pretreatments improved percent germination. The imbibed seeds prechilled at 4^oC for 20 days showed best (48.6%) response. Significant reduction of MGT and substantial improvement in germination (MGT 28.6 d; Germination 42.1%) was, however, observed for 100 ppm GA₃ (in scarified seeds) pretreatment. Considering practical feasibility and cost effectiveness, the mechanical scarification at micropyle end (MGT-31.6 d; mean germination 40.0%) was recommended as one of the best options especially for rural inhabitants. An attempt has been made to identify various attributes contributing toward seed germination responses in Myrica esculenta. The physical dormancy caused by an impermeable seed coat appears to be the main reason of poor germination.

Bhattacharya, A.; Nagar, P.K. and Ahuja, P.S. 2000. Seed germination of Rumex hastatus D. Don. Seed Science and Technology, 28(1): 67-74. Division of Biotechnology, Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology, Palampur 176 061, India. [RUMEX HASTATUS; SEED GERMINATION; STERILIZED SOIL; STORAGE TIME]
            The present study investigate the germination requirements of the seeds of Rumex hastatus with respect to temperature, light and substrate. Both field and laboratory studies indicate that temperature 27-28^oC, light and soil condition are important factors governing germination of seeds produced either in June or December. Unfavourable temperature regimes prevent winter seeds from germinating for seven months but favourable temperature enables summer seeds to germinate within a month after collection. Summer seeds are at an advantage because seed viability declines with storage time.

Bindroo, B.B.; Dhar, Anil; Koul, S. and Trag, A.R. 2000. Studies on dormancy and sprouting behaviour of mulberry (Morus species) under sub-tropical agroclimate. Indian Journal of Forestry, 23(4): 411-414. Regional Sericultural Research Station, Miransahib, Jammu 181101, India. [CLIMATIC CONDITIONS; DORMANCY INDEX; SUB-TROPICAL AGROCLIMATE]
            Dormancy and sprouting behaviour of six promising mulberry genotypes were studied under sub-tropical agroclimate. Genotype S₁₄₆(Morus alba) exhibited the shortest dormancy period of 44 days; whereas, the longest period of 72 days was recorded in Sujanpur (M. indica), the local popular variety of this region. The leaf shedding was first noticed in genotypes Chak Majra and Sujanpur, while delayed leaf fall was observed in genotype Mandalay (M. indica). The genotypes S₁₄₆ and Chak Majra were observed to sprout earlier than other genotypes.

Bordoloi, Sabitry; Borah, Mohini Mohan; Chakravorty, Paramita and Sinha, Bikramjit 2001. First record of the Ranid frog Paa annandalii (Boulenger 1920) from NE region (Arunachal Pradesh) of India with a note on its larval stages. Current Science, 80(9): 1219-1222. Ecology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Cotton College, Guwahati 781001 [BREEDING SEASON; MORPHOMETRIC FEATURE; RANID FROG]
            Arunachal Pradesh has remained under explored for its amphibian faunal wealth. Paa annandalii adults and tadpoles were collected from a snowfed stream in Tawang, Tawang district of Arunachal Pradesh. In India this frog was first recorded by Annandale from Darjeeling district in West Bengal. This species was included in the genus Rana. Dubois later included this species in the genus Paa. Detailed taxonomic description of the adults and tadpoles, and food habits of the tadpoles are presented in this paper.

Borthakur, M.; Dutta, K.; Nath, S.C. and Singh, R.S. 2000. Micropropagation of Eclipta alba and Eupatorium adenophorum using a single-step nodal cutting technique. Plant Cell, Tissue and Organ Culture, 62(3): 239-242. Division of Plant Sciences & Ecology, Regional Research Laboratory (CSIR), Jorhat 785006, India. [IN VITRO PROPAGATION; MEDICINAL PLANT SPECIES; MICROPROPAGATION]
            Protocols for the micropropagation of two traditional medicinal plant Eclipta alba (L.) and Eupatorium adenophorum (L.) from nodal segments were developed. Proliferated microshoots of Eclipta alba and Eupatorium adenophorum were obtained through axillary branching by culturing nodal segments in modified MS medium and half strength of MS, respectively, with minimal strength of nutritional support. Simultaneous rooting could also be induced in the same medium. Regenerated rooted plantlets were successfully acclimatized in soil where they grew normally without showing any morphological variation.

Chandra, Amar K. and Ray, Indrajit 2001. Influences of age, sex and caste on goiter prevalence of the people in Tripura, North East India. Journal of Human Ecology, 12(4): 313-317. Department of Physiology, University of Calcutta, 92, Acharya Prafulla Chandra Road, Kolkata 700009, West Bengal; Department of Life Sciences, Tripura University, Agartala 799004, Tripura, India. [CASTE GROUPS; ENVIRONMENTAL ADAPTABILITY; FOOD HABITS; GOITER]
            Goiter prevalence of selected population in respect of age, sex and caste was evaluated in the conventional iodine deficient Tripura of north east India during post-salt iodization phase. The study was carried out on 10,801 school-children in the age group 6-15 years of both sexes from randomly selected 22 representative localities. In selected localities, children were clinically examined for goiter catagorising them in respect in respect of ages, sexes and castes. Obtained results showed goiter was prevalent at endemic level (more than 5%) in all study localities. With advancement age the rate was found to increase up to the age of 11 years in both sexes. However in boys a gradual decline in goiter rate was found and returned to basal level by 15 years while in girls the rate of increase remained steady up to 15 years. Female population was effected more than the male in prevalence and severity. They were exposed under uniform system of iodine supply and dietary goitrogens, however endemic goiter was mostly prevalent in general castes, moderately among scheduled castes and minimum among scheduled tribes. These variations might be due to non-uniform environmental adaptability associated with different dietary practices.

Das, D.D. and Dutta, M.N. 2000. A note on earlobe attachment among the Thado Kukis and Kabui Nagas of Manipur. Anthropologist, 2(4): 263-264. Anthropology Department, Dibrugarh University, Dibrugarh 786 004, Assam, India. [EARLOBE ATTACHMENT; KABUI NAGAS; THADO KUKIS; VARIATION]
            The earlobe attachment among the Thado Kukis and Kabui Nagas (both saxes) of Manipur are included in this paper. In both the population are free type dominates over the attached type in both saxes.

Dhannai, C.S.; Panwar, Vijender P. and Sharma, C.M. 2000. Effect of aspect and soil on the structure of Quercus leucotrichophora natural stands in Western Himalaya. Indian Journal of Forestry, 23(3): 349-356. Himalayan Forest Research Institute, Press Villa, U.S. Club, Shimla, 171001, H.P., India. [NUTRIENT CYCLING; PINUS ROXBURGHII; SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT]
            The impact of aspect, altitude, slope and soil has been studied on the moist temperate forest of Quercus leucotrichophora A. Campus in Garhwal Himalaya. Four faces namely North-East, North-West, South-East and South-West have been studied to understand the growth behaviour of Q. leucotrichophora with varying altitudes. The total basal cover was found highest (1727.19 cm²/100 m²) on the North-East facing slope. Q. leucotrichophora was found associated with Pinus roxburghii as a main companion species on three faces except North-West. The soil of Q. leucotrichophora forest on various aspects has moderate soil pH, where maximum amount of potassium (800 kg ha^-1) and phosphorus (36.84 kg hac^-1) was observed on North-East and South-West aspects respectively, which has supported the growth of Q. leucotrichophora forests on these aspects. It is recommended that the plantations of Q. leucotrichophora should be done on North-East and South-West aspects for optimum yield and sustainable development.

Dhar, Uppearndra; Upreti, Jyoti and Bhatt, I.D. 2000. Micropropagation of Pittosporum napaulensis (DC.) Rehder &Wilson - a rare, endemic Himalayan medicinal tree. Plant Cell, Tissue and Organ Culture, 63(3): 231-235. G.B. Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment & Development, Kosi-Katarmal, Almora 263643, Uttaranchal, India. [ENDEMICS; MEDICINAL; MICROPROPAGATION; PITTOSPORUM NAPAULENSIS]
            An in vitro propagation protocol has been developed from mature trees of Pittosporum napaulensis. The best bud proliferation (83.1%), shoot number (21 axillary shoots/explant) and shoot length (5.5 cm) was achieved in Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with 5.0 m M N^-6 benzyladenine and 0.1 m M a-naphthalene acetic acid. Of the three cytokinins tested (N^-6 benzyladenine, kinetin and thidiazuron), N^-6 benzyladenine proved to be the best for shoot induction. Shoot regeneration potential varied among genotypes. Regenerated shoots rooted after 48 hours treatment on half-strength MS liquid medium supplemented with 20 m M indole-3-butyric acid. Rooted shoots transferred to 120 g (w/v) soilrite + sand + soil (1:1:1) mixture showed 70% survival. Twenty-one plantlets are growing well in green house conditions.

