History of Paddar: (The Sapphire Valley)

Padder valley is the farthest corner of district Kishtwar on touching the Himachal Pradesh, Zanskar valley of Ladakh and Marwah-Wadwan Valley. On the South-Eastern side Paddar is known for sapphire deposits and other forest products like zeera and Guchhi. Although vast areas of the valley is under forest cover yet few villages are also known for producing green dry vegetables pulses such as peas & Rajmash.

No concrete material is available about the early history of Padder. However, it is said that there was no one in Padder till 8th century. It was just a meadow. The people from nearby areas such as Bhaderwah, Lahol and Ladakh were attracted to see the fascinating grazing lands. So., they used to come here to graze their cattles. With the passage of time, they settled here permanently. Some historians say that it was known by the name 'Palder' in the beginning. Later the name was changed to Padder.

According to available sources, Padder was under Googay rule, during 10th century. It remained under their rule till 14th century. After 14th century, Padder got separated from Googay rule and divided into smaller parts. These parts were ruled, by smaller Petty Ranas (Rana is an Old Hindu word for a ruler who is less in Power than a Raja). The Ranas of Padder were Rajputs, Every village or every two or three villages used to have a Rana who often fought against the next village Rana.

The area was inhabited mostly by Thakur community. People were serpent worshippers but they observed other Hindu rites and rituals as well. One can see temples of different Nagdevtas or Serpent Gods which are adorned with wood carvings of snakes of many forms. Besides Hindus there are also Muslims and Budhists. The first Muslim came to Padder during the period of Shantar Kantar Rana from Chamba who used to make the pots of soil. The descendants of those Muslims are still living at Atholi and kijai. 

In the middle of 17th century A.D chattar Singh, the Raja of Chamba also attacked Padder. He first conquered Pangi from where he advanced with about 200 men to Paddar and annexed it. He constructed a fort after his name as well. The local Ranas could not face the onslaught of Raja Chattar Singh. They accepted his suzeranity and became his tributaries and began to work as his Kardars. The impact of Chatter Singh's conquest lasted long and Paddar area continued to be the part of Chamba upto 1836. From Chattar Singhs period onward Paddar remained comfortably under the Raja's of Chamba for five to six generations.

Under the leadership of Ratnu Thakur the people of Paddar attacked Zanskar in 1820 or 1825 (Zanskar was with a Bhot Raja under Ladakh). He made it his tributary. The Bhot Raja agreed to pay 1000 rupees, besides musk bags and other things annually as Nazar (present) to the Chamba Raja.

As soon as Gen. Zorawar Singh reached Kishtwar he heard of an uprising in Ladakh. Therefore, he left for Ladakh via Zanskar. From this route Leh is 275 miles from Kishtwar, Which is the shortest route between these two places. Zanskar area falls enroute Bhot Nullah. The army of Gen. Zorawar Singh entered Zanskar(Ladakh) through Paddar. This time wazir Lakhpat Rai Padyar, who was a trusted officer of Gulab Singh, also joined Zorawar Singh in the second attack on Ladakh. After conquering Ladakh a part of the Army was sent to Zanskar under the command of Wazir Lakhpat Rai and Col. Mehta Basti Ram as Zanskar was not under them till then. After conquering Zanskar, the army returned to Jammu through Paddar. 30 soldiers of Dogra army were kept in Chattar Garh fort to keep in touch with the soldiers fortified in Zanskar. During this period a rebellion broke out in Zánskar and the Dogra soldiers present there were massacred.On hearing the news Ratnu Thakur, who was the highest employee of Chamba Govt. instigated people and caught hold of Dogra soldioers. Some of them were made prisoners and sent to Chamba. This made Gen. Zorawar Singh mad with rage. He intended to attack paddar.

