Dehradun, July 8 -- A study by the state's forest department's research wing has noted signs of ecological degradation on Bedni Bugyal, one of the Himalayas' most celebrated alpine meadows in Chamoli district. The assessment was conducted last month by research officer Manoj Singh of the research wing's Gopeshwar unit. It is titiled Documentation of Medicinal and Aromatic Flora of Bedni Bugyal. Bedni Bugyal in Chamoli district is among the largest alpine meadows in the Himalayas and lies along the traditional Bedni Bugyal-Roopkund route associated with the revered Nanda Devi Raj Jat Yatra, situated at an altitude of about 3,400-3,600 metres above sea level. The meadow also serves as a biodiversity hotspot for rare Himalayan plant species. Officials said the study was carried out to assess the suitability of Bedini Bugyal-Roopkund trek to educate trainees in the research wing about the local ecosystem and conservational issues. Regarding the meadow's ecological character, the study noted sustained biotic pressure on the site. "Localised soil erosion along trekking routes, uncontrolled seasonal livestock grazing and the emergence of opportunistic aggressive species threaten to transform the native alpine grassland into degraded patches dominated by weeds and exposed soil unless immediate conservation measures are implemented," it said. Speaking to reporters, Singh said he documented 16 medicinal and aromatic plant species of high conservation value in the course of his research. Out of these, five- the state flower brahmakamal (Saussurea obvallata), Jatamansi ( Nardostachys jatamansi), Dhoop (Jurinea dolomiaea), Himalayan ginseng (Panax pseudoginseng) and Kutki (Picrorhiza kurrooa)- are widely classified as endangered or critically endangered, depending on the specific assessment. These are also regarded as medically and culturally significant plants, he said. "Among the most immediate ecological concerns I found is the spread of two opportunistic aggressive species -Himalayan knotweed (Polygonum polystachyum) and Himalayan dock (Rumex nepalensis). Both species thrive in nitrogen-rich soils commonly created by livestock dung and camping activities and can rapidly displace native alpine vegetation", said Singh. The study also proposed stricter regulation of tourism activities in the region....