CURRENT INITIATIVES:

• Uttarakhand Renewable Energy Development Agency (UREDA) Bio-energy Projects
  • Purpose: Generate electricity using pine needles
  • Outcome: Unsuccessful due to technology limitations

CONTEXT OF FOREST FIRES:

• Severity of Annual Forest Fires
  • Causes: Climate change-induced droughts, increased organic biomass
• Risks Associated with Pine Needles
  • High Flammability
  • Contributing Factor to Forest Fires

Pinus roxburghii (Chir Pine or longleaf Indian pine):

• Pinus roxburghii, also known as Chir Pine or Longleaf Indian Pine, is a species native to the Himalayas, named after botanist William Roxburgh.
• Its native range spans from Tibet and Afghanistan through northern India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan, and Myanmar.
• Chir Pine typically grows at lower altitudes compared to other Himalayan pines.
• Its shallow root system contributes to soil erosion, especially in the Himalayan region.
• The fallen needles of Chir Pine acidify the soil, inhibiting the growth of vegetation around it.
• Despite its ecological impact, Chir Pine is valued for timber, resin production, and traditional uses in local communities.
• Conservation efforts focus on monitoring habitat degradation, implementing soil conservation measures, and promoting sustainable harvesting practices.
• Research continues to understand soil acidification processes, integrate Chir Pine in reforestation strategies, and develop sustainable land use policies in its native range.

RESOURCE POTENTIAL:

• Pine Needle Quantity in Uttarakhand
  • Coverage: 16.36% of forest area
  • Quantity: Over 15 lakh tonnes annually
  • Potential Benefits: Power generation, employment, livelihood support
• Challenges in Utilizing Pine Needles
  • Lack of Sustainable Technology
  • Environmental Concerns (e.g., air pollution, carbon emissions)

STATE’S EFFORTS AND FUTURE PROSPECTS:

• Past Bio-energy Projects by UREDA
  • Number of Plants Commissioned: 6
  • Decision to Not Add More Plants
  • Reasons: Technological limitations, lack of success
• Importance of Finding Sustainable Solutions
  • Need for Innovations in Pine Needle Utilization
  • Balancing Environmental Conservation and Energy Needs

CONCLUSION:

• The dilemma of utilizing pine needles as a valuable resource versus the challenges posed by inadequate technology
• The necessity for sustainable solutions to address forest fires and meet energy demands while considering environmental impacts and livelihood support.