The existence of human civilisation and welfare of the global community depends on the Himalaya mountain range. The Himalayas are of vital importance for different spheres at a time when its protection and conservation is the biggest challenge presently faced, said Chief Minister Harish Rawat.
In his message on the eve of Himalaya Day, the CM reiterated that the Himalaya should be the focal point of all planning and actions in the State. However, activists pointed out that various activities either being executed or planned by the State Government contradict its official claims considering the detrimental effects being exerted on the unique Himalayan ecosystem in the State.
Under the banner of Himalayan Unity Mission (HUM), the Himalaya Day was an annual feature with varied programmes held since 2010. In 2014, the CM had announced that Himalaya Day would be observed by the State annually on September 9.
While non-governmental bodies have been holding various programmes in various parts of India to commemorate the occasion, the Government events have so far been limited to academic discourse and formal activities. Activists point out that while the CM stresses on consideration based on the Himalaya, the State Government has continued aggressive development policies detrimental to the Himalayan natural resources.
“Dependent on Central grants for their own survival, Governments of the Himalayan States have not given due importance to the seriousness of the situation in the Himalayas. On the other the life and livelihood patterns that have sustained life in the Himalaya for centuries are being forgotten. Such is the situation that the mountain culture of protecting and preserving natural resources are being ignored with ‘profit making’ plans being promoted to exploit natural resources ignoring the resulting pollution and environmental damage,” said an activist based in Uttarkashi, while reiterating the demand for drafting a separate policy for the Himalaya.
HUM member AP Joshi and other stakeholders have been stressing on the need for acknowledging the irreplaceable and priceless Himalaya which impacts the global situation. The Himalayas provide ecological services amounting to Rs 30,000 crore but those living here have continued to migrate due to various factors. Activists aver that more than 60 per cent of those living in the Himalayan region remain without basic facilities and struggle to meet requirements ranging from drinking water to cooking fuel. It now remains to be seen whether the Government of India heeds a long standing demand for formation of a separate ministry for Himalaya region.