Khirsu Walnut and Oak Forest Heritage Pauri Garhwal

Khirsu village area in Pauri Garhwal is known for ancient walnut orchards producing high-quality nuts harvested in autumn. The banj oak forests surrounding Khirsu represent the dominant climax vegetation of mid-elevation Garhwal and play critical roles in water source protection and soil stabilisation. Traditional rights (jangli) to collect oak leaves for cattle fodder, fallen branches for fuel, and non-timber forest products from community forests are managed through Van Panchayat institutions. Walnut wood is prized for furniture and carving and is harvested only from fallen or dead trees under community regulation. The village has reinvented itself as an eco-tourism destination where visitors experience traditional Garhwali life in functioning oak forest landscapes.