|
Young World
Feel for the Himalayas
KANCHI KOHLI
|
Unplanned tourism is causing great damage to the mighty mountains.
|
Photo : Kanchi Kohli
Dam under construction: In the Himalayas.
There is something about the Himalayas. Every time I go into these mountains, I experience a sense of calm, magic, humility and majestic spirit. The western and eastern parts; upper reaches and more accessible terrains each bring with it a myriad of unique plant and animal life intertwined with cultures and lives of the people. There is an amazing mix of languages, food, song and simple rhythms of life. The Himalayan, both western and eastern; and the Trans Himalayas range
are under threat. They face the impact of unplanned tourism resulting in the construction of garish, multistoried structures. I remember spotting a big bald patch in the middle of the green mountains on my way to Mcleodganj in Himachal Pradesh. Planners had decided they wanted to make a hotel on land meant for a parking lot. Such tourism brings with it unmanageable garbage, crowds and chaos.
Further destruction
But today also brings mega dams, quarrying, and industrial extraction. In Sikkim, five dams are proposed in areas of deep spiritual association of the Lepcha tribal community. I remember visiting a village in another Himalayan state where a stone quarry existed, and the villagers spoke of the illnesses caused by the dust.
But what is important for mountain lovers is to understand that when we construct huge buildings in our cities the raw material comes from the pristine hills of the Himalayas. The entry of lots of people to a popular hill station puts pressure on water resources; and daily showers can deplete it for ever. Forests have been chopped because we want our cars to go all the way upto a temple or shrine!
So, next time you think of a Himalayan retreat or holiday, think of the Himalayas too.
The next time you pick up a bottle of mineral water, think of the natural spring from where it was bottled.
Think why many hill ranges today have only concrete jungles and not natural ones.
Do we want to enjoy the Himalayas forever?
Printer friendly
page
Send this article to Friends by
E-Mail
Young World
|
