MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PLANNING (SHRI M.V. RAJASEKHARAN)
(a): An Expert Group to formulate National Policy for Integrated Development in
the Himalayas was constituted by the Planning Commission in March 1992. The
composition and terms of reference of the Expert Group are enclosed as Annexure-I.
(b): An Eco-Task Force was constituted in 1981 under the Chairmanship of Dr.
M.S. Swaminathan, the then Member, Planning Commission.
(c): The conclusion and recommendations of the Expert Group is enclosed as Annexure-II.
(d): Different Himalayan States facing problems as mentioned in the Expert Group
Report are (i) Himachal Pradesh, (ii) Uttar Pradesh, (iii) North Eastern States, (iv)
West Bengal, and (v) Jammu & Kashmir.
Uttar Pradesh has since been divided into Uttar Pradesh and Uttranchal. As a
result of the recommendation of the Task Force under the Chairmanship of Dr.
Swaminathan, Gobind Bhallabh Panth Institute of Himalayan Environment &
Development was established at Almora, Uttaranchal. Apart from this, the Govt. of
India also established Department of North Eastern Region (DONER) and North-
Eastern Council (NEC). Resources are provided through these institutional
mechanism for the development of the Himalayas regions. Most of these States are
declared as special category states which receive special Plan assistance as 90% grant
10% as loan as against non-special category states getting 30% grant and 70% loan.
Besides they enjoy a number of concessions in many Central schemes.
(e): The Expert Group under Dr. S.Z. Qasim, the then Member, Planning
Commission, submitted its Report in 1993.
ANNEXURE-I
No. Q-12074/1E/01/92-E&F Government of India Planning Commission (E&F Unit) Yojana Bhavan, Sansad Marg, New Delhi-110 001
27th March, 1992
ORDER
Planning Commission have decided to constitute an Expert Group to formulate a National
Policy on the Himalayas for Integrated Development. The composition and terms of
reference of the Expert Group are as follows:-
Composition:
1. Dr. S.Z. Qasim Chairman Member (Environment and Science & Technology) Planning Commission
2. Dr. Jayant Patil Member Member (Agriculture), Planning` Commission
3. Prof. J.S. Bajaj. Member Member (Health), Planning Commission
4. Prof. K.S. Valdia Member Professor and Head Department of Geology, Kumaon University, Nanital
5. Dr. Harsh Gupta, Adviser Deptt. of Science & Technology Member New Delhi
6. Dr. P.S. Ramakrishnan Professor Member Deptt. of Environmental Science Jawaharlal Nehru University New Delhi
7. Dr. D.N. Tiwari Member Director General I.C.F.R.E., Dehradun
8. Dr. Virendra Kumar, Member Zakir Hussain College New Delhi
9. Shri D.K. Biswas Member Adviser Ministry of Environment & Forests New Delhi
10. Dr. I.K, Barthakur Member Principal Adviser Planning Commission
11. Dr. A.N. Purohit Director GB Pant Institute for Himalayan Member Environment and Development
12. Dr. R.S. Mann Professor Member Deptt. of Anthropology University of Delhi
13. Special Secretary, Member Planning Commission. Government of India, New Delhi.
14. Shri K. Rajan, Member Adviser [Agri, E&F), Planning Commission
15. Shri R.C- Jhamtani Joint Adviser Member-Secretary (Environment & Forests) Planning Commission
Terms of Reference:
1) To make recommendations towards development of a national policy on the Himalayas for an integrated mountain development with a view to ensuring that the entire region is used to the best advantage of our country.
2) To make an assessment of scientific, environmental and material resources of the Himalayan region.
3) To identify specific areas of activity which fit into the ecology of the Himalayan region and are consistent with the socio-economic character of the region/
4) To estimate the carrying capacity of environmentally sensitive areas wihin the Himalayan region.
5) To suggest suitable organisational mechanism to implement the proposed policy. Non-official Members of this Group would be entitled to TA/DA as per Government norms.
