Rajeev Kr. Tiwari , S. P. Rai , N. Qazi , Bhishm Kumar

Abstract

Two microwatersheds namely Arnigad and Bansigad near Mussoorie, equipped with hydrometeorological instruments were selected to monitor the impact of forest cover on stream discharge. Arnigad microwatershed is having dense forest cover and Bansigad is with degraded forest. Total rainfall received in the Arnigad and Bansigad micro watersheds are 2905 mm and 2958 mm, generating runoff of 1627 mm and 1932 mm respectively during the year 2008-09. During the monsoon period from June to September, 2008 both the watersheds r eceived about 86-88% of the total rainfall while runoff per centage during June to September was 81% in Bansigad and 60% in Arnigad watershed. Total annual discharge of the stream under degraded forest cover was higher by 305 mm (19%). Total stream discharge under dense forest during the non monsoon period from October, 2008 to March, 2009 was higher by 50%.

Keywords

Forest Hydrology, Watershed, Rainfall, Discharge

Full Text

     

M. P. Singh ¹, S. P. S. Rawat ¹, R. K. Tiwari ¹, N. Q. Qazi ¹, S. P. Rai ¹, J. V. Tyagi ¹

Affiliations
1 Climate Change and Forest Influence Division Forest Research Institute, Dehradun, 248006, Uttarakhand, IN

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to establish rainfall-runoff relationship amongst the hydro-meteorological and vegetation characteristics and other site parameters at micro-watershed level. It brings out the assessment impact of forest on hydrological behavior. Efforts were made through present study, in which two micro-watersheds namely Arnigad (Dense Oak Forest) and Bansigad (Degraded Oak Forest) near Mussoorie, India were monitored continuously for the period of three years. The present study indicated that a dense forest cover regulates stream flow and controls the high peak flows, resulting in delayed discharge peaks which makes stream perennial and sustainable.

Keywords

Rainfall-runoff Relationship; Oak Forest; Key Words: Degraded Forest; Hydrological Processes; Micro-watershed

Full Text