Mountains are ecological treasures that sustain life on Earth, providing critical ecosystem services and acting as "water towers" for humanity. Observing International Mountain Day 2024 on 11th December, the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change has highlighted the importance of protecting the Indian Himalayan Region (IHR). With its vast biodiversity and socio-economic significance, safeguarding the IHR is vital for India's sustainable development goals (SDGs). However, increasing developmental pressures and climate change demand urgent, innovative solutions.
What is International Mountain Day?
History: Established by the United Nations in 2003, the day emphasizes sustainable development in mountain regions. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) coordinates global observance.
Theme 2024: Mountain solutions for a sustainable future – innovation, adaptation, and youth.
Global Significance:
Mountains cover one-fifth of Earth's surface and house 15% of its population.
Half of the world’s biodiversity hotspots are located in mountain regions.
Essential freshwater resources stem from mountain ecosystems, impacting agriculture, energy, and health.
Ecological Importance:
Mountains regulate climate, preserve biodiversity, and prevent desertification.
Their degradation could render lands barren, undermining global sustainability efforts.
Key Facts About the Indian Himalayan Region (IHR)
Geographical Extent:
The IHR spans 2,500 km across 13 states/UTs, from Jammu & Kashmir to Arunachal Pradesh.
Covers 16.2% of India’s total geographical area.
Geological Features:
The Himalayas are tectonically active due to the collision between the Indian and Eurasian plates.
Diverse geological formations include igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks.
Biodiversity:
A hotspot for flora and fauna, including snow leopards, red pandas, and Himalayan monals.
Home to endemic and endangered species, making it a global biodiversity priority.
Water Resources:
Major rivers like Ganga, Yamuna, Indus, and Brahmaputra originate here.
Glaciers contribute significantly to India’s freshwater reserves.
Climate Regulation:
Acts as a barrier against Arctic winds and influences monsoonal patterns.
Forests play a crucial role in carbon sequestration.
Strategic Importance:
The region forms natural borders with countries like China, Nepal, Bhutan, and Pakistan.
Concerns in the Indian Himalayan Region
Unsustainable Development:
Infrastructure projects like Char Dham and deforestation disrupt ecosystems.
Hydropower projects exacerbate landslides and habitat loss.
Climate Change:
Glacial retreat increases risks of floods and water scarcity.
Events like the 2023 Sikkim floods highlight vulnerabilities to extreme weather.
Cultural Erosion:
Indigenous knowledge and practices face threats from modernization.
Loss of traditional resource management systems impacts sustainability.
Tourism Impact:
Over-tourism generates 8 million tonnes of waste annually.
Waste disposal challenges in mountain towns harm fragile ecosystems.
Biodiversity Loss:
Habitat fragmentation and poaching threaten endemic species.
Steps to Protect the Indian Himalayan Region
Sustainable Tourism:
Promote eco-tourism by enforcing carrying capacity limits and waste management.
Awareness campaigns to encourage responsible tourism.
Water Resource Management:
Capture and store glacial meltwater for dry seasons to support agriculture.
Implement greywater recycling systems for household and agricultural use.
Disaster Preparedness:
Develop early warning systems for landslides, floods, and glacial outbursts.
Train communities in disaster response and management.
Biodiversity Conservation:
Designate bio-cultural conservation zones to protect ecosystems and indigenous practices.
Strengthen anti-poaching laws and wildlife monitoring systems.
Integrated Governance:
Establish a Himalayan Authority for coordinated efforts across states.
Integrate SDGs into regional development policies.
Key Facts About Indian Mountain Ranges
Himalayas:
Three main ranges: Himadri (Great Himalayas), Himachal (Lesser Himalayas), and Shiwaliks (Outer Himalayas).
Hosts peaks like Mount Everest (8,848.86 m) and Kanchenjunga (8,586 m).
Western Ghats:
UNESCO World Heritage Site known for rich biodiversity.
Highest peak: Anamudi (2,695 m).
Eastern Ghats:
Discontinuous range with the highest peak being Jindhagada (1,690 m).
Aravalli Range:
Among the world’s oldest ranges; highest peak: Guru Shikhar (1,722 m).
Vindhya and Satpura Ranges:
Vindhyas serve as a cultural divide; highest point: Sadbhawna Shikhar (752 m).
Satpura Range’s highest peak: Dhupgarh (1,350 m).
The Formation and Types of Mountains
Formation Process:
Tectonic activity causes Earth's crust to fold, fault, or erupt, leading to mountain formation.
Types of Mountains:
Volcanic: Formed by magma eruptions (e.g., Hawaiian Islands).
Fold: Created by plate collision (e.g., Himalayas).
Block: Faulting leads to elevation (e.g., Sierra Nevada).
Dome: Magma uplifts crust into dome shapes (e.g., Black Hills, US).
Plateau: Uplifted flat regions shaped by erosion (e.g., Deccan Plateau).
Conclusion
The Indian Himalayan Region is not only a geographical marvel but also an ecological and cultural asset of global importance. Its preservation is essential for India's climate resilience, biodiversity conservation, and socio-economic development. Observing International Mountain Day reminds us of our responsibility to adopt sustainable practices, mitigate climate impacts, and ensure the long-term vitality of this fragile region. Collaborative efforts from governments, communities, and individuals are vital to protect the IHR for future generations.
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