The report of the Expert Group would be submitted within three months,
(N.K. MALHOTRA) Deputy Secretary to the Govt. of India
All Members
CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
RECOMMENDATION - 1
Constitution of Himalayan Development Authority (HDA)
The Group would recommend the creation of an Apex Body at the national level.
Such an apex body called the Himalayan Development Authority (HDA) should be
headed by the Prime Minister with Deputy Chairman, Planning Commission, the
Ministers of the concerned Central Ministries/ Departments and the Chief Ministers of
the Himalayan States, as a Policy Planning Authority. This could be assisted by a
Steering Group headed by the Member in-charge of Environment in Planning
Commission and associating Secretaries of the concerned Central Ministries/Departments
and Chief Secretaries of the concerned States. If, however, because of the preoccupations
of the Prime Minister, he is unable to chair the Authority, then it should be chaired by the
Deputy Chairman. The Secretariat-of the Authority should be the Planning Commission.
RECOMMENDATION-2
Creation of National Himalayan Environment and Development Fund (NHEDF)
The Group recommends, that a National Himalayan Environment and Development Fund
(NHEDF) would be necessary to accelerate the implementation of the National Policy for
Integrated Development in the Himalayas. The Fund should start with a reasonable
allocation and once its effectiveness and role gets established, the allocation should be
enhanced suitably.
RECOMMENDATION-3
Enlarged role of the Ministry of Environment and Forests(MOEF)
The Ministry of Environment and Forests must strengthen its role in the
Himalayan region. It should have a separate Division dealing with the problems of the
Himalayas in an integrated fashion. This Division must have competent staff members
dealing with administration, management and scientific inputs leading to better quality of
life of the people of the Himalayan regions. The G.B. Pant Institute of Himalayan
Environment & Development under the MOEF should be used as a nodal agency to
identify the problems to be effectively tackled by the Ministry. Similarly the Botanical
Survey of India and the Zoological Survey of India should continuously monitor the
biodiversity and the fate of endangered species of plants and animals. The Group will
recommend that, if there is a need, the MOEF should be provided with additional
statutory responsibility and authority to deal with the implementation of the National
Policy. There is also a need for considerable improvement in the management of National
Parks, Sanctuaries and Biosphere Reserves spread in different parts of the Himalayan
Region. These require, not only policing and vigilence but the enforcement of a proper
scheme for the management of wild life, If the MOEF feels considerable difficulty in the
management, a decentralised approach of making the States fully responsible for their
protection may be considered.
RECOMMENDATION-4
Linkages and Cooperation of Scientific Institutions
There are a host of institutions working in the country where work undertaken
would be relevant to both development process and environmental conservation. The
Government of India has established the G.B. Pant Himalayan Institute of Environment
and Development (GBPHIED) as the Nodal Agency. It is, therefore, necessary that under
the leadership role of the GBPHIED, an effective networking with the various other
scientific institutions is systematically established.
It may not be easy to bring on one platform different scientific institutions working in
different fields. There may be a vast diversity in the orientation of these institutions -
educational, basic scientific research, applied sciences and technology generation etc.
While some of the institutions are managed by the Central Government, some are run by
the State Governments, others by autonomous bodies.
Nevertheless, in view of the critical importance of the Himalayan Region in several ways,
it is necessary to create a mechanism where different scientific institutions can interact
with each other. They may deal with any one aspect or several others of relevance to the
development and preservation of the environment of the Himalayas. The Group
recommends that the GBPHIED should organise get-togethers of the scientific
institutions annually. The task before the scientific community is large enough to warrant
pooling of resources be that manpower, infrastructure, etc. to undertake studies/research
of immediate relevance. The possibility of creating a separate all India Association on the
pattern of Agriculture Sciences and others called the Himalayan Region Scientific
Association with its Headquarters in GBPHIED may be explored. It should meet annually
at some selected place in the region.
