Why Himalayan Towns Need a Different Kind of Development?

The Indian Himalayan Region (IHR), spanning 11 States and two Union Territories, experienced a decadal urban growth rate exceeding 40% from 2011 to 2021. This rapid expansion highlights the need for a tailored approach to urbanisation in the region.

Challenges in the Development of Himalayan Region Towns

• Civic Management Issues: Himalayan towns, including major cities like Srinagar, Guwahati, Shillong, and Shimla, struggle with managing sanitation, waste management, and water supply.
  • Planning institutions often use models suited to plains, which fail to address the unique challenges of the mountainous terrain.
• Resource Shortages: Many cities face severe shortages in human resources.
  • For instance, the Kashmir Valley has significantly fewer executive officers than needed.
• Urban Expansion: Towns are expanding into rural areas, depleting open spaces, forest land, and water resources.
  • Srinagar, for example, saw a 75.58% increase in built-up areas between 2000 and 2020, with significant reductions in water bodies and increases in unregulated waste.

Causes of Urbanisation Challenges

• Pressure from Urbanisation: The IHR faces intensified urbanisation pressures from high tourism, unsustainable infrastructure development, and climatic changes such as altered precipitation and rising temperatures.
  • These factors contribute to water scarcity, deforestation, land degradation, and pollution.
• Tourism Impact: Rapid tourism growth has led to the replacement of eco-friendly infrastructure with poorly designed and environmentally damaging constructions.
  • Ecotourism is essential for maintaining long-term sustainability.

Recommendations for Improvement

• Updated Planning Processes: Urban planning in the IHR should involve detailed mapping, including geological and hydrological vulnerabilities.
  • Climate resilience should be a key focus, with local involvement and a bottom-up approach.
• Financial Support: IHR cities cannot independently fund their infrastructure needs.
  • The Finance Commission should increase intergovernmental transfers to at least 1% of GDP to ensure urban financing needs are met.
• Sustainable Development: A shift towards eco-centric urban planning is crucial.
  • Incorporating public participation and focusing on sustainability is essential for the future of Himalayan town.

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