IMI's Meet of Mountain States to Focus on Water Resources in Himalayas

: Category: Latest; Published: 21 March 2024

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SHIMLA: In an effort to tackle pressing issues concerning water resources in the Himalayas, the various experts are coming together for the 11th Meet of the Mountain States (MoMS) on March 22nd, 2024, coinciding with International Water Day..

Themed "Water Resources in the Himalaya – Disaster Resilience and Reduction," the event aims to bring together policymakers, elected representatives, and various stakeholders to address key challenges.

The event is being organised by IMI with support from the Uttarakhand Council of Science & Technology (UCOST) and the government of Arunachal Pradesh.

It is an annual event organized by the International Mountain Initiative (IMI), serves as a platform for collaborative action on mountain-related issues.

This year's focus is on advocating for policies that prioritize disaster resilience and allocate adequate financial resources to mitigate long-term damage.

Taking place at the JRD Boutique Luxury Hotel in New Delhi, the conference will feature an inaugural session on "Geo Hydrology of the Himalaya and Disasters," followed by two technical sessions exploring topics such as the linkage between Himalayan geology, river systems, and disaster response, as well as evidence-based disaster risk reduction (DRR) strategies.

The meet is being organized by the Integrated Mountain Initiative (IMI) with support from the Government of Arunachal Pradesh and the Uttarakhand Council of Science & Technology (UCOST)

The MoMS is an annual gathering that brings together policymakers, elected representatives, partners of IMI, and relevant agencies to focus on key mountain issues.

This year's focus is to inform policymakers about the importance of incorporating mountain sensitivity into disaster policies and allocating appropriate financial resources for long-term damage mitigation.

Held at the JRD Boutique Luxury Hotel in New Delhi, the event will feature an inaugural session on "Geo Hydrology of the Himalaya and Disasters", followed by two technical sessions discussing the linkage between Himalayan geology, river system disasters, disaster response, and the management of water in the Indian Himalayan Region (IHR).

The notable figures such as Dr. Eklabya Sharma from ATREE, a representative from the Ministry of Jal Shakti, Dr. Durgesh Pant from UCOST, Mr. Arvind Mehta, Dr. PK Joshi from JNU, Prof Arun Kansal from TERI, Dr. Smriti Basnett from DCCC, representatives from various government bodies and organizations like The Club of Rome, GIZ, KFW Development Bank, The Nature Conservancy will address the meet.

The conference will be attended by representatives from Mizoram, Uttarakhand, and Sikkim, as well as student unions, state chapters of IMI, researchers, academia, and members of the Integrated Mountain Initiative, emphasizing a collaborative effort to address mountain-related challenges.

Also present will be experts from various institutions such as the Special Center for Disaster Research (SCDR) at JNU, TERI, and the Delhi University, among others.

Participating organizations range from governmental bodies like the State Disaster Management Authorities to international entities like The Club of Rome and The Nature Conservancy. Additionally, representatives from academic institutions, research organizations, and student unions from across the Indian Himalayan Region (IHR) will contribute to the discussions.

With a comprehensive lineup of speakers and stakeholders, MoMS 2024 seeks to foster collaboration and drive actionable solutions for the sustainable management of water resources in the Himalayas, ensuring resilience in the face of mounting challenges.

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Sword of Uncertainty Over Six CPSs’ Fate Temporarily Lifted: Relief for Sukhu Government

In a major relief to the Himachal Pradesh government, the Supreme Court has stayed the High Court’s directive to initiate disqualification proceedings against six MLAs who were appointed as Chief Parliamentary Secretaries (CPSs).

This decision, welcomed by Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, has brought a temporary reprieve to his administration, which was grappling with the political and legal ramifications of the High Court’s order.

The Himachal Pradesh High Court had earlier quashed the appointments of the six CPSs, deeming them unconstitutional, and directed the Assembly Speaker to initiate disqualification proceedings under the anti-defection law.

However, the Supreme Court’s stay has effectively paused the implementation of this directive, offering the government some breathing space to strategize its next legal move.

CM Sukhu Hails Supreme Court’s Clarity

Speaking to media persons in New Delhi, CM Sukhu expressed his satisfaction with the Supreme Court’s interpretation, which he said provided much-needed clarity on the matter.

"The relief granted by the Supreme Court is significant, and we will deliberate on the next steps after considering all legal aspects,” he said.

The Chief Minister also emphasized that the apex court’s interpretation differed from paragraph 50 of the High Court’s verdict, which had been the basis of the controversial directive.

Opposition’s “Childish” Behavior Criticized

Shifting his focus to the opposition, Sukhu took a sharp jab at their tactics, describing their behavior as “childish” and lacking focus on real issues.

“There are no controversies here, but their behavior is simply immature. From toilet tax to ‘Samosa Politics,’ they are just distracting from the real issues,” he said.

Sukhu accused the opposition BJP of attempting to create diversions because of its failure to make a dent in the Congress’s strength during the Vidhan Sabha elections.

“Their ‘Operation Lotus’ was decisively rejected by the people, and Congress retained its 40-seat strength. Now, they resort to personal attacks to divert attention from our welfare schemes,” he added.

Relief Amid Mounting Challenges

The Supreme Court’s stay on the High Court’s order has momentarily eased the pressure on the Sukhu government, but the sword of uncertainty continues to hang over the six MLAs who served as CPSs.

With questions around their appointments still unresolved, the case remains a legal minefield.

The CPS appointments had drawn criticism for allegedly violating constitutional provisions, which prohibit the creation of such posts without legislative backing.

The High Court’s scathing remarks and the directive for disqualification had added fuel to the controversy, creating a storm in the state’s political landscape.

While the Supreme Court’s intervention provides temporary relief, the Sukhu government must now prepare for a protracted legal battle to defend the appointments and protect its legislative majority.

Opposition’s Counterattacks

The BJP, meanwhile, has been quick to pounce on the issue, accusing the government of flouting constitutional norms for political convenience. Party leaders have argued that the CPS appointments were a backdoor way to reward loyalists, a claim that Sukhu has staunchly denied.

The opposition’s attacks, combined with the ongoing legal scrutiny, highlight the precarious nature of the government’s position. For now, the Supreme Court’s decision is a welcome pause, but the final word on the matter could still have far-reaching consequences for the political stability of Himachal Pradesh.

Sukhu’s Call for Responsibility

Amid the controversy, Sukhu reiterated his commitment to governance and welfare. He called on the opposition to act responsibly and raise issues that matter to the common man.

“Significant progress has been made in improving the socio-economic status of the underprivileged during this tenure, and that remains our priority,” he stated.

With the legal wrangling far from over, the fate of the six CPSs—and the stability of the Sukhu government—remains inextricably tied to the unfolding courtroom drama.

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IMI's Meet of Mountain States to Focus on Water Resources in Himalayas

It is an annual event organized by the International Mountain Initiative (IMI), serves as a platform for collaborative action on mountain-related issues.

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