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Indian Express
5 days ago
- Science
- Indian Express
How climate change and rapid development are pushing the Himalayan region to the brink
'The Himalayas are sounding alarm,' Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav warned at a climate summit in Kathmandu in May. 'As a consequence of global warming due to human activity, glaciers are retreating, threatening the future of water security for populations downstream.' Yadav's remarks mirror a growing consensus among environmentalists and scientists who warn that unchecked construction, coupled with global warming, is causing severe and potentially irreversible damage to mountain ecosystems. Scientific studies have long shown that Himalayan glaciers are melting at an unprecedented pace due to climate change, threatening water availability, agriculture and livelihoods. According to a 2019 research article Acceleration of ice loss across the Himalayas over the past 40 years, published in the peer-reviewed journal Science Advances, 'glaciers across the Himalayas experienced significant ice loss over the past 40 years, with the average rate of ice loss twice as rapid in the 21st century compared to the end of the 20th century.' 'Due to global warming, Himalayan glaciers are continuously depleting, forming artificial lakes known as GLOFs (Glacial Lake Outburst Floods). When they burst, they wreak havoc. We saw this recently at South Lhonak Lake in Sikkim, which caused a devastating flood in the Teesta River valley in October 2023… It destroyed the Teesta III hydroelectric dam and caused widespread damage,' says Guman Singh, environmental activist and coordinator at Himalaya Niti Abhiyan, a grassroots movement advocating for a sustainable, mountain-specific development model in the Himalayas. A similar GLOF was behind the 2013 Kedarnath floods, which claimed over 6,000 lives. Another catastrophe occurred in Uttarakhand's Chamoli district on February 7, 2021, when an ice-rock avalanche triggered flash floods, killing over 200 people and destroying hydroelectric projects. Scientists and environmentalists warn that such floods are likely to become more frequent in India's hill states as climate change accelerates the melting of glaciers. According to a report Monitoring of Glaciers, Climate, and Runoff in the Hindu Kush-Himalaya Mountains, published in the South Asia Water Initiative, remote sensing data estimates that there are around 7,500 glacier lakes in Himalayan states like Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh. Of these, 190 are classified as 'very high' risk for causing a GLOF. Singh also draws attention to riverbed encroachments. 'When massive water flow meets narrowed river channels, it causes large-scale destruction. We saw this during the 2023 Himachal floods when rivers changed course and entered human settlements, leaving hundreds dead,' he says. 'You cannot tame a river.' Infrastructure boom, ecological bust The Himalayan region is witnessing a rapid infrastructure push — highways, tunnels, hydropower plants — posing a significant threat to its delicate ecology, they often ignore local geology and environmental constraints. 'The government's infrastructure projects have penetrated deep into the Himalayas, threatening the region's overall health. Roads are being constructed without considering the fragile geology, using techniques suited for the plains,' says environmentalist Ravi Chopra, who chaired the Supreme Court panel reviewing the Char Dham highway project in 2019. He later resigned when construction continued despite the panel's warnings about severe ecological risks. Chopra also criticised the disregard for the mountains' carrying capacity, an issue echoed by senior environment journalist Hridayesh Joshi. 'Joshimath is one of several places facing land subsidence. The Mishra Committee, back in 1976, had already warned that Joshimath was vulnerable, built on landslide debris, and worsened by blasting activities. Yet, the development model continues to ignore these warnings,' says Joshi. The situation raises urgent questions. Can a seismically active, hydrologically complex, and geologically unstable region bear the pressure of mega projects? 'Hydropower projects in the Himalayas face two constant and serious threats — catastrophic earthquakes and destructive floods triggered by glacial lake outbursts. What happens if these dams fail during such events? What will become of the region? Scientific studies have long warned of a powerful earthquake, exceeding magnitude 8, striking this area. Why, then, are we not prioritising sustainable development for the region?' aks Singh. Meadows turning into dumpyards Plastic pollution is another mounting crisis in the Himalayas. A viral video recently showed plastic bags, bottles, and animals rummaging through a forest in Kasol, Himachal Pradesh — not a landfill, but a tourist spot. Similar visuals from Parvati Valley depict garbage heaps and polluted rivers. When you enter Himachal, you pay a green tax in the name of nature conservation — and this is what the government and administration do with those crores: openly dumping garbage in forests and near rivers. Welcome to Kasol, an international tourist hub turning into a dump! — Nikhil saini (@iNikhilsaini) May 27, 2025 'This is not an isolated case,' says Joshi. 'Many ecologically sensitive zones are turning into dumping grounds. Waste is often discarded behind hotels and resorts, with little regulatory oversight.' According to reports, Shimla generates approximately 2,800 tonnes of solid waste, while Manali produces over 1,100 tonnes per month. These are the numbers that double during tourist season. In response, the Himachal government in May this year approved a scheme requiring a refundable deposit on non-biodegradable items to incentivise return and recycling. But the problem runs deeper. According to an alliance by Zero Waste Himalaya, an anti-waste collective of NGOs, an organisation based in Gangtok, and the Integrated Mountain Initiative based in Dehradun, single-use food and beverage packaging accounts for 84% of the plastic waste in the region. Alarmingly, 70% of plastic waste collected across the Himalayan belt is non-recyclable and has no market value. 