The Hindu Editorial Vocabulary– September 6, 2023; Day 464

Time to decide: On the Himalayan region, its carrying capacity

Infrastructure development in the hills cannot be the same as in the plains

The destruction wreaked (Cause to happen or to occur as a consequence) by the floods in north India in August has evoked (Call forth (emotions, feelings, and responses)) concern at the highest levels. Last month, a Bench headed by Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud had suggested that an expert committee conduct a “complete and comprehensive” study on the carrying capacity of the Himalayan region. Following this, the Centre has proposed setting up a 13-member technical committee. “Carrying capacity” is a concept derived from population-biology and generally refers to the quantity of a species that can thrive (Make steady progress) sustainably in a defined ecosystem. Generally, population exceeding capacity will lead to a natural decline in numbers, as witnessed when grasslands or overgrazed or invasive (spreading very quickly and difficult to stop) species throttle (Place limits on (extent, amount or access)) existing biome (​the characteristic plants and animals that exist in a particular type of environment, for example in a forest or desert). Applying these ideas in the context of hill-stations and Himalayan States — the challenge is between balancing rising population, infrastructural needs and the precarious (not safe or certain; dangerous) geography — is bound to be a challenging enterprise. Going by recent history, it is unlikely that a disinterested scientific opinion will be palatable (Acceptable to the taste or mind) to every stakeholder in the Himalayan States. Following the devastating (Sharply critical or damaging) floods in Uttarakhand in 2013, the Supreme Court had appointed a committee of experts to evaluate the role of hydropower projects in the State. While the committee’s reports did influence a reduction in the proposed hydro projects, they failed to restrict road-widening projects and the carving up (Separate into parts or portions) of mountainsides in ways that were deemed unsuitable for the topography (​the physical features of an area of land, especially the position of its rivers, mountains, etc.; the study of these features).

The latest proposal by the Centre is not new; as far back as 2020, it had circulated, among the 13 Himalayan States, guidelines to assess the carrying capacity of their hill stations, cities and eco-sensitive zones. The Environment Ministry had in May reminded all the States to undertake such a study and submit them “as early as possible”. The crisis of land subsidence (the process by which an area of land sinks to a lower level than normal, or by which a building sinks into the ground) experienced in Joshimath, Uttarakhand, in January had also sparked a debate on the conflict between infrastructural development and ecology, but in a matter of months, Himachal Pradesh saw an unexpected deluge (A heavy rain) washing away roads and highways built on denuding (to strip or remove the covering of something, especially land) mountains. More committees and reports will not change the reality that infrastructure development in the hills cannot be executed as in the plains. Either States must bear the higher cost that comes from building more sustainably and minimising the risk to denizens (A person who inhabits a particular place), or designate regions as no-go zones. The latter has for decades provided fertile ground for political opportunism. As unequivocal (Admitting of no doubt or misunderstanding) scientific evidence concludes, the option to kick the proverbial can down the road (kick the can down the road means to avoid or delay dealing with a problem) no longer exists.

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