Deforestation and Geo-Environmental Degradation in the Baner Khad Watershed,Himachal Pradesh,India

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.