Researchers from ARIES, Nainital, have tracked Uttarakhand’s green cover from space. The Uttarakhand vegetation study covered the years 2001 to 2022. Notably, it also examined pollution and climate effects on plants. Dr Umesh Chandra Dumka of ARIES led the team. Also, experts from India and abroad worked with him. The Ministry of Science and Technology shared the findings in February 2026.
How the Researchers Worked
The team used Google Earth Engine, a global platform for processing satellite data. Also, it relied on the Normalised Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI). Low NDVI values point to rock, sand, water, bare soil or snow. In contrast, high values show dense forests, farmland and wetlands. Moreover, the team used the Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI). EVI works better in areas with high biomass.
Seasonal Patterns
The study used Pearson correlation to test how climate shapes these indices. Interestingly, both NDVI and EVI peaked after the monsoon. However, they fell to their lowest before the monsoon. Also, the data showed clear monthly, seasonal and yearly swings. So, the researchers found a shift in natural rhythms over two decades.
Causes of Decline
Overall, most districts showed a gradual rise in vegetation indices. Still, the researchers saw declining trends in some areas. They linked these to deforestation, farm expansion and illegal felling. In addition, rising urban and industrial pollution played a part. Notably, pollution did not affect all places equally. Instead, it hit some locations harder and added to climate stress. Therefore, the changes threaten biodiversity and water for people downstream.
Satellites as an Early Warning System
The study shows that satellite science can act as an early warning system. As a result, policymakers can see where help is needed most. The journal Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, by Springer Nature, published the research.
About ARIES, Nainital
The Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences (ARIES) is an autonomous institute under the Department of Science and Technology. It works on astronomy, astrophysics and atmospheric sciences. Also, it runs the Devasthal observatory in Nainital district.
Uttarakhand Vegetation Study: Key Facts for Revision
- Institute: ARIES, Nainital (autonomous body under DST)
- Lead scientist: Dr Umesh Chandra Dumka
- Period: 2001 to 2022
- Tools: Google Earth Engine, NDVI, EVI, Pearson correlation
- Peak greenness: After the monsoon; lowest before it
- Journal: Environmental Monitoring and Assessment (Springer Nature)
Why the Uttarakhand Vegetation Study Matters for UKPSC
Notably, forest cover and climate change are core themes in UKPSC geography and environment. So, remember ARIES, the 2001-2022 period and the NDVI method. Also, link this study with remote sensing tools for disaster and forest monitoring. For official updates, also visit ARIES. Next, for a related story, read about the working group on 13 glacial lakes. You can also download our free Uttarakhand Current Affairs magazine.
So, are you preparing for the UKPSC Upper PCS 2026 prelims? Then join our UKPSC 2026 Prelims Test Series for regular practice.