SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN HIMALAYAS

Theme

Challenges in Thematic Area

Recommendations

1

Springs/Water Security

Nearly 30% of springs crucial to water security are drying.

Set up a Mission on Spring Water Management in Himalayas.

2

Sustainable Tourism

Himalayan Tourism growing annually at 6.8% has crated challenges wrt solid waste, water, traffic, loss of bio-cultural diversity etc.

Apply carrying capacity concept to all major tourist destinations;  Monitor tourism sector Standards and reward States faring well on the standards.

3

Shifting Cultivation (slash and burn)

In the north eastern States, households continue to practice slash and burn that need to be addressed in view of ecological, food and nutritional security.

Set up a National Mission/Program  on Transforming Shifting Cultivation in North Eastern States.

4

Skill development & Entrepreneurship

Unskilled workforce remains a challenge which is leading to migration of youths.

Establish network of skill and entrepreneurship development Centers in Himalayan States.

5

Data for Informed Decision Making

Challenges wrt data availability and data quality need addressal for informed decision making at different levels of governance.

Set up Central Data Management Agency for Himalayan Database at GB Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment and Development.