Anthropogenic influences on the vegetation of Western Rajasthan

Summary

Western Rajasthan, forming a part of the Thar desert, is admittedly dry, very hot in summer and is generally poor in vegetation. Though various causes for the origin of this desert have been attributed by climatologists, geographers and geologists, based on anthropological evidences it seems that there has been severe destruction of vegetation during the past. Over this landscape was superimposed the present day conditions, mainly the human influences, direct and indirect, on the vegetation, thus making the conditions still arid. From the observations it is seen that the water table in tube wells in some villages is good, patches of good density of vegetation are present where managed properly or dedicated to some deity. The rainfall, though scanty, is sufficient to support vegetation and if some rest is given the climax is reached especially where the nucleus exists. Though climatically the area is dry but not arid, soils are poor but not infertile and evidence is said to be there that in the past it supported good evergreen vegetation. Immediate establishment of vegetation, even on active sand dunes, can be seen even today if an area is protected rigidly from human and animal influences. During drought periods there may not be any augmentation of vegetation, yet those already established live, stabilise the soil and perpetuate the progress of vegetation. With protection not only the grasses and rank vegetation come up but even species like P. cineraria come up. It may therefore be safely said that Rajasthan desert, if not a “man made desert” is surely a “man maintained desert”.