'The authorities are inviting tourists in large numbers without any waste management plan. If you generate revenue, you must manage the waste too,' says Singh, urging tourists to 'carry your garbage back with you. The mountains cannot absorb such massive piles of waste.' The perils of an unregulated tourism Tourism in the Himalayas is booming, and so is the damage, pushing the fragile mountain ecosystem to its limits. According to the Himachal government's 'Economic Survey' report for FY 2024-25, the state recorded its highest tourist footfall in five years, 1.8 crore domestic tourists and 83,000 foreign visitors. Meanwhile, Uttarakhand reported 5.96 crore visitors in 2023, up from 3.68 crore in 2018, according to the state's tourism department. 'Unregulated tourism is stripping this ecologically sensitive region of its natural character,' says Mansi Asher of Himdhara, Environment Research and Action Collective, an autonomous, non-registered environment research and action collective based in Himachal Pradesh. 'Religious tourism is being promoted in an unstructured, unregulated way. Helicopters swarm over sensitive areas like Kedarnath, which is a wildlife sanctuary. Laser shows, ropeway movements, and excessive noise pollution exceed permitted decibel levels,' says Joshi. Bachi Singh Bisht, of Janmaitri Sangathan, adds, 'Helicopters fly from dawn to dusk in Kedarnath Valley, affecting locals, including schoolchildren, some of whom are now partially deaf.' Unregulated tourism is also fueling outmigration. As per 2011 Census, the population in most of the mountain districts of Uttarakhand declined. There was an absolute decline of 17868 persons in the population of Almora and Pauri Garhwal districts between 2001 and 2011. 'Migration is growing, traditional livelihoods are vanishing, and the ecological backbone of the Himalayas is buckling', Bisht says. What can save the Himalayas? Rising temperatures, erratic weather patterns, growing human-wildlife conflict, depleting water sources, and an alarming increase in landslides, floods, heatwaves, forest fires, and droughts are quickly becoming the new normal in the Himalayan region. But what is the cure? Experts say that top-down solutions are failing. 'Multinational consultancies are being brought in to tackle problems that require local understanding, while the knowledge and experience of local communities are being overlooked. This approach must change,' says Mansi. Singh believes the Infrastructure development also needs a major shift. 'We don't need large-scale infrastructure projects. What we need is small-scale, sustainable development. Tourism should be decentralised, focusing on lesser-known destinations rather than building up major hotspots. We must adopt a policy that ties conservation with livelihood generation.' Is it possible to balance development with sustainability while promoting tourism? Joshi thinks so, but not with the current strategy. 'We should revive the traditional style of pilgrimage, which lasted for months, supported local economies, and was deeply harmonious with nature.' Parveen K Dogra is Assistant Editor at and is based in New Delhi. ... Read More
Time of India
19-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Lahaul-Spiti locals to protest against hydel projects on May 23
The residents of Lahaul-Spiti have planned a mass protest in Udaipur on May 23 against proposed hydroelectric projects in the district. The decision was made at a recently held meeting of panchayat representatives from Udaipur sub-division and members of (LSEM), an environmental protection body from the district. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now According to LSEM president Sudarshan Jaspa, the protest is part of a movement against nearly 18 large hydroelectric projects proposed in the Chenab basin of Lahaul valley. "The protest rally will be organised from Mrikula Mata temple in Udaipur and will be led by local panchayat representatives. A public appeal has been made to all mahila mandals, yuvak mandals, community organisations, and intellectuals across Lahaul-Spiti to participate in large numbers and raise their voices for the valley's future," said Jaspa. Himalaya Niti Abhiyan, another environment-focussed NGO, has extended support to the protest. Jaspa said a memorandum of understanding (MoU) was recently signed between the Himachal Pradesh govt and the Telangana govt for implementing the Mayar (120 MW) and Seli (400 MW) power projects. "The state govt is ignoring the sensitive geographical conditions, climate, and tribal rights of the region. The construction of such projects would not only lead to the destruction of fertile land, biodiversity and endangered species, but would also result in the forcible displacement of local residents already living in harsh conditions," said Jaspa. He said in 2009, the Shukla committee, appointed by the Himachal Pradesh high court, recommended a ban on hydro projects in Himalayan regions above 7,000 feet due to their destructive environmental impact. The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has also termed such projects inappropriate for these fragile zones. Over a dozen projects have been proposed in Lahaul-Spiti, including Jispa (300 MW), Stegri (98 MW), Chhatdu (120 MW), Mayar (120 MW), Tandi (104 MW), Rashel (130 MW), Seli (400 MW), Shangling (44 MW), Teling (94 MW), Bardang (126 MW), Tingret (81 MW), Gondhla (144 MW), Koksar (90 MW), Raholi-Dugli (420 MW), Purthi (300 MW), Sach Khas (260 MW), and Dugar (380 MW).
