Urban Growth in the Indian Himalayan Range (IHR)

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Context

• The Indian Himalayan Range (IHR), spanning 11 States and two Union Territories, has experienced a decadal urban growth rate exceeding 40% from 2011 to 2021.
• This expansion has led to the development of new urban settlements and the growth of existing towns. However, the definition of urbanisation in the Himalayan context requires a unique approach.

Challenges in IHR Towns

• Almost all towns in the IHR, including state capitals like Srinagar, Guwahati, Shillong, and Shimla, face significant challenges in managing civic issues.
• Problems with sanitation, solid and liquid waste, and water management are prevalent.
• Planning institutions in these regions often struggle due to reliance on models designed for plains and limited implementation capacities. For instance, in the Kashmir Valley, excluding Srinagar Municipal Corporation, there are only 15 executive officers for over 40 urban local bodies. The shortage of human resources is around 75%.
• Urban expansion continues to encroach upon rural lands, leading to the depletion of open spaces, forest lands, and watersheds.
• In Srinagar, land use changes from 2000 to 2020 revealed a 58% increase in built-up areas, while water bodies shrank by nearly 25%. Nearly 90% of liquid waste enters water bodies untreated.

Causes of Urban Pressures

• Urbanisation and development pressures in the IHR are exacerbated by high-intensity tourism, unsustainable infrastructure, and resource exploitation.
• Climate variations, such as changing precipitation patterns and rising temperatures, further aggravate these issues, leading to water scarcity, deforestation, land degradation, biodiversity loss, and increased pollution.
• Tourism expansion, anticipated to grow at an average annual rate of 9% from 2013 to 2023, often replaces eco-friendly infrastructure with poorly designed constructions and inadequate waste management, damaging biodiversity and ecosystem services. Emphasising ecotourism is crucial for long-term sustainability.

Recommendations for Sustainable Development

• Planning institutions in IHR cities should move beyond traditional land-use principles and incorporate geological and hydrological vulnerabilities into town mapping.
• The planning process should involve local communities and adopt a bottom-up approach.
• Consultant-driven urban planning should be replaced with climate-resilient urban design.
• Additionally, cities in the IHR face unique financial challenges and cannot generate sufficient capital for infrastructure needs.
• The Finance Commission should address urban financing in the IHR, increasing intergovernmental transfers from the current 5% of GDP to at least 1%.
• Himalayan towns must engage in comprehensive discussions on sustainability and focus on robust, eco-centric planning processes that involve public participation.

The Himalayan Legacy

The Himalayas, stretching majestically over 2,400 kilometers, are not merely a mountain range but a pillar of ecological balance, economic development, and cultural richness in India and the surrounding South Asian region.

Ecological Significance

• Biodiversity Haven: The Himalayas are a biodiversity treasure trove, hosting an array of rare species like the snow leopard and red panda. This mountain range provides a unique habitat that supports numerous ecosystems and helps preserve global biodiversity.
• Climate Moderation: Acting as a giant climate buffer, the Himalayas shield the Indian subcontinent from frigid winds blowing from Central Asia. They also influence the monsoon cycles, crucial for sustaining agriculture and maintaining water resources.
• Water Origins: These mountains are the birthplace of several major rivers, including the Ganges, Indus, and Brahmaputra. Their glacial meltwater is vital for irrigation, hydropower, and daily water supply for millions of people across the region.
• Resource Wealth: Rich in minerals, forests, and medicinal plants, the Himalayas offer valuable resources that support local livelihoods and traditional practices. This wealth contributes significantly to both local economies and cultural heritage.

Cultural and Economic Impact

• Sacred Grounds: The Himalayas hold profound spiritual significance for Hindus, Buddhists, and Jains. They are dotted with revered temples and monasteries, making them a focal point for religious pilgrimages and spiritual retreats.
• Tourism Hub: Attracting adventurers and seekers from around the world, the Himalayas boost the economy through eco-tourism, trekking, and cultural tourism. This influx of visitors promotes both economic growth and cross-cultural exchange.
• Strategic Fortification: The range serves as a natural defensive shield, offering strategic advantages for national security and acting as a buffer against potential external threats.

