vol13 - part2-working

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



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:-



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



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.



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



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.



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.



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.

vol13 - part2-working

Documents

spiti river system

main spiti river

c ranges

spiti mountain ranges

satluj river system

narrow river valley

dfo spiti

spiti area