Dhaubhadel, Rashmi and Bahal, Ram 2000. An assessment of knowledge of forest users about participatory forest management plan in Nepal. Indian J. Soil Cons.,, 28(1): 75-79. Division of Agricultural Extension, Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi 110012, India. [FOREST MANAGEMENT; NATURAL FOREST; NEPAL; PLANTATION FOREST]
            A study was conducted in two village development committees of Mahottari district of Nepal to study the knowledge level of forest user group members of two forest types; i.e. Natural forest and Plantation forest. A total of eighty respondents were interviewed with the help of a structured schedule. It was observed that the majority of the respondents had a moderate knowledge of forest management. There was no significant difference in the knowledge level of natural and plantation forest group members. However, it was observed that more the knowledge level more was the participation in forest management. Hence, efforts should be made to increase the level of knowledge of members of forest user groups.

Garkoti, Satish C.; Zobel, Donald B. and Singh, Surendra P. 2000. Comparison of water relations of seedlings and trees of two Himalayan oaks. International Journal of Ecology and Environmental Sciences, 26(4): 213-222. Department of Botany, Kumaun University, Nainital 263002, Uttaranchal, India; Department of Botany and Plant Pathology, Oregon State University, Corvallis OR 97331 OR 97331-2902, USA. [BANJ; LEAF CONDUCTANCE; QUERCUS FLORIBUNDA; QUERCUS LEUCOTRICHOPHORA; TILONJ; WATER POTENTIAL; WATER STRESS]
            Water potential (y ) and leaf conductance (g_w) of seedlings and saplings of Quercus leucotrichophora (banj) and Quercus floribunda (tilonj), dominant evergreen oaks of the Central Himalaya, were compared with trees in the same stand. Seedling y was lower at predawn by 0.4-1.1 MPa and during midday by 0.4-1.2 MPa than for trees. Sapling predawn y was 0.4 -0.6 MPa lower than trees. Predawn differences were larger for tilonj, which is limited to moister habitats than banj. There was no significant difference in leaf conductance value between seedlings and tree measured simultaneously. However, seedling leaf conductance was higher for a given level of y than for trees, especially for tilonj. Leaf conductance for tilonj seedlings was higher for a given y than that of banj.

Gupta, Tara and Sehgal, R.N. 2000. Genetic variability in phenotypic characters of Toona ciliata. Indian Journal of Forestry, 23(4): 422-427. Dr. Y.S. Parmar University of Horticulture & Forestry, Solan, Himachal Pradesh, India. [ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITION; INFLORESCENCE; LEAF LENGTH]
            The study was conducted in Himachal Pradesh to estimate the variability for the phenotypic characters of Toona ciliata among the altitudinal provenances and zones. The characters like leaf length, number of leaflets per leaf, inflorescence length, number of flowers per inflorescence and crown spread differ significantly for altitude and zones. Wide range of genetic variabilities were observed for almost all the characters. The characters leaf length/inflorescence length in case of altitudinal provenances and number of flowers per inflorescence, crown area in zones had high estimate of genotypic co-efficient of variability, heritability and genetic advance which indicated importance of these characters for selection.

Hessen, Jens Olav; Schel, Morten A. and Pandey, M.R. 2001. Motivational factors related to improving indoor air quality in rural Nepal. Mountain Research and Development, 21(2): 148-153. Institute of Community Medicine, Medical Faculty, University of Tromso, 9037 Tromso, Norway; Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of California, 140 Warren Hall, Berkeley, CA 94720-7360, USA; Mrigendra Samjhana Medical Trust, PO Box 2587, Kathmandu, Nepal. [DEVELOPING COUNTRIES; HOUSEHOLD CHARACTERISTICS; MOTIVATIONAL FACTORS]
            Sixty-two caregivers in a mountainous region of western Nepal were interviewed about factors related to improving the indoor air quality. The study included 25 households with improved iron stoves and 37 households that cooked on a traditional open fire. In a subsample of 27 households, the field team observed kitchen characteristics and the stoves in everyday use, employing a standardized check list. All the caregivers with improved stoves expressed satisfaction with their stoves, whereas only 16% of caregivers with traditional stoves were satisfied. There were no differences with respect to time spent in the kitchen or time spent on cooking. The main motivational factors for installing an improved stove were reduced smoke and better health. The villagers were willing to contribute 8% of total annual annual income per capita to have an improved stove installed. The survey identified weaknesses in stove design that might have influenced the smoke reduction potential of the improved stoves. This paper discusses how local conditions can determine the motivational factors and the success of future programs for improving indoor air quality in this setting.

Joshi, P.K.; Singh, Sarnam; Agarwal, Shefali and Roy, P.S. 2001. Forest cover assessment in western Himalayas, Himachal Pradesh using IRS 1C/1D WiFS data. Current Science, 80(8): 941-947. Indian Institute of Remote Sensing (NRSA), 4 Kalidas Road, P.B. No. 135, Dehradun 248001, India. [BROAD-LEAVED FOREST; SATELLITE DATA; WESTERN HIMALAYA]
            Methodologies using wide resolution satellite data were development for tropical forest spectral discrimination and mapping at a regional scale. Himachal Pradesh was selected as a case study using a multitemporal WiFS data set of 1998. This study documents first the relevance of WiFS data to assess the extent of seasonal forest. A phenologically dependent methodology is developed for the Himalayas, where generally snow/cloud-free data set are hardly available. Unsupervised classification using maximum normalized difference vegetation index, band 1 and band 2 data was processed. The hybrid approach was used to refine the classes. The classes were labelled using the spectral values from ground truth, available data sets and spectral anlysis of the data sets. For evaluation of classification, comparisons were made at a regional level with the available forest database. The classes and statistics were in correlation to the ground reality. The estimated forest was 17.15%, whereas the forest cover reported by the Forest Survey of India is 22.5% of the total geographical area of the state.

Joshi, Varun and Krishna, A.P. 2000. Control measures for soil erosion, landslides and debris flow in Hindu-Kush Himalayan belt of people's republic of China. Indian J. Soil Cons.,, 28(1): 1-6. G.B. Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment and Development, Garhwal Unit, Srinagar; G.B. Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment and Development, Sikkim Unit, Gangtok, India. [BIO-ENGINEERING; CHINA; DEBRIS FLOWS; HINDU KUSH-HIMALAYA; RISK ENGINEERING]
            The mountainous tract of China falling in the Hindu-Kush Himalayan belt experiences severe soil erosion, landslides and enormous debris flows. The causes are complex geological structures, diverse geomorphic features, intense neotectonic activities, recurring earthquake, anthropogenic activities and monsoonal effect. Due to resulting recurrent damages and deaths every year, there has been scientific and systematic mitigation efforts using Mountain Risk Engineering (MRE) concepts in China. These have gradually become very effective in control and management of erosion, landslides and debris flows. Such control measures and techniques being practised in China were observed to be effectively fulfilling the twin objectives of stabilization and reclamation of landslides and debris flow affected areas.

Kirn, H.S.; Kapahi, B.K. and Srivastava, T.N. 2000. Fodder trees and shrubs of Jammu and Kashmir state - India. Journal of Non-Timber Forest Products, 7(3/4): 220-228. Department of Botany, Govt. Gandhi Memorial Science College, Jammu 180001; Regional Research Laboratory (CSIR), Canal Road, Jammu Tawi 180001, India. [FODDER TREES; LIVESTOCK; SOIL EROSION]
            Jammu and Kashmir, predominantly a hilly state with meagre cultivable land is supporting an overwhelming human and live-stock population. With more than 76% of its total population being rural depends chiefly upon live-stock (about 87,8,66) for its economy. Of the total area of state only 43.26 thousand hectares are under fodder crops. The state can ill afford to grow fodder crops at the expense of cereals and other cash crops because of small cultivable land at its disposal. The live-stock is mainly fed upon cereal straw and dry grass, which otherwise, is poor in nutrition. Therefore, it necessitates farmers to feed their live-stock on green and nutritious fodder available to them from some indigenous and exotic taxa of shrubs and trees so as to supplement the diet. As no literature exclusively on the fodder trees and shrubs of Jammu and Kashmir state has been publishedso far, the present attempt is thus made in this direction. As many as 133 plant species (87 trees and 46 shrubs) belonging to 75 genera and 38 families are enumerated. Arachne cordifolia (Decne.) Hurusawa (syn. Andrachne cordifolia Muell. - Arg.); Lantana camara Linn. (syn. L. camara Linn. var. aculeata Moldenke); Padus carnuta (Wall. ex Royle) Carr. and Lyonia ovalifolia (Wall.) Drude (syn. Pieris ovalifolia D.Don) sometime prove fatal causing death of animals.

