Himalayas Demographic and Socio-Economic Characteristics. Bupinder Zutshi *

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1 Demographic and Socio-Economic Characteristics Bupinder Zutshi * The Himalaya mountain system in Asia, form a broad continuous arc for nearly 2600 km (1600 miles) along the northern fringes of the Indian subcontinent, from the bend of the Indus River in the northwest to the Brahmaputra River in the east. The range, averaging 320 to 400 km (200 to 250 miles) in width, rises sharply from the Gangetic Plain. North of this mountain belt lies the trans-himalayan region also referred as the Tibetan Plateau. The form the earth's highest mountain ranges, containing 9 of the highest peaks in the world. Among these peaks is the world s highest mountain peak, Mount Everest (8848 m/29,028 ft), which is on the Nepal-Tibet border. Other peaks are, K2 or Mount Godwin Austen, Kanchenjunga etc; The Himalayan range was created from powerful earth movements that occurred as the Indian plate pressed against the Eurasian continental plate. The earth movements raised the deposits laid down in the ancient, shallow Tethys Sea (on the present site of the mountains) to form the Himalayan ranges, even today the mountains continue to develop and change, and earthquakes and tremors are frequent in the area The forms three parallel zones: the Great, the Middle (also known as the Inner or Lesser ), and the Sub-, which includes the Siwalik Range and foothills and the Tarai and Duars piedmont (an area of land formed or lying at the foot of a mountain or mountain range). Each of these lateral divisions exhibits certain similar topographic and climatic features. The Great are the highest zone, consists of a huge line of snowy peaks with an average height exceeding 60 m (20,000 ft). The Great Himalayan region is one of the few remaining isolated and inaccessible areas in the world today. Some high valleys in the Great are occupied by small clustered settlements. Extremely cold winters and a short growing season limit the farmers to one crop per year, most commonly potatoes or barley. The formidable mountains have limited the development of largescale trade and commerce. The Middle range, which has a width of about 80 km (about 50 mi), borders the Great Himalayan range on the south. It consists principally of high ranges both within and outside of the Great Himalayan range. Some of the ranges of the Middle are the Nag Tibba, the Dhaola Dhar, the Pir Panjal, and the Mahabharat. The numerous gorges and rugged mountains make surface travel difficult in any direction. Few roads or 1

2 transport routes exist between towns which were developed during the post independence period. The Sub-, which is the southernmost and the lowest zone, borders the plains of North India. It comprises the Siwalik Range and foothills as well as the narrow piedmont plain at the base of the mountains. A characteristic feature of the Sub- is the large number of long, flat-bottomed valleys known as duns, which are usually spindle-shaped and filled with gravelly alluvium. South of the foothills lies the Tarai and Duars plains. The southern part of the Tarai and Duars plains is heavily farmed. The may also be divided into three main regions exhibiting homogeneous characteristics in terms of climate, plant and animal life, cultural and social ethos, economic activities and environmental issues. These regions are:? Western Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh? Central Uttaranchal and Nepal? Eastern Darjeeling Hills, Sikkim, Bhutan, Arunachal Pradesh and the eastern arc of covering Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram and Tripura. Population Distribution, Density and Growth : The population, settlement, and economic patterns and activities within the have been greatly influenced by the variations in topography and climate, which impose harsh living conditions and tend to restrict movement and communication. People living in remote, isolated valleys have generally preserved their cultural identities and are performing primitive subsistence economic activities like herding, gathering and cultivation. However, modern communication systems have enhanced tourism activities providing access from the outside world to remote valleys. These outside influences are affecting traditional social and cultural and economic structure in the. The recorded million persons in (as per the Census and CIA- World Fact book data-2004). The Indian registered million persons, while the kingdom of Nepal and Bhutan recorded and 2.18 million persons respectively. The Central recorded 54 population, while Western and Eastern had a concentration of 25 and 21 population respectively. Indian contributed of the Himalayan population, while the kingdom of Nepal and Bhutan registered and 3.3 of the Himalayan population. The distribution of population depicts strong influence of physical and economic characteristics as valleys bottoms, river valleys and plateau regions, having conducive conditions for economic activities like agriculture, 2

