The Doon valley, bounded by the Yamuna and Ganga
rivers, forms a watershed of the Garhwal Himalaya.
The history of its environmental decline begins with
early raiders who plundered its forests. The subsequent
Gorkha invasion, followed by colonial policies and
modern-day hydel projects have all had a negative
impact on the carrying capacity of the valley. This
is analysed in terms of deforestation, floods, drop
in water tables, earthquakes, landslides, soil erosion,
poverty and imbalanced population patterns, including
the nomadic Gujjars of Rajaji National Park.
The post-Independence assault on the valley's mineral
wealth by the limestone quarry industry coincided
with the growing credibility of the idea of sustainable
development in the context of continuing government
apathy, lack of proper planning, outmoded laws, and
a dearth of communication typified by nearby Jaunsar-Bawar
tribal tracts. Following the historic Supreme Court
judgment in the Doon Valley Limestone Case which closed
down a major industry on environmental grounds for
the first time anywhere, there are hopes that, with
the appreciation of this valley as a gateway to the
Garhwal hinterland, sustainable development activities
including tourism and environmental conservation will
be accelerated.
These chronicles of the Doon valley highlight the
little known contribution of Sir George Everest to
the region, after whom is named the highest mountain
in the world, and tell a tale of subsequent environmental
degradation. They contain a first hand report of how
enlightened leaders joined hands with the efforts
of the people in Parliament and the Supreme Court
to save their valley from ecological disaster.
The book will be an eye-opener for environmentalists,
foresters, planners, and laymen. The lessons drawn
are of universal significance.
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