Editorial of the Day: Himalayan blunders that are ravaging the Himalayas (The Hindu)

Context: The article is discussing the environmental and developmental challenges facing the Himalayan region in India, particularly in the hill states of Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh. The author, while highlighting the beauty and magnificence of the Himalayas, also points out the deteriorating condition of the region due to environmental degradation caused by unsustainable development practices. The main argument of the article is that the Himalayan region in India is facing significant environmental destruction due to a combination of factors, including excessive greed, improper developmental practices driven by political, bureaucratic, and real estate interests, and inadequate consideration of the fragile ecosystem. Therefore, the article emphasizes on the need for a more sustainable and ecologically sensitive approach to development in the region.

Decoding the Editorial

Deteriorating Himalayas:

• The article mentions that while the snow-covered peaks still captivate people’s imagination, the hills below them are suffering from environmental degradation.
• This degradation is attributed to a flawed developmental paradigm that prioritises economic interests over the fragile ecosystem of the region.
• The article cites examples of repeated tragedies, such as bridges, roads, and buildings being destroyed by rivers during natural disasters symbolising the consequences of the unsustainable approach to development that has been adopted in the area.
• There have also been incidents like blocked roads due to landslides, sinking in certain areas, accidents on pilgrimage routes, and deaths on newly constructed roads which are becoming common in the Himalayan region, raising concerns about the safety and sustainability of development projects.

Road Project, Bypassing the rules:

The is discussing a specific infrastructure project called the “Chardham Mahamarg Vikas Pariyojna” in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand.

• The project involves widening and upgrading a 900-kilometer stretch of road to double-laning with a paved shoulder (DLPS) design of 12 meters.
• However, the article highlights several concerning aspects related to the project’s implementation, especially in regards to environmental regulations and safeguards.

Environmental Clearance and Project Size:

• According to Indian law, any project exceeding 100 kilometers in length requires environmental clearance, which involves assessing potential environmental impacts and obtaining necessary approvals.
• However, the Chardham Mahamarg Vikas Pariyojna, being a massive project of 900 kilometers, should have required such clearance.
• Due to political and time-bound considerations, the project was divided into 53 smaller segments, each less than 100 kilometers, to avoid the environmental impact assessment (EIA) requirements.

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Bypass:

• The EIA is a crucial process to evaluate the potential environmental consequences of a development project.
• However, the project bypassed the requirement for a detailed EIA by breaking it into smaller segments which raises concerns about the project’s impact on the environment, particularly in ecologically sensitive areas.

Bypassing Zonal Master Plan (ZMP):

• The Bhagirathi Eco Sensitive Zone (BESZ), which contains the only remaining natural free flow of the Ganga river, is designated as a protected area.
• Any development within this zone requires an approved zonal master plan (ZMP) and a detailed EIA.
• The ZMP for the BESZ was hastily approved to facilitate the Chardham Mahamarg Vikas Pariyojna, disregarding the directions of the Supreme Court of India.

Lack of Oversight:

• The approval process for the project’s impact on the BESZ was overseen by state officials on the monitoring committee, without any meaningful discussion or suggestions being considered.
• This lack of oversight could lead to the endangerment of valuable natural resources like deodar trees and pristine mountain slopes.

Concerns wrt the project:

• Contradictions in Road Width Standards:
  • The Ministry of Road Transport’s notification contradicts itself by acknowledging challenges with adhering to the double-laning with a paved shoulder (DLPS) road-width standard in hilly and mountainous terrains.
  • Despite this, the project pursued the DLPS standard.
  • The Supreme Court took note of this contradiction but allowed the government to proceed.
• Unanswered Questions about Project Changes:
  • The author questions why the Defence Ministry initially requested a two-lane road but changed its requirement to DLPS.
  • The discrepancy between double lane road-width in border areas and DLPS road-width in the Bhagirathi Eco Sensitive Zone (BESZ) is also raised, along with the suitability of the latter for strategic purposes.
• Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Concerns:
  • The author questions the absence of a mandatory EIA for the BESZ road widening project and asks why the Chardham project was implemented with DLPS road-width when circulars suggested otherwise.
• Carrying Capacity and Tourism Concerns:
  • The author discusses the increased carrying capacity for pilgrimage sites and shrines despite warnings of overburdening and disregarding scientific rationale.
  • The government’s push for tourism is seen as potentially justifying excessive road widening, particularly in ecologically sensitive areas.
• Reassessment of Carrying Capacity: In light of recent warning signals from nature, the governments of Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh propose a reassessment of carrying capacity for pilgrimage sites. The Supreme Court is also forming a committee for this purpose.
• Specific Recommendations for Sensitive Areas: The Parliamentary Standing Committee emphasizes the need for a more meticulous approach in ecologically sensitive areas like Joshimath, Mussoorie, and Dhanaulti, with a focus on environmental interests rather than economic interests.

Need for Immediate Regulation for Conservation:

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