Estimation of Carbon and Biomass Energy Loss Along Shoghi-Shimla- Dhali Bypass in Mashobra Range, Himachal Pradesh

Abstract

The present study was conducted during 2018−2019 to estimate biomass, carbon storage, CO₂ sequestration rate, CO₂ mitigation potential and biomass energy of dominant tree species like Pinus roxburghaii, Quercus oblongata, Cedrus deodara, Pinus wallichiana grown along the National Highway-22 (Shoghi−Shimla−Dhali) bypass, Himachal Pradesh, India. Present investigation was carried out by non-destructive method. About 13,967 trees were cut down during road expansion along National Highway-22. The trees Pinus roxburghaii was 64.73%, 74.22% for Quercus oblongata, 73.27% for broad leaves, 53.64% for Cedrus deodara and 51.86% for Pinus wallichiana under class (10^_20 cm dbh). The maximum biomass of 2205.3 t ha^-1 was observed for Quercus oblongata. Total carbon ranged from 139.26 t ha^-1 to 1102.61 for diameter class 10−19 cm dbh to IE>100 cm dbh. The total carbon sequestered rate was found to be 10,306.57 t ha^-1. The total CO₂ mitigated potential was estimated to be 7498.24 t ha^-1 with average biomass energy of 4319.88 t oil equivalent. The study revealed that Quercus oblongata was the major contributor to the total carbon loss and has highest proportion of 39.36% among all species.