Time of India
27-04-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Himachal forest department withdraws controversial circular on Forest Rights Act after public backlash
1 2 Kullu: Himachal Pradesh 's forest department has withdrawn a controversial circular on the enforcement of Forest Rights Act, 2006, following sharp criticism from rights activists, environmentalists, and local residents. The circular was issued by principal chief conservator of forests ( PCCF ) Sameer Rastogi , who heads the forest department, to the deputy commissioners of all 12 districts and forest officials, asking them to exercise "utmost caution while accepting claims under the FRA Act, 2006". In the detailed circular, PCCF had said that in order to protect the forest wealth and provide benefits to real beneficiaries, it was important to exclude encroachers during the implementation of FRA. The circular stated that encroachments, including apple orchards on forest land, cannot be deemed as forest-based livelihood as these are high-profit ventures set up after the destruction of forests. While advocating that only those claims which are genuine and from landless and marginalised people who depend upon forest land for their livelihoods should be accepted, the PCCF had also told officials in the circular that the FRA should not become a means of regularising unlawful occupation or encroachments by those who are economically secure or influential. The circular, issued on April 11, triggered a wave of criticism, forcing the department to withdraw it five days later on April 16. Terming the circular as against the spirit of the FRA, activists lashed out against the forest officials for trying to create hurdles in the enforcement of the Act in Himachal Pradesh. "The forest department officials are not even supposed to issue such a circular as it's against the spirit of the Act. If an advisory is to be issued, only the chief secretary, who heads the state-level monitoring committee (SLMC), formed under the Act, can do that," said Sandeep Minhas, state secretary of Himalaya Niti Abhiyan, an environmental NGO, which has been helping forest dwellers file their claims on lands they are dependent upon in various parts of the state. Minhas said the FRA was being deliberately misinterpreted by the forest officials. "This circular talks about forest encroachments in the form of apple orchards but the FRA allows horticulture activities upon forest land. The letter says that only the landless or marginalised should receive benefits, but the FRA doesn't talk about landless or marginalised and only about the scheduled tribes (ST) and other traditional forest dwellers (OTFD), who can claim a right on forest land. The forest department through this circular has tried to mislead and even change the definition of a forest dweller as enshrined in the Act to keep a large section of people out of the ambit of the Act," said Minhas. According to Guman Singh, coordinator of Himalaya Niti Abhiyan, the circular shows that the forest department hasn't been able to free itself from the colonial mindset. "Unlike other departments like agriculture or horticulture which help the farmers and fruit growers, the forest department falsely believes that it owns the forests of the state. It's a colonial mindset. The forest department is afraid of giving forests back to the communities. The forest officials fear the FRA because its enforcement in the state will give a bigger role to communities in forest conservation," said Singh. PCCF in the circular also referred to a pending case on FRA in the Supreme Court while warning that any violation may invite contempt of court. However, politician and former Rajya Sabha member Brinda Karat countered this reference, saying that there are no guidelines issued by the SC in the said case. Expressing serious concern and terming the circular as 'outrageous', Karat in a letter asked Himachal Pradesh chief minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu to take action against Rastogi for "the misleading circular". "A fresh petition has been filed in the Supreme Court by a so-called environmental group against the Act. The reference to this case in the circular is misleading if not a blatant untruth because there are no guidelines issued by the Supreme Court in the said case," the letter stated. Introduced in 2006, the Forest Rights Act, which recognises the rights of forest-dwelling communities over land and forest resources and provides land ownership to scheduled tribes and other forest dwellers, is still to be properly enforced in Himachal Pradesh. The present state govt recently launched a campaign to verify and accept claims over forest land put up by the communities under the FRA. A number of workshops to raise awareness on how to file claims have also been organised recently in various parts of the state and attended personally by revenue minister Jagat Singh Negi, who is overseeing the FRA implementation. According to Himalaya Niti Abhiyan, over 1,000 claims over forest land have been received in recent months from Kullu, Kinnaur, and Lahaul Spiti districts. Who has the right over forest land under FRA, 2006? There are two categories who can claim ownership over forest land they have been traditionally dependent upon for their livelihood. First, the people belonging to the scheduled tribes (STs), who have been living and are dependent upon forest land prior to Dec 13, 2005. Second, forest dwellers, who have been living in forest areas for at least three generations before Dec 13, 2005, and depend upon forests for their livelihood. Forest dwellers can claim right over land they have been cultivating for up to four hectares. According to the Act, forest dwellers who have been illegally evicted or displaced from forest land before Dec 13, 2005, can also claim their right over the forest land. How FRA empowers communities Forest dwellers can claim ownership of land they have been traditionally cultivating. Forest dwellers can use minor forest produce like honey, herbs, medicinal plants, roots, etc. Communities can manage and protect forests, wildlife, and biodiversity. Gram sabha, formed under the Act, can approve forest land right claims and no govt decision can override gram sabha decision without its consent.
