Evaluating forest influence on rainfall- runoff relationship from paired micro-watersheds of lesser Himalayas, India

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to establish rainfall-runoff relationship amongst the hydro-meteorological and vegetation characteristics and other site parameters at micro-watershed level. It brings out the assessment impact of forest on hydrological behavior. Efforts were made through present study, in which two micro-watersheds namely Arnigad (Dense Oak Forest) and Bansigad (Degraded Oak Forest) near Mussoorie, India were monitored continuously for the period of three years. The present study indicated that a dense forest cover regulates stream flow and controls the high peak flows, resulting in delayed discharge peaks which makes stream perennial and sustainable.