Some Important Issues of Uttarakhand | Uttarakhand State PSC (UKPSC): Preparation - UKPSC (Uttarakhand) PDF Download

 Page 1


Some Important Issues of Uttarakhand
1. Making Gairsain the Capital of Uttarakhand
In June 2020, the Government issued a notification to make Bhararisain
(Gairsain), the summer capital of Uttarakhand. Geographically Gairsain is
located at the centre of Uttarakhand at an approximate latitude of 30degree
3’N and longitude of 79d19’E. in the Chamoli district. It is surrounded by the
Dudhatoli and Vyasi mountain ranges. The town is located in a 60-70 sq. km.
wide valley at an altitude of 5360 feet. The rivers of Atagad, Western and
Eastern Nayar and western Ramganga flow in this region. Main species of
vegetation found here are Oak, Tilonj, Kharsu, Rhododendron, Kafal, and
zpine. World famous religious place of Binsar is situated near it.
At the time of formation of the state Dehradun due to its geographical
accessibility was setup as state’s provisional capital. The intention has always
been there to shift capital at some place located in hilly area. Gairasin due to
its location at centre of Kumaun and Garhwal is considered to be the best
location for setting up state’s capital.During Uttarakhad movement demand
was raised to make Gairsain as the capital of the proposed state. UKD at its
14
th
 convention in 1992 announced Gairsain as Chandra Nagar to be the
capital of Uttarakahnd. Two committees were setup to decide on feasibility of
settingup capital at Gairsain.
Umashankar Kaushik Committee setup in 1994, recommended Gairsain
to be made state’s capital.Virendra Dikshit Committee also called Rajdhani
Chayan ayog, setup in 2008 conducted land survey of Gairsain, but cited
many problems and does not found it feasible to shift capital to Gairasain and
recommended Dehradun to be made permanent capital of Uttarakhand. Since
formation of the state, struggle has been going on for shifting capital to
Gairsain. In 2012 cabinet meeting was conducted at Gairsain. Vidhan Sabha
session was held at Gairsain in 2014 and construction of Vidhan Bhawan has
been completed at Bharadisain. In 2015, Budget session of assembly was
organized at Gairsain.
Arguments in Favour- 1- its location at centre of Uttarakhand and easy
Page 2


Some Important Issues of Uttarakhand
1. Making Gairsain the Capital of Uttarakhand
In June 2020, the Government issued a notification to make Bhararisain
(Gairsain), the summer capital of Uttarakhand. Geographically Gairsain is
located at the centre of Uttarakhand at an approximate latitude of 30degree
3’N and longitude of 79d19’E. in the Chamoli district. It is surrounded by the
Dudhatoli and Vyasi mountain ranges. The town is located in a 60-70 sq. km.
wide valley at an altitude of 5360 feet. The rivers of Atagad, Western and
Eastern Nayar and western Ramganga flow in this region. Main species of
vegetation found here are Oak, Tilonj, Kharsu, Rhododendron, Kafal, and
zpine. World famous religious place of Binsar is situated near it.
At the time of formation of the state Dehradun due to its geographical
accessibility was setup as state’s provisional capital. The intention has always
been there to shift capital at some place located in hilly area. Gairasin due to
its location at centre of Kumaun and Garhwal is considered to be the best
location for setting up state’s capital.During Uttarakhad movement demand
was raised to make Gairsain as the capital of the proposed state. UKD at its
14
th
 convention in 1992 announced Gairsain as Chandra Nagar to be the
capital of Uttarakahnd. Two committees were setup to decide on feasibility of
settingup capital at Gairsain.
Umashankar Kaushik Committee setup in 1994, recommended Gairsain
to be made state’s capital.Virendra Dikshit Committee also called Rajdhani
Chayan ayog, setup in 2008 conducted land survey of Gairsain, but cited
many problems and does not found it feasible to shift capital to Gairasain and
recommended Dehradun to be made permanent capital of Uttarakhand. Since
formation of the state, struggle has been going on for shifting capital to
Gairsain. In 2012 cabinet meeting was conducted at Gairsain. Vidhan Sabha
session was held at Gairsain in 2014 and construction of Vidhan Bhawan has
been completed at Bharadisain. In 2015, Budget session of assembly was
organized at Gairsain.
