The Fragile Himalayan Ecology
19 Sep, 2001 · 582
Col PK Gautam argues that due to population growth, industrial and commercial activity, the fragile ecology is under a great stress
In issues of environmental security in the South Asian context, the
Himalayas
have a unique importance. The Hindukush - Himalayan ranges stretch from
Afghanistan
to
Myanmar
. It is the single highest mountain range in the world. It has 110 peaks over 24,000 feet. It is about 3000 km long and 220-300 km wide. It is 16 per cent of our geographical area.
Himalayas
prevent the icy winds from north to reach the plains of
South Asia
and at the same time force the monsoon clouds to shed their moisture over the fertile plains. Water, land and forests in the
Himalayas
are mutually inclusive and are delicately balanced. The areas, more so the North East Himalayas are rich in bio-diversity with rain forests. The most vital aspect of the
Himalayas
is that its rivers are the perennial source of water and nutrients in the river basins of southern
Asia
. The Indus, Ganga, Brahmaputra, Meghna basins are vital crankshafts of the agrarian economy of countries like Pakistan, India, Nepal, Tibet, Bhutan, Bangladesh and Myanmar. Even the east or south east flowing rivers like
Salween
,
Mekong
, Yangtze and Huang Ho originate in the Tibetan/Himalayan region affecting the agrarian economies of
China
and Indo -
China
. Besides being part of spiritual culture, the Himalayan rivers are also a great source of hydro-electrical potential.
Himalayas
have nearly one third our national forest cover. The trees once cut lead to soil erosion and landslides. This loss in tree cover reduces local rain. Massive blasting and road construction if not properly done leads to further destabilisation of soil. The
Ganga
-
Brahmaputra
basin deposits three billion tons of silt a year. This is a highest figure in the world. This leads to overflowing of rivers from top of the banks and increased flooding in the lower basin. One of the most serious indicator of this environmental degradation in the water regime is the wide annual variations in the maximum and minimum flow of the Himalayan rivers. It is 70:1 at Haridwar for the
Ganges
. Rivers in
Nepal
originating from hills below 2000 meters have a ratio of 1000- 30.000: 1. Those in
Nepal
originating at higher altitudes have ratio of 40:1.
Himalayas
today. Even the rare Bhojpatra tree has been vandalised by visitors and is nearly extinct. The alarming retreat of the glacier due to too much of human interference is the most serious ecological concern. Till about 1971, the glacier had retreated 2 km in 200 years. But later, it retreated 850 metres in just 25 years. This is also common feature now in many other Himalayan glaciers. Besides population pressures and excess waste generation, global warming may have a very cataclysmic effect. It is dreaded that by the time the 21st century ends, it may coincide with the meltdown of glaciers.
Pakistan
are fed by Himalayan glaciers; any ecological loss is also a loss to the water regime of the Indus Plains. Similarly,
Tibet
is the roof of the world and the source of not only south flowing rivers but also the
Hwang Ho
and Yangste which flow eastwards into mainland
China
. A small change in ecology may have a massive impact on the Himalayan ecology where there are 15 crores people living in the mountains and foothills. About 30 crores people live in the adjacent plains. The total of 45 crores people is no small a figure. Ecological crisis would lead to resource scarcity, economic loss, breakup of social fabric and lead to violent conflict. We all need to take parallel and simultaneous measures in our own fields, regions and countries to preserve the common and global Himalayan ecology. Military posturing and weapons in no way can solve the impending ecological crisis that may occur in the Himalayan region. Ecological problems are best tackled by consultation, cooperation and knowledge. We all seem to agree on this. Thus peace may well dawn through preserving the Himalayan ecology in the future.
The
Due to population growth, industrial and commercial activity, the fragile ecology is under a great stress. The common threats are deforestation, soil erosion and pressure on restricted land.
Though a common geomorphologic phenomenon, abnormal retreat due of the glaciers has been observed. This is due to over exploitation by humans. For example, 75 mountaineering expeditions, 25,000 trekkers and 2, 50,000 lakh pilgrims visit Gangotri glacier annually. It is the most polluted area in the
The west flowing rivers to
POPULAR COMMENTARIES