In 1836 Gen. Zorawar Singh along with 3000 soldiers, attacked paddar from Zanskar through Bhot Nullah route. To escape from the onslaught frightened Ratnu demolished the bridge on Chenab. For this reason, the Dogra army had to wait for 3 months. With the help of some local peasants they made a ropeway bridge and crossed the Bhot Nullah and led a furious attack on Chattar Garh. The whole town was set on fire. It was heaps of stone all around. Many people were hanged some were disfigured. A new fort was built in place of Chattar Garh. An officer along with a few soldiers was stationed there for the watch of the fort and Padder became a part of Dogra State. Ratnu was arrested and sent to Jammu, where he remained under detentions for three to four years. Subsequently, he was released and granted an estate in Kishtwar. Those days Padder was under the Tehsildar of Bhardarwah.

After conquering Padder Gen, Zorawar Singh went to Zanskar via Umasi La (Dharlang) about 17370 feet from sea-level to quell the rebellion there. He succeeded in establishing peace. In 1837 a fierce rebellion broke out in Leh and Gen. Zorawar Singh covered the journey from Kishtwar to Leh in about 10 days. In May 1838 Zorawar Singh got a fort built at Chisoti (Paddar) on his way back to Kishtwar.

In 1845, during the rule of Maharaja Gulab Singh, both Paddar and Zanskar were given the status of Tehsil. Later on, when Leh got district status, Ladakh was merged with Leh and Paddar was merged with Tehsil kishtwar during the period of Maharaja Ranbir Singh. In 1963, Paddar was given the status of block by the govt. of J&K. Now, it enjoys the status of a Tehsil.

Pilgrimage to Chandi Dham Machail

    Paddar in district Kishtwar has much of its own to offer. Full of natural and forest wealth, this tehsil has its own local dialect called Padri. It is situated on the bank of the mighty Chenab offering a unique and fascinating sight of the location. Paddar has the unique distinction of having the sacred shrine of Mata Chandi located at an altitude of 9500 ft. at Machail village surrounded by high mountains, thick deodar forest and attractive meadows adjacent to world famous sapphire mines area. 

     In Jammu, Machail yatra has its origin in Mahalakshmi temple at Pacca Danga. The yatra starts with a religious procession which passes through Jain Bazar, Link Road, Purani Mandi, Raghunath Bazar and Indira Chowk and then joins the yatra at Chinote.

   The holy journey of Machail shrine is about 320 kms. from Jammu City. The foot journey of 31 kms. from Atholi to Machail is a treasure of nature's glimpses, attractions, enroute temples, caves, bubbling streams, springs, greenery and at some places sharp naked mountain peaks with night halts at Massu, Chishoti and Machail village. The worship of the godess continues at halting stations till late night. 
       The yatra usually commences from Aug 18 every year from its base camp Chinote. However, this year, the yatries have been permitted by the Yatra Management "Serve Shakti Sewak Sanstha to undertake pilgrimage from 10th of August itself to avoid rush and have glimpses of the Goddess. It is deemed necessary to mention here that the scene of the holymace (Charrimubarkh) departure from its base camp is worth seeing. Thousands of devotees who throng Chinote on the occasion, chant and dance to the tunes of devotional songs and tears roll down from the eyes of the spectators and the participants out of emotions. It looks like a bride is leaving for her in laws house. The bazaars and roads are decorated by erecting colourful gates and fluttering buntings to receive the yatra.The people here welcome the yatris by offering fresh fruit, sweet water and the other eatables like halwa-puri, chai and channa etc. as a token of love and respect to the divine mother. It is an admitted fact that who so ever joins this pilgrimage once wishes to visit the shrine again and again to satiate his spiritual thirst.
The most important and impressive aspect of the Machail yatra is the unique holy mace of the Goddess which remains ahead of the pilgrims to provide strength and inspiration to the pilgrims enroute.   

According to a legend, the Goddess Chandi appeared at Machail long-long ago in the shape of Shila (Pindi). The mother came here from her ancient place Mindhal Battas (HP) to bless the simple, ignorant and helpless people of Paddar area. Besides spiritual, its social aspect is more impressive as it is believed that the Goddess asks her devotees to shun social evils like smoking, drinking and abusing each other for over all welfare of society and the mankind as a whole. By the grace of the mother majority of the pilgrims succeed in this objective. Domestic problems of the devotees are also solved by the Chandi Mata by dint of "Dhooptalna programme" called 'man ki bat boojhna'. 

