Himalayan rivers, glaciers under threat: Experts demand urgent policy shift

Concerns about the effects of continuous growth in the Himalayan region have been raised by activists, scientists, and environmentalists. Stakeholders emphasized the pressing need for a development strategy that takes into account the particular ecological and socioeconomic needs of the Himalayas during a recent meeting held at the Doon Library and Research Centre.

The participants urged for a customized “Himalaya Policy,” emphasizing that plains-based policies are inappropriate for the region’s delicate nature. The ecological harm caused by road development projects on the Yamunotri and Gangotri national highways was one of the main concerns brought up.

In order to maintain long-term ecological balance, environmental organizations emphasized the necessity of plantation drives, defined dumping zones, and appropriate disposal systems. There have been requests for stringent disposal procedures and post-construction repair after it was determined that the Yamuna and Bhagirathi rivers were seriously threatened by the discharge of waste into them.

The Gangotri highway’s extensive deforestation also attracted criticism. Before sanctioning road expansion projects, experts contended that scientific advice for preserving green cover belts should take precedence. If left unchecked, the removal of deodar and other tree species could raise the risk of landslides and upset local ecosystems.

Environmentalist Suresh Bhai called the region’s current calamities “man-made,” citing the building of dams and infrastructure as major contributors. He said,  “The Himalayas do not need six-metre-wide highways. Since the era of road expansion and dam building began in Uttarakhand and Himachal, these regions have become hotspots of calamity.”

Speakers highlighted how the Gangotri glaciers Gaumukh and Bandar Poonch are changing so quickly. It was stated that maintaining the Himalayan ecosystem depended on the conservation of biodiversity, which includes the plants, herbs, animals, and water streams surrounding these glaciers. It was suggested that state, federal, and municipal authorities take coordinated action.

The “water towers” of the Himalayas are in grave danger, according to Padma Shri recipient Kalyan Singh Rawat, as broadleaf forests are vanishing and glaciers are melting at startling rates. Without ecological planning, he said, massive plantation drives may do more harm than good.

Another major issue was tourism, since uncontrolled pilgrimage and tourism flows contaminated the Ganga and Yamuna basins. The need of waste management was emphasized, and it was suggested that waste and untreated sewage not wind up in rivers .