On the occasion of Uttarakhand's folk festival Harela, the Forest Department has claimed a new record by conducting a plantation drive at the highest altitude ever recorded in India.
According to the Research Branch of the Forest Department, saplings were planted on Khaliya Top near Munsyari in Pithoragarh district at an altitude of 11,300 feet (3,400 meters) on Wednesday. The department planted Spikenard (Jatamansi) on one acre of land, using plants that were prepared in the Forest Department's nursery.
Chief Conservator of Forests (Research), Sanjeev Chaturvedi, claimed that this is the first time the Forest Department has carried out plantation at such a height in India. He further stated that if successful, this initiative could become a model for conserving Himalayan biodiversity.
Planting trees in high-altitude ecosystems is extremely challenging due to harsh weather conditions. Until now, no such plantation had taken place at this height. The area selected falls under the "Bugyal" (alpine meadow) zone, where natural vegetation is scarce.
The endangered herb Spikenard (Jatamansi) had been under preparation in the nurseries since last October–November.
Spikenard is a flowering plant that grows in the high altitudes of the Himalayas, typically above 3,000 meters (10,000 feet). It has pink, bell-shaped flowers and thick, aromatic roots (rhizomes) that are valued for their medicinal and spiritual properties.
Spikenard is classified as "Critically Endangered" on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List, due to overharvesting and habitat loss. Ethical sourcing and cultivation are now strongly encouraged to protect this sacred herb.
In Ayurveda and traditional Āyurvedic medicine, Spikenard (Jatamansi) roots are used as a medhya (brain tonic) to calm the mind, treat insomnia, anxiety, epilepsy, and support hair growth.
A team of forest officials and researchers from the GB Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment and Development monitored the plantation activity. The department believes this could pave the way for similar eco-restoration efforts.
On the occasion of Harela, the Forest Department not only planted saplings at high altitudes but also introduced fruit-bearing species in lower areas.
In the jungles of Dehradun, over 70 litchi saplings were planted, along with amla, guava, pomegranate, lemon, jackfruit, fig, ber (Indian jujube), jamun, lemongrass, and others.
Officials say these efforts will help boost biodiversity, improve local ecosystems, and benefit both animals and humans.
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