Q: What are the concerns related to the Himalayan region's ecological health?
A: The Himalayan region is facing challenges due to various factors, including uncontrolled tourist activities, over-exploitation of natural resources, and illegal constructions, all of which threaten its delicate ecosystem.
Q: What has been suggested to address these concerns?
A: The parliamentary standing committee on science and technology, environment, forests, and climate change has recommended that the Union environment ministry take proactive steps to tackle the ecological destruction in the Himalayan region.
Q: What specific steps are proposed by the committee?
A: The committee suggests that the environment ministry should create a practical and realistic action plan. This plan should outline clear steps and timelines to curb destructive activities in the region, such as illegal construction and unsustainable development.
Q: How can the Himalayan region be better prepared for natural disasters?
A: The committee advises the formulation of a comprehensive action plan that covers various disaster scenarios, including flash floods, landslides, and other natural calamities. Additionally, a standard operating procedure (SOP) should be established to respond effectively to such unfortunate events.
Q: What is the impact of increased tourism in the Himalayan areas?
A: The committee's report highlights that a significant rise in tourist activities has led to severe pressure on natural resources. This pressure has resulted in issues like illegal construction of accommodations and encroachments on fragile ecosystems.
Q: How does the committee propose dealing with the consequences of tourism?
A: To address these consequences, the committee recommends conducting a thorough assessment of illegal structures. It suggests collaboration with local authorities to take strict actions against illegal constructions to prevent potential crises caused by such activities.
Q: How should environmental clearances be handled in sensitive areas?
A: The committee believes that a uniform approach to environmental clearance should not be applied to ecologically sensitive areas. Instead, these areas, like Joshimath, Mussoorie, and Dhanaulti, should be treated with a more careful and detailed assessment that prioritizes the environment over economic interests.