Pressing Challenges

The Himalayas are confronting several pressing issues that threaten their delicate ecosystem and the lives of those who rely on them.

• Climate Change Effects: Accelerated glacial melting is altering water availability and increasing the likelihood of floods and droughts. This shift disrupts traditional agricultural practices and impacts local communities.
• Natural Hazards: The region’s susceptibility to earthquakes, landslides, and flash floods is worsened by both climate change and human activities such as unchecked deforestation and infrastructure expansion.
• Uncontrolled Development: Recent projects, including extensive hydropower schemes and road constructions, have led to significant environmental degradation. Notable incidents, like the 2023 Himachal Pradesh floods, highlight the consequences of hasty development.
• Deforestation Issues: The clearing of forests for farming, logging, and urban expansion not only disrupts ecosystems but also exacerbates soil erosion and contributes to climate change.
• Overgrazing Problems: Excessive livestock grazing depletes grasslands, leading to soil degradation and reduced water retention.
• Pollution from Tourism: The environmental impact of tourism and pilgrimage activities includes the generation of significant waste, which contaminates water bodies and harms the fragile mountain environment.
• Invasive Species Threats: The introduction of non-native species disrupts local ecological balances and threatens indigenous flora and fauna.
• Geopolitical Strains: Ongoing border disputes and political instability can obstruct conservation efforts and impede sustainable development initiatives.

Judicial Interventions for Protection

The judiciary has played a crucial role in safeguarding the Himalayas through several impactful actions:

• Rigorous Environmental Assessments: Courts mandate comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) before approving development projects, ensuring that potential environmental impacts are thoroughly evaluated.
• Emphasis on Sustainable Development: Judicial decisions advocate for sustainable development, balancing economic growth with the need for environmental preservation.
• Forest and Wildlife Conservation: Legal interventions protect forests, wildlife habitats, and endangered species from illegal activities and environmental threats.
• Regulation of Tourism: Courts have imposed restrictions on tourism and development in ecologically sensitive areas, aiming to reduce environmental damage.
• Public Interest Litigation (PIL): The judiciary addresses environmental concerns through PILs filed by activists and citizens, promoting ecological justice.
• Enforcement of Environmental Laws: The judiciary ensures that environmental regulations are enforced and violators are held accountable.
• Recognition of Nature’s Rights: Some landmark rulings have acknowledged the intrinsic value of nature and the rights of ecosystems, advocating for a more holistic approach to development.
• Community Participation: The judiciary supports the involvement of local communities in environmental decision-making, ensuring that their perspectives and needs are considered.

Ongoing Initiatives

Several initiatives aim to protect and sustain the Himalayan region:

• National Mission for Sustaining the Himalayan Ecosystem (NMSHE): This initiative, part of the National Action Plan on Climate Change, focuses on understanding the impacts of climate change on the Himalayas and developing strategies for adaptation and resilience, with a focus on water security and biodiversity.
• SECURE Himalaya Project: Funded by the Global Environment Facility and implemented by the Indian government and UNDP, this project is dedicated to conserving the snow leopard and its habitat, supporting sustainable livelihoods, and strengthening enforcement in high-altitude areas.
• National Green Tribunal (NGT): The NGT plays a pivotal role in enforcing environmental laws, delivering significant rulings to protect forests, rivers, and wildlife in the Himalayas.
• State-Level Conservation Programs: States like Sikkim and Uttarakhand have developed their own conservation initiatives, such as the Sikkim Biodiversity Conservation Project and the Uttarakhand Action Plan on Climate Change.

Looking Ahead

• Integrated Conservation Approach: A holistic strategy combining conservation, sustainable development, and disaster risk management is essential for preserving the Himalayas.
• Enhanced Governance: Strengthening governance mechanisms, improving enforcement of environmental laws, and promoting transparency are key to effective conservation.
• Urgent Climate Action: Addressing the climate crisis through measures like reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting renewable energy is crucial.
• Empowering Local Communities: Engaging and empowering local communities to manage resources and participate in decision-making is vital for achieving sustainable conservation.

PRACTICE QUESTION Q. Discuss the principles of sustainable development in the context of the Himalayan region. What are the key challenges to achieving sustainability there, and how can they be addressed?

SOURCE: THE HINDU