The Indian Himalayan Region (IHR) plays a vital role as India's water tower, offering essential ecosystem services. The economy of this region significantly relies on the health of its natural resources, making it crucial for both environmental sustainability and economic development.
Several recent Supreme Court judgments highlight the importance of an ecocentric approach towards the environment:
An ecocentric approach views nature as possessing fundamental rights to exist, thrive, and regenerate. This perspective challenges development models that exploit natural resources without considering the ecological balance.
Unsustainable practices, such as excessive hydroelectric projects and road expansions, lead to significant environmental degradation. Recent disasters, including the 2023 floods in Himachal Pradesh and the Teesta dam breach in Sikkim, illustrate the detrimental effects of such practices.
In the M.K. Ranjitsinh vs Union of India (2024) case, the Supreme Court highlighted that a clean environment and adaptation to climate change are essential for the right to life and equality.
The rulings from the Supreme Court advocate for a development model in the Indian Himalayan Region that respects ecological limits. Emphasizing sustainable practices is essential for ensuring both environmental protection and economic prosperity.
Q1. Why is the Indian Himalayan Region significant for India?
Answer: The Indian Himalayan Region is significant as it serves as India's water tower, providing crucial ecosystem services and supporting the livelihoods of millions dependent on its natural resources.
Q2. What does an ecocentric approach entail?
Answer: An ecocentric approach involves recognizing nature's inherent rights to exist and thrive, promoting sustainable development while balancing human needs with ecological health.
Q3. How does unsustainable development affect the IHR?
Answer: Unsustainable development practices lead to environmental degradation, increasing the likelihood of natural disasters, as seen in recent floods and dam breaches in the region.
Q4. What did the Supreme Court rule concerning climate change and development?
Answer: The Supreme Court ruled that a clean environment and the capacity to adapt to climate change are integral to the right to life and equality, emphasizing their importance in development policies.
Q5. What measures are recommended for sustainable development in the IHR?
Answer: Recommendations include integrating disaster management into planning, ensuring resilience in development projects, and promoting collaboration among stakeholders for effective implementation.
Question 1: What is the primary role of the Indian Himalayan Region?
A) Cultural heritage
B) Water tower
C) Economic hub
D) Tourist destination
Correct Answer: B
Question 2: Which Supreme Court case emphasized nature's rights?
A) M.K. Ranjitsinh vs Union of India
B) Ashok Kumar Raghav vs Union of India
C) State of Telangana vs Mohd. Abdul Qasim
D) None of the above
Correct Answer: C
Question 3: What is a significant consequence of unsustainable development in the IHR?
A) Increased biodiversity
B) Environmental degradation
C) Enhanced tourism
D) Economic growth
Correct Answer: B
Question 4: What is a key recommendation for sustainable development in the IHR?
A) Increase road construction
B) Ignore disaster management
C) Integrate disaster management into planning
D) Promote deforestation
Correct Answer: C
Question 5: What does the ecocentric approach focus on?
A) Resource exploitation
B) Nature's rights
C) Urban development
D) Industrial growth
Correct Answer: B
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