EXPLORING THE POTENTIAL FOR PAYMENT FOR ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES IN HIMACHAL PRADESH, INDIA, FOR ECOSYSTEM SERVICE PROTECTION, DEVELOPMENT AND SUSTAINABILITY

摘要

In Himachal Pradesh, a north western himalayan state, in India, potable water shortage is causing concern, and its depletion is a critical factor, affecting continued sustainable development, in this mountain terrain (Report produced by ADB consultants for an integrated water resources management scoping study for Sutlej river basin, Himachal Pradesh: Improving capacity for climate change adaptation project). With the focus on Hydro electric projects, especially the run of the river types, ecosystemsare rapidly transforming, endangering vital native biodiversity. Tunnels, as drainage conduits, have been found to cause lowering of the hydrostatic water levels, with effects on the discharge to.water points, springs and river recharge, with effect ongroundwater quantity and quality, vegetation modifications, slope stabilities, chemical changes of thermal waters, etc. Blasting too, has been found to disturb the rock and fissure systems. Receding glaciers and erratic rainfall have invited attention tothe spring rejuvenation programme envisaged, with the twin objectives of having water in perpetuity (both with reference to quantity of discharge and duration of discharge) for power generation and to meet livelihood requirements of the local people andfor silt detention result of rapid erosion, triggered especially on account of road construction. Human activities have caused degradation of stream habitats and contamination of water supplies and groundwater depletion, through bad management and waterdepleting changes in land-use. Moving towards multifunctional management and eco-services, a difficult transition, requires the development of market mechanisms and incentives, to promote and implement forest management. The needs of conservation of water and environment require integrating and extending the concept and practice of payment for ecosystem services.