The Himalayan region is currently grappling with significant ecological health challenges. Factors such as uncontrolled tourist activities, over-exploitation of natural resources, and illegal constructions pose serious threats to its fragile ecosystem. These activities not only disrupt local wildlife but also diminish the natural beauty that attracts visitors.
In light of these concerns, the parliamentary standing committee on science and technology, environment, forests, and climate change has put forth recommendations for the Union environment ministry. They emphasize the need for proactive measures to address the ecological degradation occurring in the Himalayan region.
The committee suggests that the environment ministry should develop a practical and realistic action plan. This plan must include clear steps and timelines to mitigate destructive activities, particularly focusing on illegal construction practices and unsustainable development approaches.
To improve the region's readiness for natural disasters, the committee advises creating a comprehensive action plan covering various disaster scenarios such as flash floods, landslides, and other natural calamities. Additionally, establishing a standard operating procedure (SOP) is crucial for effective response to these emergencies.
The report highlights that a surge in tourism has exerted severe pressure on the Himalayan region's natural resources. Such pressure has led to illegal construction of accommodations and encroachments on delicate ecosystems, raising alarms about future sustainability.
To tackle the negative impacts stemming from increased tourist activities, the committee recommends a thorough assessment of illegal structures. Collaborating with local authorities for stringent actions against these constructions is essential to avert potential crises linked to tourism-related activities.
The committee insists that a uniform approach to environmental clearances should not be adopted in ecologically sensitive areas, such as Joshimath, Mussoorie, and Dhanaulti. Instead, these locations require meticulous and detailed assessments that prioritize environmental preservation over economic gains.
Q1. What are the main ecological challenges in the Himalayan region?
Answer: The Himalayan region faces challenges such as uncontrolled tourism, resource over-exploitation, and illegal constructions, all threatening its delicate ecosystem.
Q2. What actions are being proposed to address ecological concerns?
Answer: The parliamentary committee recommends that the environment ministry create an actionable plan with clear steps to curb destructive activities in the Himalayan region.
Q3. How can the Himalayan region improve its disaster response?
Answer: A comprehensive action plan is suggested to cover various disaster scenarios, alongside establishing standard operating procedures for effective disaster management.
Q4. What effect does increased tourism have on the Himalayas?
Answer: Increased tourism has led to significant pressure on natural resources, with consequences such as illegal accommodations and encroachments threatening fragile ecosystems.
Q5. How should environmental clearances be managed in sensitive regions?
Answer: Environmental clearances in ecologically sensitive areas should not follow a uniform approach but require careful assessments that prioritize environmental health.
Question 1: What is a significant threat to the Himalayan ecosystem?
A) Sustainable tourism
B) Illegal constructions
C) Wildlife conservation
D) Renewable energy projects
Correct Answer: B
Question 2: What is one recommendation made by the parliamentary committee for the Himalayan region?
A) Increase tourism activities
B) Develop a practical action plan
C) Decrease environmental assessments
D) Support illegal constructions
Correct Answer: B
Question 3: What disaster scenarios should be included in the action plan for the Himalayas?
A) Earthquakes only
B) Flash floods and landslides
C) Political unrest
D) Economic downturns
Correct Answer: B
Question 4: How does tourism impact the Himalayan ecosystem?
A) It has no impact
B) It leads to illegal accommodations
C) It promotes ecological health
D) It decreases resource use
Correct Answer: B
Question 5: What should be prioritized in environmental clearances for sensitive areas?
A) Economic interests
B) Careful assessments
C) Uniform regulations
D) Increased construction
Correct Answer: B
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