Khursid A Khan
Aligarh Muslim University, India
Title: People’s dependence on forest resources: A case study from Dachigam National Park, Jammu & Kashmir, India
Biography
Biography: Khursid A Khan
Abstract
We examined the dependence on forest resources among the households of Mulnar village on Dachigam National Park (DNP). Mulnar is one among the 22 villages situated at the boundary of DNP. Data were collected through systematic questionnaire survey of 32 households (46%) randomly selected from the village. It was found that about 91.30% of households were totally or partially dependent on forest for fuel-wood. 31% of these households did not use any alternative sources of energy and were totally dependent on DNP forest for fuel-wood. While only 9% households used Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG) as an alternative, 17% used LPG along with fuel-wood. 22% households used kerosene stoves and had to supplement it with fuel-wood due to irregular supply of kerosene. 13% of households used electric heaters along with fuel-wood. With per capita fuel-wood consumption of 4.19 kg/day, the average annual fuel-wood consumption was found to be 1.51 metric ton per household. According to household questionnaire survey the average annual fuel-wood collection was found to be lower (1.52 metric tons/household) compared to the measured quantity (5.94 metric tons/household) calculated on the basis of head-loads being taken out of DNP. Moreover 65% of households collected green fodder from the forest for their livestock. Other resources collected from DNP were medicinal plants, honey, vegetables and fish, as well as timber. The harsh climatic conditions of the area and inappropriate supply of alternative fuels are the driving forces of higher fuel-wood consumption. Moreover, dependence on forest resources for subsistence is high due to high unemployment in the village.