A group of environmentalists and experts is urgently calling for a new, distinct development model for the Himalayan region, warning that current infrastructure projects and unchecked tourism are turning the mountains into a “hotspot of calamity.” They argue that the practice of applying development standards from the plains to the fragile Himalayan ecosystem is directly causing disasters that are increasingly posing a threat to local communities.
Man-Made Disasters and Ecological Threats
Environmentalist Suresh Bhai described the unfolding crisis as “man-made,” attributing it directly to projects like road expansion and dam building. “The Himalayas do not need six-metre-wide highways,” he stated, pointing to these projects as a primary cause of recent floods and landslides.
The experts also highlighted the severe threats facing the region’s natural resources. Padma Shri recipient Kalyan Singh Rawat warned that the Himalayas’ “water towers”—its glaciers—are melting at alarming rates, and broadleaf forests are disappearing. He cautioned that large-scale plantation drives, if not planned ecologically, could cause more harm than good. Concerns were also raised about the livelihoods of small farmers and the need for climate-resilient farming practices.
A New Approach for a Fragile Ecosystem
To address the crisis, experts concluded that a separate and comprehensive ‘Himalaya Policy’ is required, one that acknowledges the unique sensitivity of the region and moves away from the development models of the plains. This policy must prioritize the conservation of biodiversity around key glaciers like Gangotri and Bandar Poonch.
Additionally, the speakers pointed to the devastating impact of unchecked tourism and pilgrimage on the Ganga and Yamuna basins. They emphasized the urgent need for a robust waste management system to prevent waste and untreated sewage from polluting the sacred rivers. Ultimately, a successful solution, they argued, will require joint action from state, central, and local authorities to ensure that development does not come at the cost of the Himalayan environment and the communities who depend on it.