Sustainable development in the Indian Himalayan Region (IHR) focuses on finding ways to promote economic growth while ensuring that the natural environment and local communities can thrive now and in the future. The IHR is a unique and ecologically sensitive area, home to diverse ecosystems, rare wildlife, and vital water sources that millions depend on. Balancing development with conservation here is crucial, as the region faces challenges like climate change impacts, fragile ecosystems, and the need to support livelihoods of mountain communities. Sustainable development in the IHR aims to integrate environmentally friendly practices, promote renewable energy, improve infrastructure like roads and healthcare, and empower local communities to manage their resources wisely. By striving for sustainable development, India aims to preserve the Himalayas’ natural beauty and biodiversity while fostering economic opportunities that benefit all who call this majestic region home.
Tags: GS-3, Ecology & Environment- Conversation- Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)
Context:
- The Indian Himalayan Region (IHR) is India’s “water tower” and provides vital ecosystem services. However, there’s a disconnect between the region’s development needs and current development models.
- The IHR’s economy relies on its natural resources, and exploiting them under the guise of development threatens economic decline. Sustainable management of these resources is essential to avoid this outcome.
What is The Indian Himalayan Region (IHR)?
About:
- The IHR refers to the mountainous area in India encompassing the entire Himalayan range within the country.
- It spans 13 Indian States/Union Territories: Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, Tripura, Assam, and West Bengal.
- The IHR stretches across 2500 km.
Significance:
- The IHR includes some of the world’s highest peaks, such as Kanchenjunga.
- Known as India’s “water tower,” it is the source of many major rivers, including the Ganges, Yamuna, Brahmaputra, and their tributaries.
- It plays a crucial role in regulating the ecological balance and maintaining biodiversity.
- The region is home to a rich variety of flora and fauna, with many endemic and endangered species.
- It includes several national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and biosphere reserves, such as the Valley of Flowers National Park and Nanda Devi National Park.
- The IHR influences the climate and weather patterns of the Indian subcontinent, acting as a barrier to cold winds from Central Asia and affecting monsoon patterns.
- The region is inhabited by diverse ethnic communities with unique cultures, languages, and traditions.
- It includes important religious and pilgrimage sites for various faiths, such as Amarnath and Badrinath.
- The IHR holds strategic importance due to its location along India’s northern borders with China, Nepal, and Bhutan.
Key Environmental Concerns in the Indian Himalayan Region
- Climate Change and Glacial Melting
- The Himalayan glaciers are melting rapidly due to global warming, affecting water resources downstream.
- Changes in temperature and precipitation patterns disrupt local climates, impacting agriculture and livelihoods.
- The IHR is increasingly experiencing natural disasters such as flash floods, glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs), and extreme weather events.
- Glaciers in the IHR are retreating at an average rate of 10 to 60 metres per year, with the Gangotri Glacier having retreated by more than 1,500 metres in the last 70 years.
- The 2013 Kedarnath disaster was exacerbated by rapid glacial melting, leading to catastrophic flooding and massive destruction.
- Soil Erosion and Landslides
- Deforestation, unplanned construction, and overgrazing contribute to soil erosion.
- The region is highly prone to landslides, especially during the monsoon season, causing damage to property, infrastructure, and loss of life.
- In 2021, the Chamoli district in Uttarakhand witnessed a massive landslide triggered by glacial outburst floods, resulting in unprecedented damage to life and infrastructure.
- Water Scarcity and Pollution
- Many areas within the IHR face water scarcity due to the drying up of springs and streams.
- Pollution from agricultural runoff, untreated sewage, and industrial effluents contaminates water sources, impacting human health and ecosystems.
- A study by the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) indicates that more than 50% of the springs in the Indian Himalayas are drying up, affecting water availability for millions.
- Developmental Projects
- The construction of numerous hydroelectric power stations disrupts river ecosystems, affects fish populations, and displaces local communities.
- Infrastructure projects often ignore environmental norms, leading to ecological damage and heightened disaster risks.
- The National Disaster Management Authority’s post-disaster assessment of the 2023 floods in Himachal Pradesh attributed the disaster to widespread illegal construction on river beds and floodplains.
- Air Pollution
- Increased vehicular emissions, industrial activities, and biomass burning contribute to deteriorating air quality.
- The mountainous terrain can trap pollutants, leading to health issues for residents and reduced visibility.