RECOMMENDATION – 5
Interaction of Natural Sciences with Social Sciences
Many social factors have influence both on development and the manner in which
the society looks at the environmental issues as also effective communication to bring
about awareness on the sustainability of the development paths being followed. It would
be very useful if the Social Sciences are also dovetailed with the Natural Science and
Technology inputs in bringing about environmental friendly development process of the
Himalayan Region.
The Group feels that the country`s socio-economic development should be seen as one
comprehensive whole. Any integrated policy of the Himalayan region will be just a
segment of the country`s socio-economic development process. Islands of exclusiveness
in the development of one region or the other may be socio-politically unsustailable. Any
attempt at `we and they syndrome` would result in sub-optimality of the planning for
development as also from the conservation angle.
The entire Himalayan region from the conservation angle must be broadly seen as
comprising of three sub regions namely, lower hills, the middle hills and the higher
reaches. These have significant variations in terms of flora and fauna and the kind of
development measures required to be taken up. The Group, therefore recommends a
proper interaction between Natural Scientists and Social Scientists in the Annual Session
noted earlier.
RECOMMENDATION – 6
Preparation of Guidelines for Development Projects in States
By and large the states action in attempting an environmentally friendly development
process may be seen to lie in two broad fields. The first relates to regulation process with
a view to preserve ecology and environment. The second looks at programmes which
seek to reduce the adverse impact of development projects on environment as well as
those measures aiming at qualitative upgradation. The Himalayan Region has been
considered as an ecologically fragile area. In this light the Group recommends that the
Ministry of Environment and Forests must frame detailed guidelines on various consid-
erations which need to be kept in view while providing environmental clearances for
development projects under the Environment Protection Act, be that by the central or
state Governments. It is necessary to make these guidelines transparent and enforced in a
fair manner free from arbitrariness.
RECOMMENDATION – 7
Preservation of Biodiversity and Genetic Resources
The vast genetic diversity that exists in the Himalayan region, both of flora and
fauna, needs to be preserved for posterity, (n situ conservation of the genetic diversity
and resources in many situations may be inescapable. However, declaration of any area
as biosphere reserve and closing down the area from human interference can have
substantial impacts on those living within or in adjoining areas.
The Group recommends a time bound programme for inventonsation of genetic
resources in the Himalayan region under the aegis of the Botanical Survey of India and
Zoological Survey of India. In this, the traditional universities and other academic
institutions or agencies, must also be associated to complete this process in a well-
defined time framework.
A fuller understanding of the flora and fauna and their propagation can assist in ex
situ conservation of endangered species, wherever such measures are essential or
desirable and feasible. A systematic attempt at the conservation of germ plasm and
genetic resources must be attempted for which a detailed master plan must be evolved.
RECOMMENDATION – 8
Maintenance of Forest Cover
Maintenance of the forest cover and their upgradation through forestry programmes are
matters of urgent importance. Under the Forest Preservation Act. diversion of forest to
non-forest uses has been highly regulated. The Government of India has also laid down a
policy of compulsory afforestation wherever diversion to non-forest purposes cannot be
avoided. The Group recommends that it needs to be examined whether afforestation of
degraded areas in the Himalayan region could be accelerated under this policy even by
the deployment of resources to be provided by projects being taken up not essentially
within the same states. Part of the funds to be provided by the project authorities for
compulsory afforestation could be deployed in the Himalayan region, even if such
projects are being established in the states outside the Himalayan region.
RECOMMENDATION – 9
Management of Forests
In some of the states green felling has been prohibited. The Group suggests that green
felling should be uniformly and totally prohibited in all the states of the Himalayan
region. However, the requirements of the local people of fuel wood to be drawn from
lopings, branches and fodder should be met and the existing rights of the local
communities safeguarded. Commercial-scale exploitation of the forests should be
comprehensively banned.
Forest management as traditionally practised in the area needs to be reviewed. The Group
accepts the need for species diversity in the forest area. However, to create employment
opportunities and improving the economic well-being, the present policy of afforestation
in degraded areas needs to be reviewed. In a multiple tree cropping, as part of the social
forestry programme, inclusion of some types of horticultural crops especially the nut
bearing trees may contribute both to bringing degraded areas under vegetative cover as
well as creation of employment opportunities, increased income flow to the local
communities.
