Indian Himalayan Region (IHR)

The Indian Himalayan Region (IHR) is a critically important ecological, economic, and strategic zone, but it faces escalating threats due to unchecked development, unregulated tourism, and ecological degradation. The Supreme Court of India's recent concern over these issues has highlighted the need for a more sustainable, ecologically sensitive governance to safeguard this region's long-term health and stability.

About Indian Himalayan Region (IHR)

The Indian Himalayan Region stretches across 2,500 km and spans 13 states/UTs, including Jammu & Kashmir, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, and others. It covers about 16.2% of India’s geographical area and sustains over 50 million people. The region is home to 3,160+ endemic plant species and rare fauna like the snow leopard. It also plays a crucial role as the "Water Tower of India", feeding major rivers like the Ganga and Indus, which support agriculture and drinking water for over 600 million people.

The region is of immense strategic importance too, acting as a buffer against geopolitical threats.

Key Threats to the Indian Himalayan Region

1. Significant Forest Loss:

   • Between 2019-2021, the region lost over 1,072 sq km of forest cover. This depletion increases vulnerability to:

     • Landslides,

     • Biodiversity loss,

     • Soil erosion.

2. Decline in Natural Springs:

   • Nearly 50% of natural springs have dried up across the region, severely affecting local communities’ water access, impacting:

     • Drinking water,

     • Agriculture,

     • Sanitation.

3. Glacier Retreat:

   • Himalayan glaciers are retreating at an alarming rate, with Arunachal Pradesh alone losing 110 glaciers in 32 years. This accelerates the risk of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs), a disaster that has claimed over 12,000 lives in the last two centuries.

4. Rise in Landslides:

   • Infrastructure development, particularly roads and dams, accelerates soil erosion, slope instability, and loss of soil fertility, which fuel more frequent landslides and land subsidence incidents like Joshimath (2023).

India’s Key Initiatives for the Himalayan Region

Several initiatives have been launched to address these issues:

1. Indian Himalayas Climate Adaptation Programme (IHCAP): Focuses on building climate resilience in the region, especially against changing weather patterns and environmental challenges.

2. SECURE Himalaya Project: Aims at conservation and sustainable use of natural resources in the region, targeting protected areas and biodiversity hotspots.

3. Integrated Himalayan Development Program (IHDP): Addresses the region's socio-economic and ecological challenges through sustainable livelihood and ecological conservation programs.

4. National Mission for Sustaining the Himalayan Ecosystem (NMSHE): Focuses on environmental protection and climate-resilient development, ensuring that the region’s ecology is safeguarded while balancing development.

Measures for Promoting Sustainable Development in the Himalayan Region

1. Eco-Friendly Infrastructure Development:

• Scientific slope cutting and tunneling techniques should be enforced to prevent landslides.

• Encourage the use of green building materials and energy-efficient designs for all construction projects.

• Adopt the principle of “Build Less, Build Smart”, ensuring that infrastructure development does not compromise the fragile environment.

2. Water Resource Conservation:

• Focus on spring revival and restoration of natural aquifers through the Jal Shakti Abhiyan and other initiatives.

• Promote rainwater harvesting and micro-irrigation systems to ensure efficient water use, especially in agriculture.

• Protect water catchments and ensure sustainable practices in hydropower projects.

3. Ecotourism and Sustainable Livelihoods:

• Shift from mass tourism to ecotourism models, focusing on small-scale, low-impact tourism that preserves the natural landscape.

• Encourage homestays and responsible travel experiences to ensure local benefits and reduce tourism’s ecological footprint.

• Implement waste management strategies in hill towns and tourist hotspots to combat the growing waste problem.

4. Forest and Biodiversity Conservation:

• Promote community-based forest management models, like Van Panchayats in Uttarakhand, to involve local communities in conservation efforts.

• Encourage the plantation of indigenous tree species to combat soil erosion and enhance carbon sequestration.

• Support efforts to preserve biodiversity hotspots, focusing on endemic species and fragile ecosystems.

5. Disaster-Resilient Planning:

• Mandate hazard zoning maps in all construction approvals to ensure buildings and infrastructure are resilient to landslides, flash floods, and GLOFs.

• Expand early warning systems to include landslides, flash floods, and glacial risks in high-risk areas.

• Promote climate-resilient rural housing under schemes like PM Awas Yojana (Gramin) in vulnerable zones.

6. Use of Technology and Data:

• Leverage remote sensing, drones, and GIS to monitor deforestation, slope instability, and glacial changes.

• Develop real-time dashboards to track tourist pressure, construction activity, and weather alerts in ecologically sensitive zones.

• Deploy IoT sensors in dams and rivers to monitor water flow, anticipate potential GLOF risks, and ensure sustainable water management.

Conclusion

The Indian Himalayan Region faces a unique set of challenges due to its ecological sensitivity, strategic importance, and vulnerability to unchecked development. A holistic, integrated approach is required to promote sustainable development, ensuring the preservation of the region’s natural resources while fostering economic growth. By adopting eco-friendly infrastructure practices, prioritising biodiversity conservation, and embracing climate-resilient policies, India can safeguard the Himalayan region's future for generations to come.