{"id":30486,"date":"2026-09-30T17:03:54","date_gmt":"2026-09-30T11:33:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/?p=30486"},"modified":"2026-09-30T17:03:54","modified_gmt":"2026-09-30T11:33:54","slug":"himalayas","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/himalayas\/","title":{"rendered":"Himalayas, Formation, Ranges, Regional Divisions, Passes"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Himalayas are a vast, young mountain system separating the Indian subcontinent from the Tibetan Plateau and extending in an arc across South Asia. The name Himalaya originates from Sanskrit words associated with snow and abode. The Himalayan mountain system stretches for more than 2,500 km, from the Indus region in the west to the eastern bend near the Brahmaputra. Its width varies considerably, being broader in the west and narrower towards the east.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The wider Himalayan system spans parts of India, Nepal, Bhutan, China and Pakistan and is associated with the Hindu Kush in the west and Indo-Myanmar ranges in the east. It contains Mount Everest, the world's highest peak.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Himalayas Geological Formation<\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Himalayas are young fold mountains formed primarily through the convergence and collision of the Indian Plate with the Eurasian Plate, as explained by the <\/span><b>Plate Tectonic Theory.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Their formation followed the closure of the ancient Tethys Ocean, which once separated India from Eurasia. The major stages of Himalayan formation can be understood as follows:<\/span><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Indian Plate movement:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> The Indian landmass moved northward after the breakup of Pangaea.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Tethys Ocean:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> The ancient Tethys Sea separated the Indian landmass from Eurasia.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Continental collision:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Around 40\u201350 million years ago, the Indian and Eurasian continental plates collided.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Indus\u2013Tsangpo Suture Zone:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> The Indus\u2013Tsangpo Suture Zone (ITSZ) marks the geological boundary where the Indian Plate collided with the Eurasian Plate. It represents the remnants of the Tethys Ocean and extends across the Himalayan region.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Compression and folding:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> The collision involved underthrusting of the Indian lithosphere beneath Eurasia, accompanied by intense compression, folding, faulting and crustal thickening.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Uplift:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Continued convergence pushed the crust upward, producing the Himalayas and the Tibetan Plateau.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Ongoing tectonic activity:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> The Indian Plate continues to converge with Eurasia, making the Himalayan region tectonically active and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/earthquake\/\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><strong>earthquake<\/strong><\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">-prone.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-30495 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/wp\/upsc-exam\/2026\/09\/29175330\/Himalayas-2.png\" alt=\"Himalayas\" width=\"766\" height=\"542\" srcset=\"https:\/\/vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/wp\/upsc-exam\/2026\/09\/29175330\/Himalayas-2.png 1491w, https:\/\/vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/wp\/upsc-exam\/2026\/09\/29175330\/Himalayas-2-768x543.png 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 766px) 100vw, 766px\" \/><\/p>\r\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Himalayas Major Mountain Ranges<\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The major Himalayan ranges are arranged broadly parallel to one another and differ in elevation, geological structure, climate and ecological characteristics.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-30496 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/wp\/upsc-exam\/2026\/09\/29175431\/HIMALAYAS.png\" alt=\"Himalayas\" width=\"822\" height=\"506\" srcset=\"https:\/\/vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/wp\/upsc-exam\/2026\/09\/29175431\/HIMALAYAS.png 1599w, https:\/\/vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/wp\/upsc-exam\/2026\/09\/29175431\/HIMALAYAS-768x473.png 768w, https:\/\/vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/wp\/upsc-exam\/2026\/09\/29175431\/HIMALAYAS-1536x945.png 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 822px) 100vw, 822px\" \/><\/p>\r\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Trans-Himalayas<\/span><\/h3>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Trans-Himalayas lie north of the main Himalayan ranges and include some of the highest and most rugged mountain landscapes of the region. Important ranges include<\/span><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Karakoram Range:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> A high mountain system containing K2 and extensive glaciers.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Ladakh Range:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> A high-altitude range mainly associated with Ladakh, characterised by a cold and dry environment.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Zanskar Range:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> A major high-altitude range south of the Indus Valley, separating the Ladakh region from the Great Himalaya.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Kailash Range:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> A high mountain system in the trans-Himalayan region associated with important religious and geographical landscapes.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Greater Himalayas or Himadri<\/span><\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Greater Himalayas form the highest and most continuous Himalayan range, containing numerous permanently snow-covered peaks and major glaciers.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Important peaks associated with this zone include Mount Everest, Kangchenjunga, Lhotse, Makalu and Dhaulagiri. Mount Everest, at about 8,849 m, is the highest mountain on Earth.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Greater Himalayas (Himadri) pass through multiple states and union territories in India, alongside neighbouring countries like Nepal, Bhutan, and China.