The Himalayan geosystem is highly vulnerable and susceptible to many kinds of risks and hazards. Anthropogenic activities are continuously disturbing the natural ecosystem of the Himalaya. Human interference, unscientific developmental activities, agriculture extension, tourism activity and road construction are creating Geo-hazards. Soil erosion and landslides have been recognized as major hazards in the high-altitude region of Himalaya. The removal of the forest cover has accelerated the rate of soil erosion and mass wasting in the area. Steeper slopes, high relative relief and the presence of weathered, fractured/sheared rocks in addition to unfavorable hydrological conditions. The landslide hazard has become a common feature in Western Himalaya and its vulnerability is increasing at an alarming rate due to unplanned and uncontrolled constructions for infrastructural development. Overgrazing, deforestation, heavy rainfall, and tourism activities are identified as major responsible factors for rock fall, soil erosion and geo-hazards. The present research paper analyses and evaluates the risk analysis and livelihood vulnerability assessment and its adaptation for sustainable development in the near district headquarter (NDH) & away district headquarter (ADH) method including a weighted matrix index. Qualitative research methods including participatory research approaches (PRA) at the village level have been used for ecological challenges and risk assessment. Finally, the research examines the possible ways to improve the living standards of the local community through ecotourism, sustainable development and community disaster risk reduction (DRR) techniques.

Prof. Bindhy Wasini Pandey and Prof. V. S. Negi
*Department of Geography, Delhi School of Economics, University of Delhi, Delhi, India. ** Department of Geography, Shaheed Bhagat Singh College, University of Delhi, Delhi, India

 
ID Abstract: 190