Himalayan Region

The Indian Himalayan Region (IHR) is in the spotlight due to recent Supreme Court judgments emphasizing the need for a sustainable development model, particularly in light of new fundamental rights related to climate change.

Key issues and rulings:

1. New Fundamental Right to Climate Change:
   • MK Ranjitsinh vs. Union of India (2024): The Supreme Court recognized a fundamental right to be free from the adverse effects of climate change under Articles 14 (Right to Equality) and 21 (Right to Life) of the Indian Constitution. This landmark decision underscores the constitutional duty to protect individuals from climate-related impacts.
2. Sustainable Development and Carrying Capacity:
   • Ashok Kumar Raghav vs. Union of India (2023): The Court directed the central government and petitioners to propose solutions to determine and manage the carrying capacity of Himalayan states and towns. Carrying capacity refers to the maximum population or level of activity that an environment can sustain without suffering degradation. This ruling aims to ensure that development in the IHR is balanced with environmental limits.
3. Ecocentric Approach:
   • State of Telangana vs. Mohd. Abdul Qasim: This case highlighted the importance of adopting an ecocentric perspective in environmental management, where nature’s needs and rights are prioritized alongside human aspirations. The Court emphasized that development in the IHR should be guided by scientific understanding and respect for both people and the natural environment.

Implications for the Indian Himalayan Region (IHR):

• Sustainable Development: Development plans in the IHR must now align with the principles of sustainability and respect for carrying capacity. This means managing resources, population growth, and economic activities to prevent ecological degradation and ensure long-term viability.
• Legal and Policy Frameworks: The judgments suggest a need for comprehensive legal and policy frameworks to address climate change impacts and incorporate ecological limits into planning and development processes.
• Integration of Science and Rights: Policymakers are encouraged to integrate scientific insights into environmental planning and development, ensuring that both the rights of individuals and the needs of nature are considered.

Overall, these rulings signal a significant shift towards a more holistic and rights-based approach to environmental management and development in the Indian Himalayan Region.

About Indian Himalayan Region (IHR)

The Indian Himalayan Region (IHR) is a fascinating and ecologically significant area with a unique geological and ecological profile. Here’s a breakdown of its key aspects:

Geological Formation

• Tectonic Activity: The Himalayas are considered young fold mountains formed by the collision of the Indian plate with the Eurasian plate. This ongoing tectonic activity, which began about 50 million years ago, is responsible for the range's high peaks and dynamic landscape.
• Mountain Range: The region is characterized by its rugged terrain and includes some of the world's highest peaks.

Geographic Extent

• Coverage: The IHR spans across 13 Indian States and Union Territories, stretching approximately 2,500 kilometers from west to east.
• Area: It covers about 18% of India’s total geographical area.

Environmental Significance

• Forest Cover: The region hosts around 50% of the country’s forest cover, making it crucial for India’s environmental health.
• Biodiversity: The IHR is a biodiversity hotspot, harboring a rich variety of plant and animal species, many of which are endemic to the region. This includes numerous species of flora and fauna adapted to the diverse climate zones of the Himalayas.

Ecological Importance

• Climate Regulation: The region plays a significant role in regulating the climate of the Indian subcontinent. It influences monsoon patterns and weather conditions across the country.
• Water Resources: The Himalayas are the source of major river systems in India, such as the Ganges, Yamuna, and Brahmaputra, which are vital for agriculture, drinking water, and hydropower.

Conservation Challenges

• Climate Change: The IHR is particularly vulnerable to climate change, which affects glacier melting rates, biodiversity, and weather patterns.
• Human Activity: Issues such as deforestation, infrastructure development, and tourism impact the region’s delicate ecosystems.