      The main reception station of famous Machail yatra include Bhala, Premnagar, Thathari, Kishtwar, Atholi Paddar, Massu, Chishoti and Machail where religious congregation and Bhandaras are organized to highlight the importance of religion and the yatra. The distance of about 200 Kms of the yatra from its base camp up to Gulabgarh Paddar is covered by bus in 3 days. Moreover, it is perhaps the only pilgrimage where a pilgrim has nothing to spend as boarding, lodging and langers are available free of cost enroute. Besides, local people also welcome pilgrims in their houses from the core of hearts and offer every possible facility within their reach to the pilgrims free of cost treating them as guests of the Goddess Chandi.

   
    Earlier, the yatra used to reach its destination Chandi Dham Machail, on the eve of a local festival called 'Naghui' when doors of the historical Chandi temple are thrown open for Darshan of the Goddess after remaining closed throughout the year as per ancient tradition and faith. On the occasion, the local populace including Budhists Clad in traditional dress greet the holymace. The devotional songs and holy couplets sung and chanted in local Padri language add to the charm of the holy dances throughout the day. Besides, havanas are also performed by the devotees for their peace and satisfaction. 

The Chandi Dham Machail has the distinction of the simultaneous appearance of Shiv and Shakti. On the one hand, the Goddess Chandi (Shakti) is blessing her devotees at Machail village while on the other hand God Mahadev abruptly appears on the opposite high mountain in the shape of Lingam to provide darshans to the pilgrims on the pious occasion of the Shakti yatra. The mountain is called Shiv Pahad which often remains covered with black clouds. It is a unique union of Shiva and Shakti found at Machail only and nowhere else in the country.

     It is a historical fact that the great Duggar warrior, General Zorawar Singh on his way to conquer Gilgit first bowed his head before the Goddess to get her blessings. It is said that the Goddess instructed her senior disciple to accompany Zorawar Singh to Gilgit and come back with flying colours. And this fact stands reflected in the Aarti of Machail Mata. It is necessary to mention here that the founder, originator of this unique pilgrimage is a President Award winner, Police Officer, Thakur Kulbir Singh Jamwal of Bhadarwah who has become a living embodiment of the Goddess Chandi. The Yatra is manned and conducted by a state level registered social-cum-spiritual organization, 'Sarve Shakti Sewak Sanstha' first of its kind ever formed in the State. The district and divisional administration also extend its helping hand to the Sanstha by way of deputing medical and wireless teams, yatra officer, security staff and deployment of pilgrims vehicles to make the Yatra a grand success.In view of increasing number of pilgrims year after year, much more arrangements of boarding, lodging and deployment of vehicles etc. need to be made on the pattern of Swami Amarnath Ji Yatra to facilitate the pilgrims enroute hilly area. The Machail Yatra is continuously becoming popular day by day.

Sapphire Stones of Paddar

    The Nature-blessed State of Jammu and Kashmir has much to offer to its people - charming scenery, temperate climate and a lot of mineral wealth. This mineral wealth has fascinated geologists, surveyors, and commonman alike, but the Sapphire produced in the remote region of the State - Padder has carved for itself a prominent place in the hearts of people across the world.

    These Sapphires mines are located at Suncham village of Tehsil Padder in Distt. Kishtwar at an altitude of about 11,000 feet. This was formerly occupied by an extension of the graciers which now descend only as far as its upper end from the passes leading into Zanskar. During glacial times this portion of the hills stood at a lower elevation than at present and has undergone a considerable upheaval since the period.

    The existence of sapphire was first brought to light in 1881, or early 1882 when some were brought to Shimla by traders who stated that they had been obtained from a spot among the mountains on the borders of Zanskar at Padder, where a landslip had laid bare the rocks beneath the soil and disclosed the presence of gems.

