| Syllabus: GS-III, Subject: Environment, Ecology and Disaster Management, Topic: Biodiversity and Conservation, Issue: Biodiversity of India (Ladakh region) |
Context: Climate fast has highlighted the larger issue of the fragility of the Himalayan ecosystem.
Ladakh region:
- Ladakh, at 11,500 feet, hosts 97% indigenous tribes reliant on pastoral lifestyles.
- Ladakh’s glaciers play a vital role in rivers like Indus, Ganga, and Brahmaputra.
- Global warming threatens these glaciers, endangering water resources for both mountain residents and downstream populations.
- Climate change brings floods, droughts, landslides, and pollution to Ladakh, in addition to border disputes.
- The National Mission for Sustaining the Himalayan Ecosystem (NMSHE) aims to assess vulnerability to climate change and monitor ecosystem health.
Recent issues:
- Ladakh witnessing a boom in mega infrastructure projects like roads, tunnels, railways, solar plants, and an airport terminal.
- Despite past Himalayan disasters such as Kedarnath floods (2013) and recent incidents like Silkyara tunnel collapse, rapid infrastructure development persists.
- Climate change activists’ warnings are disregarded, resulting in insufficient risk assessment and safety measures in mountain projects.
Conclusion:
- It is crucial to prioritize environmental protection and balance in the fragile Himalayan ecosystem amidst development efforts.
| +1 advantage for mains (Committee recommendations)
·                A Supreme Court expert committee advised limiting pilgrim numbers at Char Dham shrines to the carrying capacity of the ecosystem. ·                Carrying capacity refers to the maximum sustainable population an ecosystem can support without degradation. ·                Despite recommendations, pilgrim numbers continue to rise annually, straining the fragile Himalayan ecosystem. ·                Some committees proposed banning hydroelectric projects in para-glacial zones to protect the environment from further harm. |
