Four Decades of Tree Cover and Grassland Dynamics in the Foothills of the Western Himalayas – Chamoli District of Uttarakhand, India

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Abstract
The study investigates the dynamics of land use and land cover changes and their impacts on tree cover and grasslands in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand over four decades (1983-2023). Using multi-temporal satellite data analysis, the research examines vegetation patterns across different elevation zones ranging from 683m to 7801m. The findings reveal significant variations in tree cover, with an initial increase from 224,027 hectares in 1983 to fluctuations leading to 323,554 hectares by 2023. Tree cover showed remarkable expansion at higher elevations, particularly in the 4149-5152m zone, increasing from 147 hectares to 44,189 hectares. This indicates significant upward migration. Grassland areas demonstrated considerable variability, expanding from 93,647 hectares in 1983 to 118,330 hectares in 2023. The study identifies a clear spatial pattern with consistently higher vegetation density in the southern region, while the northern portion exhibits notably lower coverage. This north-south vegetation gradient persists throughout the temporal sequence, suggesting underlying environmental and human influences. The research also highlights concerning trends in other land cover types, including an increase in barren land and a massive decrease in snow cover, indicating significant changes. These transformations have important implications for local ecosystems, biodiversity, and communities dependent on these landscapes. The findings contribute to understanding the complex interactions between climate change, land management practices, and vegetation dynamics in high-altitude regions, providing valuable insights for conservation strategies and sustainable resource management.

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