    Various stories are told about the original discovery. According to one of these, a Shikari (hunter) having lost the flint from his gun while hunting looked for a small fragment of quartz or other hard rock to strike a light with. He picked up a small hard stone and found that it answered his purpose better than the ordinary fragments of quartz. He carried on collecting such pebbles and small pieces and eventually sold it to a Laholi trader, by whom it was taken to Shimla, where its value was recognized. Enquiries were then made, which resulted in the discovery of spot where the Shikari had picked up the stone. According to another story, a no. of traders in Shimla from Padder were emptying their baskets in a merchant's shop - when a stone fell out and it was thrown by the merchant into the street. A well known jeweller who happened to be pass by that lane at the time was awe-struck to see the unique stone. Picking it up, perhaps with the intention of returning it, he saw that it was, he bought if for a small sum. The merchant then demanded more such blue pebbles from the traders of Paddar. The news reached Machail, a village ten kilometer away from the mine where from the Bhots of Machail joined the trade. They continued to collect the small pieces and pebbles all alone and disposed it off in exchange of articles of daily use. Even half a kg of Sapphire used to be sold at Rs. 1 at that time.

    When the news reached Maharaja Ranbir Singh in Jammu, he immediately took measures to protect the mine. In 1882 and 1883 A.D. the working of the mine yielded 72,207 tolas (nearly 8,66,484 grams) i.e. 8 quintals, 66 kg and 484 grams. These were sold to a merchant for four lakh rupees. Sapphire turned out to be costliest blue glittering stone in the world market for which Padder earned name and fame.

    The mining activity began in a big way in 1885. In the year 1887, the Maharaja Ranbir Singh found that the revenue from the mines, which had been obtained by them with considerable profit since the first discovery, was steadily diminishing. So he requested the Government of India for a Geologist to examine the mine. The Geologist examined it and subsequently the extraction of Sapphire improved to some extent. During working session of 1888 i.e. from 17th July to the 29th September, the total quantity of corundum obtained was 1630 tolas of which probably one fourth was commercially valuable. The mining activity ended in a big way in 1890. The gems mined during this period fetched enormous prices for the Government.

    Like other industries in J&K, Sapphire mining too received a setback during 1989, when violence erupted in the valley. Owing to their location, the mines became no go area for authorities. Nobody knew what on in mines during the turbulent 1990s. Finally, when a Government team visited the mine in 1998, they were shocked to find rampant illegal mining. The miscreants had used cruide devices, even detonations to remove the prized gems, there by causing considerable damage to the infrastructure at the mines.

    There is considerable moisture in the area because of the enormous heights. This area remains considerably under the clouds when monsoon attacks the plains. Average temperature during the working season of July to September remains around 5 degree to 10 degree C during the day and almost minus 1-2 degree C during night. However, in the mine, the temperature is always minus 2-10 degree C.

    Sapphire is a Greek word meaning blue. Kashmir Sapphire is known as king of Sapphires. The brilliance exhibited by it as of a rare quality and fetches the highest possible price per carat. Its deep blue colour with cornflower tinge is its specific colour characteristic. 

    The velvety touch called as mercurial colour resembles to the neck of a peacock; which provides the only discernible characteristics of the stone from rest of the world. The majority of the crystals ranging from 0.8 inches to 1.5 inches in length are very much transparent, but, the crystals, which are beyond two inch in length, are mostly opaque and translucent. The hardness of the Sapphire is nine as per the Moh's scale of hardness. The Sapphire crystals are usually embedded in the fine matrix of kaolin transversing the pegmatite vein. The Padder Sapphire under microscope shows that they are uniaxial in nature. They depict negative characters. A variety having satellite opalescence when viewed in the direction of vertical axis.

   Sapphires are commonly used as jewellery. Because of remarkable hardness of Sapphires, it is used in some non-ornamental applications, including infrared optical components such as scientific instruments, small durability windows, wristwatch crystals, very thin electronic wafers, which are used as insulting substrates of very special purpose solid - state electronics (most of which are integrated circuits).

Tourists Attractions in Sapphire Valley Paddar.

