Date : 24/08/2023

Relevance: GS Paper3- Environment - Sustainable development

Keywords: Development's Environmental Impact, Energy Security vs. Environmental Fragility, Eco-sensitive zone (ESZ), Glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF)

Context-

Recent natural disasters such as landslides, cloudbursts, and subsidence have ignited debates on whether the fragile Himalayan ecosystem can withstand rapid development. It delves into the complex interplay between environmental concerns and development aspirations in the Himalayan states, examining various arguments, challenges, and potential solutions.

Environmental Preservation vs. Development

• Environmental Imperatives: The Himalayan region, with its intricate network of rivers including the Ganges, Indus, and Brahmaputra, sustains a massive population and facilitates economic growth. However, recent catastrophes have underscored the urgency of prioritizing environmental conservation over unchecked development. Disasters like the Joshimath subsidence could intensify the region's vulnerability, making development's toll on the environment more pronounced.
• Development's Environmental Impact: The ongoing construction of dams, encroachments on riverbeds, and mining operations have invited environmental concerns.There exist approximately 70 ongoing or planned projects along the Ganga River which is characterized as “bumper to bumper development. Many projects lack comprehensive environmental impact studies, raising questions about the sustainability of these endeavours. Alarmingly, numerous dams are being built along rivers like the Ganga, potentially disrupting their flow and causing irreversible ecological damage. The occurrence of a glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) in 2021, characterized by the descent of boulders and debris from the mountains, serves as an additional indication that the intricate equilibrium of natural forces has been perturbed. Consequently, the Himalayan States are currently experiencing the consequences of this disruption.

Hydropower as a Boon or a Curse?

• Energy Security vs. Environmental Fragility: Hydropower, often touted as a renewable energy source, plays a significant role in the energy mix of Himalayan countries. However, the construction of hydropower projects in geologically unstable regions has sparked controversy. A Supreme Court committee attributed the 2013 Uttarakhand floods partly to hydropower dams. The environmental implications of these projects must be weighed against their energy benefits, especially in the face of changing energy demands.
• Development vs. Conservation: As the proportion of hydropower in India's energy composition declines, alternative energy sources like solar power gain prominence. Balancing development with environmental preservation requires a fine line between meeting energy needs and safeguarding delicate ecosystems. The Char Dham Highway project exemplifies the challenges of infrastructure development in environmentally sensitive areas. it is expected to facilitate convenient military passage to India’s border with China. According to an environmentalist who chaired a commission ordered by the Supreme Court to investigate the project, the act of cutting down trees intensifies existing risks such as landslides.

Geopolitical Complexities: Climate Change and Boundaries

• The Himalayas serve as geopolitical boundaries between nations, making shared resources like water contentious subjects. An agreement was made by the eight nations in the Himalayan region to collaborate on climate action. However, it is widely argued that the effectiveness of collaboration and information exchange about matters such as river flows is impeded by strategic considerations and a sense of distrust. Climate change exacerbates existing tensions, intensifying struggles over resources. The entanglement of geopolitics and environmental concerns adds another layer of complexity to the region's challenges.
• Several nations in the Himalayas experience persistent water scarcity. According to data from the World Bank, the United States possesses over 2.3 million gallons of renewable freshwater resources per individual annually. In contrast, China has 528,000 gallons, India has 264,000 gallons, and Pakistan has less than 79,000 gallons of renewable freshwater resources per person. The escalating demand for water to support the expansion of urban areas, agricultural activities, and industrial operations places further pressure on the rivers traversing these politically unstable regions.

Tourism, Waste, and Sustainable Development

• Tourism Boom and Ecological Consequences: The Himalayan region attracts millions of tourists annually, boosting local economies but also generating substantial waste. According to projections, the number of tourists visiting the hill States is expected to reach 240 million annually by the year 2025, a significant increase from the recorded figure of 100 million in 2018. Failure to handle the issue of solid waste disposal in a scientific manner may have detrimental consequences for the delicate environment of the Himalayas, which the country cannot afford to bear. Considering the fact that the primary sources of all significant glacial rivers can be traced back to these mountain ranges, it is not arduous to envision the potentially disastrous consequences that may arise. The influx of visitors leads to increased pollution, deforestation, and infrastructure development. Balancing tourism-driven growth with environmental sustainability demands innovative waste management strategies and regulations to preserve fragile ecosystems.
• Regulation and Preservation: Regulation of operations in the region is essential, with a focus on maintaining vegetation cover in valleys to mitigate climate change impacts. According to a report released by NITI Aayog in 2018, a significant concern has been raised regarding the potential depletion of around 60 percent of water sources in the Indian Himalayan area. Therefore, it is imperative to sustain a substantial vegetation cover in the Himalayan region as well. In order to address this matter, it is recommended that the upper stretch of Himalayan valleys be designated as an eco-sensitive zone (ESZ). Proposed eco-sensitive zones could protect these vital ecosystems. Addressing the waste generated by both tourism and urban populations requires a comprehensive approach, considering long-term viability and ecological fragility.

Conclusion

The Himalayan states stand at a crossroads, facing the intricate challenge of harmonizing environmental preservation and development goals. While hydropower could contribute to energy security, its environmental repercussions demand careful consideration. Collaborative efforts among neighbouring countries are essential to combat climate change's effects. The delicate balance between tourism-driven growth and environmental conservation must be upheld through sustainable policies. In navigating this complex terrain, the Himalayan states must chart a path that safeguards their fragile ecosystems for generations to come.

Source - Down To Earth