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">In India specifically, the main states and union territories containing portions of the Greater Himalayan range include Jammu &amp; Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Lesser Himalayas or Himachal<\/span><\/h3>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Lesser Himalayas occupy the zone between the Greater Himalayas and the Shiwaliks and contain numerous ranges, valleys and hill stations. Important ranges include:<\/span><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Pir Panjal Range:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> A major western Himalayan range extending across Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Dhauladhar Range:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> A prominent Himachal Pradesh range rising sharply above the Kangra Valley.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Kumaon Hills:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Important Himalayan hills of Uttarakhand containing several high mountain valleys and peaks.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Nag Tibba Range:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> A lower\/lesser Himalayan range in Uttarakhand with forested mountain slopes.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Mussoorie Range:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> A Himalayan hill system associated with the Mussoorie region.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Mahabharat Range:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> A major middle-Himalayan range extending across Nepal.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Shiwalik or Outer Himalayas<\/span><\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Shiwaliks form the southernmost and generally lowest Himalayan range, consisting substantially of younger and relatively unconsolidated sediments.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">They contain longitudinal valleys known as Duns, including the Dehradun Valley, and are particularly susceptible to erosion and landslides because of their geological composition.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Shivalik range passes through parts of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh in India, as well as extending into neighbouring countries like Nepal, Pakistan, and Bhutan.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Himalayas Regional Divisions<\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Regional Himalayan divisions help explain geographical differences in climate, relief, vegetation, drainage and human activities along the mountain arc. For geographical study, the Himalayas are commonly divided into regional sectors such as<\/span><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Kashmir Himalayas<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: The Kashmir Himalayas occupy the northwestern part of the Himalayan system and include the Pir Panjal, Kashmir Valley and high mountain landscapes of Jammu and Kashmir.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Himachal Himalayas:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> The Himachal Himalayas cover the Himalayan region of Himachal Pradesh and include the Dhauladhar, Pir Panjal and Great Himalayan ranges.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Kumaon Himalayas: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Cover the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand and include important ranges and peaks of eastern Uttarakhand.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Garhwal Himalayas:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Cover the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand and include important peaks such as Nanda Devi, Kamet and Chaukhamba.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Nepal Himalayas<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: The Nepal Himalayas occupy the central Himalayan sector and contain some of the world's highest peaks, including Mount Everest.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Assam or Eastern Himalayas: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Eastern Himalayas extend towards Arunachal Pradesh, Bhutan and the eastern Himalayan bend, where the mountain system undergoes a major change in direction and connects with the northeastern mountain systems.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Himalayas Drainage System<\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Himalayan drainage system is a vast network of perennial rivers supplied by melting snow, glaciers, and monsoon rains, primarily comprising the Indus, Ganga, and Brahmaputra river basins.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Major River Systems in the Himalayan Drainage System<\/span><\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Indus River System:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Originates near Lake Mansarovar in Tibet, flows northwest into Ladakh, and enters Pakistan with major tributaries like the Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Ganga River System:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Rises from the Gangotri Glacier as the Bhagirathi, joins the Alaknanda at Devprayag, and is fed by major left-bank (Ghaghara, Gandak, Kosi) and right-bank (Yamuna, Son) tributaries.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Brahmaputra River System:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Originates from the Chemayungdung glacier in the Kailash range, flows through Tibet (as Tsangpo), enters India in Arunachal Pradesh (as Dihang), and joins the Ganga in Bangladesh.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Key Features of the Himalayan Drainage System<\/span><\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Perennial Flow:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Water flows throughout the year due to glacial melt during dry summer months and monsoon precipitation.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Youthful Topography:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> In the mountains, rivers feature steep gradients, fast flows, and intense vertical erosion that carve deep V-shaped valleys, gorges, and canyons.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Depositional Plains:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Upon entering the northern plains, they form flat valleys, meanders, oxbow lakes, braided channels, and large deltas like the Sundarbans.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Antecedent Drainage:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Many rivers, such as the Indus and Brahmaputra, are older than the Himalayas themselves, maintaining their original courses while the mountains uplifted around them.