Affiliations: Post Graduate Department of Geology, University of
Jammu, Jammu-180 006, India | Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology, 33, General
Mahadeo Singh Road, Dehra Dun-248001, India. mahajan@wihg.res.in
Abstract: Baner Khad watershed, a part of Beas river drainage system in
Himachal Pradesh, is experiencing deforestation at a rapid pace. The factors
involved in the deforestation are both natural and anthropogenic. The natural
factors are weak lithology, heavy rainfall, seismic sensitivity of the area
whereas anthropogenic factors involve increase in population pressure and
unplanned developmental activities over the already vulnerable area. Only 1% of
the total forest cover was lost during 1963–1985 but 15% of the total
forest cover has been lost from 1985 to 1995 with 16% increase in the
population during 1981–1991. Less Dense Forest with open scrub is being
lost at a greater rate than the Dense Forest. The rainfall graph of the area
shows a decreased trend in rainfall after 1990. The study shows that the loss
of forest cover, especially after 1985, is more related to the increase in the
population and urbanization, which has contributed in effecting the climate of
the area.
Keywords: Baner Khad watershed, Beas river drainage system, lithology, seismic sensitivity, Himachal Pradesh, India
