Fuel and fodder consumption pattern with special reference to environment: a case study

The present study was conducted in Chajjla village of Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir, India to understand the status of fuel and fodder consumption and its effect on local resources. The study was based on survey method. Data was collected by using a questionnaire involving various parameters related to resource utilization in the area. The significant sources of fuels satisfying the energy need of individuals in the study area were found to be wood, kerosene oil, LPG and dung cake. The total fuel energy consumption in the study area was found to be 18.78×105 kcal/month out of which wood constituted the main source of energy (46.17%). The regular fodder consumed in the study area was found to be crop residue, green fodder, tree leaves and top feeds. Consumption of tree leaves as fodder was found to be (43.34%) maximum. It has been found that the area under study depend upon local forest resource for meeting their demand of fuel and fodder. The study also took into account various socio-economic factors and the local environmental issues related to resource consumption in the area. It has been observed that rapid rate of deforestation and resource degradation has occurred in the area. It has become evident from the study that the dependence of local community on forest couldn’t be avoided until the appropriate measures for the development of alternate and economically viable energy resources must not be adopted.