Traditional use of Chinar (Platanus orientalis L.) Leaf Litter for Charcoal Making: A Case Study of Kashmir Himalaya

The exploration and documentation of indigenous traditional knowledge (ITKs) are crucial to preserve the intellectual property, maintain its practical utility and plan projects for people’s socioeconomic development by mobilizing these untapped resources. This study was sought to investigate and provide comprehensive ITKs pertaining to utilization of Chinar (Platanus orientalis L.) leaf litter for charcoal making in Manasbal range of the Sindh Forest Division of Jammu and Kashmir UT. Multi-stage random sampling technique was employed to select the villages and households for the field survey. The ITKs on collection of leaf litter, packing and transportation, charcoal making, drying and storage of charcoal, seasonality calendar, livelihood mainstay and gender dimension of Chinar charcoal making were collected through structured interviews and non-participant observations. This study concludes that the local denizens have in-depth ITKs in sustainable use and management of Chinar leaf litter for charcoal making to meet bio-fuel needs in kangri burning for body warming during harsh winter. From the livelihood perspective, the ITKs documented on Chinar charcoal making will be a base for rural income and employment diversification through entrepreneurship development in the intervention for energy security and socioeconomic improvement.