Kumar, Devendra; Chandola, Yatish and Rastogi, Amit 2000. Comparison of probability distributions for analysis of data. Indian J. Soil Cons.,, 28(2): 110-116. G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar, Distt, Udham Singh Nagar 263145, India. [DATA SERIES; NORMAL DISTRIBUTION; PROBABILITY FUNCTION]
            The monthly dry days data series were used to compare commonly used distributions and transformations for probability analysis. The observed values were computed by Weibull's formula at different probability levels. The expected values were estimated by Normal distribution with no transformation, Normal distribution with Log transformation, Normal distribution with Log-Log transformation, Normal distribution with Smemax transformation, Normal distribution with Power transformation, Gumbel distribution and Log Pearson Type III distribution. The comparison was made at 0.10, 0.20, 0.50, 0.80 and 0.95 probability levels. Kolmogorov-Smirnov (K-S) test and percentage deviation were used to find the goodness of fit of the distributions. The Normal distribution with Smemax transformation was found to be best fit for monthly dry days data series of Pantnagar with percentage deviation of 5.66, 3.42, 2.81, 3.19 and 6.63 at 0.10, 0.20, 0.50, 0.80 and 0.95 probability levels.

Kumar, Vijay; Singh, Charan and Kukreti, M.C. 2000. Studies on seed germination of twenty one tree species from central Himalalya. Indian J. Soil Cons.,, 28(1): 54-57. International Development Research Centre, ICFRE, Dehradun, India. [CUMULATIVE GERMINATION CAPACITY; GERMINATION VALUE]
            The paper deals with the seed germination of 21 tree species occurring in central Himalaya under laboratory conditions. None of the species showed seed dormancy and all the coniferous and about 72 per cent broad leaved species indicated high seed germination. Seeds of Robinia psedoacacia germinated within 9 days. In contrast, Carpinus viminea, Quercus leucotrichophora and Hovenia dulcis showed late initiation of seed germination. Rate of seed germination was higher in Robinia pseudoacacia, Albizia lebbek and Cedrus deodara than other species.

Kumaria, S. and Tandon, P. 2000. Effect of growth regulators on peroxidase polyphenol oxidase,and IAA-oxidase activities and phenolic contents during protocorm development of Dendrobium fimbriatum var. Oculatum Hk. F. J. Orchid Soc. India, 14(1-2): 27-39. Plant Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Botany, North-Eastern Hill University, Shillong 793022, India. [PROTOCORM DEVELOPMENT; SEED GERMINATION; SYMBIOTIC]
            Incorporation of growth regulators in the medium differentially affected the activities of oxidases studied at different stages of protocorm development of Dendrobium fimbriatum var. oculatum Hk. f. The activities of both peroxidase and polyphenol oxidase increased on fresh weight basis in most of the treated tissues with growth and development of protocorms and with auxin application. However, the higher concentrations of growth regulators were inhibitory. An increase in IAA-oxidase activity with growth and development of protocorms was recorded in IAA, NAA, and GA₃ treatments. The optimal activities of the oxidases in the tissue treated with IAA and BAP in combination were not much different from those for tissues subjected to individual growth regulator treatments. The contents of total phenols increased with growth in most of the treated protocorms except in IAA at 0.5 m M where the total phenols were lower at stage II. The KN and GA₃ treated protocorms showed a decline in the total phenolic content with growth. The o-dihydroxyphenols decreased with growth in the treated protocorms except for IAA (10.0 m M), NAA (5.0 m M), and BAP (5.0 m M). The study also suggests that growth regulators in the medium may act in a manner similar to ednophytic fungi, which form symbiotic association with germinating seeds in nature, and bring about the physiological changes during protocorm development.

Langstieh, Banrida Theresa 2001. Demographic structure of the Khasi-Muslims of Shillong, Meghalaya. Journal of Human Ecology, 12(2): 121-125. Anthropology and Human Genetics Unit, Indian Statistical Institute, Calcutta 700035, India. [ADMIXTURE RATE; ENDOGAMY; KHASI-MUSLIM; POPULATION]
            The present study has been carried out among the Khasi-Muslim population, residing in the capital city of Meghalaya, Shillong. The Khasi-Muslim is a resultant population which has emerged out of the inter-marriages between the various matrilineal Khasi subtribes and different non-tribal immigrant Muslim populations, who came from other parts of this country and eventually settled here. Besides the demographic composition, the present study indicates that the admixture rate was quite high in this comparatively small population of recent origin. Selection pressure was moderate, with greater contribution of different fertility than differential mortality. The Khasi Muslims choose mates mostly from within the group indicating that they have maintained and established themselves as a separate religious endogamous group within the Khasi fold.

Maikhuri, R.K.; Rana, U.; Rao, K.S.; Nautiyal, S. and Saxena, K.G. 2000. Promoting ecotourism in the buffer zone areas of Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve: an option to resolve people-policy conflict. Int. J. Sustain. Dev. World Ecol., 7(4): 333-342. G.B. Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment and Development, Garhwal Unit, Srinagar; G.B. Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment and Development, Kosi-Katarmal, Almora; School of Environmental Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi 110067, India. [BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION; EXPEDITION/MOUNTAINEERING; LOCAL ECONOMY; POLICY CONFLICT; SUSTAINABLE ECO-TOURISM]
            The fascination for mountains, breathtaking natural beauty, rich cultural diversity, socio-economic traditions, history and lifestyles attract mountaineers, trekkers, naturalists ascetics, explorers and cultural tourists from all over the world to the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve (NDBR) and adjoining areas. Expedition/mountaineering and tourism, as a livelihood option for the people living in the buffer zone areas of NDBR, was important, next to animal husbandry and agriculture. Until 1960, Bhotiya people in the buffer zone of NDBR and adjoining areas had a good trade relationship with Tibet. Closure of Indo-Tibetan trade due to the Indo-China war of 1962, followed by imposition of conservation policies due to creation of Nanda Devi National Park in 1982 and Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve in 1988, caused all consumptive uses and expedition/mountaineering to be banned in the core zone, which has not only affected the local economy to a large extent but also created conflict between local people and reserve authorities. The ban on tourism is the most severe concern of the local people as it provided significant income. Of the three complementary functions of a biosphere reserve, viz. conservation, development and logistic support (research and education), the management is biased towards achieving conservation by legal protection which may not be sustainable in the long term. People have started raising a voice against the ban on expedition/tourism in the core zone but have not yet damaged the core zone area. This paper deals with the history of expeditions and the impact on the local economy, identification of model ecotrekking/expedition routes and potential sites, and designing appropriate strategies/action plans for sustainable ecotourism. This will not only help to resolve the local people-policy conflicts and improve the local economy but will also help to achieve the biodiversity conservation goal.

Manderscheid, Angela 2001. The black tent in its easternmost distribution: The case of the Tibetan Plateau. Mountain Research and Development, 21(2): 154-160. Department of Geography, University of Oulu, PO Box 3000, Fin-90014 Oulu, Finland. [ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; BLACK TENT; MOBILE HOUSING; NOMAD; PASTORALISM; TIBETAN PLATEAU]
            Black tents serve as mobile housing for a majority of the nomadic groups in a belt that stretches from the shores of the Atlantic Ocean to the eastern Tibetan Plateau. The existence of the black tent in its easternmost distribution has rarely been discussed in detail. In most regions, the requirements of the tent are determined by hot, arid climatic conditions, whereas an arid high mountain climate predominates on the tibetan plateau. The eastern part receives precipitation of over 500 mm annually. This raises questions about how Tibetan nomads have adapted the black tent to their specific needs and to environmental conditions. Using examples from a region in the eastern Tibetan Plateau, these questions are examined through descriptions of tent variations, construction, interior, choice of location for pitching the tent, and the strategies of tent dwellers to improve protection from cold and rain.

