Context: Recently, a national-level webinar was organised to mark the Himalayan Day on September 9th. 
About Himalayan day

• It was first observed in Uttarakhand in 2010 as an initiative of a group of noted environmentalists to provide solutions for sustainable development and ecological stability for the Himalayas 
• This year’s Himalaya Divas was celebrated at the national level on September 9.
• The theme for this year is “The Himalaya and Nature”.

The Mighty Himalayas

• Meaning- The word Himalaya comes from two Sanskrit words: Him (snow) and Aalay (abode). 
• Geographical coverage and composition- The Himalayas are home to the world’s largest mountains, including the highest peak – Mount Everest, standing at an incredible 8,848m tall. 
• This incredible mountain range is a result of tectonic plate movement that collided India into Tibet and stretches for 2,400km in length between the Indus and the Brahmaputra river systems.
• The Himalayas, passing through India, Pakistan, Tibet, Bhutan and Nepal.
• There are the Outer Himalayas, the Lower Himalayas, the Tibetan Himalayas, the Trans-Himalayas and the Great Himalayas.
• Diverse Ecosystem- The beauty of the Himalaya, which are one of the youngest chains of mountains in the world harbouring a diverse ecosystem, lies in its intriguing complexity.
• The region is among the 36 world biodiversity hotspots.
• They are home to the highest mountains, deepest gorges and the greatest biodiversity on the planet including the majestic snow leopard.
• The Himalaya is characterized by a complex geologic structure, snowcapped peaks, large valley glaciers, deep river gorges and rich vegetation. 

Importance of Himalayas

• Strategic position: The Himalayan ecosystem is vital to the ecological security of the Indian landmass and occupies the strategic position of the entire northern boundary (NorthWest to North-East) of the country. 
• A reliable source of clean energy: The immense hydropower potential of the Himalayas which could make it a reliable source of clean energy thus reducing the carbon emissions.
• Maintaining whether: These mountain ranges guard our country against the cold and dry winds coming from Central Asia the absence of these mountains, India would have been a dry desert.
• They also cause most of the rainfall in northern India by acting as a barrier for the monsoon winds.
• Source of water and Forest: These mountains are the source for 10 major river systems in Asia, a lifeline for almost half of humanity.
• This is important not only for Himalayan states but for the future of all North Indian states dependent on rivers originating from there.
• Local communities are dependent on forests for their agriculture and basic needs.
• Cultural Importance: From the story of Lord Shiva and Parvati to Bhagavad Gita and almost all Indian cultural and traditional books, there is mention of the importance of Himalayas.

Several challenges and Concern

• The major challenges facing the Himalayas are increasing population, rampant urbanisation, unchecked deforestation, melting of glaciers, construction of roads, the establishment of hydroelectric projects, etc.
• Unscientific disposal of plastic and other human activities were harming the Himalayas 
• Frequent natural calamities are a result of our carelessness towards nature
• Demographic shifts, weak institutional capacity, poor infrastructure, and a paucity of adequate information on mountain-specific climate change pose challenges to capacity-building in the region.

Steps were taken

• National Mission for Sustaining the Himalayan Eco-system: It aims to understand scientifically the complex processes affecting this eco-system and evolve suitable management and policy measures for sustaining and safeguarding the Himalayan eco-system including Himalayan glaciers.
• SECURE Himalaya project: SECURE Himalayas project is spread over 6 years. The objective of the project is to secure people’s livelihood, restore, conserve and use sustainably the high range ecosystems of the Himalayas.
• The key focus of the project is on improving the enforcement to ensure the reduction in wildlife crime, protection of snow leopard and other endangered species and ensuring a secure livelihood to the people in the region.

Road Ahead

• All the NGOs, self-help groups, environmentalists, and conservationists should to come together at one platform and start a movement and campaign aimed at the conservation of the Himalayas.
• There should be a ‘Swachh Himalaya Mission’ on the lines of Swachh Bharat Mission.
• Mountain-specific policies required to strengthen livelihood opportunities based on both farm and non-farm activities should be developed. 
• Making tourism sustainable by adopting an ecotourism model where pressure on natural resources would be the least.