3 horticulture and tourism activities had concentration of population. The distribution of population among the states falling in India recorded concentration in Jammu and Kashmir (15), Uttranchal (13), Himachal Pradesh (9), while the states in the north-east recorded population distribution between 1-5 each. (Refer Figure No.1 and Table No.1) Figure No.1 Eastern 21 The Population Distribution Western 25 Central 54 Population Distribution 65,579,968 JK 15 UTT 13 NP 42 HP 9 TR 5 MN 4 BH 3 NG 3 DR 2 AP 2 MZ 1 SK 1 NP JK UTT HP TR MN BH NG DR AP MZ SK 3

4 Name of State/ Country Population Table No.1 The Demographic Indicators Population Concentration. Population Growth Rate Urban Popn. Jammu & Kashmir, 069, Himachal Pradesh 6, 077, Uttranchal 8, 479, Darjeeling Dist 1, 605, Sikkim 540, Arunachal Pradesh 1,091, Nagaland 1,988, Manipur 2,388, Mezoram 891, Tripura 3,191, Nepal 27,070, Bhutan 2,185, Western Himalays 16,147, Central 35,550, Eastern 13,882, Indian 36,323, All 65,579, INDIA 1,027,015, Sex Ratio Density of Population: Density of population in the mountain ecology is directly influenced by the three basic components: the physical environment, the institutional set (which includes the cultural changes) and the technological innovations. The influence of natural environment, especially climate, soils and slope morphology affects the agricultural productivity in mountain ecology. Man through his technological and scientific development tries to overcome natural constraints. To a limited extent these elements may be partially modified by developing irrigation by which the time and space relationships, of rainfall, the ultimate source of moisture, can be manipulated to the farmer's advantage. However modifications in the natural environment are only possible if institutional obstacles have been removed and technological development has taken a big leap. Such changes have not taken places in the mountain ecological due to isolation and prevailing political, social cultural and poor economic conditions. The break-through in agriculture production, due to social reforms, technological development, execution of large number of major or minor irrigation schemes, increase in the supply of modern inputs like fertilizers insecticides, pesticides, introduction of high yielding variety of crops and flow of credit from credit institutions under various schemes, have not taken place uniformly in the Himalayan 4

5 mountainous regions. However few areas in Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Nepal valley have witnessed some reforms and changes.. The density of population is generally very low throughout in the. Comparatively high density was recorded in Kashmir valley, foothills of around Jammu, Kalka, Dehradun, Kothgodam and tourist nodes (Simla, Masoorie, Nainital, Darjeeling) developed by British Raj in India. The Greater have very low population density due to harsh topography, climate and low level of accessibility. Map No.1 5

6 Population Growth: The have recorded a decadal population growth of 25 during as compared to for India as whole. The kingdom of Nepal and Bhutan also registered a decadal growth rate of and respectively. However the decadal growth rate of population has not been uniform in the Indian. The population growth rate was high for Jammu and Kashmir (30.46), parts of Himachal Pradesh and in the north eastern states of Nagaland (64.41), Sikkim (32.98), Manipur (30.02) and Mizoram (29.18). On the other hand very low population growth rate was recorded in Himachal Pradesh (17.53), Uttranchal (20.27) and Tripiura (15.74). The North-eastern states except for Tripura have registered very high population growth rates during the last two decades. However these states did not register such high population growth rates in the age group 0-6 years, thereby indicating the large scale in-migrations from the surrounding countries (Bangladesh and Mayanmar/ Burma). The state of Jammu and Kashmir also recorded very high population decadal growth rate. Thus cultural and religious groups of Muslims, Christians have recoded high population decadal growth rates as compared to the Hindu population dwelling in Himachal Pradesh, Uttranchal and Darjeeling district of West Bengal. (Refer Map No. 2 and Figure No.2) Map. No. 2 Source: Census of India, Office of the RG., New Delhi. 6

