Date : 31/08/2023

Relevance – GS Paper 3 – Environment

Keywords – Buddhism, biodiversity hotspot, Black carbon, natural disaster

Context

Nestled in the heart of Asia, the Himalayan mountain range, often known as the "Roof of the World," has captured the human imagination for generations due to its stunning beauty and allure. However, concealed behind this tranquil exterior is a narrative of escalating environmental trials. In recent times, the Himalayas have observed an array of unparalleled and distressing difficulties that jeopardize their very existence. From the consequences of climate change, which triggers glacial dissolution and disrupts weather patterns, to uncontrolled urban expansion and unsustainable development methodologies, the Himalayas confront a surge of devastation that necessitates immediate consideration. Recognizing the fragile equilibrium that upholds the Himalayas has turned into more than just a regional concern; it is now a global necessity. The crisis facing the Himalayas demands urgent focus and cooperative endeavors on an international magnitude.

Importance of the Himalayas:

Cultural and Spiritual Significance:

The Himalayas hold a sacred and spiritual status within numerous cultures and religions, such as Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. They house revered pilgrimage sites, monasteries, and temples, often associated with practices like meditation, self-discovery, and enlightenment.

Biodiversity Hotspot:

Renowned as one of the world's biodiversity hotspots, the Himalayan region contributes significantly to global ecological harmony. Diverse ecosystems, ranging from verdant forests to high-altitude meadows, provide sanctuary to an array of plant and animal species, some of which are exclusive to this region.

Crucial Water Source:

The Himalayan glaciers and snowfields serve as the wellspring for major rivers like the Ganges, Indus, Brahmaputra, and Yangtze. These rivers are the lifeblood for millions across South Asia, sustaining their livelihoods, agricultural practices, hydropower generation, and the functioning of urban centers downstream.

Climate Regulation:

Playing a pivotal role in regulating regional and even global climates, the Himalayas exert considerable influence on the surrounding areas. They wield the power to shape monsoon patterns that deliver essential rainfall to countries like India, Nepal, and Bangladesh. Additionally, the Himalayan glaciers serve as sensitive indicators of the wider impacts of global climate change.

Geological Significance:

The Himalayas have emerged as a result of the continuous collision between the Indian Plate and the Eurasian Plate. This ongoing geological process has not only molded the landscape but also perpetually shapes seismic activities in the region. Scrutinizing the Himalayas offers profound insights into the Earth's tectonic dynamics, aiding scientists in comprehending the intricate mechanisms behind mountain formation.

Impact of Rampant Urbanization on the Himalayas:

Flawed Development Paradigm:

Instances such as blocked roads due to landslides in Chamoli, the sinking of Joshimath in Uttarakhand, and road collapses in Chamba, Himachal Pradesh, exemplify the flawed approach to development entrenched in the Himalayan region. Research by the National Remote Sensing Center (ISRO) has underscored Rudraprayag and Tehri districts as the country's most landslide-prone areas. Notably, the Chardham Mahamarg Vikas Pariyojna, a substantial infrastructure initiative, has resulted in the loss of numerous trees, extensive forest land, and the fertile topsoil of the delicate Himalayas.

Uncontrolled Tourism Impact:

While tourism offers economic advantages, unchecked tourism can burden local resources and ecosystems. Mountainous regions are grappling with an influx beyond their capacity due to tourism and the migration of rural populations to urban centers. In 2022 alone, Uttarakhand hosted around 100 million tourists, including pilgrims. Experts have raised alarms, cautioning that unregulated tourism surpassing the region's carrying capacity can have severe consequences.

Escalating Temperatures:

The Himalayas are warming at a faster rate compared to other mountain ranges. The growing use of reinforced concrete in construction, replacing traditional wood and stone masonry, is predicted to contribute to the creation of a heat-island effect. This effect exacerbates regional warming, intensifying the ecological concerns within the Himalayas.

Erosion of Cultural Identity:

The Himalayan communities possess distinctive cultural practices deeply intertwined with their natural surroundings. However, unsustainable urbanization is causing the erosion of traditional wisdom, customs, and the cultural fabric of these communities. This gradual erosion poses a threat to the unique cultural identity that thrives in these regions.

Ecological Challenges Faced by the Himalayas:

Climate Change and Glacial Melting: The Himalayas stand particularly vulnerable to the consequences of climate change. Escalating temperatures have accelerated the rapid dissolution of glaciers, profoundly impacting water availability downstream. This disruption poses a substantial threat to communities heavily reliant on glacial meltwater for critical needs like agriculture, drinking water, and hydropower.

