Each year, on September 9th, the world observes Himalaya Day, also known as Himalaya Diwas. This annual celebration has a profound purpose: the preservation of the unique Himalayan ecosystem and the broader Himalayan region. The Himalayas are not only natural protectors against adverse weather conditions but also teeming reservoirs of biodiversity. Beyond their environmental significance, Himalaya Day serves as a platform to raise awareness among the public and foster community involvement in conservation activities.
History of Himalaya Day
Himalaya Day’s official recognition on September 9th traces back to 2014 when Harish Rawat, the former Chief Minister of Uttarakhand, initiated this observance. The concept of Himalaya Day was born out of the collaborative efforts of Anil Joshi from the Himalayan Environmental Studies and Conservation Organization and other dedicated Indian environmentalists. Their vision was to observe Himalaya Diwas on September 9th across all Himalayan states in India, from Jammu and Kashmir to Arunachal Pradesh, uniting them through their shared Himalayan socio-ecology.
While September 9th may lack significant historical relevance in the environmental or socio-cultural context of the Himalayan states, its choice may be attributed to certain natural disasters. The devastating monsoon of August 2010 and the catastrophic Kedarnath events in 2013 laid bare the fragility of the Himalayan ecosystem, potentially serving as the impetus for the establishment of Himalaya Diwas to address these critical concerns.
Significance of Himalaya Day
Himalaya Day carries immense significance as it highlights the importance of the Himalayan region. Hill cities within the Himalayas confront numerous challenges, including inadequate urban planning, insufficient infrastructure such as roads and water supply, and rampant deforestation. These issues have far-reaching ecological consequences.
The observance of this day underscores the urgent necessity for
eco-sensitive urban planning and design in Himalayan hill cities. The Himalayas
are not only a source of strength but also a global heritage that demands
preservation. Beyond promoting scientific knowledge, Himalaya Day serves as a
call to action, raising awareness and encouraging community engagement in
conservation efforts.
