vol13 - part2-working
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vol13 - part2-WorkingTRANSCRIPT
Volume: XIII Part: 2 Chapter: 2 Page No: 330
Comprehensive CAT Plan of Satluj River Basin
Chapter 2:
Extracts of Working Plan1
Configuration of Ground:
The tract dealt with
forms a part of eastern
higher Himalayas with
ranges running west to
East directions and
forming the catchment
of tributaries mainly
Lingti and Pin rivers
with turbulent Nallas,
which fed the main
Spiti River. The
Alluvial land masses
have given rise to
vegetation and human habitations. The Spitian fragility contains
rugged terrain of bare rocks and denuded steep slopes. It is an
isolate monotonous grandeur of high mountain Ranges and
narrow river valley and gorges. The Spiti Mountain Ranges
belong to the great middle Himalayas with mean elevation of
about 4570 metres (ranges from 3350 metres to 5485 metres).
1 The source of extract of working plan is the draft working plan of Spiti forest
division by Sh. P D Dogra, IFS the then DFO Spiti. So far no forest/ wild life
management plan have been written for the Spiti area.
There are many un-scaled virgin peaks with alitude more than
5000 metres to 6000 metres. The melting of snow takes place in
the month of April and early May up to Kaza and in June in
higher areas upto Kunzum Pass. The drainage system of Spiti
Valley is mainly narrow gorges in the start i.e. from Northeast
aspect of Kunzum range and in the end meets with vast River
bed alongwith its water course in the Southeast and it joins the
Satluj river at Khab. The source of raising irrigated plantations
and regional watering is by tapping perennial revulets, natural
springs and snow melting water nallas. The Spiti river system
can be further divided into watershed and micro watersheds as
in Satluj river system and further the catchment of nallas shall
form the basis of forming compartments and sub compartments
with natural boundaries like ridges, peaks, nallas, rivers, lakes
etc.
Climate:
Spiti valley has an
average annual rainfall
of <700 mm ; monsoon
hardly penetrates and
rarely reaches in the
valley in form of misty
drizzle. During winter
the snowfall is much
less as compare to
Lahaul and Kinnaur.
The watershed enclosed
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Comprehensive CAT Plan of Satluj River Basin
in all sides by lofty Himalayan ranges. As a result of which it is
not under the direct influence of monsoon and is dry. The
climate varies with zone and are recognized as :-
The dry temperate zone:
It lies between 3275 meters to 4200 above M.S.L. This zone
falls in semi-ceramic of sub-deserted cold type of climate. The
dormant period when the average temperature remains less
than 2* C ranges from 5-7 months. The precipitation is less
than 30mm Heavy snowfall is experienced during winter. The
max. Snowfall for twenty-four hours has been recorded as one
meter. The average snowfall in the season has been measured
at three meters depth. Mean monthly temperature vary from 35
C in summer 10 –15 C in winter the maximum recorded
temperature goes upto 40 C during July and minimum-20 C
during January. These are four distinct seasons. The spring
starts from the beginning of May to the middle of June. In this
season the vegetative growth starts and the sowing & planting
operations are carried out. The summers are mild warm and the
temperature seldom goes above 30 C. the autumn lasts to the
end of the October when severe winds and gales blow in the
valley. The temperature registers sometimes mitigated by early
snowfalls. The trees shed their leaves in this season. The
winters are severe and characterized by heavy snowfall. Most of
the snowfall is received during the end of December to
beginning of March. At this time of the year, the earth is
covered with thick sheet of snow. The magnitude of snowfall
varies one meter to three meters annually with an average of
two meters.
The alpine zone:
This zone lies between 4200 meter and 4800 meter above
M.S.L. This zone falls in a xeric cold type of climate. It is
characterized by 5 to 8 month of dormant period.
The zone of perpetual snow: Area over 4800 meters above
M.S.L. This belt falls under Gryometic type and glacial sub type
of climate. It is characterized by 12 months of dormancy.
Water Supply:
The snow melting is the only
source of water supply which have
been channelised by the IPH
department as well as by the
villagers themselves. Springs
wherever they exist have also
been tapped for irrigation and
domestic use.
