An expert team from Dr YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry is investigating drought conditions affecting pine and oak forests in Himachal Pradesh's Solan, Sirmaur, and Shimla districts. Scientists collected soil and plant tissue samples from affected trees in areas like Shalaghat, Pipulghat, and Bogdhar. Preliminary assessments suggest prolonged dry weather and last year's forest fires have contributed to the dry stress observed in Chir pine and 'ban' oak forests, raising local concerns about environmental threats.