Arguments in Favour- 1- its location at centre of Uttarakhand and easy
accessibility for people of both the divisions. 2- The provisional capital,
Dehradun is far from areas like Munsyari, Dharchula and also falls in Dun
(Plain) region. 3- it will take development to hills, hill-plain developmental
disparity will be reduced. 4- it is a long pending demand, a political and a
people’s issue. 5- Already beginning has been made by constructing Vidhan
Bhawan at Gairsain.
Arguments Against- 1- financial viability as a complete new capital city
has to be constructed. 2- Already institutional and infrastructural setup has
been created at Dehradun. 3- Gairsain does not have enough availability of
land and space for setting up infrastructural facilities.
Conclusion- recently government issued a notification to make Gairsain
summer capital of the state. A great deal of emotions is attached with the
issue. Already Nainital has been made judicial capital of the state. In this
light Gairsain can be made legislative capital along with the summer capital
and Dehradun should be made administrative capital of the state.
2. Lost Activism in Uttarakhand
Since historical times Uttarakhand has been the land of activists and socio-
political movements. Several such examples exist like- Teelu Rauteli led war
to save her motherland, or Nak Kati Rani’s war against Delhi rulers,
movement against social practices like Dola Palki, Kuli Utar, Kuli Bardyash
etc. Tinchari Mai led movement against liquor and intoxication, movement
against British and Princely state of Tehri. More recently environmental
movements like Chipko and Maiti Movements sought into the attention of
entire world. The greatest and perhaps till date the last movement was the
movement for separate hill state of Uttarakhand.
One of the incredible speciality of these movements was the participation
of women in large numbers along with every section of society in these
movements and emergence of natural leadership among the masses as one of
the participant emerged as a leader. Women in Uttarakhand society have
always been treated in high regard and they play a dominant role in socio-
economic and political life of the society. School and college students too
participated in large numbers.
Unfortunately, despite its need in present day Uttarakhand no major
movement emerged after the formation of state. It is not a fact that today
Uttarakhand have no outstanding issue, but a society that has always been
Page 3


Some Important Issues of Uttarakhand
1. Making Gairsain the Capital of Uttarakhand
In June 2020, the Government issued a notification to make Bhararisain
(Gairsain), the summer capital of Uttarakhand. Geographically Gairsain is
located at the centre of Uttarakhand at an approximate latitude of 30degree
3’N and longitude of 79d19’E. in the Chamoli district. It is surrounded by the
Dudhatoli and Vyasi mountain ranges. The town is located in a 60-70 sq. km.
wide valley at an altitude of 5360 feet. The rivers of Atagad, Western and
Eastern Nayar and western Ramganga flow in this region. Main species of
vegetation found here are Oak, Tilonj, Kharsu, Rhododendron, Kafal, and
zpine. World famous religious place of Binsar is situated near it.
At the time of formation of the state Dehradun due to its geographical
accessibility was setup as state’s provisional capital. The intention has always
been there to shift capital at some place located in hilly area. Gairasin due to
its location at centre of Kumaun and Garhwal is considered to be the best
location for setting up state’s capital.During Uttarakhad movement demand
was raised to make Gairsain as the capital of the proposed state. UKD at its
14
th
 convention in 1992 announced Gairsain as Chandra Nagar to be the
capital of Uttarakahnd. Two committees were setup to decide on feasibility of
settingup capital at Gairsain.
Umashankar Kaushik Committee setup in 1994, recommended Gairsain
to be made state’s capital.Virendra Dikshit Committee also called Rajdhani
Chayan ayog, setup in 2008 conducted land survey of Gairsain, but cited
many problems and does not found it feasible to shift capital to Gairasain and
recommended Dehradun to be made permanent capital of Uttarakhand. Since
formation of the state, struggle has been going on for shifting capital to
Gairsain. In 2012 cabinet meeting was conducted at Gairsain. Vidhan Sabha
session was held at Gairsain in 2014 and construction of Vidhan Bhawan has
been completed at Bharadisain. In 2015, Budget session of assembly was
organized at Gairsain.
