Restoring Ecological Health in the Himalayas : Daily News Analysis

Date : 24/10/2023

Relevance –GS Paper 1 - Geography - Ecology

Keywords - Carrying Capacity, Indian Himalayan region, Sustainable Population, Himalayan Ecosystem

Context

The Himalayan states of Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Sikkim have witnessed severe environmental devastation, prompting a crucial debate on the "carrying capacity" of these regions. l
The Supreme Court of India, in response to a petition filed by a retired Indian Police Service officer, has urged the Union government to address the issue of carrying capacity in the Indian Himalayan Region (IHR), encompassing towns and cities.

Understanding Carrying Capacity

Carrying capacity, in technical terms, is the maximum population size that an ecosystem or environment can sustainably support over a specific period without causing significant degradation or harm to its natural resources and overall health. It plays a pivotal role in maintaining the balance between human activities and the preservation of natural ecosystems for long-term sustainability.

The Himalayas are confronting a range of ecological challenges:

Climate Change and Glacial Melting: The Himalayan region is highly susceptible to the adverse effects of climate change, notably the accelerated melting of glaciers. This phenomenon seriously impacts downstream communities that rely on glacial meltwater for essential needs like agriculture, drinking water, and hydropower.Ex- Sikkim GLOF 2023.
Accumulation of Black Carbon: A significant factor driving glacier melt in the Himalayas is the release of black carbon aerosols into the atmosphere. Black carbon absorbs more sunlight and emits heat, contributing to higher temperatures and faster glacier melt. This is particularly evident in the Gangotri glacier, which is experiencing rapid retreat.
Natural Disasters: The Himalayas, being relatively young and tectonically active mountains, are prone to natural calamities like landslides, avalanches, and earthquakes. Climate change can exacerbate the frequency and severity of these events, resulting in the loss of lives, property damage, and disruptions to infrastructure.
Soil Erosion and Landslides: Deforestation, construction activities, and unsustainable land use practices are leading to increased soil erosion and a heightened risk of landslides. The loss of vegetation destabilizes Himalayan slopes, making them more vulnerable to erosion during heavy rainfall or seismic events.
Growth of Invasive Species: Rising temperatures are creating new habitats that invasive species can exploit, out-competing native flora and fauna in the Himalayan region. These invasive species disrupt the delicate ecological balance and pose a significant threat to the survival of native species.
Flawed Development Model- Building of large scale infrastructure projects without taking into account their impact on the environment of the Himalayan region. Ex- Chardham Mahamarg Vikas Pariyojna, a massive infrastructure project has claimed lakhs of trees, acres of forest land and the fertile topsoil of the fragile Himalayas.

Government Initiatives in the IHR

The Union government has undertaken several initiatives to promote the overall development of the IHR. Notable among them are the National Mission for Sustaining the Himalayan Ecosystem (2010), the Indian Himalayas Climate Adaptation Programme, the Secure Himalaya Project, and the guidelines on "Carrying Capacity in the IHR" issued in January 2020.
The Ministry of Environment and Forests issued a reminder on May 19, 2023, urging states to submit action plans on carrying capacity if such studies had not been undertake

Challenges and Past Failures

Despite these initiatives, little progress has been made in assessing carrying capacity in the Himalayan states. The reasons behind these failures are twofold.
Firstly, the recommendations made by the Ministry in forming assessment groups have been flawed. Those who have been responsible for the environmental havoc in the region are now tasked with finding solutions.
Secondly, the focus must shift towards sustainable development with a people-centric approach.

A Call for Comprehensive Assessment

The Environment Ministry's suggestion that the G.B. Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment, which should lead the assessment, with other institutes providing technical support, is limited in scope.
Each of these institutions plays a vital role in their respective domains and should be equal partners in policymaking. While assessing the carrying capacity of towns and cities is essential, it is futile without considering the entire region.
The focus should shift from mere urban centers to the "Sustainable Population" of the Himalayan states. The inquiry should revolve around the "carrying capacity for sustainable populations in the different Himalayan States."
Assessing the overall sustainable capacity of the environment, including biological species, food, habitat, water, and ecology, is of paramount importance. The expert committee must emphasize the social aspects and population sustainability of the respective state

Involving Citizen Representation

The involvement of local populations, panchayats, and urban local bodies is crucial to avoid bureaucratic and technical isolation. At least a third of the expert committee should include adequate citizen representation. Panchayats and municipalities should be directed to provide recommendations based on established population sustainability criteria.
Engaging with the local population and grassroots bodies is imperative to determine the carrying capacity of the Indian Himalayan Region. It was the foresight of concerned citizens that raised alarms about the construction of hydropower and four-lane highway projects in the IHR, which have often been disregarded, leading to detrimental consequences. Building sustainable solutions necessitates involving the local population in the decision-making process.

Conclusion:

The ecological health of the Himalayas is at stake, and addressing the issue of carrying capacity is a crucial step towards restoration and sustainability. The Supreme Court must ensure that the assessment process is comprehensive, inclusive, and focused on the larger canvas of sustainable development. The people-centric approach, involving local populations and grassroots bodies, will be instrumental in finding viable solutions to the complex environmental challenges facing the Himalayan region.

Probable Question for UPSC Mains Exam

What is the concept of "carrying capacity" in the context of the Himalayan region, and why is it considered crucial for the ecological health and sustainability of this area? (10 Marks,150 Words)
. What are some of the key ecological challenges faced by the Himalayas, and how are these challenges exacerbated by factors such as climate change and unsustainable development practices? (15 Marks,250 Words)

Source The Hindu