Explanation:

NITI Aayog has launched 5 Thematic Reports on Sustainable Development in Indian Himalayan Region. The reports from the five working groups discuss the significance, the challenges, the ongoing actions and a future roadmap.

Recognizing the uniqueness of the Himalayas and the challenges for sustainable development, NITI Aayog had set up 5 Working Groups (WGs) in June 2017 to prepare a roadmap for actions in 5 thematic areas.

The themes include:

1)            Inventory and Revival of Springs in Himalayas for Water Security.

2)            Sustainable Tourism in Indian Himalayan Region.

3)            Transformative Approach to Shifting Cultivation.

4)            Strengthening Skill & Entrepreneurship Landscape in Himalayas.

5)            Data/Information for Informed Decision Making.

?           Immediate Challenges:

Nearly 30% of springs crucial to water security of people are drying and 50% have reported reduced discharge. Himalayan Tourism growing annually at 6.8% has created huge challenge related to solid waste, water, traffic, loss of bio- cultural diversity etc.

Important recommendations made:

•              Spring Mapping and Revival, using 8 steps protocol be taken up across Himalayan States in phased manner.

•              Apply carrying capacity concept to all major tourist destinations; implement and monitor tourism sector Standards and apply performance based incentives for States faring well on the standards.

•              Assessment of nature & extent of Shifting Cultivation area, improved policy coherence, strengthened tenurial security & improved access to related programs/schemes are other key recommendations to transform shifting cultivation.

•              Strengthening of skill & entrepreneurship will require focus on identified priority sectors where mountains have advantage, investment in trainers, assessors and training centers in industry partnership.

•              Having a Central Data Management Agency for Himalayas to provide data with high fidelity scenario while addressing data sharing, access, authenticity and comparability issues will go a long way in addressing data related issues.

It also includes:

•Setting up of a Himalayan Authority for coordinated and holistic development of entire Himalayan region.

•Launching of “Himalaya Calling”: An Awareness to Action Campaign as people’s movement.

•Setting up of Mission on Spring Water Management in Himalayas, National Mission/Program on Transforming Shifting Cultivation in North Eastern States, demand driven network of skill and entrepreneurship development Centers in Himalayan States among others.