The country can gain a great deal -from the experiences gained in forestry
management in several other countries. A systematic attempt at collection of world
experience and selection of management principles of relevance to Hi-malayan region
needs to be undertaken.
RECOMMENDATION – 10
Agriculture and Allied Activities
Agricultural development in the-Himalayan region is characterised by extremely small
land holdings and very low land: man ratio. Due to migration of the menfolk from the
region seeking employment in the plains and outside of region, in several areas,
agriculture is predominantly in the hands of women. The issue in agricultural
development process is critical. Efforts that agriculture technology reaches the women
folk and the financial credit to women need special focussing,
Given the topography of the area, the rainfall, particularly in the mid hills and higher
reaches`, agriculture development, defined in a comprehensive way, may have to be quite
distinct. Raising of the seasonal crops without proper terracing, an expensive preposition
in any event, makes agriculture operations prone to large scale top soil erosion and
unregulated surface run-off leading to degradation of land. Agriculture development may
essentially centre round raising perennial vegetation in the form of horticultural crops,
fuel and fodder trees, pastures to support animal husbandry programmes etc.
Further agro-forestry and sericulture could also be promoted both from the points of
view of increasing the income through high value generating enterprises as well as
maintenance/upgradation of ecological balance.
A systematic attempt at the development of perennials should be fully backed up with
research in terms of tree cropping systems, species to be grown and should be worked
out. A master plan for the development of horticulture, sericulture and other tree based
farming system, should be prepared in a time bound manner.
It would also be necessary for the concerned State Governments to be associated with the
Union administrative Ministries dealing with the subjects to establish all backward
linkages in the form of nurseries to raise sufficient planting material to give operational
context to the master plan.
RECOMMENDATION – 11
Packing and Marketing of Horticulture Products
Another critical need is to establish adequate and effective marketing arrangements,
particularly when the agricultural commodities produced are perishable in nature such as
apples, peaches, strawberries, plums, leachies etc.
The Group would recommend that even in the choice of horticulture programmes it
may be worthwhile to pay attention to low volume high value crops which are not highly
perishable such as the various types of nuts. Marketing of horticulture products to ensure
remunerative returns to the growers will largely influence the success of the horticulture
programmes.
Growers organisations should be actively encouraged by the States to collect fruits,
vegetables to bring these to central points and thereafter market in different parts of the
country.
Often the requirement of packing materials has had unhealthy influence on the
maintenance of tree cover in the region due to the over-emphasis on using wooden crates.
The National Committee on the use of plastics in Agriculture and under Its programmes
there are several agencies, which have designed polymer-based packing materials, which
could be re-cycled. Specific programmes need to be launched for weaving away the
producers, traders etc. from using the wooden crates and promoting the use of plastic
materials to reduce the dependence on wood.
An attempt had been made to establish processing units to process fruits,
particularly culls and, those not fit for table purposes. The Group understands that some
of these processing units are languishing. A detailed analysis and review of the
functioning of the processing units must be undertaken and corrective measures taken.
Establishments for ensuring value addition, higher returns to producers which will also
create employment opportunities in these regions are commended.
RECOMMENDATION – 12
Marketing of Horticultural Products to Neighbouring Countries
Another aspect of marketing of agricultural products in the Himalayan region
that the poducts were being earlier marketed traditionally to China or to, Bangladesh. The
Group recognises that the Government of India had initiated measures through the
Ministry of External Affairs to improve border trade. This sped is critical for the
marketing of agricultural products and needs to be iubstantially stepped up. This could
greatly assist in the producers getting `arketing outlets for their products and probably
getting a better price.