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Glaciers of the Himalayas<\/span><\/h3>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Himalayan glacier system extends across the <\/span><b>Indus, Ganga and Brahmaputra basins<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">, with thousands of glaciers distributed across the Himalaya and adjoining Trans-Himalayan ranges. The Himalayan Glacier Information System of <\/span><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/isro\/\" target=\"_blank\">ISRO<\/a><\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> provides baseline information for about <\/span><b>35,000 glaciers<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> across these three major river basins and 55 sub-basins.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<table style=\"width: 93.1861%\">\r\n<tbody>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td class=\"tb-color\" style=\"width: 16.1323%\"><b>Glacier<\/b><\/td>\r\n<td class=\"tb-color\" style=\"width: 12.7255%\"><b>Region<\/b><\/td>\r\n<td class=\"tb-color\" style=\"width: 63.4269%\"><b>Importance\/Feature<\/b><\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td style=\"width: 16.1323%\">\r\n<p><b>Siachen Glacier<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 12.7255%\">\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Karakoram<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 63.4269%\">\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">One of the major glaciers of the Karakoram region and an important high-altitude glacier system.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Nubra River \u2192 Shyok \u2192 Indus<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td style=\"width: 16.1323%\">\r\n<p><b>Gangotri Glacier<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 12.7255%\">\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Uttarakhand<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 63.4269%\">\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">An important glacier of the Bhagirathi basin and associated with the source region of the Ganga system.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td style=\"width: 16.1323%\">\r\n<p><b>Zemu Glacier<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 12.7255%\">\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Sikkim<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 63.4269%\">\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">A major glacier of the eastern Himalayas and an important source of water for the Teesta system.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td style=\"width: 16.1323%\">\r\n<p><b>Milam Glacier<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 12.7255%\">\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Uttarakhand<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 63.4269%\">\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">A major glacier of the Kumaon Himalayas associated with the Gori Ganga basin.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td style=\"width: 16.1323%\">\r\n<p><b>Bara Shigri Glacier<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 12.7255%\">\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Himachal Pradesh<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 63.4269%\">\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">A major glacier of the Chandra Basin and one of the important glaciers monitored for long-term glaciological studies.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td style=\"width: 16.1323%\">\r\n<p><b>Pindari Glacier<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 12.7255%\">\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Uttarakhand<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 63.4269%\">\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Located in the Kumaon Himalayas and associated with the Pindar River system.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td style=\"width: 16.1323%\">\r\n<p><b>Kedarnath Glacier<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 12.7255%\">\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Uttarakhand<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 63.4269%\">\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">A mapped glacier in the Uttarakhand Himalaya, in the Rudra Prayag district, in the Mandakini basin.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td style=\"width: 16.1323%\">\r\n<p><b>Dokriani Glacier<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 12.7255%\">\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Uttarakhand<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 63.4269%\">\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Located in the Bhagirathi basin and monitored for glacier retreat and mass-balance studies.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td style=\"width: 16.1323%\">\r\n<p><b>Durung-Drung Glacier<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 12.7255%\">\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Ladakh<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 63.4269%\">\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">A major glacier in the Suru basin is monitored for changes in glacier dimensions.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td style=\"width: 16.1323%\">\r\n<p><b>Pensilungpa Glacier<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 12.7255%\">\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Ladakh<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 63.4269%\">\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Located in the Suru basin and monitored for glacier retreat.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\r\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Himalayas as a Biodiversity Hotspot<\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Himalayas are recognised as a global biodiversity hotspot due to their exceptional species richness, endemism and habitat diversity.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>High Species Diversity:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> The Himalayas support a wide variety of flora and fauna across different elevations.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">For example, Uttarakhand's Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve supports species such as the snow leopard, Himalayan musk deer and Himalayan tahr. Also, Hemis National Park in Ladakh is an important habitat for the snow leopard, while Singalila National Park in West Bengal supports the red panda.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Rich Floral Diversity:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Variation in altitude creates distinct vegetation zones, from subtropical forests to alpine meadows.<\/span>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">For example, Valley of Flowers National Park in Uttarakhand is renowned for its diverse alpine flowering plants.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Endemic Species:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Several species have restricted geographical ranges within the Himalayan region.<\/span>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">For example, the Cheer Pheasant is a rare, vulnerable bird found along the scrubby lower and middle western Himalayan slopes.