Land-Use/Cover Changes in the Kewer Gadhera Sub-Watershed, Central Himalaya - Impact of Global Changes on Mountains: Responses and Adaptation - page 308

impact of climate change in mountain regions is unanimous. The land,
which was largely devoted for the cultivation of fruit crops earlier, is
currently abandoned. Low production and productivity of fruit crops
and consequently abandonment of productive land is considerably due
to changes in the climatic conditions, as observed by the farmers. In
discussions with the fruit growers, it was noticed that tremendous changes
in the farming system is due to climate change. The areas where intensive
cultivation of apple fruit was carried out during the past are now no better
for its cultivation. This belt has been sifted greatly to the higher elevation, as
observed. It is the same situation with the cultivation of other fruits—citrus,
nut and stone fruits. Similarly, oak forests are being invaded by pine forests
(between 1000 to 1800 m) in most of the areas particularly in the south-
facing slopes (Fig. 12.3D). This impact can be noticed in Chakrauta area
(Tons valley), Pauri district (Nayar valley), Rudraprayag district (Mandakini
valley), and Chamoli district (Alaknanda, Nandakini, and Pindar valleys).
Many sources of spring water have dried up due to the disappearance of
oak trees. The impact of climate change can also be observed from the fact
that musk deers have disappeared from the Nandadevi wild life sanctuary.
Figure 12.3. (A) Panoramic view of Kewer Gadhera sub-watershed, (B) Dense pine forest, (C)
Land abandonment, (D) Invasion of Oak forest by pine trees.