RECOMMENDATION ` 13
Jhuming Cultivation
The slash and burn system of agriculture operations called incoming is widely prevalent
in many of the States of North Eastern Region. Increase of population pressure has
reduced the slash and burn cycle from 20-30 years ;o 5 years or even less. The impact of
this on the forest cover, soil erosion 133 been extensive. Agriculture practices need to be
substantially stepped up through minimal terracing arrangement and by the provision of
appropriate implements and machinery, minimal irrigation facilities to enable farmers to
improve productivity in properly cultivated settled plots. The existing jhooming
cultivation has disastrous impact especially in steep slopes. Promotion of horticulture,
agro-forestry, and sericulture may be intensively carried out under appropriate schemes -
for the rehabilitation of cultivators practising Jhooming.
Success of the programme will be contingent on meeting the requirements of `foodgrains
and other essentials to the population in the region. The Group cannot over-emphasise on
an effective public distribution system to reach the basic essentials to the population if a
dent on the jhuming is to be made,
RECOMMENDATION – 14
Irrigation
Provision of irrigation in the hilly terrain is not simple. Presently a system of diversion of
water for irrigation of crops in the slopes is being resorted to. Technologies for irrigation
practices should be systematically studied and extended under appropriate programmes to
the farmers. Installation of improved irrigation devices such as sprinklers and drip
irrigation in these regions, especially for the orchards, should be actively promoted.
RECOMMENDATION – 15
Energy
The Himalayan region is rich in resources for production of commercial energy,
especially the hydel power. The basic conundrum has, however, been that except in one
or two states, the extension of electrification in the region has been tardy. If the benefits
of generation of hydel power do not reach the local inhabitants, this is bound to create
difficulties in the exploitation of the available natural resources. The Group recommends
that in all programmes for tapping of energy sources, meeting the requirements of the
people living in the area should merit the highest priority even if the cost of the extension
of electricity grid is likely to be relatively more expensive than in the plains. The energy
needs of those living in the Himalayas arise for cooking, lighting and warming, `r A
larger network o-f electricity distribution would reduce the dependence on firewood and
hence will protect the forestry resources.
The Himalayan region is rich with sites for generation of micro-hydel power based
on perennial streams. Recently emphasis has been laid on tapping c` the micro-hydel
generation potential. To the extent that the local commune is involved in the operation
and maintenance of the micro-hyde! generation unit-through proper build up of skills and
distribution is completely entrusted t local people, this could facilitate realisation of the
potential.
In the region, sparsely populated villages in remote areas are a oommon feature.
Non-conventional sources of energy, such as photo-voltaic cells, use of organic materials
for gassification (biogas) and wind turbines can enable meeting the needs of lighting and
pumping devices in such villages. The Group recommends that a systematic study of the
demand and measures for the supply of energy needs should be attempted and concrete
programmes drawn up to be implemented in a time bound manner. For this, a proper mix
of the supply through both conventional and non-conventional sources of energy should
be attempted.
RECOMMENDATION – 16
Non-Farm Economic Activities
Given the fragility of the Himalayan ecosystem, a large scale industrialisation
following the pattern in the plains would be totally unsound environmentally. Some
attempts have been made to develop service engineering, especially in terms of extension
of the use of electronics in the Hill regions. The choice of industry including the services,
which could be extended in the region would need to be carefully worked out.
Apart from the agro-based industries, which are highly recommended, it is
necessary to explore other industries based upon usufructs of forests, which could be
established in the region. This can augment the economic activities, and should generate
higher incomes and provide employment opportunities, Mushroom cultivation and bee-
keeping have proved to be most remunerative activities leading to prosperity and must be
encouraged to develop their full potential.
RECOMMENDATION – 17
Health, Nutrition and Family Welfare
The Himalayan States have major health problems as prevalent in other parts of the
country as also some which are more intensively seen in the Region such as Goitre,
Malaria, Respiratory Disorders, STD, AIDS etc. Generally, the contributory factors are
under-nutrition, special geo-physical, geo-climatic, socio-economic and other variables
present in the Region.
The Group, therefore, recommends that the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare
should provide more funds on priority basis for strengthening of National Malaria
Eadication Programme, National Tuberculosis Control Programme, Child Survival and
Safe Motherhood programme, National Iodine Deficiency Disorder Control Programme
and National AIDS Control Programme in these areas.
