A CONTRIBUTION TO THE MEDICINAL PLANTS OF SAHASTRADHARA, DISTRICT DEHRADUN, UTTARAKHAND (WITH ETHENOBOTANICAL NOTES)

Abstract

The Himalaya with gushing rivers, alpine meadows, majestic snow claded peaks, enhancing lakes and a rich diverse flora and fauna is rightly described as the " abode of God'. Garhwal Himalaya provides enormous benefits to the human being in the form of shelter, food, water, medicine, fuel and industrial products and fodder. Further it has the potential for providing many more benefits still unknown. The plants protect topsoil, ensure the quality of the water and provide food etc, for all other living beings of the biosphere. Biological extinction has been a natural phenomenon in the geological past however man's interference has speeded extinction at a faster rate. Human beings are involved in destroying the vegetation at an alarming rate resulting in the loss of biodiversity of the biosphere. Himalayan resources are being depleted and converted in to ash each day through biotic pressure coupled with undisciplined exploitation, damage and destruction