Arguments in Favour- 1- its location at centre of Uttarakhand and easy
accessibility for people of both the divisions. 2- The provisional capital,
Dehradun is far from areas like Munsyari, Dharchula and also falls in Dun
(Plain) region. 3- it will take development to hills, hill-plain developmental
disparity will be reduced. 4- it is a long pending demand, a political and a
people’s issue. 5- Already beginning has been made by constructing Vidhan
Bhawan at Gairsain.
Arguments Against- 1- financial viability as a complete new capital city
has to be constructed. 2- Already institutional and infrastructural setup has
been created at Dehradun. 3- Gairsain does not have enough availability of
land and space for setting up infrastructural facilities.
Conclusion- recently government issued a notification to make Gairsain
summer capital of the state. A great deal of emotions is attached with the
issue. Already Nainital has been made judicial capital of the state. In this
light Gairsain can be made legislative capital along with the summer capital
and Dehradun should be made administrative capital of the state.
2. Lost Activism in Uttarakhand
Since historical times Uttarakhand has been the land of activists and socio-
political movements. Several such examples exist like- Teelu Rauteli led war
to save her motherland, or Nak Kati Rani’s war against Delhi rulers,
movement against social practices like Dola Palki, Kuli Utar, Kuli Bardyash
etc. Tinchari Mai led movement against liquor and intoxication, movement
against British and Princely state of Tehri. More recently environmental
movements like Chipko and Maiti Movements sought into the attention of
entire world. The greatest and perhaps till date the last movement was the
movement for separate hill state of Uttarakhand.
One of the incredible speciality of these movements was the participation
of women in large numbers along with every section of society in these
movements and emergence of natural leadership among the masses as one of
the participant emerged as a leader. Women in Uttarakhand society have
always been treated in high regard and they play a dominant role in socio-
economic and political life of the society. School and college students too
participated in large numbers.
Unfortunately, despite its need in present day Uttarakhand no major
movement emerged after the formation of state. It is not a fact that today
Uttarakhand have no outstanding issue, but a society that has always been
vocal is yet to see a major movement in burning issues like, environmental
degradation, pollution, palayan, agricultural backwardness, forest fires and
degradation, intoxication in hilly areas etc.
Reasons
Following reasons can be attributed to the lost activism in Uttarakhand-
1. Formation of hill state led to the emergence of local leadership which can
be accessed by people easily. Thus voices are heard even without one gets
vocal.
2. Large scale outmigration often termed as Palayan, has led to loss of human
resource from the state.
3. Many social and non governmental organizations which were leading these
movements either lost momentum or their leadership god diassociated.
Many of these organizations also became part of active politics.
4. New generation could not follow footsteps of earlier generations, and
movements lost momentum.
5. After formation of State, regional parties and thus local issues could not
get prominence in state politics.
Conclusion- Uttarakhand today desperately needs people led movements
with youth and women activism. Issues like Palayan, unemployment,
intoxication, environmental degradation, forest fires and forest degradation,
need urgent attention of masses.
3. Social Status of Women in Uttarakhand
Uttarakhand society has always kept women high in regards, unlike other
parts women in Uttarakhand play dominant role in family, socio-cultural, and
economic life. We have many examples when in historical past women
played important role. Rani Karnawati, and Veer Bala Teelu Rauteli are two
examples who led from the front when male members of family attained
martyrdom. Similarly Tinchari Mai led movement against intoxication and
liquour in the hills. During freedom movement women became eqaual partner
in the struggle. Uttarakhand has no history of women subjugation like
customs of Sati, Pardah and even widow remarriage was allowed in the
society.
