Abstract

STUDY OF LIMESTONE MINE SPOILAGE AFFECTING THE DIVERSITY OF NATURALLY OCCURRING PLANT SPECIES OF MAWSMAI, (MEGHALAYA) INDIA

Ehkupar Gary Suting* Chester John Nongkynrih and Gordon D. Dkhar

ABSTRACT

A total number of 74 plant species belonging to 67 genera and 39 families were recorded from site A (Limestone mine spoils of less than 2 years), site B (Limestone mine spoils of more than 8 years), site C (Limestone mine spoils of more than 14 years) and site D (adjacent natural forest) were 4, 22, 45 and 51 plants species, distributed into 2, 10, 27 and 33 plant families respectively. The most rich families were Asteraceae, Poaceae, Fagaceae and Rosaceae. Thus limestone quarrying activities were detrimental to the Plant population and had a strong environmental impact on landscaping, loss of vegetation and soil fertility.

Keywords: Diversity of plant species, limestone mines, Mawsmai, (Meghalaya).