Guwahati: Delegates from Bhutan, India, and Nepal have called for urgent mountain-sensitive policies, technologies, and collaborative solutions to safeguard the future of hill cities in the Himalayas.
The dialogue, Parvat Manthan 2024, held on December 3-4 in New Delhi, brought together policymakers, researchers, and community leaders to address critical challenges of water security, sanitation, and waste management in this ecologically fragile region. Organized by the National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA), Integrated Mountain Initiative (IMI), ICIMOD, and BORDA, the event focused on actionable pathways to protect and sustain this vital ecosystem.
Water security emerged as a critical concern, with the fast-growing cities of the Himalayas, such as Gangtok, facing severe shortages exacerbated by climate change. Delegates underscored the urgent need for decentralized liquid waste management systems to protect public health and preserve ecological balance in these remote, resource-constrained mountain areas.
Solid waste management challenges were also at the forefront. Data from the Himalayan Cleanup 2024 revealed that over 90% of waste collected in the region was plastic, with a staggering 75% being non-recyclable food packaging. This highlighted systemic flaws in waste management, with experts emphasizing the need to redesign production and packaging to eliminate waste at its source.
Delegates called for mountain-specific targets under Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) rules, stressing that current policies inadequately address the unique challenges of the region.
Tourism’s impact was another critical area of deliberation. Cities like Shimla face the dual pressures of strained water resources and mounting waste driven by growing tourist inflows. While tourism brings economic benefits, it also exacerbates the burden on local infrastructure, making sustainable tourism practices an urgent priority.
Financial constraints were identified as significant barriers to progress, with Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) struggling due to inadequate resource devolution and tied funds. Strengthening State Finance Commissions to ensure equitable resource allocation and empowering ULBs emerged as key recommendations.
Speakers highlighted the need to integrate global perspectives with local action, recognizing the interconnected challenges facing the Himalayas and the necessity of international support. Waste management was framed as more than an end-of-life issue, with delegates stressing its links to production systems, food packaging, and health outcomes. They underscored that waste in the Himalayas is not merely a local problem but a global production issue requiring concerted action.
Several innovative solutions were showcased, including Nepal’s community-driven “Carry Me Back” program, which mobilizes trekkers to manage waste in the Everest region, and the use of drones for waste collection in inaccessible areas. These initiatives underscored the importance of grassroots mobilization and decentralized technologies in addressing waste challenges effectively.
The event also marked the release of “Untold Stories from the Himalaya: 20 Solutions for Water and Waste Management,” a publication offering practical case studies and insights for policymakers and practitioners. IMI President Ramesh Negi called for closer engagement between decision-makers and mountain universities to develop contextually relevant strategies. He emphasized the need to recognize the Himalayas as a critical national and global asset, urging policymakers to implement robust policies and allocate dedicated resources to protect its ecological and cultural heritage.
Participants reaffirmed their commitment to making Parvat Manthan a “high ambition” platform for addressing plastic pollution, enhancing water security, and promoting sustainable development in the Himalayas. The event reinforced the importance of collaborative efforts and actionable solutions to ensure this fragile yet vital region remains a cornerstone of ecological resilience and human well-being for generations to come.
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