Contemporary Issues in Rural and Urban Development: Darjeeling and Sikkim Himalayas

The multi-disciplinary edited book entitled ‘Contemporary Issues in Rural and Urban Development: Darjeeling and Sikkim Himalayas,’ unravels the intellectual deliberations, understandings and opinions regarding the diverse issues encompassing the developmental prospects and challenges in rural and urban areas of Darjeeling and Sikkim Himalayas. The first five chapters deal with the opportunities and constraints in organic farming; social impact of development process; water consumption pattern among social category groups; extent and degree of urban sprawl and impact of COVID – 19 on the economy of the Himalayan region. The next six chapters focus on the migration process; significant achievements of the State Government in attaining development; settlement pattern and social organisation structure of the hill tribes; developmental challenges of trade corridor covering the hill region; characteristics of population growth, distribution and density and the impact of cafe culture among the young adults. The final five chapters highlight on the rise of a prominent agribusiness; budget allocation and gaps; false political dilemma of recognition and redistribution of resources; role of Buddhism in the historical framework of Tibet-Sikkim relations and proliferation cultural development boards in the hill region. This edited book will definitely be an important contribution to the social science research reaching out to the masses.