Rural Himalayan Ecology and Urban Ecosystem
Contents: Introduction. 1. Background paper on Himalayan ecology: main issues and concerns. 2. History of Himalayan ecology. 3. The people and tribes in rural and urban ecosystems. 4. Characterization of socio-economic factors in Western Himalaya: perspectives and conservation implications. 5. Tibet and development : a personal view. 6. Impact of man on the mountain ecosystem. 7. The ecology of Kumaon a paradise in peril. 8. Rural and urban settlements. 9. Himalayan paryavaran. 10. Development project vis-a-vis ethno religious sentiments: the Rathong Chu Imbroglio in Sikkim. 11. Inter-ethnic relations in Sikkim in historical perspective. Index.
"The Himalayan ecology and the ecosystems of the urban centres are in the spotlight today. An imbalance in the environment a resulted in glacial recessions, cloud bursts and floods causing massive devastation. This has caused much concern amongst the ecologists and environmentalists. The forest cover is reducing not only in Indian side of Himalaya, but in Bhutan and Nepal also.
This book deals with the problems besetting the Himalayan river systems, various mountain ranges, major passes, receding glaciers, pastures and glacial lakes in regions like Pir Panjal, Dhaula Dhar, Siwalik, Zanskar, Ladakh and East Karakoram ranges. The book also discusses the people and tribes living in distinct ecosystems at various altitudes ranging from Tibet, Nepal, J and K to Kumaon. It also deals with the Himalaya\'s fragile ecosystem in active seismic zone. The book provides a comprehensive study of the subject to a serious student." (jacket)