Unsustainable development in the Indian Himalayan Region (IHR)

Source-This post on Unsustainable development in the Indian Himalayan Region (IHR) has been created based on the article “The Court spells the way in Himalaya’s development” published in “The Hindu” on 25 June 2024.

UPSC Syllabus-GS Paper-3- Conservation, Environmental Pollution and Degradation, Environmental Impact Assessment.

Context– The Indian Himalayan Region (IHR) serves as India’s primary source of water and provides essential ecosystem services. However, there is a significant disparity between the region’s unique development needs and the current development practices being pursued, which threaten to undermine its economic viability.

The article highlights the need for a sustainable development model in the Indian Himalayan Region that balances economic growth with environmental preservation and disaster resilience.

What approach has the Supreme Court recently regarding environmental conservation?

There is a shift towards a rights-based regime for sustainable development

1) State of Telangana vs Mohd. Abdul Qasim- The court emphasized adopting an ecocentric perspective where nature is central. It stated that humanity, as an enlightened species, must act as Earth’s trustee

2) Ashok Kumar Raghav vs Union of India: The Supreme Court asked the central government and the petitioner to propose a way forward for the Court to issue directions on the carrying capacity of Himalayan States and towns.

3) Great Indian Bustard case:

A) The court acknowledged the right to be protected from the negative effects of climate change. It explored the intersection of Articles 14 and 21, addressing both development rights and climate adaptation.

B) The court emphasized that a stable, pollution-free environment is important for ensuring the right to life. Failure to support marginalized communities in adapting to climate change violates their rights to life and equality. Articles 14 and 21 mandate sustainable, strong infrastructure to ensure equal opportunities across the country.

A more detailed article on SC Ruling on right against Climate Change can be read here.

What are the issues with the current developmental model?

1) Hydroelectric power stations are rapidly multiplying along rivers and streams in the IHR, ignoring the rights of these water bodies.

2) Existing hill roads are being recklessly widened to four lanes in the name of development, often washed away during river floods.

3) A post-disaster assessment by the National Disaster Management Authority on the 2023 floods in Himachal Pradesh identified rampant construction violations on riverbeds, flood plains, steep slopes, seismic zones, and landslide-prone areas.

4) The Teesta dam breach in Sikkim and monsoon floods in Himachal Pradesh in 2023 underscore the environmental and ecological havoc caused by current development practices in the mountains.

What should be the way forward?

1) Adopting an ecocentric approach:

A) The idea of giving nature fundamental rights highlights that natural elements like rivers, forests, and mountains have the right to exist, survive, persist, and regenerate their essential cycles.

B) This approach advocates for an ecocentric perspective where human development aligns with scientific principles and respects the rights of both humanity and the natural environment.

2) Integrated approach: Involving policymakers, planners, scientists, and local communities in addressing environmental challenges ensures that decisions are based on research, compliance with policies, and meet local needs and concerns.

3) Need for sustainable infrastructure-There is a need to develop resilience against climate change impacts and disasters because it ensures that everyone has a fair chance to access opportunities and achieve equality and equity in their lives.

4) Coordinated Planning for Disaster and Climate Resilience– Different authorities must urgently coordinate their planning stages to ensure that every development plan includes provisions for disaster preparedness and climate resilience. Projects should proceed to implementation only after obtaining approval in these essential areas.

Question for practice

What are the issues with the current developmental model? What should be the way forward?