Mir, G.M. 2000. Density, diversity and dynamics of soil acrofauna in Kashmir Himalayas. Indian Journal of Forestry, 23(4): 375-379. Division of Entomology, SK University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Shalimar 190021, Srinagar, Kashmir, India. [DIVERSITY; ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITION; KASHMIR HIMALAYA; NATURAL ECOSYSTEM; SOIL ACROFAUNA]
            Acarina form the most component of soil microarthropods with a profusion of species. The mite population being in dynamic equilibrium, activity of some surges in one season and that of others in other season. As high as 11226 individuals/m² were observed in May against a very low population pulse of 995 individuals/m² in February in Coniferous forest stand, and 7132 individuals/m² in April against a meagre population of 903 individuals/m² in January. Natural ecosystem and animal life greatly influenced the physio-chemical properties of the soil. High degree of aggregation and efficient adaptability for diverse environmental conditions is the basis for density, diversity and dynamics of acrofauna population in soils.

Mishra, U.K. and Sen, S. 2001. Dinosaur bones from Meghalaya. Current Science, 80(8): 1053-1056. Palaeontology Division, Geological Survey of India, North Eastern Region, Shillong 793003, India. [DINOSAUR; FOSSIL; MEGHALAYA PLATEAU]
            Abundant fossil bone fragments of dinosaurs have been found at Dirang village near Ranikor, West Khasi Hills district, Meghalaya. These bone fossils occur within a four to five metre thick coarse grained purple-coloured sandstone horizon of Mahadek Formation of late Cretaceous (Maestrichtian) period. The bones are poorly preserved and fragmentary in nature, as a result of the prevailing high energy condition in the depositional basin. The size, shape and nature of the bones; palaeohistological studies under microscope as well as continental type of environment for the animals thriving, confirmed dinosaurian origin for these bones.

Nautiyal, M.C.; Nautiyal, B.P. and Prakash, Vinay 2001. Phenology and growth form distribution in an alpine pasture at Tungnath, Garhwal, Himalaya. Mountain Research and Development, 21(2): 168-174. High Altitude Plant Physiology Research Centre (HAPPRC), HNB Garhwal University, Srinagar Garhwal 246174, India. [ALPINE PASTURELAND; GARHWAL HIMALAYA; PERENNIALS; PHENOPHASES]
            Studies on phenology and growth form distribution in an alpine pasture of Garhwal Himalaya were undertaken from 1988 to 1998. One hundred seventy-one species were recorded and classified as 5 different growth forms. These species were also classified as early-and late growing type, on the basis of initiation of their aerial sprouts. Cushion-forming forbs generally emerge as the season commences, that is, immediately after snowmelt. However, the vegetative growth of grasses and other forbs peaked randomly after arrival of the monsoon. Phenophases of different species at higher elevations respond to the availability of the soil moisture and nutrient regimes as well as to temperature and different photoperiodic induction. The spectrum of life forms in the region indicated a hemicryptophytic and geophytic plant climate.

Nayital, R.K. and Joshi, Manoj 2000. The relationship of root collar diameter to outplanting survival and growth of Grewia optiva and Ulmus villosa. Indian Journal of Forestry, 23(3): 288-290. Department of Silviculture and Agroforestry, Dr. Y.S. Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan, H.P. 173230, India. [NUTRIENT CONTENT; ROOT COLLAR DIAMTER; SEEDLING]
            The influence of root collar diameter of ten months old nursery raised seedlings on first year outplanting survival and growth of Grewia optiva and Ulmus villosa was evaluated. Both the species were planted in field during the first week of January, 1997. Initial root collar diameter at planting ranged from 2.83 to 6.24 mm for Grewia optiva and 3.01 to 7.10 mm for Ulmus villosa. After one growing season, results showed a significant relationship of root collar diameter to outplanting survival and growth. viz., height and collar diameter increment, shoot and root dry weight and leaf nutrient contents (N,P,K) of both Grewia optiva and Ulmus villosa. Root collar diameter had significant effect on outplanting survival of Grewia optiva while the same was not good predictor of outplanting survival of Ulmus villosa after one growing season.

Negi, M.S. and Dhiman, R.C. 2000. Biomass estimation of teak plantation from terai region of Uttar Pradesh. Indian J. Soil Cons.,, 28(2): 151-159. Forest Research Institute, P.O. New Forest, Dehradun 248 006, India. [BIOMASS; PREDICTION; TEAK PLANTATION]
            Wide variation was observed in growth and biomass parameters in 11 different aged teak plantations (from 10 to 39 years age) raised in Terai Region (Central Terai Forest Division and Haldwani Forest Division) of Uttar Pradesh. Height, DBH and volume of mean tree varied from 14.42 to 29.50 cm. 15.37 to 26.45m and 0.0893 to 0.7171 m³ respectively. Biomass in bole, bark, leaf, twig, branch above ground and below ground parts and total tree varied from 51.83 to 489.0 kg. 10.44 to 53.33kg. 6.33 to 25.81kg. 6.14 to 21.77kg, 7.60 to 91.26kg, 95.50 to 681.10kg, 18.54 to 119.30kg and 106.2 to 800.4kg respectively. Simple correlation developed among different parameters exhibited both positive and negative relationships. Regression equations were developed for predicting biomass and growth of different tree components based on age and DBH as independent variables.

Negi, S.S. 2000. Participatory management of fodder grasses - the IWDP experience in Kandi areas of H.P. Journal of Non-Timber Forest Products, 7(3/4): 249-252. Project Director, Integrated Watershed Development Project, Kandi, Solan, Himachal Pradesh. [FODDER; PEOPLE PARTICIPATION; VILLAGE DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE; WATERSHED DEVELOPMENT]
            This paper deals with the experiences of Integrated Watershed Development Project of Himachal Pradesh in participatory management of fodder grasses. The approaches adopted by different village development committees have been analysed in detail. It will help in documenting the process followed in participatory management of common property resources.

Negi, S.S. 2000. People's participation in management of natural resources: the Kandi experience of Himachal Pradesh. Indian Journal of Forestry, 23(3): 332-336. Project Director, Integrated Watarshed Development Project, Solan, H.P. [NATURAL RESOURCE; PARTICIPATORY ASSESSMENT; VILLAGE DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE; WATERSHED MANAGEMENT]
            The World Bank supported Watershed Development Project of Himachal Pradesh is a participatory project. The experience of this project in people's participation in the Kandi area of Himachal Pradesh has been outlined in this paper.

Nimkar, Ashish U. and Singh, S.P. 2000. Evaluation of the suitability of bamboo (Bambusa polymorpha) for manufacturing of particle board. Journal of Non-Timber Forest Products, 7(3/4): 207-210. Forest Product Division, Forest Research Institute, Dehradun, Uttaranchal, India. [BAMBOO; DENSITY; MOISTURE CONTENT]
            Suitability of Bamboo (Bambusa polymorpha) as a raw material for particle board manufacture has been evaluated. The results show that bamboo (Bambusa polymorpha) is suitable for making particles board. Satisfactory boards were made using 10 per cent phenol formaldehyde resin and 0.5 per cent wax emulsion as sizing agent.

Pal, Pradip Kumar 2000. Evaluation of water discharge and sediment budget in the Lesser Himalaya. Journal of the Indian Society of Remote Sensing, 28(1): 33-46. Visva-Bharati, Santiniketan, India. [KOLANI CATCHMENT; LESSER HIMALAYA; SEDIMENT YIELD; WATER DISCHARGE]
            This paper deals with the quantitative measurement of water discharge and sediment budget, comparison of the quantitative data of the middle part of the Bino Valley at the boundary of Pauri Garhwal and Almora district of U.P. The Ghatgad Catchment is cultivated (70%), the Gungad Catchment is moderately forested (55%) and the Kolani Catchment is forested (95%). Based on the morphometric and drainage analysis, the water dscharge, suspended load yield and rainfall (1995-96) has been computed. The maximum annual average discharge has been observed in moderately forested (Gungad, 70.3 LS^-1) amd cultivated (Ghatgad, 67.6 LS^-1) catchments and minimum discharge (24.5 LS^-1) in the forested (Kolani) catchment. The highest monthly suspended load, amounting to 49.28 percent of the total annual load and a denudation rate 8.51 T/km²/month being observed in September for Ghatgad catchment, where as 47.64 percent of the total sediment and 4.06 T/km²/month being observed in August for Gungad catchment. In Kolani the highest monthly concentration of suspended load being (63.98%), of the total annual load and denudation rate 2.75 T/km²/month being observed in the month of June.

