Published Paper Details:

Hanumangarh district is a significant arid and semi-arid region located in the northwestern part of Rajasthan, where the natural environment is profoundly influenced by climate, soil, water availability, and human activities. The district's climate is predominantly hot and dry, characterized by extreme summer temperatures, erratic rainfall, and a significant drop in temperature during winter. Over the past few decades, factors such as rising temperatures, irregular rainfall, prolonged droughts, intense short-duration rainfall, increased evaporation rates, and shifting weather patterns have impacted the district's natural vegetation. Climate change particularly affects arid and desert flora that are adapted to survive with limited water availability. Key arid-zone plant species in Hanumangarh district include Khejri, Rohida, Babool, Kikar, Ber, Aak, Fog, Thor, Ker, and Kumat, alongside various grasses and shrubs. These plants play a vital role in maintaining the local ecosystem's balance while contributing to soil and biodiversity conservation, fodder availability, micro-climate regulation, and the rural economy. Rising temperatures and changing rainfall patterns associated with climate change are affecting processes such as germination, growth, flowering, fruiting, and natural regeneration. Reduced soil moisture due to erratic rainfall slows the growth rate of many plants, while prolonged droughts increase the risk of plant mortality and the depletion of vegetation cover. Conversely, certain arid-zone species exhibit greater resilience to the changing climate due to traits like deep root systems, reduced leaf surface area, thorny structures, and biological water-conservation capabilities. Additionally, factors such as agricultural expansion, excessive groundwater extraction for irrigation, grazing pressure, road and urban development, industrial activities, and the alteration of natural habitats are placing further strain on the arid vegetation. The combined impact of climate change and human pressures may lead to regional disparities in vegetation structure and distribution. In irrigated areas, agricultural crops and other man-made vegetation have replaced natural arid-zone vegetation, whereas natural shrubs and grasses remain significant in areas that are less irrigated or barren.