The Group also recommends that the access to health services should be
significantly improved in the area particularly in relation to establishment of the Sub-
Centres and Primary Health Centres so that adequate Infrastructural facilities are
available for delivery of Health and Family Welfare Services. The backlog of
establishment of Sub-Centres, particularly in the tribal and difficult areas should be
removed as early as possible.
The Sub-Centres, Primary Health Centres, Community Health Centres and other health
institutions should be fully operationalized by providing physical facilities including
buildings and residential quarters, filling up of all vacant posts and ensuring supply of
essential drugs, dressings and other consummables. Resources of Rural Development
schemes like JRY, special area projects and adoption of cheaper technology for building
construction should be used for removing the backlog in physical facilities. Because of
the acute shortage of medical facilities in these areas the use of indigenous systems of
medicines should be promoted and integrated in general health services.
Pilot studies should be undertaken in a few districts in each Himalayan State to generate
district level data base for assessing the prevalence and causes of morbidity and mortality
in the Region. National level institutions viz. ICMR, NIHFW, selected Medical Colleges
(including colleges of Indian System of Medicine) may be entrusted the above
responsibility.
RECOMMENDATION - 18
Preparedness for living in Earthquake – prone areas
Some regions of the Himalayas are very vulnerable to earthquakes as they form a part of
the Alpine seismic belt. More than a dozen earthquakes, equal to or exceeding the
magnitude 7.5 have occurred in these areas during the last 100 years including the
Uttarkashi Earthquake of October 20, 1991. Since ft is difficult to make accurate
predictions of the earthquakes, the Group recommends the following measures;
1) Adoption of a building code for earthquake-prone zones. There are
inexpensivemethods adopted by Japan and other countries which should be
strictly followed while designing the buildings and houses in the seismic zone.
The Central Building Research Institute, Roorkee has developed some
inexpensive designs.
2) Standards for earthquake resistant structures should be developed for the Indian conditions.
3) To reduce future danger in the event of earthquakes, the very pattern of living of
the people must be modified and adapted in a suitable manner. Precautions
like not keeping heavy objects above the head-level, not leaving heavy objects
loose on the ground, keeping first-aid .kit and emergency supplies of food
ready at all times should be followed. There are many guidelines for
preparedness. It is very desirable to discuss these amongst the family and
community so that some organised efforts could be made at a time of any
eventuality. People are just not aware of them.
RECOMMENDATION - 19
Fioads and Communication
Improving the access to the inhabitants of the region, on one hand, and the adverse
effect of the construction of large network of roads do produce a dilemma. Adverse
effects of the construction of roads, without safeguards, have posed serious problems of
land slides. This not only affects the movement of men and material, leading to heavy
siltation, but also destroys agricultural lands and forests. Special studies ought to be
conducted on the construction methodology of roads in the hills as would minimise the
adverse effects and all safeguards, even if these increase the costs, should be taken so that
the construction of roads is not environmentally damaging and will not lead to ecological
disturbances, land degradation and soil erosion, disruption in drainage pattern, loss of
forestry, vegetation and asthetic degradation. The Group recommends that the Central
Road Research Institute of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) must
be consulted for the design and construction of roads under specialised conditions such as
the Himalayan Region.
It is also necessary that the road network should be so planned that no attempt is made to
reach each and every habitation. Alternative construction of bridle paths, trollies,
ropeways to move materials from hamlets and orchards to central collection points on the
main roads, would need to be explored. All villages or groups of villages with a
population of 500 or above shoulo be connected with all-weather roads.
RECOMMENDATION – 20
Tourism
One of the major activities in the Himalayas is tourism both in the form of pilgrim
tourism and for pleasure and adventure. While infrastructural facilities would need to be
created to enable tourism to develop fully in the Himalayan region and become a major
economic activity, it is necessary that the impact of the creation of luxury hotels`, eating
places at the cost of local ecology must be studied in depth.
