Climate Change in Himalayan Region: Rethinking Climate Governance

As the impacts of climate change are evident in the form of sudden floods, cloudbursts, irregular snowfall, and unusually prolonged dry spells, it is crucial for the Himalayan states of the country to adopt climate governance without any further delay. A recent report by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) also stressed the need for such an approach, not only to protect the environment but also to prepare human civilisation to meet future challenges, while suggesting simple steps that are neither expensive nor time-taking, like involvement of local population and institutions in combating climate menace and mitigating disaster. Why is such a strategy necessary? Well, more often than not, we see people with no firsthand knowledge of a region formulating plans that involve activities that could be detrimental to the certain locations, particularly ecologically fragile areas. For instance, Joshimath, a Himalayan town in Uttarakhand, is facing existential threat today as residents were forced to relocate following houses developing cracks caused by severe land subsidence, which some have pointed to rampant construction works and major infrastructure projects in the area, among others. It may be noted here that clearance for development projects were given from somewhere else and often by people with little knowledge about the fragile ecology of the Himalayas. Such practice has to be stopped. The locals may not be experts in the field but their knowledge of their areas, gained through lived experience, is invaluable and should not be undermined. Involvement of locals in climate governance and planning process of their areas must be made mandatory for sustainable development and to prevent Joshimath-like incidents. Decentralisation of power will also enhance decision-making process by reducing bureaucratic red tape. It is particularly crucial for the Himalayan states, given their strategic significance to India in terms of security and ecological stability. Moreover, the region is highly vulnerable to climate change, as evidenced by the increasing frequency of natural disasters.

Not only is global warming threatening the security of the country in some frontiers but is also impacting the livelihood of the local population, particularly the marginalised sections of society. The state is duty bound to protect the livelihoods of its people and to promote inclusive development. To protect the ecology, active participation of local population and quick implementation of decisions of the local bodies should be employed to prevent further ecological damage and natural calamities. The way forward is to adopt a balanced approach to development through controlled growth and scientifically informed planning, while prioritising environmental conservation. Failing to do so could pose an existential threat not only to people in the region but also to those far beyond it—to the entire country.