Biggest example of women leadership in Uttarakhand is world famous
Chipko Movement which was initiated and led by a group of women under
Page 4


Some Important Issues of Uttarakhand
1. Making Gairsain the Capital of Uttarakhand
In June 2020, the Government issued a notification to make Bhararisain
(Gairsain), the summer capital of Uttarakhand. Geographically Gairsain is
located at the centre of Uttarakhand at an approximate latitude of 30degree
3’N and longitude of 79d19’E. in the Chamoli district. It is surrounded by the
Dudhatoli and Vyasi mountain ranges. The town is located in a 60-70 sq. km.
wide valley at an altitude of 5360 feet. The rivers of Atagad, Western and
Eastern Nayar and western Ramganga flow in this region. Main species of
vegetation found here are Oak, Tilonj, Kharsu, Rhododendron, Kafal, and
zpine. World famous religious place of Binsar is situated near it.
At the time of formation of the state Dehradun due to its geographical
accessibility was setup as state’s provisional capital. The intention has always
been there to shift capital at some place located in hilly area. Gairasin due to
its location at centre of Kumaun and Garhwal is considered to be the best
location for setting up state’s capital.During Uttarakhad movement demand
was raised to make Gairsain as the capital of the proposed state. UKD at its
14
th
 convention in 1992 announced Gairsain as Chandra Nagar to be the
capital of Uttarakahnd. Two committees were setup to decide on feasibility of
settingup capital at Gairsain.
Umashankar Kaushik Committee setup in 1994, recommended Gairsain
to be made state’s capital.Virendra Dikshit Committee also called Rajdhani
Chayan ayog, setup in 2008 conducted land survey of Gairsain, but cited
many problems and does not found it feasible to shift capital to Gairasain and
recommended Dehradun to be made permanent capital of Uttarakhand. Since
formation of the state, struggle has been going on for shifting capital to
Gairsain. In 2012 cabinet meeting was conducted at Gairsain. Vidhan Sabha
session was held at Gairsain in 2014 and construction of Vidhan Bhawan has
been completed at Bharadisain. In 2015, Budget session of assembly was
organized at Gairsain.
Arguments in Favour- 1- its location at centre of Uttarakhand and easy
accessibility for people of both the divisions. 2- The provisional capital,
Dehradun is far from areas like Munsyari, Dharchula and also falls in Dun
(Plain) region. 3- it will take development to hills, hill-plain developmental
disparity will be reduced. 4- it is a long pending demand, a political and a
people’s issue. 5- Already beginning has been made by constructing Vidhan
Bhawan at Gairsain.
Arguments Against- 1- financial viability as a complete new capital city
has to be constructed. 2- Already institutional and infrastructural setup has
been created at Dehradun. 3- Gairsain does not have enough availability of
land and space for setting up infrastructural facilities.
Conclusion- recently government issued a notification to make Gairsain
summer capital of the state. A great deal of emotions is attached with the
issue. Already Nainital has been made judicial capital of the state. In this
light Gairsain can be made legislative capital along with the summer capital
and Dehradun should be made administrative capital of the state.
2. Lost Activism in Uttarakhand
Since historical times Uttarakhand has been the land of activists and socio-
political movements. Several such examples exist like- Teelu Rauteli led war
to save her motherland, or Nak Kati Rani’s war against Delhi rulers,
movement against social practices like Dola Palki, Kuli Utar, Kuli Bardyash
etc. Tinchari Mai led movement against liquor and intoxication, movement
against British and Princely state of Tehri. More recently environmental
movements like Chipko and Maiti Movements sought into the attention of
entire world. The greatest and perhaps till date the last movement was the
movement for separate hill state of Uttarakhand.
One of the incredible speciality of these movements was the participation
of women in large numbers along with every section of society in these
movements and emergence of natural leadership among the masses as one of
the participant emerged as a leader. Women in Uttarakhand society have
always been treated in high regard and they play a dominant role in socio-
economic and political life of the society. School and college students too
participated in large numbers.
Unfortunately, despite its need in present day Uttarakhand no major
movement emerged after the formation of state. It is not a fact that today
Uttarakhand have no outstanding issue, but a society that has always been
vocal is yet to see a major movement in burning issues like, environmental
degradation, pollution, palayan, agricultural backwardness, forest fires and
degradation, intoxication in hilly areas etc.
