Abstract
The aim of the present study was to assess vegetation diversity and soil nutrients status in submergence zone of hydroelectric project in Srinagar Garhwal Himalaya. The information on submergence zone was taken from hydroelectric project (HEP), the height of the dam is 93 m and subsequently submergence zone area will be developed. The submergence zone is presently under open condition and soon after completion of project work, the area will be submerged. The analysis of vegetation was done using quadrats method, and soil physico-chemical analysis was done using standard methods. The results indicate that average moisture percent of the study area was 7.78 %, water holding capacity 30.56% and bulk density 1.28 g m-3. The soil pH was slightly basic (7.33). The soil organic carbon (SOC) was 0.23%. The amount of phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) were reported to be 12.25 and 103.07 kg ha-1, respectively. The species diversity (H) ranged from H = 0.39-3.26 (trees) H = 1.84-3.01 (shrubs), H = 0.08-0.23 (herbs) and concentration of dominance (CD) ranged from CD=0.12-0.86 (trees), CD = 0.14 to 0.31 (shrubs), CD = 0.08-0.23 (herbs) however beta-diversity (β) ranged from β-2.72-4.0 (trees), β-3.10-4.0 (shrubs), β-4.93-9.77 (herbs). In the submergence zone, villagers are directly dependent on the resources traditionally for fuel, fodder, timber and many other things and have cultural and emotional attachment. Soon after submergence, the resources pressure of villager will be shifted to the adjacent forest (influenced zone). Therefore, special attention is needed through awareness of the villagers to restore the vegetation of adjacent forest from further degradation.
Key words: Submergence, plant and soil resources, hydroelectric project, Garhwal Himalaya.
