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A few decades ago, hydroelectric projects were considered a clean source of energy. The present study aims to assess the biomass and soil carbon (C) stock in the hydroelectric catchment in India and further, its implications to mitigate GHG emissions. The estimation depicts the low 'C' stock in the reservoir's catchment in comparison to reservoirs located globally in the same eco-region which will ultimately result in lower GHG emission in the future. Moreover, estimated total carbon density of the forest species was found as 54.92 ± 18.07 MgC.ha−1 while mean SOC was 79.64 ± 19.32 MgC.ha−1. The average total 'C' stock of Tehri hydroelectric reservoir's catchment was estimated as 134.56 MgC.ha−1. Moreover, ratios (total flooded carbon/installed capacity) comprised between 4 and304 kgC/W from the other reservoirs reported globally. These ratios are higher than the Tehri reservoir (0.28 kgC/W) as flooded area of Tehri reservoir during impoundment was 52 km2. Thus, Tehri reservoir was found to emit less GHG in time to come. The present study helps the hydropower industries, policymakers, and environmentalists in designing the catchment area treatment plan to minimize the negative impact of GHG on climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As per international policy agendas on mitigation of greenhouse gas emission, the impact change in land use on soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks is of major concern. There has been no systematic study carried out to estimate SOC pool in the catchment of hydroelectric reservoirs. An assessment of SOC stock along altitudinal gradient was carried out in the catchment of proposed Kotli Bhel 1A hydroelectric reservoir located in Uttarakhand, India. The SOC stocks were found to be decreasing with altitude, ( i.e. soil under high altitude forests having more SOC and vice versa). The SOC map developed from the normalized difference vegetation index also verified the results and allowed for spatially explicit targeting of potential climate change mitigation efforts through soil carbon sequestration. The results also revealed that the alpine forest soil has a greater potential of C sequestration compared to devdar, oak, and chir species found in the catchment. This information will help policymakers or environmentalists to take preventive measures for afforestation of forest species that can sequester more C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The carbon stored as soil organic carbon (SOC) and tree biomass is typically the highest carbon pool of the forest and is impacted by degradation and deforestation. The impact of "C" stocks on climate change at different altitudes can have vital implications for the conservation and management of "C" sinks. This study was undertaken in subtropical belt of Tehri Garhwal, Uttarakhand, India, to understand the carbon-storing potential of Anogeissus latifolia tree and its soil properties in three altitudes, i.e., lower (LA: 790–824 m), middle (MA: 825–960 m), and upper (UA: 1168–1212 m), which provide fuel, fodder, and small timber for life support purposes. Results of the study suggested that soil moisture and pH increase with increasing depth and altitude, whereas SOC and soil nitrogen show reverse patterns. Moreover, bulk density (BD) does not follow any trend (i.e., BD increases with soil depth and altitude until 960 m and further decreases with an increase in altitude). Tree density, biomass, and carbon stock reported highest in MA compared with UA and LA because of dense forest and greater tree diameter. Looking into the soil carbon stock, nitrogen, C/N ratio (C/N: < 10), and climatic drivers supportive to microbial degradation, it is concluded that A. latifolia forest has played an important role in carbon reduction and mitigating climate change at regional and global levels. The study will help environmentalists, foresters, and policy-makers to stimulate the combined effect of degradation of forest species on climate change and socioeconomic development at regional and global scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]