Latest news with #GBPantNationalInstituteofHimalayanEnvironment
Time of India
6 days ago
- Science
- Time of India
Unregulated activity added to Dharali devastation: Experts
Dehradun: Unchecked construction and human interference in the ecologically fragile Bhagirathi Eco-Sensitive Zone (BESZ) -- spanning 4,179 sq km from Gaumukh to Uttarkashi -- may have significantly worsened the impact of the flood that ravaged Dharali village near Gangotri in Uttarkashi district, according to environmentalists. Experts said that the scale of devastation points to deeper, systemic issues rooted in years of unregulated development in one of the Himalayas' most vulnerable regions. Calling for urgent reforms and stricter enforcement of land-use regulations along the Bhagirathi River and its tributaries, Mallika Bhanot, a member of BESZ monitoring committee, said, "This once again shows how vulnerable the Himalayas are, and we must wake up and stop playing with our environment. Any vulnerable area requires protection and conservation. Unregulated anthropogenic (human-induced environmental change) activity only adds to the risk, as was evident in the shocking footage of the Kheer Ganga stream turning into a torrent. " Other ecologists echoed similar concerns, pointing out that rampant construction in floodplains disrupts natural drainage, accelerates land degradation and contributes to rising carbon emissions -- all of which can impact local microclimates. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like World's 25 Best Cities to Live In Learn More Undo "These carbon footprints are very high and carry serious implications for the surrounding ecosystem," said professor Sunil Nautiyal of the Centre for Ecological Economics and Natural Resources, Karnataka, and former director of GB Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment. He added, "The Himalayan ecology is uniquely vulnerable, with many species classified as keystone or highly sensitive to even minor environmental shifts. We must begin accounting for the carbon cost of all development in these fragile zones." Nautiyal also stressed the urgent need for valley-specific weather and climate monitoring systems. "Regular, intensified monitoring is essential to understand the evolving impacts of climate change across different Himalayan valleys. With telemetric weather stations covering all hoblis (a cluster of adjacent villages) and 6,500 rain gauge systems across gram panchayats, Karnataka offers a model that must be replicated across Himalayan states to strengthen climate monitoring infrastructure," he added. On the ground, residents said the push to boost tourism revenue is fuelling unsustainable development. "In the race to earn from tourism, tree felling and construction are happening at an unprecedented scale. There are no robust systems in place to manage disasters in vulnerable stretches of BESZ, despite the region having witnessed similar devastating floods in the past," said Suresh Bhai, an Uttarkashi-based environmentalist and founder of the Himalaya Bachao Andolan. Amid mounting concerns over regulatory oversight in the region, officials pointed to jurisdictional limitations. "The area where the flash flood occurred doesn't fall under our jurisdiction. As it lies in an eco-sensitive zone, clearances must have come from the stipulated authorities," said Vineet Rastogi, executive engineer at Uttarkashi District Level Development Authority.
Time of India
09-06-2025
- Science
- Time of India
Scientists promote climate-resilient farming in Darma Valley
Bageshwar: In a notable step toward promoting sustainable practices in Uttarakhand's high-altitude regions, researchers and agricultural specialists recently concluded a three-day assessment and training programme across the remote settlements of Pithoragarh's Darma Valley — Dar, Nagling, Baling, Duktu, Dantu and Tidang. Conducted under the National Mission on Himalayan Studies (NMHS), the initiative aims to empower local communities through climate-resilient farming and diversified livelihoods. The initiative, coordinated by the GB Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment (NIHE), Kosi-Katarmal, Almora, alongside Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Champawat, emphasised teaching contemporary processing methods for indigenous crops including buckwheat, green buckwheat and kidney beans. Farmers in Duktu village received training in creating value-enhanced products like flour and biscuits, establishing new commercial prospects. The project incorporated collaborative resource mapping and chronological documentation to inform future regional strategies. The research team conducted sessions regarding the commercial viability of native medicinal plants including Kutki, Jatamansi, wild garlic and wild cumin, exploring opportunities for cultivation and preservation-based ventures. Dr Shailja Punetha and Dr Deepali Tiwari led the programme, with assistance from the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) for traversing the challenging landscape. "This initiative proves that when scientific innovation is harmonised with traditional knowledge, even the most remote mountain communities can lay the foundation for a resilient and sustainable economy," said Dr Punetha.
