Eco Report of the area - IIT Mandi

proposed Communication Center that runs through Salgi-Charga (east) and the metal-capped road
from Kamandh to Navalai (through Hilog), are within the boundaries of the Campus. These roads
are important links to some of the villages around the Campus and therefore public use cannot be
entirely stopped.
Whereas each block can have a gate, the Campus as such cannot function within a walled or
insulated area. Checkposts at strategic points can regulate unwarranted human intrusions. The
existing roads can serve as the arterial roads. Newer roads can be minimized, restricting them to
stairways along the slopes, foot overbridges across the nallah and if necessary cable cars (for
emergencies and restricted use) to the guest houses.
Sustaining Critical Habitats and Biodiversity
The most critical habitat within the Campus is the nallah and the riparian vegetation that sustains it
(see Wikramanayake et al, 1998). The riparian vegetation overhangs the nallah (also in some parts
the river Uhl) and is habitat to a range of native herbs, shrubs, palms, grasses and ferns. Native
species such as the Ivy (Hedera helix), climbing fig (Ficus foveolata), wild pepper (Piper
brachystachyum) and the aroid Scindaspus officinalis are species that not only have attractive
evergreen foliage but also roots and stems that bind soil and rocks together. Along with these there
are many species of grasses and ferns creating on the faces of the gorges lush evergreen
vegetation, much like the ones in tropical rainforests. There are also palms (Phoenix spp) that
adorn the gorges. This vegetation plays a very crucial role in preventing soil erosion and protecting
the gorges against landslides. The habitat attracts numerous birds such as babblers and laughing
thrushes.
The scrub on the slopes is critical too. This vegetation is comprised of native plants that provide the
spring and autumn colors to the landscape. The rich diversity of birds on the Campus may be
attributed to this vegetation. Broadleaved deciduous vegetation is found along the slopes in parts
of Salgi bordering Chargha. This type of vegetation is the most extensive in Chargha. The
characteristic species is the emergent wild silk cotton Bombax ceiba. The silk cotton provides
nectar to many species of birds.
Chir Pine (Pinus roxburghii) and deodar (Cedrus deodara) are largely planted and can be seen on
the hills bordering Hilog and down the slopes of Gharpa. These forests are known to sustain
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