Composition and Condition of the Vegetation:
The composition and condition of vegetation varies considerably
with altitude. Aspect type and quantum precipitation along
altitudinal zonations with varied climate edaphic factors. A
general distribution of the main trees and scrub species of the
valley is briefed as under:-
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Comprehensive CAT Plan of Satluj River Basin
Spiti Valley:
As one descends down the Kunzam pass to losar one finds
dwarf variety of Hippophae along river beds with other bushes
and grasses. The two wild willow species are in abundance on
old glacial deposits retaining moisture along waterways and
perennial nallas. Birch species in the scrub form exists along
Nallas. The first raised Poplar plantation is sighted in Hull village
and huge scattered trees of Poplar and willow can be sighted
there from Sumling village retained only around and inside the
village for aesthetic and religious purposes. Junipers can be
sighted along Rangrik nalla. Shego vicinity, Poh and Mane
locality which are scattered very sparsely along hill slopes even
in and around Giew village. Hippophae (Tserma) trees can be
sighted in Mane, Lalung and Mikkim villages. It is said that
valley once had in abundance willow, Poplar, Birch & Juniper
forests whose isolated existence is a Testimony to the fact.
Poplar, willow with Robinia, Ailanthus & Hippophae have been
raised in the valley and in nurseries. Poplar, Willow Hippophae,
Rosa webbiana, can be sighted along water ways and on either
side of stream from Chicham to down up to the river bed.
Clematis tibetiana and Capparis spinoza can be sighted from
Shego village onwards along river bed and hill slopes
respectively. Hippophae spp. can be sighted from Rangrik
onwards .The interior area of the valley abounds in variety of
herbal growth. Natural regeneration of trees is negligible.
Pin Valley:-
Wild willow trees is the only species in interior areas of Pin
valley with a few trees of Poplar and Willow sighted in and
around village from Gulling onwards retained for aesthetic and
religious purposes. Along Nallahs and river courses one can
sight wild Willow dwarf species and Hippophae. There are a few
Juniper big trees in Tangti Yongma & Gongma villages retained
for religious purposes. The valley abounds richly in wide variety
of Herbs and edible Mushrooms of religious and medicinal
importance. Rosa webbiana is sighted on rocks and slopes.
Lingti Valley:-
The valley as mentioned has identical vegetation with wild
willow and birch forests in nallahs. At Kibri, Demul and from
Lalung village onward appear stands of Hippophae, Willow and
Poplar along Nallah with few scattered Juniper. Rosa webbiama
is the other bush sighted along precipitous slopes; it has also
variety of Herbal growth.
In all the valleys and nallahs natural regeneration is negligible
except those of Hippophae, Rosa, Clematis and Capparis which
is scattered. Apart from adverse and harsh climate and edaphic
factor, biotic pressure is also too high to sustain it. The greenery
around the villages against the scrub vegetation, brown and
grey rocks sandy loam with sandy loam silt slopes give a
pleasant site of existence of life. The vegetation of entire area is
very sparse dominated by bushes forming cushion. The general
adoptions witnessed herbs are, the stunted forms twisted and
bent nature of stems, succulent perennials with strong
xerophytic root system. The characteristic feature of the high
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Comprehensive CAT Plan of Satluj River Basin
altitude plants growing in valley, scree slopes marshes, morains,
meadow and pasture is that they exhibit spectacular display of
flowers during June
to August. Over all the
vegetation is very
sparse, discontinuous
& scatter clearly
showing the rugged
land scape.
On the bases of
altitude, the flora of
the area can be
divided in to three
distinct zones, namely
Dry temperate zone,
Alpine zone and the Zone of perpetual snow. The vegetation of
each of these zones is discussed briefly as under:-
DRY TEMPERATE ZONE:
In this (3275-m to 4000-m) zone scattered Herbaceous and
scrub growth predominates over the woody Spp. the later occur
only in small patches dotted about here and there. They are of
insignificant value good only for leafy fodder, firewood and as
secondary timber. The main tree species are Juniperous
macropoda found in the lower reaches of the valley, Betula utilis
occurring on the northern slopes in Nallah sporadically and Salix
Spp. growing on moist places. Among the main scrub that grows
here, the perennials scrubs are Ephedra, Lonicera & Ribes etc.
