Untitled

Abstract

Forest being the most important resource for the welfare of humankind, provide many tangible and intangible benefits to human beings. In many countries, people are dependent on forests for various produces of which fuelwood is the main component. Fuelwood is the principal energy service provider to about 70% of the Indian population as it is extensively used for cooking and heating purposes. Lack of alternative sources of fuelwood makes the rural population mostly dependent on adjoining forest resources which ultimately results in the depletion of forest resources. The aim of present study was to examine the patterns of fuelwood consumption and their ecological implications in two villages namely village Chhani and village Lanchan of Bhaderwah forest division (J&K). The study was based on general survey and interview and it was observed that 12 plant species such as Pinus wallichiana, Pinus roxburgii, Cedrus deodara, Quercus floribunda, Quercus leucotrichophora, Quercus semicarpifolia, Lyonia ovalifolia, Aesculus indica, Pyrus pashia, Indigofera species, Alnus nitida and Abies pindraw were utilized as source of fuel wood in the study area. However, C. deodara, Q. floribunda and P. wallichiana were the most exploited fuel wood plant species. The preference for these species were due to ease of their availability and better fuel quality. Increase in fuel wood harvest caused intense forest degradation and biodiversity loss. The forests of the study area demand immediate attention in order to conserve the depleting forest structure. The policy makers must provide a sustainable solution to reduce the overexploitation of forest resources.