Reasons
Following reasons can be attributed to the lost activism in Uttarakhand-
1. Formation of hill state led to the emergence of local leadership which can
be accessed by people easily. Thus voices are heard even without one gets
vocal.
2. Large scale outmigration often termed as Palayan, has led to loss of human
resource from the state.
3. Many social and non governmental organizations which were leading these
movements either lost momentum or their leadership god diassociated.
Many of these organizations also became part of active politics.
4. New generation could not follow footsteps of earlier generations, and
movements lost momentum.
5. After formation of State, regional parties and thus local issues could not
get prominence in state politics.
Conclusion- Uttarakhand today desperately needs people led movements
with youth and women activism. Issues like Palayan, unemployment,
intoxication, environmental degradation, forest fires and forest degradation,
need urgent attention of masses.
3. Social Status of Women in Uttarakhand
Uttarakhand society has always kept women high in regards, unlike other
parts women in Uttarakhand play dominant role in family, socio-cultural, and
economic life. We have many examples when in historical past women
played important role. Rani Karnawati, and Veer Bala Teelu Rauteli are two
examples who led from the front when male members of family attained
martyrdom. Similarly Tinchari Mai led movement against intoxication and
liquour in the hills. During freedom movement women became eqaual partner
in the struggle. Uttarakhand has no history of women subjugation like
customs of Sati, Pardah and even widow remarriage was allowed in the
society.
Biggest example of women leadership in Uttarakhand is world famous
Chipko Movement which was initiated and led by a group of women under
the leadership of Gaura Devi. Even in present day context women lead
various struggles against, social evils like intoxication, forest rights and
struggle for new states. During Khatima and Mujaffarnagar Kand, women
were main victims but they continued to fight for their cause.
Reasons
1. Because of peculiar and harsh topography and climate participation of all
the members of family in economic and livelihood related activities
becomes a compulsion. Women lead from the front particularly in rural
economy of Uttarakhand.
2. The role of women in activities like fetching water and fodder from distant
places, working in agriculture fields is a necessity.
3. Historically, Uttarakhand remained under the rule of local principalities,
like Katyuri, Chand or Panwar rulers, who established a society which gave
high regard to the women.
4. Hindu Law System like Mitakshara was never practiced in Uttarakhand,
where Khas Laws and other locally developed practices were followed. In
these Laws and practices women were given high place.
5. In recent times male dominated mass outmigration from hilly regions,
often called Palayan, has further brought women at centrestage of socio-
economic life of Uttarakhand.
In recent times certain abnormalities like child marriages and preference for
male child leading to highly uneven child sex ratio has come into
prominence, which can be seen as a negative extrnality. Uttarakhand society
should own its great heritage of respect abd equality of women in society.
That will be its biggest contribution in modern times.
4. Water Scarcity in Uttarakhand
Water is an important natural resource, which is essential for human life. It is
used for different purposes like household, municipal, agriculture and
industrial use. Though uttarakhand has ample amount of water, which is
found in various froms viz. large glaciers, Huge rivers, lakes and
groundwater yet many of its areas face water scarcity. This scarcity gets
accentuated during dry summer seasons.
Water scarcity is faced in two main forms-
1. In hilly areas especially in villages water scarcity is faced in the form of its
Page 5


Some Important Issues of Uttarakhand
1. Making Gairsain the Capital of Uttarakhand
In June 2020, the Government issued a notification to make Bhararisain
(Gairsain), the summer capital of Uttarakhand. Geographically Gairsain is
located at the centre of Uttarakhand at an approximate latitude of 30degree
3’N and longitude of 79d19’E. in the Chamoli district. It is surrounded by the
Dudhatoli and Vyasi mountain ranges. The town is located in a 60-70 sq. km.
wide valley at an altitude of 5360 feet. The rivers of Atagad, Western and
Eastern Nayar and western Ramganga flow in this region. Main species of
vegetation found here are Oak, Tilonj, Kharsu, Rhododendron, Kafal, and
zpine. World famous religious place of Binsar is situated near it.
