If you've ever been to the himalayas, you know how refreshing and uplifting its atmosphere is. Mesmerised by its soothing vibes, the ancient sages who inhabited the region even named the himalayas as Dev-Bhoomi (the land of god).
According to the researchers, there are various geographical and spiritual factors behind this extraordinary climate of the region. One of the important factors they talk about is the presence of the subtropical and evergreen forests of the himalayan pine trees there.
And, in this post, I would like to share about the himalayan pine trees and the different aspects of their life, as I came to know in a himalayan village known as Kasar devi.
The himalayan pine trees, commonly known as Blue Pine, are the coniferous trees native to the forests of the himalayas and the surrounding region in India, Nepal and Bhutan in Asia.
Along with other pine species, they are said to be one of the most long-lived and evolved trees on the planet and are highly resistant to the air pollution, being able to withstand it better than most of the other trees.
"It is not so much for its beauty that the forest makes a claim upon men's hearts, as for that subtle something, that quality of air that emanate from the old trees, that so wonderfully changes and renews a weary spirit." — Robert L. Stevenson.
The way the each pine tree grows up is different.
Because of their ability to adapt fast, most of the trees grow in their own unique ways, each one responding to the environmental factors differently. They can even grow up to 50 metres in height, but are more often 10-30 metres tall.
"The Jack pine grows to any shape that suits the light, suits the winds and suits itself." — Milton Acorn.
It's almost impossible to tell how their branches would move in which direction and there's always something new to look at them.. 🌴
Apart from making the region alive and aesthetic, the himalayan pine trees also perform a multitude of other functions necessary for well-being of the forest and its inhabitants.
The wild birds find it safe to nest in the trees due to their greater height and the dense branches.
And, their soft leaves (needles) are food for squirrels and mice.
They also provide supportive space for various organisms to grow and florish, thereby playing a significant role in maintaining the ecological equilibrium of the region.
Moreover, because their wood is highly resinous, the trees have also been historically used to extract turpentine and other essential oils, which are used for medicinal purposes. In the recent years, the pine oil has also become a popular choice of aromatherapy lovers.
"The wonder is that we can see these trees and not wonder more." —Ralph Waldo Emerson."
I must say that knowing about the ways they contribute to the forest-life was quite inspiring and I had never known the trees the way I came to know them.
Witnessing everything from so close (than reading about it in a book 📖) was a life-enriching experience.
But, their role in the forest life doesn't end here and the poor villagers take from them even more than we can expect the trees to give.
Since time immemorial, the villagers have had also been using their wood as firewood, in order to survive the harsh winter of the mountains.
The pine wood is preferred over that of others because it is hard and burns for the longer period of time.
So, before it gets cold, the villagers set the bottom of the trees on fire in order to weaken their trunks.. When the trees get burned enough and lose their strength, they are pulled down and finally chopped into pieces for the daily use.
Moreover, because the pine wood is also durable, the trees are also often cut down to make furnitures and other wooden items.
In fact, I also came to know that defying the local forest conservation laws, the furniture makers from the nearby cities often flock to the forest to buy the cheaper wood in form of the whole naked trees.. and the villagers do not hesitate for a single second to sell them.
Most of them even have fixed the price of 250 Rupees (around three and a half dollar) for a tree from their respective areas.
"Man is the most insane species. He worships an invisible god and destroys a visible nature. Unaware that this nature he's destroying is this god he's worshipping." —Hubert Reeves.
Coming across this aspect of the pine-life was definitely not pleasant and it was ironical to see how foolish we are to harm those who have nurtured us since the time unknown.
My mind wondered what would happen if, one day, nature takes revenge for everything we had been doing to it since so long.. But, then, It didn't take more than a second to realise that it would be the biggest disaster on the planet and nothing would remain anywhere except the formless nature itself.
But, thankfully, that is not how the things work in the nature and despite of all the damage caused to it, It has continued to grow to support the planet in its destiny.
The only thing left to see now is how long it can continue to do so.. Because, according to the scientists, the world has already lost 80% of its forests and we’re continually losing them at a rate of 375 km square per day.
"It's when forests stop breathing that man bids farewell." — Anthony T. Hincks.