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Habitat Diversity:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> The Himalayas contain forests, grasslands, wetlands, alpine meadows and high-altitude ecosystems.<\/span>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">For example, Khangchendzonga National Park in Sikkim encompasses diverse ecosystems ranging from subtropical forests to alpine and high-altitude areas.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Eastern Himalayas: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Eastern Himalayas are particularly rich in biodiversity and overlap with the Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot in parts of the region.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">For example, Namdapha National Park in Arunachal Pradesh supports tropical forests as well as high-altitude habitats and species such as the red panda and clouded leopard.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Conservation Significance:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Protected areas and wildlife corridors are crucial for maintaining Himalayan biodiversity.<\/span>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">For example, the Khangchendzonga Landscape provides transboundary connectivity across India, Nepal and Bhutan, supporting habitat and wildlife conservation.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Himalayas Major Passes<\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Himalayan passes are important natural routes through the mountain system and have historically supported trade, migration, pilgrimage and strategic connectivity.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<table style=\"width: 95.2296%\">\r\n<tbody>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td class=\"tb-color\" style=\"width: 13.5699%\"><b>Pass<\/b><\/td>\r\n<td class=\"tb-color\" style=\"width: 21.0856%\"><b>Location\/Region<\/b><\/td>\r\n<td class=\"tb-color\" style=\"width: 63.5699%\"><b>Significance<\/b><\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td style=\"width: 13.5699%\">\r\n<p><b>Karakoram Pass<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 21.0856%\">\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Ladakh<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 63.5699%\">\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Historic route connecting Ladakh with the Tarim Basin; strategically important<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td style=\"width: 13.5699%\">\r\n<p><b>Zoji La<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 21.0856%\">\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Jammu &amp; Kashmir\u2013Ladakh<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 63.5699%\">\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Connects Kashmir Valley with Ladakh<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td style=\"width: 13.5699%\">\r\n<p><b>Banihal Pass<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 21.0856%\">\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Jammu &amp; Kashmir<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 63.5699%\">\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Traditional route connecting Jammu with the Kashmir Valley<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td style=\"width: 13.5699%\">\r\n<p><b>Rohtang Pass<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 21.0856%\">\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Himachal Pradesh<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 63.5699%\">\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Connects Kullu Valley with Lahaul-Spiti<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td style=\"width: 13.5699%\">\r\n<p><b>Baralacha La<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 21.0856%\">\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Himachal Pradesh<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 63.5699%\">\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Important route on the Manali\u2013Leh corridor<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td style=\"width: 13.5699%\">\r\n<p><b>Shipki La<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 21.0856%\">\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Himachal Pradesh<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 63.5699%\">\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Border pass connecting Himachal Pradesh with Tibet; trade route<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td style=\"width: 13.5699%\">\r\n<p><b>Mana Pass<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 21.0856%\">\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Uttarakhand<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 63.5699%\">\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">High-altitude pass near the India\u2013Tibet border<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td style=\"width: 13.5699%\">\r\n<p><b>Niti Pass<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 21.0856%\">\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Uttarakhand<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 63.5699%\">\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Traditional route connecting Uttarakhand with Tibet<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td style=\"width: 13.5699%\">\r\n<p><b>Lipulekh Pass<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 21.0856%\">\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Uttarakhand<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 63.5699%\">\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Important route towards Tibet; associated with the Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td style=\"width: 13.5699%\">\r\n<p><b>Nathu La<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 21.0856%\">\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Sikkim<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 63.5699%\">\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Connects Sikkim with Tibet; important border trade route<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td style=\"width: 13.5699%\">\r\n<p><b>Jelep La<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 21.0856%\">\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Sikkim<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 63.5699%\">\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Historic trade route connecting Sikkim with Tibet<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td style=\"width: 13.5699%\">\r\n<p><b>Bomdi La<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 21.0856%\">\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Arunachal Pradesh<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 63.5699%\">\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Important mountain pass on the route towards Tawang<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td style=\"width: 13.5699%\">\r\n<p><b>Se La<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 21.0856%\">\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Arunachal Pradesh<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 63.5699%\">\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Important strategic pass connecting Tawang with the rest of Arunachal Pradesh<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\r\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Himalayas' Ecological Significance<\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The ecological significance of the Himalayas arises from their exceptional variation in altitude, climate, forests, grasslands, glaciers and freshwater ecosystems.