The Uttarakhand forest department has established 42 field-based "ecological laboratories" across the state to monitor the impact of climate change on its forests.
These laboratories will provide crucial data on the impact of irregular climate patterns, such as the early blossoming of species like rhododendrons and Brahmakamal.
Recent summers in Uttarakhand have seen unusually high temperatures exceeding 42°C, affecting the quality of Dehradun and Ramnagar litchis. The extreme heat has led to less juicy, cracked, and sunburnt fruit.
Even the rhododendrons, which typically bloom between January and March, have shown an abnormal blooming cycle in Uttarakhand, with flowers blooming earlier and later than usual.
The ecological laboratories also referred to as "living laboratories," are distributed across diverse ecosystems, ranging from the Terai regions to the alpine meadows. Each plot spans from 5 to 10 hectares and has been strategically placed in remote areas to minimise external environmental influences.
Officials have indicated that this is the first time the forest teams have developed a comprehensive standard operating procedure (SOP) to thoroughly analyse each parameter.
Uttarakhand, with its 46 distinct forest types, is expected to make significant contributions to global climate change research.
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