Parvat Manthan 2024: Himalayan Cities Push for a Bigger Slice from the 16th Finance Commission.
New Delhi/Shimla: The hill states are raising their voice louder than ever, demanding a fair share from the 16th Finance Commission.
The Parvat Manthan Regional Conclave on December 3-4, 2024, at the India Habitat Centre in New Delhi, aims to solidify this push.
Organized by the National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA), the event will bring together key stakeholders to discuss sustainable solutions for the unique challenges faced by Himalayan towns.
Why Hill Towns Need More
Himalayan cities face a cascade of problems:
- Water Scarcity: Increasing climate variability has left many towns grappling with severe shortages.
- Waste Management: Mountain terrains complicate solid waste disposal and treatment.
- Climate Resilience: Frequent landslides, floods, and snowmelt affect infrastructure and daily life.
Despite these issues, financial allocations have largely failed to reflect the unique demands of these regions.
IMI President Ramesh Negi underscored the stakes. “Himalayan towns are on the frontlines of climate change. Tailored financial systems and governance frameworks are critical for their survival.”
Building Momentum
This isn’t just a one-off demand. The push for financial justice began in Ladakh in July 2022, where consultations highlighted gaps in urban planning and resource allocation.
In December 2022, Gangtok hosted a summit with officials from 10 Himalayan states and 2 Union Territories. By the end of 2023, WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) workshops emphasized the urgent need for better governance models.
Now, Parvat Manthan 2024 seeks to channel these discussions into actionable policies and funding demands.
What’s on the Table?
The two-day conclave will tackle key areas:
- Water Solutions: Exploring ways to secure clean and sustainable water supplies.
- Waste Management: Addressing the complexities of handling waste in hill towns.
- Policy Advocacy: Shaping financial frameworks that prioritize mountain-specific needs.
- Youth Leadership: Encouraging innovative ideas from students and young professionals.
- Private-Sector Innovation: Showcasing cutting-edge technologies to tackle local problems.
- New Research: Identifying gaps and opportunities for improving services in hill areas.
The Power of Collaboration
The event will bring together a diverse mix of participants:
- Policymakers: Decision-makers who can drive changes in funding and policy.
- Academicians and Researchers: Presenting data-backed insights.
- NGOs and Community Leaders: Advocating for grassroots-driven solutions.
- Students and Startups: Bringing fresh perspectives and innovations.
What’s New?
This year’s conclave will feature a Gallery Walk, showcasing student research and private-sector innovations.
Postgraduate and PhD students will compete in poster presentations, while companies will display technologies aimed at solving waste and water crises.
Negi called the event “a vital platform to amplify the demands of hill municipalities.”
He added, “Our towns face challenges that the plains can’t even imagine. This is our moment to demand the support we deserve.”
The Bigger Picture
Aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities), and SDG 13 (Climate Action), Parvat Manthan 2024 is more than just a dialogue. It’s a call to action.
Hill towns are done waiting. They need tailored financial systems, better governance models, and sustained support to thrive. And they’re making sure the 16th Finance Commission hears their plea loud and clear.