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The region contains <\/span><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/ecosystem\/\" target=\"_blank\">ecosystems<\/a><\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> ranging from tropical and subtropical forests to temperate forests, alpine meadows and high-altitude environments. WWF reports that the Eastern Himalayas alone support about 10,000 plant types, 300 mammals, nearly 980 birds, 175 reptiles, 105 amphibians and 270 freshwater fish.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Important species associated with Himalayan ecosystems include:<\/span>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Snow leopard<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Red panda<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Tiger<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Asian elephant<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Greater one-horned rhinoceros<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Wild water buffalo<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Himalayan birds and amphibians<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The region also supports numerous endemic and threatened species, making habitat connectivity and ecosystem conservation particularly important<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Himalayas' Importance<\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The importance of the Himalayas extends from climate regulation and freshwater supply to <\/span><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/biodiversity\/\" target=\"_blank\">biodiversity<\/a><\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> conservation, agriculture, energy, tourism, culture and national security.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Water Security<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: Himalayan glaciers, snow and precipitation feed major river systems of Ganga, Indus and Brahmaputra that support large downstream populations and agricultural regions.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Climate Regulation<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: The mountain system influences atmospheric circulation, precipitation and regional climate while acting as a major barrier against freezing, dry winds from Central Asia, Siberia and Tibet, keeping winter temperatures in South Asia much milder.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Agriculture:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Himalayan rivers provide irrigation water to the extensive agricultural plains downstream, while mountain communities practise diverse forms of agriculture and horticulture.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Biodiversity<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: The sharp variation in altitude and climate creates multiple ecological zones and habitats, supporting exceptional biodiversity.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Hydropower:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Steep gradients and perennial rivers provide considerable potential for hydropower generation, although projects need careful environmental and geological assessment.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Tourism:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Mountaineering, trekking, pilgrimage, skiing and nature-based tourism contribute to regional livelihoods and economies.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Cultural Significance<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: The Himalayas contain numerous sacred landscapes, pilgrimage centres, monasteries, lakes and traditional cultural sites. Himalayan communities have developed livelihood practices closely connected with their natural environment.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Strategic Significance<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: The Himalayan frontier has major importance for India's national security because of its difficult terrain, international boundaries and proximity to neighbouring countries.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Himalayas Major Threats and Concerns<\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The major threats to the Himalayas result from the interaction of geological fragility, climate change, land-use transformation, <\/span><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/infrastructure\/\" target=\"_blank\">infrastructure<\/a><\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> development and increasing human pressure. Key concerns include<\/span><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Deforestation and habitat degradation:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Forest loss and land-use changes can fragment ecosystems and increase erosion.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Landslides:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Steep slopes, geological instability, intense rainfall and human interventions increase landslide vulnerability.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Floods and flash floods:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Extreme rainfall, rapid snow and ice melt and unstable slopes can intensify downstream hazards.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Glacial hazards:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Changing glaciers and glacial lakes create risks, including Glacial Lake Outburst Floods.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Water insecurity:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Changes in precipitation, glacier and snow dynamics and declining springs can affect water availability.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Infrastructure pressure:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Roads, hydropower projects, settlements and tourism infrastructure can disturb fragile mountain environments.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Illegal resource extraction:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Unsustainable extraction of timber and wildlife threatens biodiversity, particularly in the Eastern Himalayas.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Human-wildlife conflict:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Habitat fragmentation and expanding human activity increase interaction between people and wildlife.