Home/cottage tourism, especially for the pilgrim and middle class tourists, would need to
be promoted actively. Liberal credit should be available to the local inhabitants to
construct paying guest accommodation. This will provide both income and employment
to the local population, while simultaneously creating infrastructure for the middle-class
tourist coming from outside.
RECOMMENDATION – 21
Development of Tribal Population
Most of the tribal population lives in isolated rural areas. They are directly or
indirectly dependent on agriculture and agro-related activities. Food security is an
important component not only for their survival but also for their well-being. Other
element of their overall development is related to employment or their right to work. The
Group, therefore, feels that highest priority should be given to agriculture and other food-
generating activities. Literacy, primary education, health, shelter and protection of their
children should also form components of developmental plan.. Promotion of the role and
status of women in the tribal society must receive major consideration to make human
development holistic. The ultimate objective of our planning should be that all basic
needs should become within the reach of the tribal population of the Himalayan region.
The concerned state governments must develop action plans to bring in prosperity to the
tribals.
RECOMMENDATION – 22
Institutional Arrangements in States
In the states, which fall entirely in the Himalayan region, one could expect that in every
aspect of its administration, the special features of the Himalayan region, particularly the
fragile ecological system, would be kept uppermost in mind. In Uttar Pradesh, a separate
Hill Development Department has been created to address itself to the principal issues
peculiar to the region. In the case of West Bengal, a separate Darjeeling Qorkha Hill
Council has been established. The District Councils in the North-Eastern region play an
extremely important role in guiding the affairs of the local areas. Nevertheless, the Group
feels that in many ways the administrative pattern seems to be more or less parallel and
on the model, carried out elsewhere. The Group cannot over-emphasise the fact that in
every aspect of the administration of the affairs of the people living in the hills, special
considerations which require to be bestowed on various aspects of socio-economic
development must be integrally incorporated. Preservation of environment and
maintenance of ecological balance must merit maximum attention.
RECOMMENDATION – 23
Involvement of NGOs, Voluntary Organisation etc.
In several regions of the Himalayan States, the local people have adopted technologies as
have enabled them to meet their needs without serious adverse implications on
environmental preservation and ensuring the local ecology does not get impaired. The
Group suggests that in the process of generation of technologies for development,
adequate attention needs to be paid for integrating indigenous technologies which have
stood the test of time and this must be consciously looked at and promoted.
There is an increasing recognition that sound socio-economic development would
only be possible through active peoples` involvement and participation in the
formulation and implementation of plans, especially in terms of harmonising the
environmental concerns and economic growth. The Group recommends that a fuller
understanding of the felt-needs of the local people, their wisdom can be expected to
contribute towards this. Several NGOs have been actively involved in the upliftment of
the local communities and have been able to articulate the perceptions of the local
community. The developmental programmes must associate NGOs, which could
improve their efficacy. The Group also feels that the association of the International
Centre for Integrated Development of Mountains (1CIMOD) would be extremely
beneficial for further guidelines and advice in the removal of poverty.
RECOMMENDATION – 24
Source of Funding
Projects, schemes, new studies or investigations emerging from the rec-
ommendations noted above will require financial inputs. For this very reason the
creation of a National Himalayan Environmental and Development Fund (NHEDF) has
been suggested. This Fund, initially would not be large enough to cover all what might
be needed, but depending upon the success in the implementation and the response that
this report receives, the quantum of allocation could be enlarged suitably.
The Group has not suggested the establishment of any new institutions or research
centres but has stressed upon the need for creating linkages and E-cooperation between
the existing institutions, agencies, voluntary organisations and the States dealing with the
Himalayan Region. It has identified one institute I-` as a nodal point and has suggested
the creation of a platform for holding annual meetings and the formation of an
Association in which all the existing institutions (Band agencies would be clubbed to
work together to bring in prosperity and sustainable development in the Himalayas. All
legitimate expenditure in implementing such a programme should be met by the NHEDF.
