This is an enormous loss and surely adds to the problems of climate change, when considering that these forests are the natural mechanism, which would normally be making the mountain snows. They would also be normally feeding the waters into the underground aquifers and absorbing carbons. The stability of Earth’s fresh water system depends upon maintaining the integrity of watersheds. These, in turn depend upon the health of the high altitude indigenous mountain forests. To sustain these important mechanisms, Earth’s mountain regions need to be reforested fast. To effectively do this, it is vital that remaining forests are protected and sustained and that action is taken to restore as much as is possible of the natural biodiversity promptly.

MIXED FOREST JAGAT SINGH JUNGLEE

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Jangli, developed the novel idea of mix- foresting about 30 years ago. When he retired from BSF in 1980, his father challenged him to revive two hectares of land that had lain barren because of lack of water.

Since then, he has been planting trees which also improves the livelihood conditions of the women of the village. Today, the forest not only meets fuel and fodder requirements but they also help in satiating water requirements of the villagers.

When asked that how he get the name of Jangli, he said, "Jangli is the award given to me by my well-wishers in a small function held at a local school in 1994." Jangli's work was first recognised when R S Tolia, IAS, highlighted his efforts in bio- diversity and environmental conservation.

Jangli was also felicitated by the Uttaranchal governor SS Barnala in 2002. However, he thought it better to gift the entire amount given by the governor to an unemployed youth of his village.

A question about him was also asked in a popular game show - 'Kaun Banega Crorepati'. When this reporter asked Jangli about the message which he want to convey to the readers, "Practice mixed-forestry in your area to