Save Himalayas, Save Earth

The majestic Himalayas, often revered as the roof of the world, are currently facing an unprecedented environmental crisis. Countries and communities across the Himalayan region are grappling with an extraordinary environmental crisis, marked by the dual threats of climate change and pollution. Without collective and decisive action, the majestic Himalayan mountains risk degradation under the immense pressures exerted by human activity A fundamental shift in mindset and behaviour is imperative to preserve these natural wonders and protect our planet. It is time to save the Himalayas, save the Earth.

Yesterday, six people died and approximately 2,000 tourists were stranded in Sikkim, due to landslides and floods triggered by incessant rainfall. In Nepal’s Taplejung district, bordering Sikkim, four people lost their lives when a landslide caused by heavy rains swept away their house while they were sleeping. The heavy rains have affected Mangan, a border district in northern Sikkim leading to multiple landslides.

In Kashmir, a tragic incident occurred when a portion of the Thajiwas Glacier collapsed at Sonamarg, located 3,000 meters above sea level. This incident resulted in the death of one individual and the rescue of two tourists. In another incident, a tourist from Maharashtra lost their life after falling into a snow cavity at Thajiwas Glacier, highlighting concerns about the safety and preservation of this once-pristine natural wonder. The glacier is deteriorating and shrinking, a fate shared by other well-known glaciers in Kashmir, such as the Kolahoi Glacier. The urgency to allow these mountainous glaciers a respite is critical.

Last week, the Nepali Army undertook a massive clean-up operation, removing 11 tonnes of waste, four dead bodies, and one human skeleton from Everest, Lhotse, and Nuptse. This effort was part of their Mountain Clean-Up campaign-2024, under the slogan “An endeavour to save the Himalayas,” in Kathmandu.

Nepal’s army, since 2019, annual clean-ups have collected 119 tonnes of rubbish, 14 human corpses, and several skeletons. The stark reality is that Mount Everest, often dubbed the world’s highest garbage dump, is littered with over 50 tonnes of waste and more than 200 bodies. This year, authorities introduced measures to reduce rubbish and improve rescues, including requiring climbers to wear tracking devices and carry back their waste. The recent clean-up efforts by the Nepali Army are commendable, but they are just the beginning. Sustained action and commitment are needed to safeguard the Himalayas for future generations.

The environmental challenges extend beyond waste management. The Kashmir range of the Himalayas, with its complex topography and significant glacial resources, are particularly vulnerable to climate change. Rising temperatures, deforestation and unstable precipitation patterns are accelerating glacier retreat, leading to increased flooding, avalanches, and water scarcity. A local study in Kashmir suggests that not only are visible glaciers in the mountains shrinking, but so are those at higher elevations. Kashmir Scientists have repeatedly warned that glacial melt will exacerbate flooding and avalanches.

The complete Himalayan belt, from Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand to Sikkim and beyond in the northeast, is experiencing significant temperature increases and minimal rainfall. These changes threaten the region’s biodiversity, water resources, and agricultural productivity, ultimately impacting local livelihoods and economies.

Efforts to address these challenges must be multifaceted. Individual countries like the Nepali government’s plans to stagger climbers to reduce traffic jams and create a mountain rangers’ team to monitor rubbish are steps in the right direction. However, comprehensive strategies involving scientific studies, international cooperation, and robust environmental policies are crucial to mitigate the impacts of climate change and preserve the Himalayas.

As the Himalayas continue to grapple with the dual threats of pollution and climate change, the global community must recognise the urgency of protecting this vital ecosystem. Understanding and assessing the impacts of these climatic changes in the Himalayan belt is crucial.

India and its neighbours, China and Pakistan, as well as Nepal and Bhutan, the countries that fall on all sides of the Himalayas, need to coordinate as these countries share borders in the Himalayas, and have significantly hindered efforts to address environmental challenges in the region. Anjal Prakash, a lead coordinating author for the IPCC special report on oceans and cryosphere, emphasized the importance of collaboration. “They need to come together and share information on the glaciers across borders,” Prakash stated. “Only then can we comprehensively monitor the dangers associated with retreating glaciers and prepare ourselves to deal with disasters.”

The call for cooperation highlights the urgent need for cross-border efforts to mitigate the impact of climate change on the Himalayas, a region critical to the environmental health and water security of South Asia. The Indian government has established eight national missions under its National Action Plan on Climate Change, one of which focuses on “sustaining the Himalayan ecosystem.” This mission aims to develop and adopt new methods for assessing the health of the Himalayan ecosystem, including glaciers, and to create a comprehensive database to support these efforts.

 Steps to Save the Himalayas

Comprehensive Waste Management

All Himalayan counties need to participate actively and do their needful duties to protect mountains from further deterioration. Countries need to establish meaningful waste Collection Systems. Implement organized waste collection systems at base camps and along trekking routes along with proper disposal and recycling facilities should be available at key locations.

 Enforce Strict Regulations

Enforce strict penalties for littering and improper waste disposal. It requires climbers and trekkers to carry back their waste and implement a tracking system to ensure compliance. Develop and enforce policies focused on sustainable development and environmental protection. Ensure that policies are adaptable to changing environmental conditions and backed by scientific research. Increase funding for conservation projects, waste management, and climate adaptation measures.

 Controlled Tourism and Trekking

These beautiful mountains need limited tourists, so the authorities need to limit their numbers. Innovate a system like issuing a permit system to control the number of tourists and trekkers in sensitive areas. Schedule trekking and climbing expeditions to avoid overcrowding, especially during peak seasons.

 Promote Eco-Tourism

Encourage eco-friendly tourism practices that minimise environmental impact. Provide training for local guides and tourism operators on sustainable practices. Establish monitoring stations to collect data on glacier health, weather patterns, and biodiversity. Support scientific research to understand the impacts of climate change and develop adaptation strategies. Promote reforestation and afforestation projects to stabilize soil and enhance carbon sequestration.

 Cross-Border Collaboration

Foster cooperation between India, Nepal, China, Bhutan and Pakistan to share data and best practices. Establish joint initiatives for glacier monitoring, disaster preparedness, and environmental conservation. These can be organised through platforms like any reputable International Climate Organisation or Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) to gain support for Himalayan conservation efforts.

 Empower and Educate Local Communities

Involve local communities in conservation efforts through education and training programs. Promote sustainable livelihoods that do not harm the environment, such as organic farming and handicrafts. Launch awareness campaigns to educate tourists, locals, and the global community about the environmental challenges facing the Himalayas. Use media and social platforms to highlight the importance of preserving this vital ecosystem. Support local and regional initiatives financially and logistically.

 Build Resilient Infrastructure

Construct infrastructure that can withstand extreme weather events and natural disasters. Develop eco-friendly infrastructure that minimizes environmental impact, such as solar-powered facilities and sustainable transport options. Promote the use of renewable energy sources to reduce reliance on fossil fuels. Provide incentives for adopting clean energy technologies in households, businesses, and public facilities.

The plight of the Himalayas is a stark reminder of the urgent need for collective action to combat environmental degradation. These lofty mountains, vital to our ecological balance and cultural heritage, cannot endure the relentless pressures of climate change and pollution indefinitely. We must adopt sustainable practices and foster a global commitment to environmental stewardship. By changing our mindset and working together, we can preserve the Himalayas for future generations and ensure the health of our planet. The time to act is now—save the Himalayas, save the Earth.

Author is National Editor,

Greater Kashmir.