- The town of Leh in Ladakh has seen rising air pollution levels due to increased vehicular traffic and construction activities, impacting the health of residents and tourists alike.
- Deforestation and Habitat Loss
- The IHR is home to over 10,000 plant species, 300 mammal species, and 1,000 bird species, with many listed as endangered.
- Large-scale deforestation for agriculture, urban development, and infrastructure projects leads to habitat destruction and loss of biodiversity.
- A decline of 902 square kilometres in forest cover was recorded in hill districts of the country as compared to 2019, according to the State of Forest Report, 2021.
- The loss is much more pronounced in the Himalayan states, which reported an overall loss of 1,072 sq km of forest cover.
Supreme Court Judgments Support Environmental Conservation Efforts in the IHR:
- Recognition of the Right against Climate Change
- Supreme Court Ruling:
- In the case of M K Ranjitsinh & Ors. v. Union of India & Ors., The Supreme Court ruled that people have a right to be free from adverse climate change impacts.
- This right is recognized under Articles 14 and 21 of the Constitution.
- Implications:
- This recognition is a crucial step towards safeguarding environmental and human rights.
- It creates an obligation for the government to implement effective measures to combat climate change.
- Supreme Court Ruling:
- Adoption of an Ecocentric View of the Environment:
- Supreme Court Directive:
- In the case of State of Telangana and Others vs Mohd. Abdul Qasim, the Supreme Court emphasised the need to adopt an ecocentric view of the environment, placing nature at the core.
- Court’s Statement:
- The Court stated, “Man being an enlightened species, is expected to act as a trustee of the Earth.
- The time has come for mankind to live sustainably and respect the rights of rivers, lakes, beaches, estuaries, ridges, trees, mountains, seas, and air. Man is bound by nature’s law.”
- Supreme Court Directive:
- Directions on the Carrying Capacity of the Himalayan States:
- Public Interest Litigation (PIL):
- In the PIL titled Ashok Kumar Raghav vs Union of India and Ors., the Supreme Court asked the central government and the petitioner to suggest a way forward to enable the Court to pass directions on the carrying capacity of the Himalayan States and towns
- Public Interest Litigation (PIL):
Measures can be taken to Promote Sustainable Development in the IHR:
- Climate-Resilient Infrastructure:
- Adopt Building Codes: Implement construction practices resilient to earthquakes, landslides, and floods.
- Green Infrastructure: Invest in permeable pavements, green roofs, and bioswales to manage stormwater and reduce urban heat islands.
- Ban Construction in Disaster-Prone Areas: Enforce a complete ban on construction activities in disaster-prone areas as suggested by the Mishra Committee, 1976.
- Integrated Land Use Planning:
- Land Use Plans: Develop plans demarcating zones for conservation, agriculture, residential, and industrial activities.
- GIS and Remote Sensing: Utilise these technologies for effective land use planning and monitoring environmental changes.
- WGEEP Recommendations: Follow the zoning system for the Western Ghats recommended by the Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel (WGEEP) to balance conservation and development needs.
- Water Resource Management:
- Rainwater Harvesting: Promote installation in urban and rural areas.
- Springshed Management: Restore and manage spring sheds for sustainable water sources.
- NGRBA Recommendations: Implement comprehensive approaches to clean and rejuvenate the Ganga River, addressing pollution sources and promoting sustainable practices.
- Forest and Biodiversity Conservation:
- Reforestation Projects: Initiate large-scale projects to restore degraded lands and enhance biodiversity.
- Community Management: Empower local communities to manage and protect forest resources through joint forest management programs, exemplified by the Chipko Movement.
- Endangered Species Programs: Develop and implement conservation programs for endangered species and their habitats.
- NMSHE Initiatives: Focus on addressing climate change impacts, promoting sustainable livelihoods, and conserving biodiversity in the Indian Himalayan Region.
- Sustainable Agriculture:
- Organic Farming: Encourage practices to reduce chemical inputs and maintain soil health.
- Micro-Hydropower Projects: Develop projects with minimal environmental impact.
- Agroforestry: Integrate trees and shrubs into agricultural systems to enhance biodiversity, reduce erosion, and improve crop yields.
- Sikkim’s Organic State: Follow Sikkim’s example of becoming fully organic, reducing chemical pesticide and fertiliser use.
- Eco-Friendly Tourism:
- Carrying Capacity Assessments: Regulate the number of tourists to minimise environmental impact.