At the time of formation of the state Dehradun due to its geographical
accessibility was setup as state’s provisional capital. The intention has always
been there to shift capital at some place located in hilly area. Gairasin due to
its location at centre of Kumaun and Garhwal is considered to be the best
location for setting up state’s capital.During Uttarakhad movement demand
was raised to make Gairsain as the capital of the proposed state. UKD at its
14
th
 convention in 1992 announced Gairsain as Chandra Nagar to be the
capital of Uttarakahnd. Two committees were setup to decide on feasibility of
settingup capital at Gairsain.
Umashankar Kaushik Committee setup in 1994, recommended Gairsain
to be made state’s capital.Virendra Dikshit Committee also called Rajdhani
Chayan ayog, setup in 2008 conducted land survey of Gairsain, but cited
many problems and does not found it feasible to shift capital to Gairasain and
recommended Dehradun to be made permanent capital of Uttarakhand. Since
formation of the state, struggle has been going on for shifting capital to
Gairsain. In 2012 cabinet meeting was conducted at Gairsain. Vidhan Sabha
session was held at Gairsain in 2014 and construction of Vidhan Bhawan has
been completed at Bharadisain. In 2015, Budget session of assembly was
organized at Gairsain.
Arguments in Favour- 1- its location at centre of Uttarakhand and easy
accessibility for people of both the divisions. 2- The provisional capital,
Dehradun is far from areas like Munsyari, Dharchula and also falls in Dun
(Plain) region. 3- it will take development to hills, hill-plain developmental
disparity will be reduced. 4- it is a long pending demand, a political and a
people’s issue. 5- Already beginning has been made by constructing Vidhan
Bhawan at Gairsain.
Arguments Against- 1- financial viability as a complete new capital city
has to be constructed. 2- Already institutional and infrastructural setup has
been created at Dehradun. 3- Gairsain does not have enough availability of
land and space for setting up infrastructural facilities.
Conclusion- recently government issued a notification to make Gairsain
summer capital of the state. A great deal of emotions is attached with the
issue. Already Nainital has been made judicial capital of the state. In this
light Gairsain can be made legislative capital along with the summer capital
and Dehradun should be made administrative capital of the state.
2. Lost Activism in Uttarakhand
Since historical times Uttarakhand has been the land of activists and socio-
political movements. Several such examples exist like- Teelu Rauteli led war
to save her motherland, or Nak Kati Rani’s war against Delhi rulers,
movement against social practices like Dola Palki, Kuli Utar, Kuli Bardyash
etc. Tinchari Mai led movement against liquor and intoxication, movement
against British and Princely state of Tehri. More recently environmental
movements like Chipko and Maiti Movements sought into the attention of
entire world. The greatest and perhaps till date the last movement was the
movement for separate hill state of Uttarakhand.
One of the incredible speciality of these movements was the participation
of women in large numbers along with every section of society in these
movements and emergence of natural leadership among the masses as one of
the participant emerged as a leader. Women in Uttarakhand society have
always been treated in high regard and they play a dominant role in socio-
economic and political life of the society. School and college students too
participated in large numbers.
Unfortunately, despite its need in present day Uttarakhand no major
movement emerged after the formation of state. It is not a fact that today
Uttarakhand have no outstanding issue, but a society that has always been
vocal is yet to see a major movement in burning issues like, environmental
degradation, pollution, palayan, agricultural backwardness, forest fires and
degradation, intoxication in hilly areas etc.
Reasons
Following reasons can be attributed to the lost activism in Uttarakhand-
1. Formation of hill state led to the emergence of local leadership which can
be accessed by people easily. Thus voices are heard even without one gets
vocal.
2. Large scale outmigration often termed as Palayan, has led to loss of human
resource from the state.
3. Many social and non governmental organizations which were leading these
movements either lost momentum or their leadership god diassociated.
Many of these organizations also became part of active politics.
4. New generation could not follow footsteps of earlier generations, and
movements lost momentum.
5. After formation of State, regional parties and thus local issues could not
get prominence in state politics.
Conclusion- Uttarakhand today desperately needs people led movements
with youth and women activism. Issues like Palayan, unemployment,
intoxication, environmental degradation, forest fires and forest degradation,
need urgent attention of masses.