The density of scrub growth is very poor. The herbaceous
growth is remarkable for its variety. The important species are
Aguilazia fragrance, Anemone obtusilobe, Caltha palustria,
Lenunculars spp., Trifolium ripenes, Potontila aggrophylla,
Primula spp. etc. Pin Valley has richest herb growth.
ALPINE ZONE (4000m to 5000 m):
It is characterized by the presence of trees. The Junipers, Birch
and Rhodendron are found in scrub forms. This is the region of
rich grass growth and herbaceous flora. Most of these grasses
have a tufted habitates bearing larger patches on bare ground in
tufts. The common grasses frequently met with are Poa spp.
and Agrophyron spp. These grasses are rich in nutritive value
and attract many herds of sheep & goat every year from other
districts of the state.
ZONE OF PERPETUAL SNOW (ABOVE 5000-M):
In this zone two belts differentiated namely the glacier and the
tundra. The former is a huge glaciated ice sheet enveloping the
high lands where no vegetation has so far adopted due to this
worst impact of offensive cold. Tundra on the other hand is a
narrow belt below the glacial zone tending throughout the
length of the mountain chains. It is characterized by sub-soil i.e.
permanently frozen from about one meter to several meters and
as such lichens, mosses and few grasses capable of surviving
poor solid and intense cold are the only vegetative life of this
zone.
FLOWERS:
Another characteristic vegetation of this area is that some of the
plants bearing bright colored flowers i.e. Aquilegia, Vulgaris
Heterophyllum, and members of Renunculacae Potontilla bifflora
and F.Multifia give multicolored flowers. Similarly flowers of
Androsace villosa(Primulacaes) Genetia morcroftiana,
anemones and lilies are the other promiants.
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Comprehensive CAT Plan of Satluj River Basin
CLASSIFICATION OF FOREST TYPES:-
TYPE 13/C-5-West Himalayan Dry Juniper:
The area from Poh and downwards upto Sumdo where except
few Juniper trees no natural tree growth exist can be classified
under this type of forests.
TYPE-15/C-2 Decidous Alpine Forests:
The area from Sichinling to Lossar where there is natural growth
of Hippophae.Rosa. Salix fragitia and Betula all indigenous
species growing along on either side of river bed. Nallahs and in
most depression can be classified under this type of forests.
TYPE-15/C-3-Alpine Pastures:
The area above 4000 mtr M.S.L. mostly lying along gentle
slopes upper stepe of the area, moist depressions passes and
area below TUNDRA ZONE where migratory and local inhabitant
graze their cattle can be classified under this type of forests.
Fauna:
Wild Life in Spiti Valley
The area particular Pin valley is rich in wild life and some of
important species are discussed below in brief:-
HIMALAYAN BLUE SHEEP:-
The big horn sheep locally named as NABU Male with faded
greyish brown and female in pale colour with beautifully curved
horns and tapering vertical small horn respectively are distantly
seen on river bed or on slopes during dawn and after sunset.
Quite shy and feed at great height 3960m and above utters a
sharp, shrill whistle when frightened. Its size of big sheep
weighing about 50 Kgs.
IBEX:-
A full grown male varies in night from 0.85 m to 1.30 m has a
massive set of sprawled shaped horns measuring upto 1.0 m
and a gorgeous black bearded. It emits a pungent glandular
smell and its skin contains a thick under growth of pasham (a
fine quality of wool.)
HIMALAYAN RED FOX:-
Size wolf will colour golden brownish with white tuft at its tail. It
looks about for abandoned carcasses and in winter even comes
to village habitation. It is priced for its fur.
SNOW LEOPARD:-
Generally it eats wild animal during summer and attacks local
domestic animal during heavy snowfall when it is unable to find
wild animal. Greyish colour with black spots. Size 38 to 59 cm
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Comprehensive CAT Plan of Satluj River Basin
high and upto 290 cm in length from tip of the nose to the end
of tail.
