SHIMLA: A group of 57 non-governmental organizations (NGOs) from the Himalayan region and beyond have come together under the 'People for Himalaya' campaign.
They want to address issues like governance, sustainability, fairness, and climate justice in the Himalayan states.
These organizations have joined hands after a series of disasters hit the region in 2023.
These disasters included land subsidence in Joshimath, Uttarakhand, Flash Floods and Heavy Rains in Himachal and floods along the Teesta River in Sikkim in Eastern Himalayas.
They showed the urgent need to tackle climate change and unsustainable practices.
During a two-day meeting called 'Himalaya, Disaster and People,' representatives from various NGOs discussed these challenges.
They drafted the 'People for Himalaya' campaign declaration, stressing the importance of changing governance and policies to deal with climate-related disasters.
But they didn't specify which policies and of which governments.
The declaration highlights that these disasters are not just natural occurrences.
They're often caused by past exploitation of natural resources and failures in governance.
The NGOs reject the idea of calling them 'natural disasters' and emphasize the disproportionate impact on marginalized communities.
Despite facing lukewarm response from state governments, the NGOs are determined to push for changes.
They believe in decentralized governance and policy reforms that prioritize the well-being of Himalayan communities and nature.
The coalition of NGOs, including the Affected Citizens of Teesta in Sikkim, AIPWA in Uttarakhand, and the Appiko-Chipko Movement in Karnataka, have united under the 'People for Himalaya' campaign.
The declaration is supported by organizations- like the Council for Civic Democratic Engagement in Sikkim and the Disom Foundation in Nagaland, highlights that these disasters are not just natural occurrences.
Despite facing resistance from some state governments, the NGOs are determined to push for changes. Groups like the Himal Prakriti – A Trust for Nature in Uttarakhand and the Harela in Uttarakhand believe in decentralized governance and policy reforms that prioritize the well-being of Himalayan communities and nature.
The 'People for Himalaya' campaign represents a diverse range of concerns, including land rights, forest conservation, and climate resilience.
Together, these organizations aim to bring about "meaningful change and ensure a sustainable future for the Himalayan region and its people".
The 'People for Himalaya' campaign say that they represent a diverse range of concerns, including land rights, forest conservation, and climate resilience.
Together, these organizations aim to bring about meaningful change and ensure a sustainable future for the Himalayan region and its people.
How the NGOs campaign will be pushed through the corridors of power and among the Himalayan people in each state is a daunting task.
