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.
>^
Top