Paliwal, G.S.; Singh, B. and Paliwal, M.K. 2000. Sequential leaf development in Ficus palmata forsk. Indian Journal of Forestry, 23(4): 457-465. Developmental Botany Laboratory, Department of Botany, H.N.B. Garhwal University, Srinagar 246174, Uttaranchal, India. [FICUS PALMATA; LEAF GROWTH; VEIN-ENDING; VENATION PATTERN]
            The sequential development of a leaf usually has four well-defined phases, viz.: (a) Initiation of the leaf primordium, (b) Further development of individual leaf, (c) Growth of the leaf surface as a whole in relation to the life-history of the plant, and (d) Influenceof various mechanisms controlling leaf initiation and growth. The new leaves start appearing in Ficus palmata during end of February and the first week of March and continue to do so till June and July. For the present study, the leaf sample had been collected from a healthy three growing in the study area and their outlines were traced on a sheet of graph paper for estimating the leaf area. The leaves show a sigmoid pattern during their growth (in volume) in a total period of 20 days. During this span its size increases from 36 mm² 6,160 mm², as recorded by the average size of the mature leaves. The percentage gain of the leaf area has been found to be highest on the third days (89.28%). The vascular system comprises a single main vein (the midrib or 1^o vein) which passes through the centre of the lamina. Subsequently, secondaries, tertiaries and quaternaries are formed alongwith the intermediaries. At the early stage of leaf development, the number of areoles per unit area is low (large areoles) but at maturity it increases (smaller areoles). As regards the number of vein-tips/vein-endings per areols, it varies from 0.1 on the first day of emergence to 1.4 between fourth and six day. Its further growth is usually regarded to be the product of divisions, expansion and subsequent differentiation of the component cells, comparable to the other plant organs. The highest number (11.8) of vein-tips in an areole has been observed at the later stages of leaf growth. It can thus be stated that the leaf of this species is indicative of initial rapid growth.

Pande, H.C.; Datt, Bhaskar and Pande, P.C. 2000. Notes on the ethomedicinal aspect of some common Pteridophytes of Almora district of Kumaon Himalaya (Uttaranchal). Ethnobotany, 12: 56-59. National Botanical Research Institute, Lucknow 226 001, India. [ETHNOMEDICINE; KUMAON HIMALAYA]
            The present paper deals with some common ethnomedicinal uses of seven species of ferns from Almora district of Kumaon Himalaya. A brief description of each species with ecological notes is provided. Illustrations are also given to facilitate identification.

Pandey, H.; Nandi, S.K.; Nadeem, M. and Palni, L.M.S. 2000. Chemical stimulation of seed germination in Aconitum heterophyllum Wall. and A. balfourii Stapf.: Important Himalayan species of medicinal value. Seed Science and Technology, 28(1): 39-48. G.B. Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment and Development, Kosi-Katarmal, Almora 263643, India. [ACONITUM HETEROPHYLLUM; CLIMATIC CONDITIONS; SEED GERMINATION]
            Aconitum heterophyllum Wall. and A. balfourii Stapf. are important medicinal herbs of the Himalayan region. The effect of plant growth substances (PGSs, nemely, abscisic acid, 6-benzylaminopurine, gibberellic acid and zeatin riboside) and two nitrogenous compounds (thiourea and potassium nitrate) for enhancing and synchronising uniform germination was examined. The tetrazolium (Tz) staining pattern indicated that freshly collected seed had high viability which decreased following storage at 4⁰C for 6 and 12 months. The treatments and time to seed germination were found to be significantly different (P<0.01). Gibberellic acid (GA₃; 250 m m) significantly enhanced seed germination (42.5% compared to 27.5% in control) in A.balfourii with in 15 weeks but was inhibitory in A. heterohyllum. 6-Benzylaminopurine (BAP; 25 and 250 m M) and zeatin riboside (ZR; 25 and 250 m M) did not enhance germination in A. balfourii; 250 m M ZR was actually inhibitory. In A. heterophyllum the lower concentration of BAP was inhibitory (7.5% compared to 25.0% in control) while 250 m M BAP enhanced germination (42.5% compared to 25.0% in control); the higher concentration of ZR was inhibitory. The combined treatments of gibberellin and cytokinin in general resulted in reduced germination in both species. Among the nitrogenous compounds, thiourea (CH₄N₂S) increased the rate and germination percentage in both species but potassium nitrate (KNO₃) enhanced germination in A. balfourii only. Seed germination was first detected in A. balfourii in the 5th week (2.5%) following treatment with 65 mM CH₄N₂S and this value increased to 22.5% in the 7th week and reached as high as 75% (compared to 27.5% in control) in the 15the week. A higher dose of thiourea (130 mM) resulted in a rapid and high germination rate (40% compared to 0% in control) in the 7th week, reaching 75% in 10th and 12th weeks and a maximum 80% (compared to 27.5% in control) in the 15th week. In A. heterophyllum, however, thiourea only marginally enhanced germination even up to the 15th week. In A. balfourii, KNO₃ (50 and 100 mM) significantly enhanced germination (62-70%) within 15 weeks.

Pant, Pushpa 2000. Growth of tourism in Nainital. Geographical Review of India, 62(2): 184-190. Department of Geography, Kumaun University, D.S.B. Campus, Nainital 263 002. [TOURIST TRAFFIC; TRAFFIC CONGESTION; TRAVEL AGENCY]
            The purpose of this paper is to discuss the growth of tourism in Nainital in the post-independence period. The period of study has been divided into three phases on the basis of the rate of growth of tourism. The first phase corresponds to the period 1950-60, the second phase corresponds to 1961-80 and the third phase covers the period from 1981-2000.

Phukan, S. and Mao, A.A. 2000. Holcoglossum amesianum (Reichb. F.) Christ. - a beautiful and rare orchid of India. J. Orchid Soc. India, 14(1-2): 57-60. Botanical Survey of India, Eastern Circle, Shillong 793 003, India. [GENUS HOLCOGLOSSUM; ORCHID; PLANT HABITAT]
            Holcoglossum amesianum (Reichb. f.) Christ., a rare orchid and the only species of the genus from Manipur, India is described and illustrated.

Pokharel, Shallgram 2001. Hydropower for energy in Nepal. Mountain Research and Development, 21(1): 4-9. Nanyang Technological University, 50, Nanyang Avenue, Singapore 639798. [FUEL-WOOD; HYDRO ELECTRICITY; HYDROPOWER DEVELOPMENT; NEPAL]
            An adequate and reliable supply of energy is a prerequisite for development. In Nepal, forests and water are the two major indigenous energy resources. Forests are being overexploited in many parts of the country, mainly for fuelwood, whereas water resources are underutilized with regard to their capacity to generate hydroelectricity. Nepal might be able to control forest degradation by adopting a differentiated approach to hydropower development. The prospects and the risks of such development are discussed here, and three scenarios that have received increasing attention in recent years are presented for implementation in a wider South Asian context.

Pradhan, Sunita; Saha, G.K. and Khan, J.A. 2001. Ecology of the red panda Ailurus fulgens in the Singhalila National Park, Darjeeling, India. Biological Conservation, 98(1): 11-18. P.G. Department of Zoology, Darjeeling Government College, Darjeeling 734102; Centre of Wildlife and Ornithology, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh 202002, India. [AILURUS FULGENS; CONSERVATION; ECOLOGY; RED PANDA; SINGHALILA NATIONAL PARK]
            Red panda, Ailurus fulgens is a poorly known Himalayan member of Carnivora which has adapted to a herbivorous diet. The present study conducted in the Singhalila National Park in the eastern Himalayas was initiated to gain information on the ecology and conservation problems of the red panda. Indirect and direct evidence was used to assess its distribution, relative abundance, habitat use and food habits in the National Park. Red panda was relatively more abundant within an altitudinal range of 2800-3600 m. In study sites 1 and 2, it had a very narrow preferred range of 2800-3100 m. Higher bamboo cover, bamboo height and canopy cover emerged as important habitat components in sites used by red panda (Animal centered plots) compared to random plots. Red panda diet consisted chiefly of bamboo leaves and both species of bamboo, Arundinaria maling and A. aristata predominantly present as understorey in Singhalila National Park were eaten. The diet of bamboo was supplemented by seasonal fruits and bamboo shoots. However, the composition of diet differed between the three study sites and the impact of this, if any, on the overall ecology of red panda in the Singhalila National Park, needs further investigation. Some conservation problems are discussed.

