STRATEGIES FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF DOON VALLEY REGION

Abstract

Urbanization has become a major force in the process of economic development and environmental management across the Himalayas and particularly in the lower altitudes, i.e. valleys and terai areas, they being the only usable land. Rapid growth of these regions and inmigration from higher altitudes put immense pressure on the resources of these areas. Doon Valley in Dehradun district of Uttarakhand State in India has been one of the regions demanding a step towards sustainability. This region initially emerged as a trading point between the hills and the plains, and eventually small and medium scale industries came up, acting as catalysts for further economic expansion. No doubt, economic growth in terms of industries provides for employment opportunities in offfarm sectors and is responsible for transformation of traditional farming systems; but the adverse effects of industries on the environment pose a question for a set of strategies to achieve sustainable development in the region. Industries, in many ways are a threat to the fragile resources of the region. Sustainability aims at use of resources in the right direction to cater to the needs of the future generation. If the resources these industries depend on and use callously, gradually degrade and then disappear, the region will have double loss with lost environmental resource and also the source of economy. Economy and environment should go hand in hand to achieve sustainability of the region. This dissertation aims at formulating strategies for sustainable development of Doon Valley Region. This region has become one of the leading growth areas in terms of employment. Hence, there has been a constant rise in population and urbanization in the valley. This has had positive as well as negative impacts to the valley, namely, degradation of resources, shortages of water supplies, air and water pollution and urban slum development. This study considers the environment, economy and tourism sectors. Strategies have been laid out using indicators from the study. The set of strategies can be used in any area of similar character.