Drought hits pine, oak forests, Nauni university expert team collects samples
To address growing concerns over severe dryness and dehydration impacting the forest ecosystem, an expert team of Dr YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, conducted field inspection of pine and ‘ban’ (oak) forests in Solan, Sirmaur and Shimla districts.
On Saturday, the team of Dr Manica Tomar, plant pathologist, and Dr Ajay Sharma, entomologist, visited Shalaghat and Pipulghat in Solan district, along with Banuti in Shimla district, to collect samples from Chir pine forests, which are reportedly facing dry stress conditions. During the visit, the scientists carried out a detailed assessment of the affected trees and collected soil and plant tissue samples for further examination. Officials of the Forest Department were also present.
The scientists observed that prolonged dry weather conditions, coupled with incidents of forest fires during last year’s summer, have contributed to the present condition as per their preliminary estimates.
A three-member team lead by Dr Manica Tomar, which included Dr Sumit Vashisth, entomologist, along with other specialised members, also conducted a field inspection of ‘ban’ (oak) forests in Bogdhar and Bhutli Manal areas of Sirmaur district. They thoroughly assessed the affected oak trees and collected soil and plant tissue samples for detailed examination.
BDC Chairman Tejinder Kamal, Vyapar Mandal president Ashok Chauhan, Sushil Kamal and other local representatives also participated in the assessment. Residents of the area expressed serious concern, highlighting how the rapid drying of oak trees posed a significant threat to the local environment and the long-term survival of these historic forests.
