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Chir pine, oak forests in Himachal facing severe dryness: Forestry university team probes reasons

Preliminary investigation suggests dry weather conditions, forest fires contributing to present condition

3 min readShimlaDec 27, 2025 08:13 PM IST

During the visit, the scientists carried out a detailed assessment of the affected trees and collected soil and plant tissue samples for further examination. (Photo - Himachal Forest Dept.)

Following reports of prevailing dry-stress conditions over the chir pine and ban oak forests in Shimla, Solan and Sirmaur districts, an expert team of Dr YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, collected samples from the affected forests on Saturday. At the preliminary stage, the team maintains that severe dryness and dehydration are impacting the forest ecosystem in the state.

The team headed by plant pathologist Dr Manica Tomar and entomologist Dr Ajay Sharma visited Shalaghat and Piplughat in Solan district, along with Banuti in Shimla district, to collect samples from chir pine forests. The team was accompanied by forest department officials on Saturday. While chir pine trees grow in the lower elevation areas in Himachal Pradesh, oak trees grow in the semi-hilly areas.

During the visit, the scientists carried out a detailed assessment of the affected trees and collected soil and plant tissue samples for further examination.

Speaking to The Indian Express, Tomar highlighted that in 1999-2000, similar research was carried out in the deodar reserve forest of Chail when the tall trees of deodar turned yellowish.

“That research was carried out by the scientists of Himalayan Forest Research Institute (HFRI) and Nauni University drawing the conclusions that trees had attained their maximum age, etc. It is for the first time when research is being carried out on pine chir and oak trees,” the expert added.

“During the preliminary investigation, the scientists observed that prolonged dry weather conditions coupled with incidents of forest fires during last year’s summer months have likely contributed to the present condition,” a member of the expert team said.

“Severe dryness and dehydration were brought to light in the preliminary probe. The collected samples have been sent to the university laboratories for detailed scientific analysis to ascertain the exact causes including the widespread impact of climate change etc. behind the forest decline. Based on the laboratory findings, the university will prepare and submit a comprehensive report to the government, outlining the causes and recommending appropriate mitigation measures,” the member added.

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The team was supported during the visit by BDC Chairman Tejinder Kamal, Vyapar Mandal President Ashok Chauhan, Principal Sushil Kamal, and other local representatives.

Residents of the area have expressed serious concern, stating that the rapid drying of oak trees poses a significant threat to the local environment and the long-term survival of these historic forests.

Earlier, a three-member team led by Tomar, which included Dr Sumit Vashisth, entomologist, along with other specialised members also conducted a field inspection of ban oak forests in Bogdhar and Bhutli Manal areas of Sirmaur district, following concerns over severe dryness and dehydration impacting the forest ecosystem. The scientists carried out a detailed assessment of the affected oak trees and collected soil and plant tissue samples for further examination.

Saurabh Parashar

Saurabh Parashar is an Assistant Editor at The Indian Express, primarily responsible for the publication’s coverage of Himachal Pradesh. He is a seasoned journalist with over 17 years of experience in print media, specializing in crime, legal affairs, and investigative reporting. Professional Background Education: He holds a Master’s degree in Mass Communication from Guru Jambheshwar University of Science & Technology (Hisar) and a Law degree from Himachal Pradesh University (HPU), Shimla. This legal background significantly informs his reporting on complex judicial and administrative matters. Career Path: Before joining The Indian Express in 2017, he spent 12 years with The Times of India. Core Beats: His primary focus is the socio-political landscape of the hill state, with a specific emphasis on the environment, forest conservation, drug menace (specifically "Chitta"), affairs related to tribal and archaeology and the unique challenges of governance in high-altitude regions. Recent Notable Articles (Late 2025) His recent reporting highlights the critical intersection of policy, law, and social safety in Himachal Pradesh: 1. "Himachal’s battle against Chitta: Why the border areas are most vulnerable" (Late 2025): An investigative look at the transit routes from Punjab and the impact on local youth. 2. "Shimla ropeway clears key hurdle as 820 trees face the axe :According to the Forest Survey of India’s 2021 assessment, 47.21 percent of Shimla’s 5,131 sq km geographical area is under forest cover (Nov 17, 2025). 3. "Himachal to handover 2.7427 ha of non-forest land for Shimla Ropeway: Given the land’s non-forest nature, RTDC and the state will not require permission from MoEFCC" (Nov 18, 2025) 4. "How the centuries-old Jodidara tradition is fading in Himachal’s Trans-Giri region: Jodidara: a form of fraternal polyandry—has long been part of Hatti tribal culture in the Trans-Giri region of Himachal Pradesh and adjoining Uttarakhand. It is believed to have evolved to prevent division of ancestral land and maintain unity among brothers in the harsh, mountainous terrain" (Aug 18, 2025) Legal & Agricultural Affairs "Kisan Sabha hails SC’s setting aside Himachal HC order to remove orchards from forest land" (Dec 18, 2025): Covering a major Supreme Court victory for farmers, where a High Court order to remove fruit-bearing apple orchards was overturned. "Himachal Cabinet nod to new tourism policy; focus on home-stays in tribal areas" (Dec 11, 2025): Detailing the legislative push to decentralize tourism and bring economic benefits to Lahaul-Spiti and Kinnaur. 3. Governance & Environment "Forest rights and development: Why Himachal is seeking more leeway from Centre" (Dec 19, 2025): Reporting on the legal hurdles faced by the state in infrastructure projects due to the Forest Conservation Act. "Cloudbursts and resilience: How Himachal’s remote villages are building back better" (Nov 2025): Following up on the long-term rehabilitation efforts after monsoon-related disasters. Crime especially cyber crimes, crypto currency etc: crypto currency: "Agents in uniform, motivational speeches, lavish parties: How a Himachal crypto con went unnoticed:A serial conman, a ‘Nelson Mandela Nobel Peace Award winner', and retired policemen got together to pull off a Rs 1,740-crore fraud" (Nov 10, 2023) Signature Beats Saurabh is recognized for his tenacious reporting on the state's drug epidemic. His deep familiarity with the topography and tribal culture of Himachal allows him to report from remote locations like Spiti, Pangi, Shillai, which are often overlooked by national media. His legal expertise makes him a primary choice for covering the Himachal Pradesh High Court on issues ranging from local body elections to environmental PILs. X (Twitter): @saurabh_prashar . ... Read More

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