14-December-2024-Special-Article

INTERNATIONAL MOUNTAIN DAY 2024: IMPORTANCE AND THE INDIAN HIMALAYAN REGION (IHR)

International Mountain Day is celebrated annually on 11th December to emphasize the importance of mountains for life, biodiversity, and sustainable development.

In 2024, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change observed this day to highlight the need to protect the Indian Himalayan Region (IHR), a vital ecological and cultural treasure.

What is International Mountain Day?

• Established By: The United Nations initiated International Mountain Day in 2003 to promote awareness of the significance of mountains.
• Role of FAO: The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) coordinates global observance of this day.
• Theme 2024: “Mountain Solutions for a Sustainable Future – Innovation, Adaptation, and Youth” highlights creative and inclusive ways to address mountain challenges.

Importance of Mountains

• Global Coverage: Mountains make up 20% of the Earth’s surface and are home to 15% of the world’s population.
• Biodiversity Hotspots: Mountains host half of the world’s biodiversity hotspots, supporting diverse ecosystems.
• Water Resources: Often called “water towers,” they provide freshwater to half of humanity, essential for agriculture, energy, and health.
• Ecological Role: Mountains stabilize climates, support forests, and protect against desertification.

Key Facts About the Indian Himalayan Region (IHR)

Geographical Features

• Extent: Spans 13 Indian states/UTs, covering about 2,500 km from Jammu & Kashmir in the west to Arunachal Pradesh in the east.
• Area: Accounts for 16.2% of India’s total geographical area.

Geology and Biodiversity

• Tectonic Activity: Formed by the collision of the Indian Plate with the Eurasian Plate, making the region tectonically active.
• Diverse Landscapes: Includes glaciers, alpine meadows, temperate forests, and snow-capped peaks.
• Wildlife: Home to species like the snow leopard, Himalayan tahr, red panda, and one-horned rhinoceros.

River Systems and Climate Role

• Rivers: The IHR is the source of major rivers like the Ganga, Yamuna, Indus, and Brahmaputra.
• Climate Regulation: Acts as a barrier to Arctic winds and influences monsoon patterns.
• Carbon Sequestration: Forests in the IHR absorb carbon, contributing to the fight against climate change.

Cultural and Strategic Importance

• Indigenous Communities: Supports communities with valuable traditional knowledge.
• Strategic Location: Serves as a natural border with China, Nepal, Bhutan, and Pakistan.

Challenges Facing the IHR

Environmental Degradation

• Deforestation: Clearing forests for agriculture, hydropower, and infrastructure damages ecosystems.
• Tourism Impact: Rising tourism leads to waste generation, with limited disposal facilities in mountain towns.

Climate Change

• Glacial Melting: Accelerates flood risks and affects freshwater availability.
• Extreme Events: Instances like Himachal Pradesh floods and glacial lake outbursts in Sikkim show increasing vulnerability.

Cultural Erosion

• Modernization Threat: Indigenous practices face erosion due to urbanization and modernization.

Solutions for Protecting the IHR

• Sustainable Tourism: Promote eco-tourism and set limits on visitor capacity to reduce environmental stress.
• Water Resource Management: Use methods to capture and store glacial meltwater for agriculture and daily needs.
• Disaster Management: Develop early warning systems and train local communities to handle landslides, avalanches, and floods.
• Bio-Cultural Conservation: Designate zones to preserve biodiversity and cultural heritage.
• Integrated Development: Establish a dedicated authority to monitor sustainable development goals in the region.

Mountain Formation

Process

• Tectonic Activity: Mountains are formed by movements in the Earth’s crust as tectonic plates collide, fold, or uplift.

Key Characteristics

• Height: Typically rise above 600 meters.
• Steep Slopes: Often feature rugged terrains.
• Peak: The highest point of a mountain is called the summit.

Types of Mountains

Based on Origin

• Volcanic: Formed by magma eruptions (e.g., Hawaiian Islands).
• Fold Mountains: Created by plate collisions (e.g., Himalayas, Andes).
• Block Mountains: Formed by faulting (e.g., Sierra Nevada).
• Dome Mountains: Result of magma pushing the crust upwards (e.g., Black Hills, USA).
• Plateau Mountains: Shaped by erosion of uplifted land (e.g., Deccan Plateau).

Based on Age

• Precambrian: Oldest mountains (e.g., Aravallis in India).
• Alpine: Youngest and tallest (e.g., Himalayas).

Major Mountain Ranges in India

• Himalayas: Divided into Himadri, Himachal, and Shiwaliks, featuring Mount Everest.
• Western Ghats: A UNESCO World Heritage site with peaks like Anamudi.
• Eastern Ghats: Includes Arma Konda, the highest peak.
• Aravallis: One of the oldest ranges, with Guru Shikhar as the highest point.
• Vindhyas: Historically significant, running east-west across central India.
• Satpuras: Features Dhupgarh, the highest peak in the range.

Conclusion

Mountains are indispensable for maintaining biodiversity, water resources, and cultural heritage. Preserving regions like the IHR is crucial for sustainable development and combating climate change. Through innovative solutions, disaster preparedness, and eco-friendly policies, we can ensure the long-term health of these natural treasures.

Mains Question:

1. Discuss the ecological, cultural, and economic significance of the Indian Himalayan Region (IHR) and the challenges it faces in the context of sustainable development. (150 WORDS)