Ram, Sewa and Khola, O.P.S. 2000. Effect of varying land slopes on erosional losses and productivity in maize- wheat cropping system. Indian J. Soil Cons.,, 28(2): 131-137. Central Soil and Water Conservation Research and Training Institute, Dehradun 248195, India. [DOON VALLEY; LAND SLOPE; MAIZE; NUTRIENT LOSS; SOIL LOSS; SOIL MOISTURE; WHEAT]
            An experiment was conducted at Selakui Research Farm (Dehradun) monoclinal runoff plots to quantify the effect of 0.5, 2.5, 4.5 and 9.5 per cent land slopes on erosional losses and maize wheat productivity. The loss of water (runoff). Soil and nutrients increased as the degree of slope increased. The runoff increased by 39.8, 89.8 and 151.5 per cent; soil loss by 109.8, 331.7 and 587.8 per cent; and loss of nutrients (available N,P and K, and exchangeable Ca and Mg) by 69.0, 117.3 and 165.9 per cent with increase in land slope from 0.5 to 2.5, 4.5 and 9.5 per cent, respectively. Grain yield of maize was similar at 0.5-4.5 per cent slope but decreased by 15.9 per cent at 9.5 per cent slope. Wheat grain yield was highest at 0.5 per cent slope and decreased by 3.8, 24.7 and 36.3 per cent at 2.5, 4.5 and 9.5 per cent slope respectively. The decrease in yield at higher slopes was associated with reduced availability of soil moisture at different growth stages of wheat. Regression analysis indicated that runoff and soil loss increased by 18.35 mm and 2.73 t ha^-1, and maize and wheat grain yield decreased by 42 kg ha^-1 and 154 kg ^-1, respectively with a unit increase in land slope. These results suggested that wheat cultivation was risky but maize produced stable yields at moderate slopes under Doon valley conditions.

Rao, A.N. 2000. Notes on some new additions and nomenclatural changes in two orchids of Arunachal Pradesh. J. Orchid Soc. India, 14(1-2): 61-66. Orchid Research Centre, Tipi, Bhalukpong 790 114, Arunachal Pradesh, India. [CHRYSOGLOSSUM; HABITAT DISTRIBUTION; ORCHID FLORA]
            Pholidota chinensis Lindl., a new additon to India and Chrysoglossum assamicum Hk.f., a new state record are reported from Arunachal Pradesh and two new combinations - C. aphyllum (King & Pantl.) A.N. Rao and C. saprophytum (King & Pantl.) A.N. Rao proposed in the genus Crepidium BI. These are illustrated based on fresh collections.

Sah, J.P.; Sah, S.K.; Acharya, P.; Pant, D. and Lance, V.A. 2000. Assessment of water pollution in the Narayani river, Nepal. International Journal of Ecology and Environmental Sciences, 26(4): 235-252. Central Department of Botany, Tribhuvan University, Kirtipur, Kathmandu, Nepal; Department of Zoology, Patan Mulitple Campus, Lalitpur, Nepal; Wetlands Nepal, GPO Box 8975, EPC 1444, Kathmandu, Nepal; Center for Reproduction of Endangered Species, San Diego Zoological Society, San Diego, CA 92112, USA. [INDUSTRIAL POLLUTION; NEPAL; PULP AND PAPER INDUSTRY; WATER POLLUTION]
            In Nepal, water in many rivers is being polluted by the industrial effluents. In the present study, water from seven sites in the Narayani River was analyzed for various physico-chemical parameters like pH, temperature, conductivity, turbidity, total suspended solids (TSS), dissolved oxygen (DO), biological oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD) and total alkalinity. Similarly, the amount of ammonium-N, nitrate-N, nitrite-N, total phosphate, sulphate, sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, manganese, zinc, lead, copper and boron were also determined. Based on the volume of the effluents, discharged by the industries into the Narayani River, the most polluting industry is the pulp and paper industry. Results showed that the water in the river gets polluted after receiving the effuents from the paper industry and again it becomes free of pollutants downstream. Some of the parameters remained relatively uniform throughout the stretch of the river whereas the values of pollution indicating parameters such as pH, conductivity, suspended solids, alkalinity, some nutrients and heavy metals were higher near Gaindakot, just after the input of paper industry effluents. This study concludes that there is the need for proper treatment of industrial effluents before discharging them into the river.

Samal, P.K.; Topal, Y.S. and Pant, P. 2001. Educating a nomadic tribe: The problems and the prospects. Journal of Human Ecology, 12(1): 11-18. G.B. Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment and Development, Kosi-Katarmal, Almora 263643, Uttaranchal, India. [CENTRAL HIMALAYA; CONSTRAINTS AND PROSPECTS; NOMADISM; RAJI TRIBE; TRIBAL EDUCATION]
            This article discusses the efforts directed in educating the Rajis, a nomadic tribe of the Central Himalayan region of India, the outcome of the efforts and the impacts, the constraints and the prospects associated with the process of education. Efforts to promote education are being made by the Provincial and the Union Government of India to develop this numerically reducing and under developed nomadic tribe. The tribe has achieved an effective literacy percentage of 35.06. However, a wide gap galores between male (50.68%) and female literacy (16.66%). Moreover, the problem of educational development among this nomadic tribe has been very complex. Uniformity in the reading material subscribing text books, and guide book containing material unfamiliar to the child; ecologically and culturally incompatible curriculum, unfamiliar language of the text books, etc., imposed a learning on this people with no relevance to the environment. Lack of opportunity for higher education and its application in promoting the quality of life particularly from the point of view of economy, non-effective administration and organizational failure, non-cognizance of significance of ecological and socio-cultural specificities, etc., were major factors in the non-promotion of education among the Rajis. It was also observed that Non Governmental Organizations were being more effective in promoting education.

Sarin, Aparna and Chahal, S.M.S. 2001. Erythrocyte enzyme variation in Brahmin and Rajput populations of Himachal Pradesh. I. Shimla district. Journal of Human Ecology, 12(4): 307-311. Department of Human Biology, Punjabi University, Patiala 147002, Punjab, India. [CASTE POPULATIONS; ERYTHROCYTE ENZYME POLYMORPHISMS; HIMACHAL PRADESH]
            As part of a larger study plan among people inhabiting southern districts of Himachal Pradesh in north-west India, data are presented on the distribution of various erythrocyte enzyme polymorphisms in the Brahmin and Rajput populations of Shimla district, in the first instance. The present biochemical data revealed that the genetic make up of these two castes was very similar. Comparison with such other regional data indicated almost homogeneous distribution of the studied enzyme systems in subpopulations of the respective caste populations of this hill state.

Sattar, Sanjukta and Shaban, Abdul 2000. Development of tourism industry in Sikkim: a spatio-temporal analysis. Geographical Review of India, 62(4): 317-334. Department of Geography, Gokhale Memorial Girls' College, Calcutta 700 020; Post-Graduate Department of Geography, SBP Government College, Dungarpur, Rajasthan 314 001. [OCCUPANCY RATE; ROAD DENSITY; SEASONALITY INDEX; SPATIAL DISTRIBUTION; TOURIST TRAFFIC]
            This paper analyses the spatio-temporal aspects of development of tourism industry in Sikkim. Though, the industry had a late start and is yet to gain importance at the international level, it has grown significantly since late 1980s. Accessibility problem is found to be one of the major obstacles in development of tourism in this picturesque and culturally rich state of Sikkim. Summer and Autumn are the two peak seasons, whereas Monsoon and Winter are the two lean seasons of tourism activity in the state. Most of the tourism activity in the state is found to be concentrated in and around the state capital, Gangtok.

Sharma, Ajay and Verma, T.D. 2000. Biology of Oak acorn weevil Curculio Sikkimensis heller (Coleoptera: curculionidae) in the mid hills of Himachal Pradesh. Indian Journal of Forestry, 23(4): 371-374. Department of Entomology and Apiculture, Dr. Y.S. Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan, Himachal Pradesh 173230. [FODDER; INSTAR LARVA; NATURAL REGENERATION]
            Ban Oak (Quercus leucotricophora) is principal source of fuel in Western Himalayas. It multiplies through seeds only. There are many insect-pests feeding on oak seeds, but Oak acorn weevil Curculio sikkimensis Heller is most serious among them affecting the Oak seeds (acorns) and interfering with its natural regeneration. Its detailed biology is being reported.