Paddar in Distt. Kishtwar, J&K state in India embodies the poetry of nature, which no human language can interpret in words. Majestic ice capped mountains, verdant woods, lively rivers and placid lakes form the landscape of the area. Paddar is virgin Heaven on Earth. The land of Paddar is blessed with exquisite natural beauty. With the snow clad mountaintops, exotic orchards, lush green pastures, alpine forests and many more, the divine and delightful land of Paddar is a boon to the worldwide nature lovers. This valley is one of the popular tourist spots in the state of Jammu & Kashmir situated at a height of about 1700m from sea level and at a distance of 298 KM. from Jammu. This virgin heaven carves for itself a prominent place because of its variegated tourism potential. This land is a happy combination of the mighty splendour of mountains, lakes, hot-springs, lush-green meadows, water-falls, indigenous art and architecture, lovely glades and forests. The mighty river Chenab and Bhot-nallah adds to the fascinating look of the place. This valley has a vast potential for tourism : pilgrim tourism having places of attraction like Machial Yatra,ChittooYatra etc. ,eco-tourism offering unique and unmatched virgin destinations for eco-tourists on account of the vivid diversity in terrain, environment ,climate ,ethnicity, culture, language ,food habits ,dresses etc. Paddar offers a good many numbers of places that have acquired immense popularity as tourist destinations. Each and every tourist spots is unparalleled in the scenic beauty.

  The panoramic view of the long stretches of sun kissed mountains and vast spread meadows makes the uniquely beautiful land of Paddar, a real Paradise for the tourists. The natural beauty of the place is sublime and among the sightseeing spots of popular tourist attraction of the state. 

   Lakes also dot the landscape of Paddar. Paddar has beautiful lakes like Barnaz lake situated at a distance of about 3KM.from Machail village, Mondhal lake situated at a distance of about 5KM.from Gulabgarh and there are many more small lakes, waterfalls and streams which add to the richness of the beauty of this area. Besides, this area also abounds in hot and cold springs. .A large tract of land at Tatapani village situated at a distance of about 5KM.fron Gulabgarh is full of hot springs ranginging from extremely hot to lukewarm water .There is a temple of Shesnag just behind the pond of hot springs covering an area of about 40 feet in length and 20 feet in width.People from far off plac es flock to Tatapani for taking bath and getting themselves relieved of their rheumatic diseases and troubles. Besides hot springs, there are many cold springs as well. The entire area has been endowed by nature with cold springs at the required locations. The forests of this area are perfect retreat where tourists can spend time for exploring nature and snatching occasional glimpses of the animals in their natural habitat. The area is famous for sheltering several species of mammals that include Himalayan thar, monkey, blackbear, snow leopard etc. Moreover, bird lovers can have a wonderful time regaling themselves in the cheerful and melodious twitters of birds .This Teshil is dotted with a no. of famous pilgrimage sites, all located in the lap of splendid nature. The sites attracts thousands of people every year. A visit to any pocket of the area richly endowed with nature's wealth is a life time experience.

One such popular place, which is very significant both as a religious pilgrimage as well as a popular tourist palace thronged by devotees in large numbers, is Shrine of Mata Chandi or Machail wali Mata. 

Another popular pilgrimage is shrine of Chitto Mata or Singhasan Mata situated at a distance of about 30 KM.from tehsil headquarter Atholi Paddar.This pilgrimage starts in the first half of July every year. This yatra begins from Chisoti enroute Massu, Leondi, Gulabgarh, Sohal and Chitto, the holy abode of Singhasan Mata with night halts at Leondi, Sohal and finally Chitto where 'jagran"is held. This site is thronged by pilgrims from far and wide across the J&K and adjoining Himachal Pradesh.

