Fuelwood Consumption by Villagers in Different Altitudinal Gradient: A Case of Takoligad Watershed of Garhwal Himalaya, India

Abstract

The present study deals with the biomass use pattern by villagers along different altitudinal gradient during three seasons. Fuelwood used in watershed for different purposes such as cooking, boiling water and space heating. Preferred and commonly used species, emission of green house gasses due to combustion and alternative fuel sources were also examined. 69.33 % LPG (Liquid Petrolium Gas) was estimated in the study area but most of the families use LPG only for preparing tea during guest visit. Overall average fuelwood consumption (Kg/household/day) at three altitudinal zones in three different season was 6.58 in summer, 10.80 in winter and 6.52 in monsoon (Low 500-1000 m asl), 7.34 in summer, 12.72 in winter, 7.28 in monsoon (Middle 1000-1500 m asl) and 9.66 in summer, 14.42 in winter and 9.28 in monsoon (High 1500-2000 m asl). The sampled household complained of decline in the availability of fuelwood species in the nearby areas. The most preferred species for fuelwood were: Alnus nepalensis, Quercus floribunda, Pinus roxburghi, Rhododendron arboretum, Rhus purviflora and Toona ciliata. The information in this communication could be utilized for developing suitable region-specific and need-based alternative strategies for achieving sustainable fuelwood management at the micro-level.