Introduction
Himachal Pradesh is one of the most beautiful states in India with its mountains, valleys and nature. However, the future of Himachal Pradesh is under threat. In the coming years, the state can see a decline in culture, poor economic growth and natural disasters. There are other issues as well. So, let’s go through these one by one and see what could be done!
1. Climate Change
Out of the different issues, the climate crisis is the only one that is out of human control. We know for a fact that the climate changes every decade.
However, the rise of global warming can make the weather more unpredictable. As a result, the people of Himachal Pradesh can face different climatic problems.
Heavy rainfall can lead to the destruction of the infrastructure. Whereas the excessive heat during the summer season can lead to poor crop yields and affect cultivation.
The lower parts of Himachal Pradesh already experience heat, rainfall and winters. Thus, the situation will become more unpredictable for the local people.
The solutions for Climate Change
This will not sound positive, but the only solution for climate change is adaptability. In the age of AI, we can gather complex climatic data and get quality information.
This will help the local people to become more vigilant regarding the climate. Therefore, the people can prepare in advance for the problems that may arise in the future.
You can find additional information regarding climate change policies on the State Center on Climate Change.
2. Mismanagement of Tourism
A noticeable chunk of Himachal’s income comes from tourism. Over the years, Himachal Pradesh has welcomed over 10-15 million domestic and foreign tourists each year. The number is growing considering the rise of social media and influenced visitors.
However, this doesn’t mean the state does not face challenges of the excessive tourist influx. As far as accommodation is concerned, the state can hold thousands of tourists. But the same can’t be said about the roads and related infrastructure.
The state’s debt soars over 70 thousand crores. This means the signs of development are far in the future. Moreover, the high debt of Himachal Pradesh makes room for the central government to push their policies for growth and development.
The increasing number of tourists penetrates the daily lives of local people. It leads to clashes and disruption of regular day operations.
At the same time, many vendors, hotels and travel businesses depend on tourists. Therefore, entirely blaming the tourists is also not an option.
How to manage tourists in HP?
One of the best ways to manage tourists in Himachal is to promote public services. At present, the majority of tourists use private vehicles for exploration.
There’s nothing wrong with private vehicles—everyone is free to use their cars. However, when we talk about roads, it’s not worth your experience as a tourist.
So, it’s better to rely on public services. For this, the state government needs to invest in better buses and alternatives to personal vehicles.
3. Drug Crisis
The increase in heroin and cannabis usage is an indication of the moral degradation of Himachal Pradesh. But this is not all, the real reason for the drug crisis is also the unemployment rate and the influx of migrant workers.
The youth want an easy way out and also the ease of making money. Guess what? Drugs can give you both. Not only can drugs like ” chitta ” affect life, but also destroy the fabric of society. The neighbourhood becomes unsafe for kids, and the future of the state is jeopardised.
Solving Drug Crisis in Himachal Pradesh
Drug problems of Himachal youth can’t be solved within days. We have developed a system that facilitates the withdrawal of the victims. This should not be influenced through force but rather through sympathy and companionship.
Also, the majority of rehab centers should be under the government, considering private places have a conflict of interest. The greater good of society depends on a drug-free life. Moreover, the first step is to admit the drastic problem.
4. Economic Collapse
Himachal Pradesh is in a debt crisis. The state has been spending more than it brings into the budget. This means the cost of living can increase while the infrastructure collapses. Moreover, the situation is facilitated by an increased number of migrant workers from other states.
Now, the central government can pay out for the losses, but they seek more control over the state government. So, both ways, it is a dangerous situation for Himachal Pradesh. We don’t want more government institutions deciding the future of the state.
The only district that has been doing well is Solan because of the pharmaceutical industry. As far as other districts are considered, more are heavily dependent on tourism and the agriculture of fruits.
How Himachal can prevent economic collapse:
- Limiting spending
- Shutting down loss endeavors
- No to freebies
- Reimagining the transport
- Raise taxes on wealth accumulation
5. Increase Migration and Multiculturalism
Many people from other Northern states like Bihar and Uttar Pradesh are traveling to Himachal Pradesh. The state provides better working opportunities to the people. At the same time, the locals do not want to do hard jobs like construction and farming in some areas. This way, the whole state becomes dependent on workers to do the basic jobs of construction and related fields.
Now, India is a free nation. You can work wherever you desire. For instance, many people from Himachal Pradesh work in metropolitan cities.
There’s nothing wrong with sustaining yourself and your family. However, an increasing number of migration workers can lead to the dilution of Himachal’s culture and identity.
Moreover, you can’t stop people from visiting the state for opportunities when the natives are leaving for the cities. Thus, it can cause loss of Himachal’s roots and lead to the state becoming more multicultural, like an urban city.
