Mains Practice Questions

Introduction: 

“The Himalayas are not just mountains, they are the roots of our water, culture, and climate”. From acting as water towers to providing diverse habitats for unique species, the Himalayas are far more than just a physical barrier—they are the heart of the ecosystem that supports life and prosperity.

Body: 

Vital for Sustaining the Environment:

• Climate Regulation and Monsoon Support: The Himalayas play a significant role in climate regulation by blocking cold Central Asian winds, thus preventing the entire region from turning into a cold desert. 
  • Additionally, the mountain range intercepts moisture-laden monsoon winds, ensuring that India receives its monsoon rains, which are crucial for agriculture.
  • Any disruption in this system, such as glacial melting or deforestation, directly impacts the monsoon patterns, resulting in erratic weather and droughts.
• Water Supply and Hydrological Importance: The Himalayas are the source of major rivers like the Ganga, Brahmaputra, and Indus, which are vital for irrigation, drinking water, and hydropower. 
  • These rivers also enrich the soil of the fertile plains, ensuring agricultural productivity. 

Vital for Sustaining Biodiversity:

• Biodiversity Hotspot: The Himalayas are home to around 3,160 rare and endemic plant species, including medicinal plants with significant value for traditional medicine.
  • The range also hosts unique wildlife such as the snow leopard, red panda, and Himalayan tahr, making it one of the world’s biodiversity hotspots. 
  • The distinct ecosystems—from tropical forests to alpine meadows—house a rich diversity of flora and fauna, making the region crucial for global biodiversity.
• Ecological Services and Carbon Sequestration: The Himalayan forests act as critical carbon sinks, helping mitigate climate change by absorbing large amounts of carbon dioxide. 
  • The preservation of these IS essential for the region’s ecological balance and global environmental health.

Vital for Sustaining Livelihoods:

Agriculture and Water Dependency: The fertile soil and water from Himalayan rivers support agriculture in the plains of northern India. 

• Millions of farmers depend on the water and fertile lands fed by the Himalayas for crops such as rice, wheat, and sugarcane. 
• In regions like Uttarakhand, the agricultural practices are deeply tied to the seasonal cycles influenced by the region’s glacial meltwaters.

• Eco-Tourism and Local Economies: The Himalayas are a major hub for eco-tourism, attracting millions of visitors each year to sites like Kedarnath, Badrinath, and Shimla.
  • The tourism sector not only supports local economies but also provides employment opportunities in remote areas.
• Renewable Energy and Sustainable Practices: The Himalayan region holds immense potential for renewable energy generation, especially hydropower. 
  • With its abundance of rivers and waterfalls, hydropower can provide a sustainable energy source for the region. 
  • States like Arunachal Pradesh are already tapping into this potential with projects like the 13,000 MW hydropower agreement in the Lohit Basin, providing clean energy and supporting local development.

Conclusion: 

The Himalayas are a vital living ecosystem supporting the environment, biodiversity, and millions of livelihoods. However, challenges like climate-induced disasters, unsustainable development, and biodiversity loss threaten its resilience. To address these, a balanced and sustainable approach is essential. The National Mission on Himalayan Studies can play a key role in fostering research and guiding sustainable development.