It is important to come out of the ‘cut and paste’ mentality and to develop practical models instead for consistent development in Himalayan regions. Such models can be implemented in a few villages as part of a pilot project, said Chief Minister Harish Rawat. He was speaking at a multi-stakeholders meet for Himalayan development organised by the GB Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment and Development in Dehradun on Tuesday.
Addressing the gathering on the occasion the Chief Minister said that urbanisation is a process of economic development. However, necessary provisions will have to be met to mitigate the side effects of urbanisation and to make the cities more conducive for its residents.
Rawat said, “Climatic changes occur as per a periodic cycle but there has been an increase in the frequency of extremes in nature in recent years. How to prepare the people for this is a big challenge. Aspects like urbanization and road construction are linked to the development of civilisation. Roads are essential in mountainous areas but then the proper disposal of the road construction debris is also equally important. The social cost and benefit of development should be analysed but any extreme decision should also be avoided,” he said.
The Chief Minister further said that humans, various creatures and plants are also stakeholders in consistent development.
Rawat said, “A model for consistent development should facilitate standard life and benefit down the generations but one will have to come out of the cut and paste theory. Every village has its own potential for development. Science and technology can be used to enhance this potential,” he added.
Former vice chancellor of Garhwal University, Prof AN Purohit averred that climatic change was not a new phenomenon. Along with scientists and environmentalists, the administrative machinery should also be involved in the studies on climatic change. However, climatic change should not be considered a major threat, he opined.