Unite Himalayan States for nature-friendly, participatory policies on sustainable & relevant development
PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/Dehradun
The second and concluding day of the 12th Sustainable Mountain Development Summit (SMDS-XII), organised by the Integrated Mountain Initiative (IMI) at Doon University, witnessed in-depth deliberations among legislators, scientists and experts from Himalayan States on the challenges and solutions of sustainable development with the convern of increasing disaster in the Himalaya.Experts and public representatives stressed on the need for Himalayan States to unite to ensure sustainable and nature-friendly development which is specifically suited to the Himalayan region. The day featured the Mountain Legislators’ Meet (MLM), chaired by Uttarakhand Assembly speaker, Ritu Khanduri.
The participants included former Arunachal Pradesh chief minister Nabam Tuki, MLAs from Uttarakhand including Munna Singh Chauhan, Kishore Upadhyay, Savita Kapoor, Brijbhushan Gairola, Asha Nautiyal along with MLAs Anuradha Rana (Himachal Pradesh), Hekani Jakhalu, Wangpang Konyak (Nagaland) and Tikender S Panwar (former Mayor, Himachal Pradesh). IMI president Ramesh Negi and others also participated in the deliberations.
Addressing the gathering, Khanduri said, “The Himalaya is an extremely sensitive region where life requires resilience. We must frame policies that ensure active participation of local communities. Only by integrating science with traditional knowledge can we secure a prosperous future for the Himalayas and the generations to come.” She further emphasised the need for a coordinated approach to Himalayan research, innovations and policy-making across all Himalayan States that build resilience especially against disasters building on traditional knowledge.
Haridwar MP Trivendra Singh Rawat stated that development in the Himalaya cannot be measured merely in terms of roads and buildings. “True development must link conservation of natural resources with the livelihoods of local communities. Ongoing efforts in this direction must be accelerated,” he said.
Tuki underscored the importance of scientific construction practices in mountain regions while Chauhan highlighted the need to revive the traditional wisdom of settlement and housing followed by our ancestors. Upadhyay called for synergy between scientists, policymakers, and community participation in policy-making for the Himalayas.
Rana pointed out the shrinking availability of safe land for housing amid rising population density and suggested policy interventions to identify secure settlement areas whereas Jakhalu urged collective efforts for Himalayan conservation, adding that construction without scientific validation should not be permitted.
Uttarakhand State Council for Science and Technology director general Durgesh Pant shared key learnings, while environmentalist Ravi Chopra presented detailed studies on climate change and adaptation.