3. Social Status of Women in Uttarakhand
Uttarakhand society has always kept women high in regards, unlike other
parts women in Uttarakhand play dominant role in family, socio-cultural, and
economic life. We have many examples when in historical past women
played important role. Rani Karnawati, and Veer Bala Teelu Rauteli are two
examples who led from the front when male members of family attained
martyrdom. Similarly Tinchari Mai led movement against intoxication and
liquour in the hills. During freedom movement women became eqaual partner
in the struggle. Uttarakhand has no history of women subjugation like
customs of Sati, Pardah and even widow remarriage was allowed in the
society.
Biggest example of women leadership in Uttarakhand is world famous
Chipko Movement which was initiated and led by a group of women under
the leadership of Gaura Devi. Even in present day context women lead
various struggles against, social evils like intoxication, forest rights and
struggle for new states. During Khatima and Mujaffarnagar Kand, women
were main victims but they continued to fight for their cause.
Reasons
1. Because of peculiar and harsh topography and climate participation of all
the members of family in economic and livelihood related activities
becomes a compulsion. Women lead from the front particularly in rural
economy of Uttarakhand.
2. The role of women in activities like fetching water and fodder from distant
places, working in agriculture fields is a necessity.
3. Historically, Uttarakhand remained under the rule of local principalities,
like Katyuri, Chand or Panwar rulers, who established a society which gave
high regard to the women.
4. Hindu Law System like Mitakshara was never practiced in Uttarakhand,
where Khas Laws and other locally developed practices were followed. In
these Laws and practices women were given high place.
5. In recent times male dominated mass outmigration from hilly regions,
often called Palayan, has further brought women at centrestage of socio-
economic life of Uttarakhand.
In recent times certain abnormalities like child marriages and preference for
male child leading to highly uneven child sex ratio has come into
prominence, which can be seen as a negative extrnality. Uttarakhand society
should own its great heritage of respect abd equality of women in society.
That will be its biggest contribution in modern times.
4. Water Scarcity in Uttarakhand
Water is an important natural resource, which is essential for human life. It is
used for different purposes like household, municipal, agriculture and
industrial use. Though uttarakhand has ample amount of water, which is
found in various froms viz. large glaciers, Huge rivers, lakes and
groundwater yet many of its areas face water scarcity. This scarcity gets
accentuated during dry summer seasons.
Water scarcity is faced in two main forms-
1. In hilly areas especially in villages water scarcity is faced in the form of its
unavailability at places where it is required.
2. In large cities of Tarai- Bhabhar, water scarcity can be seen as a mismatch
between supply and demand.
Reasons
1. In hilly areas many villages are located in upland areas i.e. at top of the
hills. In those areas rainwater flows doen swiftly and is often goes waste.
Groundwater is also found in greater depth which is impossible to be
extracted. Agricultural land in such regions is called Upat, where dryland
farming is practiced.
2. Certain villages, those exist in valleys face water scarcity in summers due
to drying up of seasonal sources of water.
3. In large cities of plains huge in migration from hilly areas and population
explosion has caused a mismatch between availability and demand of water
resources.
4. For decades few new water sources have been explored or developed,
however population has increased multifold. This has again created a
supply-demand mismatch.
5. There is lot of wastage of water resources in form of non-utilisation and
wasteful utilization.
6. Climate Change caused by Global warming has further deepened the
challenge of water resource management. This is further accentuated due to
large scale deforestation.
7. Modern developmental practices like construction projects, unmindful
tourism, construction of hotels along river flood plain is an important
reason.
Conclusion- In light of above discussion steps like discovery of new sources
of water, source rejuvenation, efficeient utilization of water, user pay
approach in its financing, rain water harvesting and ground water recharge,
large scale afforestation activities, and revival of conventional water
conservation practices like Naula, Dhara, Kund, Pokhar should be undertaken
at mass scale. Recently launched Jal Shakti Abhiyan can play important role
in this.
5. Forest Fires in Uttarakhand
As per Forest Survey Report- 2015, 71% of geographical area of Uttarakhand