Topic : Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment.
4. Account for the need of Mountain- specific policies for sustainable development of Himalayan region of India. (250 words)
Reference: The Hindu
Why the question:
The article of The Hindu explains to us the need of sustainable development for the Himalayan region of India.
Key Demand of the question:
One must account for the need of Mountain- specific policies for sustainable development of Himalayan region of India.
Directive:
Account – Weigh up to what extent something is true. Persuade the reader of your argument by citing relevant research but also remember to point out any flaws and counter- arguments as well. Conclude by stating clearly how far you are in agreement with the original proposition.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
One can start by describing the importance of these mountain ecosystems in general.
Body:
The significance of Himalayas lies in the fact that they are one of the youngest chains of mountains in the world harboring a diverse ecosystem, with intriguing complexity. The region is among the 36 world biodiversity hotspots. According to a report by the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development, the region encompassing the Hindu Kush Himalaya encompasses 240 million people.
Discuss why these mountains need specific targeted policies; The Mountains are the most resilient; yet, ironically, their inhabitants are vulnerable. With few livelihood options, forests form an essential life support system for the locals. However, dwindling natural resources, unsustainable agricultural practices, lack of basic amenities and so on create a challenge for local sustenance. Demographic shifts, weak institutional capacity, poor infrastructure, and a paucity of adequate information on mountain-specific climate change pose challenges to capacity-building in the region.
Discuss the efforts of the government in this direction.
Conclusion:
Conclude with way forward.