7 Figure No Western Himalays The Population Growth Rate Central Eastern The Population Growth Rate J&K H. P. Utt. Darjeeling Sikkim A.P. Nagaland Manipur Mezoram Tripura Nepal Bhutan Population Composition: Sex Composition The distribution of male/ female population as depicted by the sex ratio 1 was 940 for the as compared to 933 for India. Normally the sociocultural space and ethos towards women is positive in the as compared to surrounding Northern plains and other parts of India. In spite of high sex selective male in migrations in the north eastern, sex ratio imbalances were less. The sex ratio for Indian was 939 according to Census. Very Low sex ratio was recorded in Jammu and Kashmir, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland and Bhutan, significantly these states also recorded high decadal population growth rates, indicating sex selective male in-migration from neighboring countries/ regions to these states. On the other hand comparatively high sex ratio was registered in Himachal Pradesh, Uttranchal, Manipur, Tripura, Nepal and Darjeeling, which incidentally also recorded lower decadal population growth rates during the last decade thus indicating sex selective male out-migration from these 1 Sex ratio is number of females per 00 males. 7

8 states for economic activities in the plains of northern India. (Refer Table No.1 and Figure No.3) Figure No. 3 The Sex Ratio Western Himalays Central Eastern The Regionwise Sex Ratio J&K H. P. Utt. Darjeeling Sikkim A.P. Nagaland Manipur Mezoram Tripura Nepal Bhutan Literacy Rates: The Census of recorded literacy rate in the Indian as compared to for India, indicate better performance for education in. However the gender parity in literacy rate was similar as in the case of India. Male literacy rate in the Indian was 77 as compared to 57 for females. Both male and female literacy rates were slightly higher in the Indian as compared to India. The pattern of literacy rate depicts strong influence of religious faiths as areas with high Christian and Hindu population recorded higher literacy rates as well as lower gender literacy parity rates. The state of Jammu and Kashmir and Aurunachal Pradesh recorded lower literacy rates as well as higher gender parity literacy rates. Similarly the kingdom of Nepal and Bhutan also recorded lower literacy rates as well as higher gender parity in literacy rates. ( Refer Table No. 2 and Figure No. 4) 8

9 Table No. 2 Literacy Rate ( Literates to Population Aged 6+) Name of State/ Country Persons Male Female Jammu & Kashmir Himachal Pradesh Uttranchal Darjeeling Dist Sikkim Arunachal Pradesh Nagaland Manipur Mezoram Tripura Nepal Bhutan Western Himalays Central Eastern Indian All INDIA Figure No. 4 The Literacy Rate Western Himalays Central Eastern Persons Male Female The Regionwise Literacy Rate J&K H. P. Utt. Darjeeling Sikkim Aru. P. Nagaland Manipur Mezoram Tripura Nepal Bhutan Persons Male Female 9

10 Urbanization: A radical change during the British rule and post independence period changed urban morphology of selected locations in the. The location of hill stations for summer capital and settlement of army cantonments in the foothills of brought about significant economic activities in the selected hill stations. Major activities were introduction of high quality wool and other commodities leading to exports of these products from the. Climatic suitability to overcome the blasting summer conditions of plains developed several tourist spots both in the middle as well as in the foothill, creating conducive conditions for urbanization process. Introduction of tea plantation in the Darjeeling and North east hills also gave impetus for developing urban centres. The Indian registered 22 urban population as compared to 28 in case of India. Nepal recorded 15 urban population, indicating prevalence of primary activities especially primitive farming. The process of urbanization in the Indian has gained strength during the last decade due to development of pilgrimage tourism, adventure tourism and diversification of economic activities especially emphasis on horticulture and commercial herding activities. A significant proportion of the population 22 were living in the urban areas in, showing a quantum jump from 15 in However proportion of urban population was more in the case of Jammu and Kashmir (24.88), Uttranchal (25.99), Darjeeling ( 32.44), and Mizoram ( 49.50). On the other hand proportion of urban population was low in Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Nagaland and Tripura. ( Refer Table No 1 and Figure No. 5) Figure No Western The Population Urban Growth Rate Central Eastern 60 The Regionwise Urban Growth Rate J&K H. P. Utt. Darjeeling Sikkim A.P. Nagaland Manipur Mezoram Tripura

