India’s diverse topography includes seven major mountain ranges, with the Himalayas being the largest and most significant. In the northern part of the country, the Eastern Himalayas boast the Kangchenjunga range, home to popular hill stations like Darjeeling and Gangtok. Uttarakhand’s Nanda Devi, another prominent peak, is also surrounded by well-known hill stations. The Shivalik range, also in the north, includes famous destinations such as Mussoorie, Drass, Dalhousie, Kullu, Shimla, and Nainital, among others.
Hill stations in India are high-altitude towns known for recreation, relaxation, and as a refuge from the intense summer heat. Given the vastness of India and its predominantly continental climate, many regions experience scorching summers. Hill stations, located at higher elevations, offer cooler temperatures and provide a welcome escape from the heat and humidity.
The Majority of India’s hill stations are located in the states of Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Manipur, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, West Bengal, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Nagaland, and Meghalaya within the Himalayan region. Others are found in the Western Ghats, spanning the states of Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Goa, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu, as well as in the Eastern Ghats in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and West Bengal.
Many of these hill stations were developed by the British around a central mall, serving as a retreat from the oppressive summer heat. Picturesque lakes are often a central feature, making these towns ideal for boating and other recreational activities. Due to their popularity, especially during the summer, these hill stations are well-connected to major Indian cities by rail, road, and air, making them easily accessible for tourists throughout the year.
The unscientific exploitation of valuable natural resources and the implementation of numerous poorly conceived development projects have severely threatened the fragile ecosystems of hill regions. The consequences of this exploitation are evident in the repeated loss of life and property. Common issues faced by these regions include indiscriminate deforestation, unsustainable resource extraction, soil erosion, siltation in downstream areas, and flooding.
The current pattern of industrial growth and development has caused more harm than good to the state’s resources, environment, and economy, becoming a major obstacle to the sustainable development of hill areas. It is crucial to critically reassess this industrial growth pattern to ensure the rational and responsible development of these sensitive regions.
The devastating landslides in Wayanad and Himachal Pradesh are not just a wake-up call—they are a dire warning that has long been ignored. Ecologically, Kerala is extremely fragile. The warning signs were evident long ago but chose to overlook them in favour of the development agenda that was supposed to lead the economic prosperity and pave the way for the disaster. The changed climatic factors, like the intensification of short-duration heavy rainfall with increased atmospheric moisture, are dominant triggers for heavy landslides.
Achieving a balance between the economic benefits of tourism and the protection of fragile environments requires careful planning, sustainable practices, and collaboration between governments, local communities, and the tourism industry.
We must finally learn the right lessons from Wayanad and implement more sustainable practices in all developmental activities.
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