<p>The present study examines the medium-term vegetation dynamics and compositional changes in the Patnitop region of Jammu and Kashmir, India. Comparative assessment of plant diversity over time reveals a clear trend toward structural simplification and declining compositional richness. The observed reduction in beta diversity suggests lowered species turnover and increasing ecological homogenization, indicating the loss of distinctive or sensitive taxa. These transformations appear to be primarily driven by anthropogenic influences such as grazing, land-use modification, and selective extraction of forest resources. The findings highlight the growing vulnerability of landscapes and emphasize the need for sustainable management approaches that integrate ecological monitoring, habitat restoration, and community participation to maintain the resilience and ecological stability of the region.</p>