11 Economic Activities: Participation Rate and Occupational Structure: The workforce participation rate was 48 for males and 29 for females in the Indian as compared to 52 for males and 26 for females in India. Female participation rate was comparatively higher in case of Himachal Pradesh and other Eastern Himalayan states except for Tripura. Owing to fewer employment opportunities in secondary and tertiary activities in the, a large proportion of adult male workers migrate for job opportunities towards the plains, hence a bulk of agricultural work is being undertaken by females in the. Male participation rate did not record any significant variations among the Indian states falling in the. The industrial classification of the participation rate for males and females reflect very low proportion of agricultural laboures in the Indian as compared to rest of India. Jammu and Kashmir state was first state to adopt land reforms in the country and land was distributed to farmers. The land reforms adopted by the states as well as absence of the caste hierarchy in the states have resulted in availability of land to majority of households. However Tripura state recorded 20 male agricultural labourers, while the state recorded 35 females agricultural labourers. Primary activities and service activities are the major source of economic activities in the. In spite of high participation rates disguised employment in agriculture is the main problem Table No 3 Participation Rate and Occupational Structure Name of State/ Male Female Country Wor Cul Ag.L HH Oth Wor Cul Ag.L HH Jammu & Kashmir Himachal Pradesh Uttranchal Darjeeling Dist Sikkim Arunachal Pradesh Nagaland Manipur Mezoram Tripura Nepal Bhutan Western Himalays Oth 11

12 Central Eastern Indian All INDIA The economy of the as a whole is poor with low per capita income. Much of the area is characterized by a very low economic growth rate combined with a high rate of population growth, which contributes to stagnation in the already low level of per capita gross national product. Most of the population is dependent on agriculture, primarily subsistence agriculture; modern industries are lacking. Mineral resources are limited. The has major hydroelectric potential, but the development of hydroelectric resources requires outside capital investment. The skilled labor needed to organize and manage development of natural resources is also limited due to low skill development opportunities. Most of the Himalayan communities face malnutrition, a shortage of safe drinking water, and poor health services. Agricultural land is concentrated in the Tarai plain and in the valleys of the Middle. Patches of agricultural land have also been carved out in the mountainous forested areas leading to ecological imbalaces. Rice is the principal crop in eastern Tarai and the well-watered valleys. Corn is also an important rain-fed crop on the hillsides. Other cereal crops are wheat, millet, barley, and buckwheat. Sugarcane, tea, oilseeds, and potatoes are other major crops. Food production in the has not kept up with the population growth. The major industries include processing food grains, making vegetable oil, refining sugar, and brewing beer. Fruit processing is also important. A wide variety of fruits are grown in each of the major zones of the, and making fruit juices is a major industry in Nepal, Bhutan, and in the Indian. Since 1950 tourism has emerged as a major growth industry in the. Nearly 2-5 million visitors come to the each year for mountain trekking, wildlife viewing, and pilgrimages to major Hindu and Buddhist sacred places. The number of foreign visitors has increased in recent years, as organized treks to the icy summits of the Great have become popular. While tourism is important to the local economy, it has had an adverse impact on regions where tourist numbers exceed the capacity of recreational areas. Historically, all transport in the has been by porters and pack animals. Porters and pack animals are still important, but the construction of major roads and the development of air routes have changed the traditional transportation pattern. Major urban centers such as Kathmandu, Simla, and Srinagar, as well as important tourist destinations, are served by airlines. 12

13 Railways link Simla and Darjiling, but in most of the there are no railroads. The bulk of goods from the, as well as goods destined for places within the, generally come to Indian railheads, located in the Tarai, by road. The pack animals and porters transport goods from road heads to the interior and back. 13