GS-1:Important Geophysical Phenomena such as earthquakes, Tsunami, Volcanic activity, cyclone etc., geographical features and their location-changes in critical geographical features (including water-bodies and ice-caps) and in flora and fauna and the effects of such changes.

In News: A perilous highway to salvation in the Himalayas

2.How can development initiatives in fragile mountain ecosystems be balanced with environmental conservation and sustainability?

Mountain ecosystems, particularly those in regions like the Himalayas, are highly susceptible to environmental degradation due to their fragile nature. Recent events such as the Kerala landslides and Joshimath subsidence serve as stark reminders of the consequences of unchecked development in these areas.

Strategies for balancing development and environmental conservation:

1. Adoption of sustainable practices:
   ● Using eco-centric planning processes that involve public participation.
   ● Prioritise designs that minimise disturbance to the natural landscape and minimise the use of resources.
2. Mapping and vulnerability assessment:
   ● Shift from traditional land-use principles to comprehensive approaches that incorporate geological and hydrological vulnerabilities.
   ● Every town should be mapped to identify these risks, and planning processes should involve local communities in a bottom-up approach.
3. Climate-resilient urban design:
   ● Consultant-driven urban planning process should be shelved for Himalayan towns, with the urban design based on climate resilience.
4. Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs):
   ● Mandate comprehensive EIAs for projects to evaluate ecological impacts.
5. Regulatory frameworks:
   ● Strengthening environmental regulations and enforcing compliance effectively.
   ● The Integrated Watershed Management Programme (IWMP) rehabilitates degraded watersheds in Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.
6. Monitoring and adaptive management:
   ● Establishing monitoring systems for ongoing impact assessment and timely interventions.
   ● The National Mission on Himalayan Studies (NMHS) funds research projects that monitor climate change impacts and inform adaptive management strategies for sustainable development in the Himalayas.
7. Capacity building:
   ● Conducting campaigns to raise awareness about the importance of ecosystem preservation.
   ● Providing training and support to local communities to enable them to participate effectively in conservation and development efforts.

By implementing these strategies, development initiatives can be aligned with environmental conservation efforts, ensuring the sustainability of fragile mountain ecosystems while supporting local communities.

PYQ

1. How can the mountain ecosystem be restored from the negative impact of development initiatives and tourism?2019
2. “The Himalayas are highly prone to landslides.” Discuss the causes and suggest suitable measures of mitigation.2016
3. How will the meeting of Himalayan glaciers have a far-reaching impact on the water resources of India? 2020
4. Bring out the relationship between the shrinking Himalayan glaciers and the symptoms of climate change in the Indian subcontinent. 2014
5. Differentiate the causes of landslides in the Himalayan region and Western Ghats. 2021

Source:

https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/a-perilous-highway-to-salvation-in-the-himalayas/article68770152.ece#:~:text=The%20900%2Dkilometre%20long%2C%2012,consequences%20for%20the%20mountain%20ecology