Daily Hot Topic
Topic : Uttarakhand Development Dilemma
GS-3 Mains : Environment Conservation
Revision Notes
Why in News ?
- The Supreme Court’s stay on a hotel project in Kumaon highlights the ongoing challenge of development in Uttarakhand.
Environmental Concerns:
- Fragile Himalayas: The state’s young Himalayan mountains are geologically unstable and prone to earthquakes and landslides.
- Report (2016): Uttarakhand has the highest number of unstable zones in the north Himalayas.
- Deforestation & Construction: Uncontrolled tourism development leads to deforestation, riverbank constructions, and road widening, further destabilizing the region.
- Climate Change: Accelerated glacial melt increases water levels and weakens the mountains.
Development Needs:
- Tourism Dependence: Tourism is a major source of income for the state.
- Infrastructure Challenges: Mountainous terrain hinders infrastructure development crucial for economic growth.
- Unemployment & Migration: Limited job opportunities force youth to migrate, draining resources from rural areas.
Suggestions:
- Ecological Corridors: Protect wildlife habitats and corridors to maintain biodiversity.
- Sustainable Tourism: Promote eco-friendly tourism practices, protected areas, and nature reserves.
- Renewable Energy: Utilize solar, wind, and small-scale hydropower for sustainable energy needs.
- Rural Infrastructure: Improve infrastructure in rural areas to support agriculture, livelihoods, and community development.
- Disaster Resilience: Integrate disaster-resilient design into infrastructure planning.
- Community Engagement: Involve local communities in planning and decision-making to ensure projects align with their needs and traditional knowledge.
हिन्दी