23-Oct-2023-Special-Article

RESTORING THE ECOLOGICAL HEALTH OF THE HIMALAYAS

The Himalayan region, particularly states like Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Sikkim, has faced severe environmental devastation. To address these concerns, the Supreme Court of India has initiated a discussion on the carrying capacity of the Indian Himalayan Region (IHR) and its towns and cities. The government’s response emphasizes a need for robust assessments and people-centric solutions.

Carrying Capacity:

• Carrying capacity refers to the maximum population size that an ecosystem or environment can sustainably support without causing harm to its natural resources over a specific period.

Challenges to the Ecological Health of the Himalayas:

• Climate Change and Glacial Melting: Rising temperatures have led to glacier melting and Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs), impacting downstream water flow.
• Tectonic Activities: The region’s vulnerability to tectonic activities results in natural disasters like landslides, avalanches, and earthquakes.
• Soil Erosion and Landslides: Deforestation, construction, and improper land use practices contribute to soil erosion and landslide risks.
• Unsustainable Tourism: Neglecting the region’s micro-climate in favor of mass tourism disrupts the Himalayan ecosystem.
• Flawed Development Model: Large-scale infrastructure projects are built without considering their environmental impact.
• Erosion of Cultural Values: Urbanization erodes traditional environmental conservation values held by Himalayan communities.
• Growth of Invasive Species: Invasive species disrupt the ecosystem’s balance and threaten native species.
• Improper Waste Management: Garbage disposal on mountain slopes affects the natural flora and fauna balance.

Importance of the Himalayan Ecosystem:

• Water Security: The Himalayas feed major rivers like the Ganga and Brahmaputra, ensuring water security in Northern India.
• Energy Security: The region’s river waters provide a significant portion of India’s hydroelectric power.
• Influence on Indian Climate: The Himalayas contribute to the Indian monsoon and maintain an ambient temperature in the subcontinent.
• Forest Wealth: Himalayan forests offer resources for industries and include a significant medicinal plant-based pharmaceutical industry.
• Cultural and Spiritual Significance: The region holds cultural and spiritual significance for various religions.
• Biodiversity Hotspot: The Himalayan region is a biodiversity hotspot, contributing to global ecological balance.

Government Initiatives for Himalayan Ecosystem Restoration:

1. National Mission on Sustaining Himalayan Ecosystem: Launched in 2010 as part of the National Action Plan on Climate Change, it covers 11 states and 2 UTs.
2. SECURE Himalaya Project: Funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF), it focuses on sustainable management of alpine pastures and forests.
3. Mishra Committee Report 1976: Recommended restrictions on heavy construction, blasting, and tree felling in the Himalayan region.

Past Initiatives and Their Shortcomings:

• Previous efforts like the National Mission for Sustaining the Himalayan Ecosystem, Indian Himalayas Climate Adaptation Programme, and Secure Himalaya Project haven’t yielded substantial progress.
• The Ministry of Environment and Forests urged states to submit carrying capacity action plans, but most states lagged in doing so.

Court’s Role and Recommendations:

• The focus should be on sustainable development and a people-centric approach.
• The entire IHR, not just towns and cities, should be assessed for carrying capacity.
• Emphasis should be on the “Sustainable Population” of the Himalayan States.
• An expert committee should evaluate the social dimension of sustainability, incorporating citizen representation.
• Panchayats and municipalities should provide recommendations based on population sustainability criteria.
• Engaging with the local population is essential for building sustainable solutions and addressing their concerns about projects like hydropower and highways.

Conclusion:

Assessing the carrying capacity of the Indian Himalayan Region, considering its entire ecosystem and the sustainable population it can support, is crucial. A people-centric approach involving local communities and municipalities is necessary for long-term ecological health and sustainable development in the Himalayas. The Supreme Court’s role in ensuring comprehensive assessments and people’s participation in the process is vital for a balanced and sustainable future in the region.

Mains Question:

1. Illustrate the ecological sensitivity of the Indian Himalayan Range and suggest measures to promote sustainability in order to manage its carrying capacity. (150 Words)