    Hagyouth- A place in Paddar amidst of the Himalayas and cradled amidst the natural beauty. Just a few kilometers from Hagyouth Dhar, there is a Latroth Dhar rich in greenery in summers, the place has a complete different look when it is snowing. The snow covered peaks, chunk of the glaciers in the streams, and the alpine and deodar trees all appeals the tourists. This place has become popular and thronged by visitors from far and wide. A yatra

     The art and architecture also adds feather to the popularity of this area. This area abounds in stone-fountains called 'noan'in Padri. A noan slal is generally a tetrahedral single piece of rock chiseled round usually with a circular design around the neck. An open furrow is cut along one of the hedrons of the noans for flow of water. The furrow is open up to the neck wherefrom it further runs through a hole bored in the round face of noan.A noan is usually rested on a wall with its round mouth protruding out for flow of water. The noan spring is covered from three sides with the help of walls .Some noan springs are covered with roof stone beams and planks adjusted in such a matured workmanship that not only a single drop of water can trickle inside .These stone fountains are found in Dhundi, Ligri, Kirthai, Leondi etc. At Leondi, an image of Nandi -Shiva's Bull has been sculptured from a hard sandstone with all physical features by local sculptors. The statue is about 4 feet in length and 3 feet in height. A saddle sculptured over hump and fringed with designs is clearly visible on the back of Nandi. A Nandi, Lord Shiva's attendant, has also been sculptured in the statue. The entire work, however, lacks finish and smoothness but is in excellent indigenous art.

    To see nature at its best make a trip to the various tourist places of Paddar. This area would leave everybody spell bound with its remarkable spirit of adventure activities and tourism sites. If anyone has imagined trekking through the snow heaped mountains, Paddar is the place.

    There are very few places to enjoy the soaring hills, lakes, river, and the historic cities. This valley is nothing different from Kashmir in charm and elegance. The area of Paddar though small in land area draws immense number of tourists. Temples, apple orchards, gardens, and the festivals make it a worthwhile place of visit as well. Take a tour of the handicraft textile in the region making blankets, clothes, and other woolen accessories.

    This tehsil has also eco tourism potential as it has undisturbed natural areas with specified object of studying, admiring & enjoying the scenery & its wild plants & animals as well as any existing cultural aspects both past as well as present . This valley has many attractions in the form of alpine pastures for the adventure tourism. Cultural diversity is equally charming in this area. 

Beauty of the Biodiversity rich valley Paddar

Paddar valley famous for one of the world’s purest and highest Sapphire mine is situated at the extreme south-east corner of district Kishtwar. The valley touches its border with Pangai valley of Himachal Pradesh, Zanskar valley of Ladakh and Marwah-Wadwan valley. The lowest altitude of the Paddar valley is 1700 meters asl at the base of rivers Chandrabhaga and Bhotnallah whereas many of the mountain peaks are more than 5000 meters asl in height. Thus the lower altitude areas of the valley are occupied with temperate vegetation whereas the higher altitude areas consist of sub-alpine vegetation and alpine pasturelands. Due to the diversity of climate there is also a rich diversity in flora and fauna. More than half of the area in Paddar valley has no connectivity with roads, electricity.  Thus the lifestyle of the people is still traditional depending mostly on the Biodiversity of the area to fulfill most of their daily needs. Many plant species are used by the locals for edible, commercial, medicinal, religious and other daily life purposes.

            The plant diversity of the valley consists of about 50 species of trees, 50 species of shrubs and more than 300 species of herbs. The lower altitudes are dominated by broadleaf Oak species (Quercus baloot), which is being heavily impacted by the locals for its use as fuel wood and fodder. Other associated tree species are Alder (Alnus nitida), Maples (Acer species), Elm (Ulmus wallichiana), Ash (Fraxinus excelsior), Poplars (Populus species) Horse chestnut (Aesculus indica), Willows (Salix species) etc. Many temperate cultivated fruit species like Apple (Malus domestica), Apricot (Prunus armeniaca), Sweet cherry (Prunus avium), Allo Bukhara (Prunus bokhariensis), Wild cherry (Prunus ceriosoiodes), Plums (Prunus domestica), Peach (Prunus persica), Pomegranate (Punica granatum), Pear (Pyrus communis) are present in the valley. Some of the wild fruit species are Bird Cherry (Prunus cornuta), Kanth (Pyrus pashia), (Sorbus lanata), Hawthorn (Crataegus songarica), Quince (Cydonia vulgaris), Hackberry (Celtis australis), Wild fig (Ficus palmate) which have edible as well as commercial importance for the locals. The Wallnut (Jugalans regia), Hazelnut (Corylus cornuta) and Chilgoza pine (Pinus gerardiana) are a big source of income for many people. Various coniferous species of the area are Deodar (Cedrus deodara), Kail (Pinus wallichiana), Spruce (Picea simithiana), Fir (Abies pindrow), and Himalayan yew (Taxus baccata). At the tree line Birch (Betula utilis) trees are found. Deodar and Birch trees are heavily impacted by locals for construction of traditional houses of Paddar valley.