SNOW WOLF:-
A sky night prowler, it is a notorious killer of domestic animals,
size ordinary sheep Dog.
KOKER:-
It is a rodent of the size of porcupines becoming fast extinct
because of its high priced skin.
SNOW RABBIT:-
Brownish Grey color and is found in lower parts of the valley.
SNAKE LIZARDS AND FISH:-
Snakes are found in the portion of the valley below Lari village.
Of the two types seen one is whitish grey in colour 50-70 cm in
length, the other is yellowish brown in colour measuring up to
80cm length. These are suspected to belong to the viper family
and are thought to be poisonous. But since these are seen
rarely and never near village as such it not possible to confirm
this. A few lizards with sleek, shining and slim bodies are also
seen in the valley. No known Spp. of fish have been observed
probably due to extremely cold water in river, however small
group of fish are seen in spring water.
HIMALAYAN SNOW COCK:-
Species Tetragallus himalayensis of king vulture size colour-dull
grayish brown. Habits cannot ascends in flight found generally
freshly sown fields at heights above 3960 m. the male omits a
sweet melodious whistle at regular intervals especially before
sunrise. It is shy in nature and is a nice table bird.
CHUKUR (SHAKPA):-
(Art ridge Alectoris) size half grown domestic hen with grey
grayish brown colour. It is bigger than Grey partridge. Habit
mostly in Dry and open country especially river beds & in
Bushes and runs very fast. This bird is a good flier too calls a
singing high pitched kateeta. Good table bird.
RAM CHUKOR:
Size domestic hen other wise similar to chukor described above.
It is good game bird.
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Comprehensive CAT Plan of Satluj River Basin
MOOKAR HILL PIGEON:-
Species Colombia rumpertyis. Size and habit similar to the blue
rock pageon, is little bigger has white bar on his tail.
HIMALAYAN CHOUGH:-
Red beaked crow. Black in colour size same as house crow.
RARON:- Glossy black grow with beak. This is of the size of
common house crow.
To promote the fast dwindling wealth of fauna, the whole of Pin
block of Spiti forest Division comprising of 675 Km sq. as core
zone and 1150 Km sq. as buffer zone have been notified as the
Pin valley National Park on 2.6.1986. Pin valley provides ample
water and land resources. If these are properly harnessed the
valley can boast itself as the unique biosphere reserve in the
land and will attract vast variety of people interested in natural
beauty.
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Comprehensive CAT Plan of Satluj River Basin
The fauna found in the valley is tabulated below: -
S. No. Species Local Name Zoological Name
1 Ibex Kin Capra ibex siberica
2 Tibetan wolf Shanku Cannis lapus
3 Snow Leopard Shin Panthera unica
4 Himalayan Chough Chunga phyrrhocorax gracumus
5 Snow Pigeon Mankoo Columbia rupestris
6 Snow Cock Kongmo Tetragallus himalyensis
7 Vulture Larki Neophron persnopterus
8 Ducks Chhupcha Aythya ferina
9 Murgabi Gangpa Anas crecca
10 Himalayan Crow Karo Corvus Tibeteana
11 Picca Zabra Ochotona roylei
12 Ravan Kakchey Corvus corax
13 Golden Eagle Thaa Aquila chrysaetos
14 Griffin Tipingcha Gyps himalayansis
15 Red Start Chhibagiacho Phoenicurus Orchruros
16 House Sparrow Chhirug Passer domesticus
17 Red fox Aache Vulpusvulpus
18 Hoope
19 Himalayan Blue Sheep Nabo Pseudois nahyaur
20 Chakor Shakpa Alpalectoris chakor
21 Hare wooly Rhaeun
22 Dove Ribza Koldo
23 Himalayan Finches Chhibagiacho Carduelis carduelis
Minor Forest Protection:
The local people collect and sell Dhup, Karu, Patish, Kala Jeera, other minor Forest produce and valuable stones to supplement their
income.