6. Unplanned Infrastructure and Planning
Poor and unplanned construction is one of the biggest problems of Himachal Pradesh. The people have abandoned old versatile designs consisting of slates and moved towards more concrete, heavy construction.
Now, houses with big roofs work in the plain areas. However, Himachal has very volatile weather and has naturally active tectonic plates. Therefore, people should build light-weight homes that do not exceed floor limits—the majority of houses are beyond this set parameter.
In future, the heavy concrete houses can be problematic. For instance, a heavy quake can shatter the entire neighbourhood and can negatively impact rescue operations.
7. Disasters (Natural and Man-made)
The whole Himalayan range is very active. The newly formed mountains are in constant tension and can release humongous amounts of energy in the form of quakes. The situation can further lead to catastrophic damage, something similar to the quake of 1905.
Forest Fires
These are man-made as well as natural disasters that destroy the natural habitat and imbalance the ecosystem.
Earthquakes
Again, the move towards concrete-heavy construction can cause serious damage to lives and property. So, it’s best to limit construction under the suggested confinements of the local law and order.
Landslides
The primary reason for landslides is the reckless construction of highways by the authorities. The Himachal terrain, especially in hilly areas, is not capable of holding 4 lane construction.
8. Destruction of Flora and Fauna
Himachal Pradesh has some of the best treks in India. They also harbour some of the most unique animal and plant species. However, during the tourist seasons, these famous treks are being destroyed. This is not only the issue of tourists and their civic sense, but also the administration.
Hardly any treks in Himachal Pradesh are regulated for promoting quality travelling and plastic-free activities. The flora and fauna of the mountains are at risk due to the high number of people travelling carelessly.
At the same time, the local people are also affected by the recklessness caused by the travellers. It’s not about blaming the outsiders but about promoting a system that does not take into consideration the natural ecosystem. Therefore, in future, we might not even witness the majestic mountains and beautiful animals.
How to save flora and Fauna?
The best way to save wildlife in Himachal Pradesh is by promoting balance and regulating the entrances to natural trails. Several treks in Himachal Pradesh are not regulated.
A small entrance point where you have to leave plastic and buy tickets can solve the littering problem. Other states also do this at the entry sites of notable spots.
So, Himachal Pradesh should also set up ticket-based tourism on natural trails. This way we can keep a record of the people who are travelling and also fine those who are causing a ruckus.
9. Littering Crisis
As discussed earlier, littering is not the issue on an individual level but nationwide. In India, people don’t recognise or appreciate public property. However, in reality, the same roads and places are being made and budgeted by taxpayers.
So, when we litter, we are corroding the stuff that was paid for by all of us. Thus, we need awareness regarding this issue, and it comes after acknowledging the mess.
More about the littering crisis and how to solve it:
- More campaigns and awareness
- High rate of fines
- Policing each other
10. Poor Governance and Freebies Politics
The state politics influences the future of Himachal Pradesh to a great extent. The policies, governance and administration are responsible for the long-term growth and development. However, government decisions like free services can be the doom of the state.
In theory, free services of buses, electricity bills and rations seem functional. However, in reality, the freebies can destroy the economic capacity of the state.
The sole reason for the dysfunction of freebies is that people will opt for the services they don’t require. Again, the burden is then shifted to the government departments, which ultimately adds to the debt.
Holding Government Accountable
Freebies politics can help you win elections, but it is only a short-term victory. It’s like selling our future for the present.
However, in order to pursue a good life, people should sacrifice their present through hard work and spending time with their families. This way, we can rejuvenate communities, which are the backbone of a functional system.
- No to freebies
- Balance the state’s budget
- Transparency of services
Conclusion: The Future of Himachal Pradesh
Several issues can negatively affect the future of Himachal. However, this doesn’t mean we give up on the beautiful state. As individuals and residents of the state, our role is to work within the system to make a difference.
Even if you’re not part of the system or in a position of power, you can still create awareness about the issues. This will ensure that the people are on board when fighting against any particular issues.
Finally, no one knows the future, but if things don’t change, then Himachal Pradesh may not survive. This not only means the loss of culture but also the loss of nature.
FAQs
What is the population of Himachal Pradesh?
Approximately 7.7 million.
How many Pahari dialects are in Himachal?
Every district has one primary Pahari dialect. This means there are around 10-12 dialects of the Himachal state. However, the number can exceed depending on the diversity of the region.
How many districts in Himachal Pradesh?
12 districts of HP are listed below.
- Chamba
- Kangra
- Hamirpur
- Una
- Bilaspur
- Mandi
- Kullu
- Lahual Spiti
- Kinnaur
- Shimla
- Solan
- Sirmaur
How to ensure sustainable development in Himachal Pradesh?
One possible way to ensure balanced development in HP is to limit the central government’s influence on decisions. The state government needs to step up and take back control of the beautiful state.