            Many plants species of medicinal importance are a source of earning for some local Hakims and traders of these plants. Various species are Himalayan yew (Taxus wallichiana), Kala zeera (Bonium persicum), Picrorhiza (Picrorhiza kurrooa), Patish (Aconitum heterophyllum), Dischorea (Dioscorea deltoidea), Kuth (Saussurea costus), Kasturi kamal (Saussurea gossypiphora),  Artemisia (Artemisia meritima), Wild Thyme (Thymus serphyllum), Himalayan Arnebia (Arnebia benthamii), Himalayan blue poppy (Meconopsis aculeata), Dandelion (Traxacum officinale), Hourse mint (Mentha longifolia), Himalayan May Apple (Podophyllum hexandrum),  Indian Rhubarb (Rheum webbianum), Spiked Rhubarb (Rheum spiciforme), Jatamansi (Valeriana jatamansi), Himalayan Bergenia (Bergenia stracheyi) etc. Rhododendron species are also used for their medicinal importance.

Some plant species like Gugal Dhoop (Jurinea macrocephala), Juniper (Juniperus communis), Shangel (Skimmia anquetilia) etc. are used for religious purposes in the homes and temples. Shrub species like Witch hazel (Parrotiopsis jacquemontiana), Desmodium elegans, Indegofera heterantha, Lonicera quinquelocularis, Spiraea canescens etc. are used by the locals for various craftworks and formation of agricultural implements. Other comman shrubs of the valley are Viburnum species, Rhus wallichi, Lyonia ovalifolia, Rabdosia rugosa, Astragalus species, Berberis species, Cotoneaster species, Dephne oleoides, Sorbaria tomentosa, Zizyphus oxyphylla etc. Shrubs of the alpine pastures consist of Junipers, Rhododendrons, Salix, etc. Various fungi growing on the trees and in the litter of coniferous forests are also used by the locals for edible purposes. Guchi (Morchella esculentum) is one of the major sources of earning for major portion of the local population.

            The carnivorous mammalian fauna found in the forests of the valley includes Leopard (Panthera pardus), Brown bear (Ursus arctos), Black bear (Selenarctos thibetanus), Jackal (Canis aureus), Red fox (Vulpes vulpes) etc. Snow Lepord (Uncia uncia) is also found on the glaciers near the Zanskar border. Various wild herbivores of the valley are Musk dear (Moschus moschiferus), Himalayan ibex (Capra ibex), Himalayan Tahr (Hemitragus jemlahicus). Rhesus monkey (Maccaca mulata) and Comman Langoor (Presbytus entellus) are also common in the valley. Avian fauna includes birds like House sparrow (Passer domesticus), Chukar (Alectoris chukar), Koel (Eudynamys scolopaceous), House Crow (Corvus splendens), Wild crow (Corvus species), Bearded vulture (Gypaetus barbatus), Himalayan snowcock (Tetraogallus himalayensis) etc.

 Although there is a rich diversity of flora and fauna in the Paddar valley but increased population, unchecked hunting and commercialization of forest minor products have increased the threats to the rich Biodiversity. The anthropogenic disturbances in the form of timber extraction, fuel wood, fodder, grazing, trade of forest minor products have reduced the population of many ecologically important species. The unchecked felling of deodar and Oak trees has also reduced the density of the trees in the forests. The regeneration of the plants has also reduced due to the above factors. Thus there is requirement of timely management of the forests and proper management policy with the involvement of locals can help in the conservation of the Biodiversity.