The Himalayan and North-Eastern States provide vital eco-system services to the nation but these regions are not compensated for the lack of development due to forest related hurdles by the Government of India.
According to a study undertaken by the Central Statistical Office, Indian Institute of Forest Management and leadership for Environment and Development (lEAD) India, the forests of Uttarakhand render direct and indirect eco-system services amounting to ` 1,61,921 crore in a year.
Stating this at the two-day Meet of the Mountain States III organised by the Integrated Mountain Initiative (IMI) in Delhi to mark International Mountain Day, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Harish Rawat averred that the State is suffering an annual loss of `1,800 crore due to hydro power projects being stalled.
Rawat said that the Planning Commission's BK Chaturvedi Committee had also acknowledged that the Himalayan and North-Eastern States should receive the value of their environmental services.
The planning commission was in the process of creating the Environmental Performance Index (EPI) which would facilitate incentives for the Himalayan and North-Eastern States in budgetary allocation, he added.
Dissolution of the planning commission will further delay payment to the States for their environmental services. Stressing on the need for protection of Himalayan States, the CM said that the re-organised planning commission should have a separate cell for ensuring integrated development in the mountain States considering their special geographical characteristics and problems resulting from these.
"In order to decrease dependence on forests in Uttarakhand, the State Government has started Hamara Pedh Hamara Dhan Yojana under which villagers will receive money per tree for planting and nurturing trees of fodder, fruit and timber species on barren and private lands. Works like building of reservoirs have been included under MNREGA for development of water resources. The State is also working on encouraging organic farming in the mountainous regions and facilitating the marketing of organic produce. Plans are also being made for construction of protection walls to protect farming from wild animals," he said.
Rawat opined that the Central Government's recent affidavit in the Supreme Court admitting that hydro power projects had direct and indirect impact in the aggravation of the June 2013 floods in Uttarakhand would result in closure of hydro power projects in Himalayan States.
On the basis of this affidavit, all Himalayan States could be declared eco-sensitive zones. There is need for all Himalayan States to consider this issue collectively, he said. Representatives from 11 Himalayan States and IMI president RS Tolia were among those present on the occasion.