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Waste and pollution:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Growing tourism and urbanisation create additional pressure on mountain ecosystems.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Seismic hazards:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Continuing plate convergence makes the Himalayan region highly tectonically active.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Himalayas and Climate Change<\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Climate change is affecting Himalayan glaciers, snow cover, water resources, ecosystems, agriculture and mountain communities, increasing risks across the region. Major climate-change impacts include<\/span><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Glacier retreat:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Rising temperatures contribute to glacier mass loss and retreat.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Changing snowfall:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Altered temperature and precipitation patterns can modify snow accumulation and melt.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Changing river flows:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Earlier snow and glacier melt can alter seasonal water availability.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Glacial Lake Outburst Floods:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Growth and instability of glacial lakes can increase downstream risks.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Extreme rainfall:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Intense rainfall can trigger landslides, flash floods and debris flows.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Ecosystem shifts:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Species may move towards higher elevations as temperature conditions change.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Agricultural impacts:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Changes in temperature, precipitation and water availability affect mountain farming.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Spring depletion:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Climate change combined with land-use change and human pressure can reduce spring discharge.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Biodiversity stress:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Species such as snow leopards and red pandas face additional habitat pressures.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Himalayas Conservation and Government Initiatives\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">India has established several programmes and institutions to address Himalayan ecology, climate vulnerability, scientific research and sustainable development.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>National Mission for Sustaining the Himalayan Ecosystem:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> The National Mission for Sustaining the Himalayan Ecosystem (NMSHE) is a component of India's <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/national-action-plan-on-climate-change\/\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><strong>National Action Plan on Climate Change<\/strong><\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> (NAPCC).\u00a0<\/span>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">It focuses on scientific knowledge, ecosystem monitoring, vulnerability assessment, adaptation and conservation of the Himalayan ecosystem.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>National Mission on Strategic Knowledge for Climate Change<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: The National Mission on Strategic Knowledge for Climate Change (NMSKCC) supports research and capacity building related to climate change, including impacts and adaptation in Himalayan regions.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>SECURE Himalaya<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: It stands for <\/span><b>\u201cSecuring Livelihoods, Conservation, Sustainable Use and Restoration of High Range Himalayan Ecosystems\u201d<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> and was a Government of India\u2013<\/span><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/united-nations-development-programme-undp\/\" target=\"_blank\">UNDP<\/a><\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u2013GEF initiative focused on conserving high-altitude Himalayan ecosystems while supporting sustainable livelihoods.<\/span>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The project ran from 2017 to December 2025.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>National Mission on Himalayan Studies: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change launched the National Mission on Himalayan Studies in 2015 to strengthen research and sustainable management of natural resources in the Indian Himalayan Region.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>State Climate Change Cells<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: Under NMSHE, State Climate Change Centres have been established or strengthened across the 13 Himalayan States\/UTs to support vulnerability assessment, capacity building, disaster-risk reduction and climate-resilience planning.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Glacial Monitoring and GLOF Risk Reduction<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: Government agencies are undertaking glacier and glacial-lake monitoring, including inventories, satellite-based assessment and early-warning systems.<\/span>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology also contributes to glacier monitoring and hazard analysis, while NDMA has issued guidelines for managing GLOF and related risks.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Himalayan Conclave 2025<\/span><\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">In November 2025, the G.B. Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment organised a <\/span><b>Himalayan Conclave<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> focused on developing a strategic vision for the Indian Himalayan Region up to 2047.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Discussions covered biodiversity, climate adaptation, land and water management, sustainable livelihoods, governance, responsible tourism and community participation.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Himalayas Way Forward<\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The way forward for the Himalayas requires development strategies that combine ecological security, disaster resilience, scientific evidence and sustainable livelihoods.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Adopt mountain-specific planning:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Development projects should reflect the geological and ecological sensitivity of individual Himalayan zones.