Correlation of forest resource use with socio-economic status in northwestern himalaya: a case study of kullu, himachal pradesh, india

The Himalayas, a region rich in flora, fauna, and other natural resources, offer numerous crucial resources for the survival of the native population. People rely on a variety of resources, including fuel wood, timber wood, fodder, and numerous other valuable NTFPs, for both personal use and to generate income through sale. A similar situation exists in Himachal Pradesh, a state in the northwestern Himalayas, with no exception. People rely on forests for a variety of purposes, particularly in rural areas, which account for 89.97% of the state's population. The study was carried out for the five villages of the Khadihar Panchayat in Himachal Pradesh's Kullu district. Analysis of various socioeconomic factors and their effects on dependency on forests were the main objectives of the study. The results of the study showed that the social status of the household and the quantity of livestock that families kept were only two major factors that had a substantial impact on forest dependency. It is possible to argue that mass sensitization through awareness campaigns, particularly for socially underprivileged people, should be carried out. In order to enhance the socioeconomic circumstances of these households and lessen their reliance on the forest, skill development programmes should also be introduced.