Sharma, I.P.; Kumar, S. and Sharma, J.C. 2000. Rainfall-runoff-soil loss relationships under different landuses in mid-hill region of Himachal Pradesh. Indian J. Soil Cons.,, 28(2): 91-97. Department of Soil Science and Water Management, Dr. YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Solan-173 230, India. [MID-HILL REGION; RAINFALL; RUNOFF; SOIL AND NUTRIENT LOSS]
            Field study was conducted to assess the runoff, soil and nutrient losses under three landuse viz. cultivated, orchards and forests. Results revealed that forest soils were more stable than the soils under orchards and cultivation. The maximum runoff (13.5 per cent of the total rainfall), soil loss (32.11 t ha^-1) and available NPK losses (58.47, 16.46 and 10.62 kg ha^-1) were recorded from the lands under cultivation followed by orchards and minimum under forests.

Sharma, P.D.; Sharma, S.P. and Ambiya, S.C. 2000. An analysis of fuel wood extraction patterns in lower Shiwaliks of Himachal Pradesh. Indian J. Soil Cons.,, 28(1): 61-65. Department of Soil Science, HPKV, Palampur, H.P., 176062, India. [FUEL-WOOD; LAND DEGRADATION; LOWER SHIWALIKS]
            A fuel wood survey was conducted in the lower Shiwaliks of Una district of Himachal Pradesh to determine fuel wood demand and related socio-economic-environmental parameters of its extraction. A total of 117 households of hills and plains constituting small, medium and large farmers formed the sample of the study. Community lands were depleted of harvestable biomass but, the annual fuel wood demand per household worked out to be 4.67 tons. The total annual requirement of the region was, therefore, 2.8 lakh tons, far exceeding the yields of 91,000 tons in the region. The government forests and private lands formed the main sources of wood supplies in hills and plains, respectively. The share of dry, green and mixed (dry+green) wood was 16,38 and 46 percent respectively in the area. Individual from each household traveled, on an average, 6-7 km to fetch fuelwood and were aware about environmental degradation. The quality of wood was better in 1980 compared to 1990. While the whole family is involved in collection of fuel wood, the children from the hills shared the burden more than their counterparts in the plains. The region calls for the establishment of energy plantations in community and private lands on a large scale.

Shrestha, P.; Janauer, G. A. 2000. Species diversity of aquatic macrophytes in lake Phewa and lake Rupa of Pokhara valley, Nepal. International Journal of Ecology and Environmental Sciences, 26(4): 269-280. Department of Botany, Patan Campus, Tribhuvan University, Post Box 7004, Kathmandu, Nepal; Department of Hydrobotany, University of Vienna, Althanstrasse 14, A-1090, Vienna, Austria. [AQUATIC MACROPHYTES; KOHLER INDEX; SUBTROPICAL LAKES; VEGETATION MAPS]
            This paper analyzes spatial variation in species diversity of aquatic macrophytes in terms of species richness, species evenness, plant mass index and similarity index in two morphometrically different Lake Phewa and Lake Rupa of subtropical Pokhara valley, Nepal. Vegetation mapping methods including GIS and semi-quantitative Kohler Indexing approach were applied. Leke Phewa is a relatively deep, large and dam-regulated semi-natural lake ecosystem with urban anthropogenic influence whereas Lake Rupa is relatively small, shallow, natural lake with less human impact. A total of 56 species of aquatic macrophytes belonging to 5 growth forms were reported along with higher species diversity of hydrophytes and helophytes in Lake Phewa and Lake Rupa, respectively. Most species were of common occurence but some species were found exclusively in either of the two lakes. Distinct variation was noted in relation to their plant mass index and association of communities. The study suggests that monitoring of influential factors like siltation and cultural eutrophication hold importance for the conservation and management of biodiversity of aquatic macrophytes in particular and health of subtropical lake ecosystem in general.

Shubhangna, Avinash and Raj 2001. General health problems of farm women in district Kangra of Himachal Pradesh. Journal of Human Ecology, 12(4): 263-266. College of Home Science, H.P. Krishi Vishvavidyalaya, Palampur 176062, H.P., India. [GYNAECOLOGICAL ADVICE; HEALTH-CARE; MATERNAL HEALTH]
            To investigate general health problems of farm women of district Kangra (H.P.), 180 respondents were selected for investigation. Majority of women were in 31-45 years age group. Higher rate of illiteracy was found in small category households (land holding upto 0.8 ha) whereas more number of graduates were found in large category households (land holding above 1.6 ha). Diverse subsidiary occupations were adopted by the households to supplement the income from main occupation. General health problems of the respondents were explored. Dental, gynecological and stomach problems along with backache emerged as the most common health problems. More than half of the respondents had pregnancies from four to six 72.22 per cent respondents had suffered either one, two, there or more abortions. Majority of the women seeked elders advice in situations when they faced gynaecological problems.

Shukla, B.K.; Sinha, G.P. and Chauhan, A.S. 2000. The family juncaceae in Sikkim. Indian Journal of Forestry, 23(4): 466-489. Botanical Survey of India, Gangtok 737 103, Sikkim, India. [DIVERSITY; INFLORESCENCE; SIKKIM HIMALAYA]
            The paper deals with 34 species of Juncus L. amd 6 species of Luzula DC. of the family Juncaceae Juss. known from Sikkim. A comprehensive taxonomic accout of the family is presented alongwith key to genera, species and detailed description of each taxa. These taxa have been arranged in alphabetical order alongwith ecological notes and their range of distribution.

Singh, B. and Chand, R. 2000. Spatial pattern of urbanization in Himachal Pradesh, 1981-91. Geographical Review of India, 62(1): 58-70. Department of Geography, H.P. University, Shimla 171005; Department of Geography, Government College, Sarkaghat, Mandi 175 024, India. [DEVELOPMENT INDICATORS; POPULATION DENSITY; SPATIAL DEVELOPMENT; URBANIZATION LEVEL]
            The process of urbanization in Himachal Pradesh was initiated along with its emergence. The state's urban growth was fast compared to the rural. The state had a static structre. A clear strip of space from NW to SE direction act as a divide between more urbanized and less urbanized areas. The process of urbanization is more administrative than spatial development. The variation in the regional growth is the important feature. The towns are in the process of gathering the economic and other activities. Due to the development of industries and hydel projects the process of diffusion of urban centres started. The older Himachal Pradesh is more urbanized than the new Himachal Pradesh. The small and medium towns are prevalent in the urban scene of Himachal Pradesh.

Singh, D.K. and Semwal, R.C. 2000. A new species of Notothylas Sull. (Bryophyta) from Uttaranchal, India. Indian Journal of Forestry, 23(4): 386-389. Botanical Survey of India, Dehradun 248195, Uttaranchal, India. [UTTARANCHAL; TAXONOMIC PARAMETER; N. KHASIANA]
            A new species of the genus Notothylas Sull., N. kashyapii Singh has been described from Doon valley in the newly created state of Uttaranchal. The species is characterised by monoecious plants with densely lamellate thalli; reticuloid stroma of chloroplast; dehiscence of the capsule by transverse separation of its apical portion; 37.5-46.35 m m large, yellowish brown, finely vermiculose spores with conspicuous triradiate mark, and the total absence of columella and pseudoelaters.

Singh, K.K. and Kumar, Kaushal 2000. Observations on ethnoveterinary medicine among the Gaddi Tribe of Kangra Valley, Himachal Pradesh. Ethnobotany, 12(): 42-44. National Botanical Research Institute, Lucknow 226 001, India. [ETHNOVETERINARY MEDICINE; GADDI; KANGRA VALLEY]
            Kangra valley in Himachal Pradesh is situated in the Himalayan belt. The region is endowed with rich and diverse plant wealth and is inhabited by Gujjars, Gaddi and other hill communities. The Gaddis are migratory shepherds who practice herbal therapy for the treatment of their ailments and animal diseases and disorders. Some of the important ethnoveterinary medicinal plants used for the treatment of sickness of animals are reported.

Singh, L. Dibamani; Singh, T. Shyamacharan and Singh, L. Rajendra 2001. Skinfold thickness of the meitei boys of Manipur. Journal of Human Ecology, 12(2): 115-119. Department of Sports, Assam University, Dargakona, Silchar 788011, Assam; Department of Anthropology, Manipur University Cachipur 795003, Manipur; Department of Anthropology, D.M. College of Science, Imphal 795001, Manipur, India. [AFFLUENT FAMILIES; MEITEIS; NON-AFFLUENT FAMILIES; SKINFOLD THICKNESS]
            Six skinfold measurements such as triceps, anterior thigh, medial calf, subscapular, suprailiac and umbilical were taken from 969 Meitei boys of 12 to 18 years of age. 488 of the boys belong to affluent families and 481 to non-affluent families. The affluent boys possess thicker skinfolds than their non-affluent counterparts in all the measurements and age groups. Peak adolescent growth spurt could not be seen for separate skinfolds in both the boys' categories. But, when sum of six skinfolds was considered, peak growth spurt could be noted during 12 to 13 years.