- Eco-Tourism Initiatives: Promote sustainable practices and provide economic benefits to local communities.
- Reduce Plastic Waste: Promote the use of biodegradable materials and reduce plastic waste.
- NDMA Recommendations: Create buffer zones and restrict tourism in Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs)-prone areas to reduce pollution.
- Monitoring and Research:
- Environmental Monitoring Systems: Establish robust systems to track changes and assess the impact of development activities.
- Support Research: Focus on sustainable development practices, climate change adaptation, and biodiversity conservation.
- HLEG Report: Follow the High-Level Expert Group’s recommendations on monitoring Himalayan glaciers and understanding their role in regional water resources.
- Education and Awareness:
- School Curricula: Include basic knowledge of the geology and ecology of the Himalayas to connect students with their environment.
- Community Awareness: Educate residents about the geological vulnerability and ecological fragility of the Himalayas to promote compliance with environmental laws and regulations.
| What are the Government Initiatives to Protect IHR?National Mission for Sustaining the Himalayan Ecosystem (NMSHE)Indian Himalayas Climate Adaptation Programme (IHCAP)SECURE Himalaya ProjectIntegrated Himalayan Development Program (IHDP)National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) |
Conclusion:
Thus, in response to recent Supreme Court rulings recognizing the right to protection from climate change, it’s crucial that the Indian Himalayan Region (IHR) adopts a sustainable development model within its ecological limits. This approach must prioritise environmental preservation while fostering community prosperity and well-being through balanced development practices.
| UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs) Prelims: Q:1 Consider the following pairs: (2020) Peak Mountains 1. Namcha Barwa Garhwal Himalaya 2. Nanda Devi Kumaon Himalaya 3. Nokrek Sikkim Himalaya Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched? (a) 1 and 2 (b) 2 only (c) 1 and 3 (d) 3 only Ans: (b) Q:2 If you travel through the Himalayas, you are likely to see which of the following plants are naturally growing there? (2014) 1. Oak 2. Rhododendron 2. Sandalwood Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 Ans: (a) Q:3 When you travel in Himalayas, you will see the following: (2012) 1. Deep gorges 2. U-turn river courses 3. Parallel mountain ranges 4. Steep gradients causing landsliding Which of the above can be said to be the evidence for Himalayas being young fold mountains? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 1, 2 and 4 only (c) 3 and 4 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 Ans: (d) Mains: Q1. Differentiate the causes of landslides in the Himalayan region and Western Ghats. (2021) Q2. How will the melting of Himalayan glaciers have a far-reaching impact on the water resources of India? (2020) Q3. “The Himalayas are highly prone to landslides.” Discuss the causes and suggest suitable measures of mitigation. (2016) |
Source: TH
FAQs
1. What is sustainable development in the Indian Himalayan Region (IHR)?
Sustainable development in the IHR means finding ways to grow economically while protecting the region’s natural environment and supporting the well-being of local communities. It involves practices that conserve biodiversity, promote renewable energy, improve infrastructure sustainably, and ensure that development benefits both current and future generations.
2. Why is sustainable development important for the Indian Himalayan Region?
The IHR is ecologically fragile, with diverse flora and fauna and crucial water sources. Sustainable development is vital to preserve these resources from degradation caused by unsustainable practices like deforestation or excessive tourism. It also helps mitigate the impacts of climate change and supports the livelihoods of mountain communities.
3. How can sustainable development benefit local communities in the Indian Himalayan Region?
Sustainable development can improve living conditions by providing access to clean water, healthcare, and education. It promotes eco-friendly tourism, which generates income while preserving cultural heritage and natural landscapes. Additionally, sustainable agriculture and forestry practices can create jobs and ensure food security.
4. What are some challenges to achieving sustainable development in the Indian Himalayan Region?
Challenges include balancing economic growth with environmental conservation, addressing the impacts of climate change such as glacial melt and natural disasters, managing water resources sustainably, and ensuring equitable development that benefits all communities, including marginalized groups.
5. How can individuals contribute to sustainable development in the Indian Himalayan Region?
Individuals can support sustainable development by practicing responsible tourism, conserving water and energy, supporting local businesses that prioritize sustainability, advocating for policies that protect the environment, and respecting local cultures and traditions. By making informed choices and supporting initiatives that promote sustainability, individuals can contribute to the long-term health and prosperity of the Indian Himalayan Region.
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