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Strengthen carrying-capacity assessments:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Tourism, construction and urban expansion should remain within locally appropriate ecological limits.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Improve disaster preparedness:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Expand landslide, flood, earthquake and GLOF hazard mapping and early-warning systems.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Protect forests and wildlife corridors:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Maintain habitat connectivity and strengthen community-based conservation.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Secure mountain water:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Protect springs, watersheds, wetlands, glaciers and traditional water systems.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Promote climate-resilient agriculture:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Encourage suitable crops, agroforestry and improved water-management practices.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Regulate infrastructure:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Roads, hydropower and urban projects should incorporate detailed geological, ecological and cumulative-impact assessments.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Promote responsible tourism:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Tourism should generate local livelihoods without exceeding the ecological capacity of mountain destinations.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Strengthen scientific monitoring:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Expand glacier, snow, biodiversity, hydrological and climate observation networks.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Empower local communities:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Traditional knowledge and community institutions should be incorporated into conservation and adaptation planning.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Enhance regional cooperation:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Himalayan ecosystems and river systems cross national boundaries, requiring scientific data sharing and coordinated conservation.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Himalayas UPSC PYQs<\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p><b>Q1.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> How will the melting of Himalayan glaciers have a far-reaching impact on the water resources of India? <\/span><b>(UPSC Mains 2020)<\/b><\/p>\r\n<p><b>Q2.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Consider the following pairs: <\/span><b>(UPSC Prelims 2020)<\/b><\/p>\r\n<table style=\"width: 75.1073%\">\r\n<tbody>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td class=\"tb-color\" style=\"width: 48.3871%\"><strong>Peak<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<td class=\"tb-color\" style=\"width: 181.988%\"><strong>Mountains<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td style=\"width: 48.3871%\">\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">1. Namcha Barwa\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 181.988%\">\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Garhwal Himalaya<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td style=\"width: 48.3871%\">\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">2. Nanda Devi<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 181.988%\">\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Kumaon Himalaya<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td style=\"width: 48.3871%\">\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">3. Nokrek<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 181.988%\">\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Sikkim Himalaya<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Which of the pairs given above is\/are correctly matched?<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><br \/>\r\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">a) 1 and 2<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">b) 2 only<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">c) 1 and 3<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">d) 3 only<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><b>Ans: (b)<\/b><\/p>\r\n<p><b>Q3.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Siachen Glacier is situated to the: <\/span><b>(UPSC Prelims 2022)<\/b><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">a) East of Aksai Chin<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">b) East of Leh<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">c) North of Gilgit<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">d) North of Nubra Valley<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><b>Ans: (d)<\/b><\/p>\r\n<p><b>Q4.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> When you travel in Himalayas, you will see the following: <\/span><b>(UPSC Prelims 2012)<\/b><\/p>\r\n<ol>\r\n\t<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Deep gorges<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> U-turn river courses<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Parallel mountain ranges<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Steep gradients causing landsliding<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Which of the above can be said to be the evidence for Himalayas being young fold mountains?<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">a) 1 &amp; 2 Only\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">b) 1, 2 &amp; 4 Only<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">c) 3 &amp; 4 Only \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">d) 1, 2, 3 &amp; 4<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><b>Ans: (d)<\/b><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Himalayas are a vast young mountain system separating the Indian subcontinent from the Tibetan Plateau and extending in an arc across South Asia. Read about their formation and major ranges.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":35,"featured_media":30525,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[38,24],"tags":[2083,40,620],"class_list":["post-30486","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-upsc-notes","category-upsc-geography-notes","tag-himalayas","tag-quest","tag-upsc-geography-notes"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/30486","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/35"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=30486"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/30486\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":30528,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/30486\/revisions\/30528"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/30525"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=30486"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=30486"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=30486"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}