Vegetation and its Status in the Himalayan Region

Abstract

India has a privilege and blessing of thre!e mountain systems viz. the Himalayas, the Vindhyas and the Coastal ranges. Of these three system of mountains, the Himalaya happens to be the greatest and most massive in extent and height. The mighty Himalaya is known for its rich vegetation and snow-capped peaks exerting tremendous influence on the vast majority of India's flora, fauna and ecology. In fact, the Himalayas with their snow, glaciers, forests and diverse types of flora and fauna have been the source and inspiration of forest scientists and thinkers. India has 20 Agro-ecological regions, but the Himalayas region is covered by five only. Of these Himalayan region States Arunachal Pradesh has the maximum forest cover and growing stock.