Accumulation of Black Carbon: A paramount factor instigating glacier meltdown is the emission of black carbon aerosols into the atmosphere. Black carbon absorbs sunlight and releases infrared radiation, thereby elevating temperatures. Consequently, the mounting presence of black carbon in the Himalayas contributes to the hastened thawing of glaciers. Alarming deposits of black carbon are accumulating on the Gangotri glacier, magnifying its rate of dissolution. Notably, Gangotri represents the glacier that is receding at the fastest pace.

Natural Disaster Vulnerability: The Himalayas, being young and still rising fold mountains, are susceptible to tectonic activities. This renders the region prone to a spectrum of natural disasters, including landslides, avalanches, and earthquakes. Furthermore, the amplification of these events due to climate change heightens the frequency, severity, and consequences, leading to the loss of lives, property damage, and disruptions to crucial infrastructure.

Soil Erosion and Landslides: Deforestation, unchecked construction, and inappropriate land utilization practices collectively intensify soil erosion, amplifying the vulnerability to landslides. The depletion of vegetative cover destabilizes Himalayan slopes, rendering them susceptible to erosion, particularly during episodes of heavy rainfall or seismic disturbances.

Proliferation of Invasive Species: As temperatures surge, formerly inaccessible habitats become conducive for invasive species to thrive. These interlopers outcompete the native flora and fauna of the Himalayan region, disturbing the intricate ecological balance and imperiling the survival of indigenous species. This propagation poses a significant threat to the region's biodiversity and ecological stability.

Government Initiatives for Himalayan Region Conservation:

National Mission on Sustaining Himalayan Ecosystem: Initiated in 2010, this mission encompasses 11 states (Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, all northeastern states, and West Bengal), along with 2 Union Territories (Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh). It stands as one among the eight missions under the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC).

SECURE Himalaya Project: Part of the "Global Partnership on Wildlife Conservation and Crime Prevention for Sustainable Development" funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF), this project actively advocates the sustainable management of alpine pastures and forests within the lofty Himalayan ecosystems.

Mishra Committee Report 1976: The committee, named after MC Mishra (formerly the Garhwal commissioner in erstwhile Uttar Pradesh), issued its findings regarding land subsidence in Joshimath. As a result, the committee recommended implementing measures like the imposition of restrictions on substantial construction activities, controlled blasting or excavation for road repairs and other projects, and the preservation of trees in the area.

Additional Measures for Himalayan Ecosystem Protection:

Guidelines for GLOFs by NDMA:

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has suggested a range of regulations to curb the challenges posed by unregulated tourism. This involves establishing buffer zones and restricting tourism in areas prone to Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs). Such measures aim to mitigate pollution and minimize the impact on these vulnerable regions.

Trans-Boundary Collaboration:

Himalayan nations should establish an international network akin to the tsunami warning systems seen around the Indian Ocean in the last decade. This network would monitor risks, particularly those arising from glacial lakes, and provide early warnings about potential hazards. Sharing and disseminating knowledge about mountain ecosystems and preservation should be a pivotal aspect of this collaborative effort.

Education and Awareness:

Enhanced awareness among Himalayan residents about the geological fragility and ecological vulnerability of their surroundings can foster a stronger adherence to protective regulations. Integrating fundamental knowledge about Himalayan geology and ecology into school curricula in India and other affected nations can engender a deeper connection to the land and greater environmental consciousness among students.

Role of Local Governance:

Municipalities within Himalayan states need to take a proactive stance when granting construction approvals. Updating building codes to address the emerging challenges of climate change is crucial. Furthermore, disaster management departments should recalibrate their strategies to prioritize flood prevention and preparedness.

Way forward

Enhancing early warning systems and weather forecasting capabilities can enable timely disaster predictions and alert the local populace and tourists alike. Conducting periodic assessments and devising sustainable plans that align with the unique requisites of the fragile Himalayan region and its climate dynamics is essential.

Promoting a discourse on the detrimental effects of commercial tourism while advocating for ecotourism can help strike a balance between economic activities and ecological preservation. Mandating the issuance of Detailed Project Reports (DPR), Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs), and Social Impact Assessments (SIAs) prior to project implementation can ensure environmentally conscious development.

Furthermore, enhancing the structural integrity of existing dams and prioritizing post-flooding event monitoring are indispensable in fortifying these structures against the impacts of natural disasters and safeguarding the Himalayan ecosystem.

Source – The Hindu