Archive · 27 Dec 2025
Himachal's Chir Pine, Oak Forests Face Severe Dryness
Scientists from a university in Himachal Pradesh are studying why some forests are very dry and not healthy.
They visited places like Shalaghat and Banuti to collect samples from trees and soil.
They think the dry weather and forest fires might be causing this problem.
The samples will be tested in labs to find out more.
People living nearby are worried because these trees are important for the environment.
This is the first time scientists are studying these specific types of trees for this issue.
Scientists from Dr YS Parmar University investigated severe dryness in chir pine and ban oak forests in Himachal Pradesh.
Samples were collected from affected forests in Shimla, Solan, and Sirmaur districts for laboratory analysis.
Preliminary findings suggest prolonged dry weather and forest fires may be contributing to the forest decline.
The investigation is the first of its kind for chir pine and oak trees, following similar research on deodar trees in 1999-2000.
Local residents are concerned about the rapid drying of oak trees and its impact on the environment.
- Who
- Dr YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, along with forest department officials and local representatives
- What
- Investigation into severe dryness and dehydration affecting chir pine and ban oak forests
- When
- Samples collected on Saturday, with previous research in 1999-2000
- Where
- Shimla, Solan, and Sirmaur districts in Himachal Pradesh
- Why
- To determine the causes and recommend mitigation measures for the forest decline
- Affected Forests
- Chir pine and ban oak forests in Shimla, Solan, and Sirmaur districts
- Investigating Team
- Dr YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni
- Key Locations Visited
- Shalaghat, Piplughat (Solan), Banuti (Shimla), Bogdhar, Bhutli Manal (Sirmaur)
- Preliminary Findings
- Severe dryness, dehydration, and forest fires
- Samples Collected
- Soil and plant tissue samples
- Next Steps
- Laboratory analysis to determine exact causes and mitigation measures