Vulnerability of the Himalayan Ecosystem : Need for a Region-specific EIA Regime - By Ranjeet Shah

Developmental paths of the states in the Indian Himalayan Region should be consistent with concerns of sustainability of the ecosystem. The region is also characterized by its geological phenomena and natural disasters like landslides and earthquakes. These episodic events pose a challenge to the planners and to the development objectives of the states in the region.

The recent Teesta dam breach in Sikkim, and floods and landslides in Himachal Pradesh are a stark reminder of the havoc India’s development model is wreaking on environment and ecology, especially in the mountains. In the past few years there has been a marked increase ....