Experts Highlight Ecological Degradation and Declining Farming in Uttarakhand's Pindari Region

A team of scientists, mountaineers, and photographers visiting the upper Sarayu catchment in the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve has reported significant ecological degradation, declining traditional farming, and infrastructure issues in the Pindari region of Uttarakhand. According to the report published by The Times of India, the assessment took place in mid-October.

Photographer Anup Sah stated that traditional agriculture in Khati village—the gateway to the Pindari Glacier—is shrinking. Villagers face crop damage from wild boars, monkeys, porcupines, and langurs, alongside livestock predation by leopards. Sah noted that many residents do not report these losses due to lengthy verification processes and distant forest department offices, while younger generations are increasingly moving away from farming.

Biodiversity Loss and Economic Shifts

Residents and experts pointed to a marked decline in wildlife and forest quality. Bhagichandra Singh Takuli, an 85-year-old resident of Jhuni village, recalled that the area supported populations of musk deer, sambar, barking deer, and Asiatic black bears decades ago. Additionally, traditional beekeeping in Malla Danpur, historically known for honey and ghee production, has dropped.

To support livelihoods, visiting experts recommended introducing training programs in:

• Beekeeping
• Mushroom cultivation
• Cash-crop farming

Infrastructure and Tourism Impact

Scientist G.S. Rawat raised concerns regarding poorly maintained and incomplete tourist facilities between Khati and Zero Point. Structures built by the tourism department, including trails, rain shelters, igloo huts, and viewpoints, have suffered from neglect. Rawat stated that poorly planned construction in fragile alpine meadows has contributed to soil erosion, vegetation loss, and landscape damage.

Community Conservation Efforts

Experts emphasized the role of local initiatives in environmental protection. In Jatoli village, a women's self-help group has prohibited alcohol sales and consumption while imposing fines for littering plastic along paths. Observers suggested that authorities should support and replicate such community-led conservation models across the biosphere reserve.

The visiting experts announced plans to submit their formal recommendations to the administration soon. Readers can verify details through official reports or local administrative updates.