Singh, Raj Pal; Mishra, P.K. and Singh, Birbal 2001. Anomalous VLF electric field perturbations associated with Chamoli earthquakes of March/April 1999. Current Science, 80(11): 1416-1421. Department of Physics, R.B.S. College, Bichpuri, Agra 283105, India. [EARTHQUAKES; ELECTRIC FIELD; ELECTROMAGNETIC; FREQUENCY]
            Employing borehole and terrestrial antennas, Very Low Frequency (VLF) electric field perturbations associated with Chamoli earthquakes which occurred in the months of March and April 1999 have been monitored at our Agra station (geographic lat. 27.8^oN, long. 78^oE). The results show that electric field perturbations started appearing in the form of noise bursts 16 days prior to the occurrence of the main shock on 29 March 1999. In majority of the cases of the noise bursts the effect was observed by borehole antenna only, indicating that the signal propagated through crustal region. This result is interpreted in terms of propagation of signals through conductive channels along Delhi-Haridwar ridge and parallel to them between the source and the observing station.

Srivastava, T.N.; Kapahi, B.K.; Kirn, H.S. and Sain, Y.K. 2000. Threatened plants of medicinal and aromatic value of north-west Himalaya. Journal of Non-Timber Forest Products, 7(3/4): 166-179. Regional Research Laboratory (CSIR), Jammu-Tawi. [AROMATIC VALUE; GEOGRAPHICAL BOUNDARIES; MEDICINAL PLANT]
            Twenty taxa of medicinal and aromatic value distributed in the North-west Himalayan region extended from Jammu and Kashmir to western borders of Nepal have entered the category of threatened plants due to large scale and indiscriminate collection in the past. At least one of these, i.e., Ferula narthex has already been wiped out from geographical boundaries of the country while the survival of three others, i.e., Aconitum chasmanthum, A. deinorrhizum and Dactylorhiza hatagirea is unlikely if present causal factors continue to operate. There are about a dozen or so taxa which are highly vulnerable. These include some which have been over-exploited for commercial purposes, while others have been exposed to the danger due to deforestation, habitat destruction, etc. This is more so in the case of plants endemic to Mediterranean type of climate in Jammu & Kashmir such as the species of Atropa, Angelica and Colchicum. The paper highlights the threats involved in each individual case and suggests remedial measures. It identifies certain areas within the region which can be declared reserves to protect the germplasm. It also suggests cultivation of some of the threatened plants on lines with Saussurea lappa, Inula racemosa and Bunium persicum, successful cultivation has brought these medicinal plants out of the endangered list.

Sundriyal, Manju and Sundriyal, R.C. 2000. Potential of wild edible plants in the Sikkim Himalaya: conservation concerns. Journal of Non-Timber Forest Products, 7(3/4): 253-262. G.B. Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment & Development, North East Unit, Vivek Vihar, Itanagar - 791 113, Arunachal Pradesh. [NATURAL HABITAT; NUTRIENTS; OVER-EXPLOITATION; REVENUE GENERATION; WILD EDIBLE PLANT]
            A large number of wild growing plants of their parts (tuber, leaves, flowers, fruits, seeds, grains, etc) still supply food to large section of human beings in mountain areas, particularly in the entire Himalayan and north-eastern region of India. Sikkim though a tiny hill state in Eastern Himalayan renge, possesses as many as 190 wild plants of food value as identified in the present study. A large number of wild edible species are nutrient rich, thus useful to local diets. As many as 43 wild edible species are sold in the markets with an annual turnover of 140 tons, and provide an important source of money earning to the subsistence of farmers. Unfortunately these plant resources are considered as free-access exploitable materials, and have been neglected due to various reasons. This paper highlights an urgent need to understand the potential of wild edible plants in the Sikkim Himalaya with particular reference to their diversity, usages, nutritive values and marketing, and also emphasizes that suitable policies may be formulated for their proper exploitation and conservation in natural habitats.

Tokola, T.; Sarkeala, J. and Linden, M.V.D. 2001. Use of topographic correction in Landsat TM-based forest interpretation in Nepal. Int. J. Remote Sensing, 22(4): 551-563. Faculty of Forestry, University of Joensuu, P.O. Box 111, FIN-80101 Joensuu, Finland. [BIOMASS; LANDSAT THEMATIC MAPPER; NEPAL; TOPOGRAPHIC CONDITION]
            The land use of two districts in western Nepal was classified into forest and non-forest by satellite imagery with different topographical corrections. The accuracy of the forest biomass and timber volume estimates was also tested. The forest areas were interpreted correctly, with an accuracy of 82-88%. The best result was derived when the Minnaert constants of forest were separated from those of other land uses which were combined. The timber volume and biomass estimates were computed using the weighted nearest neighbour method. The coefficients of determination were 0.06 for timber volume and 0.09 for biomass. The use of the existing land use data seems to have potential for improving the results of topographic normalization. Because the reflectance in mountainous areas depends on many vegetative and terrain features, the simple non-Lambertian correction over broad categories did not significantly improve the results.

Topal, Yesh Pal S. and Samal, Prasanna K. 2001. Causes for variation in social and economic conditions among tribes of Indian central Himalaya: a comparative study. Man in India, 81(1&2): 87-102. G.B. Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment and Development, Kosi-Katarmal, Almora 263643, India. [BHOTIA COMMUNITY; RESOURCE MANAGEMENT; SOCIO-ECONOMIC CONDITIONS]
            The Indian Himalaya, rich with diverse ethnic communities and their cultural heritage, is the home for 171 tribal communities out of a total 573 tribal communities in India. as many as five tribal communities reside in the Central Himalayan region of India. These communities are unique in their culture, resource use pattern and in their relation with their environment. Efforts to develop these communities have been accelerated by the government in post-independence planning era, and perceptible development have occurred in their social and economic life. However, difference in the social and economic conditions are clearly visible in these communities which are, largely, effected by resource base, culture and also ecology. In this paper, an effort is being made to understand the variation in social and economic condition among three mountain tribes inhabiting the Indian Central Himalaya region and to trace the causes for such variation. These tribal communities, i.e., the Jaunsaries, the Bhotias and the Rajis, constitute about 35.62% of total tribal population of the region.

Uniyal, Sanjay K. and Awasthi, Anjali 2000. Bamboos: their distribution and biomass in Bhagirathi catchment, Garhwal Himalaya. Indian Journal of Forestry, 23(4): 490-495. Wildlife Institute of India, P.O. Box #18, Chandrabani, Dehradun 248001, Uttaranchal, India. [ALTITUDES ZONE; BAMBOOS; BHAGIRATHI CATCHMENT; BIOMASS; GARHWAL HIMALAYA]
            Bamboos is the Bhagirathi catchment were quantified using quadrats. The distribution and quantification of bamboos revealed that they were mainly distributed between 30^o-40^o slope. Lower altitude zones were occupied by Arundinaria falcata whereas Thamnocalamus spathiflorus occupied the higher altitudes zones. The average culm density (4296±1080/ha) and biomass (225.74±53.9 kg/ha) of A. falcata were higher in Dugadda Watershed when compared to Bhatwari Watershed. On the other hand although the density of T. spathiflorus was higher in DWS it's biomass was higher in BWS.

Zobel, Donald B.; Garkoti, Satish C.; Singh, Surendra P.; Tewari, Ashish and Negi, C.M.S. 2001. Patterns of water potential among forest types of the central Himalaya. Current Science, 80(6): 774-779. Department of Botany and Pathology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331-2902, USA; Department of Environment and Forest, Government of India, New Delhi 100003; State Forest Research Institute, Polipather, Jabalpur; Department of Forestry, Kumaun University, Nainital, 263002, India. [CENTRAL HIMALAYA; PRE-MONSOON SEASON; SOIL MOISTURE; WATER POTENTIAL]
            Water potential (y ) of soil and trees was measured in 16 forests from 450 to 2310 m elevation in the Kumaun Himalaya, during a two-year period. Predawny , averaged across all species at a site was high (i.e. not stressul) at low elevations and variable at higher elevations. The incidence of low y at high elevations was opposite the usual pattern elsewhere. Midday y varied similarly. Patterns of plant and soil y differed. y values, especially in summer and winter, were severe enough to affect tree growth adversely.