Environment experts call for urgent action to protect Himalaya’s fragile ecosystem

New Delhi: Experts at a high-level Himalayan Roundtable called for urgent and coordinated measures to protect the fragile Himalayan ecosystem from the growing threats of “unregulated tourism, rapid urbanisation, deforestation and climate change”.

The closed-door roundtable, organised by the CP Kukreja Foundation for Design Excellence at the India International Centre, brought together policymakers, climate scientists, architects and environmental experts to discuss sustainable development in the Himalayan region.

Participants warned that hill towns in the Himalayan belt are facing rising risks from landslides, flash floods, erratic rainfall and environmental degradation due to unchecked development and increasing tourist traffic, especially during long weekends and peak holiday seasons.

They stressed that the Himalayas are critical not only as a geographical boundary but also as an ecological system that supports rivers, biodiversity and water security for millions across South Asia.

Speaking at the event, P. Subramanyam, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Arunachal Pradesh, said, “Our responsibility is not only to conserve these natural resources but also to ensure that conservation goes hand in hand with sustainable livelihoods for local communities.”

Lt. Gen. Harpal Singh (Retd) stressed the need for stronger governance and long-term planning, saying, “The Himalayas are not just a mountain range; they are a living ecosystem that supports millions of people across the subcontinent.”

Highlighting the pressure on hill towns, Ajit Pai, Chairman of the Delhi Urban Art Commission, said, “Sustainable design, low-impact infrastructure, and culturally sensitive development must become the foundation for all future projects in the region.”

Dr. Dipankar Saharia, Senior Director at TERI, warned that the effects of climate change are already visible in the region and said, “Policy, science, and local community engagement must come together if we are to build a sustainable future for the Himalayan region.”

The discussions from the roundtable will be compiled into a White Paper, which is expected to be released in the coming weeks with key recommendations for sustainable Himalayan development.