Community-based Conservation of Multipurpose Tree Species in the Srinagar Hydropower Project Affected Landscape (Garhwal Himalaya) India
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.55863/ijees.2026.0931Keywords:
Capacity building, Conservation, Garhwal Himalaya, Local community, Tree speciesAbstract
This study aimed to conserve some economically important tree species through local community participation in the vicinity of the Srinagar Hydroelectric Power Project (Garhwal Himalaya), India. Through detailed consultation and verification with local people, approximately 21,500 seedlings of the selected tree species (1,535 seedlings/species) viz. Bauhinia purpurea, B. variegata, Boehmeria rugulosa, Celtis australis, Ficus auriculata, Grewia optiva, Madhuca longifolia, Morus alba, Ougeinia oojeinensis, Syzygium cumini, Terminalia alata, T. bellirica, T. chebula and Toona hexandra were propagated in the nursery. Nursery-raised seedlings were planted by local communities in the vicinity of power project-affected areas. The overall survival percentage of the planted seedlings was 82%. The seedlings of Syzygium cumini showed the highest survival percentage (90.83%), followed by Grewia optiva (88.40%) under the plantation. Technical know-how on nursery development and conservation has also been provided to local communities through training. Thus, the enhanced plant resources as a result of the plantation of nursery-raised seedlings will help in the improvement of the economy of the inhabitants. Further, increased plant diversity in the area will help manage the region's natural resources and environment.
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