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The National Mission for Sustaining the Himalayan Ecosystem (NMSHE), a pivotal component of India's climate action strategy within the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC), was initiated in 2010 under the Ministry of Science and Technology.

Distinguished as the sole mission targeting a specific geographical area among the NAPCC's eight National Missions, NMSHE focuses on enhancing the nation's capacity to monitor and maintain the health of the Himalayan Ecosystem. By providing critical policy support and facilitating sustainable development initiatives, NMSHE seeks to address the unique ecological challenges confronting states in the Indian Himalayan Region. Through collaborative efforts and scientific innovation, the mission endeavours to preserve the delicate ecological balance of this vital ecosystem while fostering inclusive and equitable development practices.

About the NMSHE

NMSHE is one of the eight missions under the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC), emphasising the significance of sustainable development in the Himalayan region.

Objective and Scope

• Multi-pronged Approach: NMSHE adopts a comprehensive approach across various sectors to address climate change impacts and ensure sustainable development.
• Contribution to Sustainable Development: The mission aims to enhance understanding of climate change impacts and adaptation actions specifically tailored for the Himalayas, which supports the sustainable development goals of the country.
• Ecological Resilience: NMSHE aims to formulate policies and action programs to sustain ecological resilience and ensure the continuous provision of ecosystem services in the Himalayan region.

Secondary Objectives

• Information Network: Establish a network of information-sharing among organisations studying the Himalayan ecosystem.
• Future Impact Forecasting: Use reliable research to forecast future effects on the Himalayan regions.
• Economic Growth Strategies: Develop strategies for economic growth in mountainous areas by assessing the ecological and socioeconomic impacts of environmental changes.
• Traditional Medicine Integration: Explore the integration of traditional medical practices to address climate change.
• Stakeholder Awareness: Disseminate knowledge among all stakeholders to promote understanding and collaboration.
• State Empowerment: Provide states with necessary knowledge to safeguard the Himalayan ecology effectively.

Functional Areas

• Glacier and Hydrological Effects: Study Himalayan glaciers and their hydrological impact.
• Natural Hazard Management: Predict and manage natural hazards in the region.
• Biodiversity Conservation: Protect and conserve the biodiversity of the Himalayas.
• Wildlife Preservation: Safeguard and conserve Himalayan wildlife.
• Traditional Societies: Understand the livelihoods and practices of traditional Himalayan societies.
• Governance Challenges: Address governance challenges related to maintaining the Himalayan ecosystem through scientific regulation and peer evaluation.
• Uttarakhand Restoration: Contribute to the restoration and reconstruction efforts in Uttarakhand.

States and Union Territories Covered

• The Himalayan states and Union Territories covered under the National Mission for Sustaining the Himalayan Ecosystem (NMSHE) include Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura, Meghalaya, Assam, West Bengal, Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh.

Policy Formulation and Action Programs

• Facilitating Policy Measures: NMSHE seeks to facilitate the formulation of appropriate policy measures and time-bound action programs to address the challenges faced by the Himalayan ecosystem.
• Sustainability and Ecosystem Services: The mission focuses on developing management and policy measures to sustain and safeguard the Himalayan ecosystem while ensuring the provision of essential ecosystem services.

Coordination and Cooperation

• Nodal Responsibility: The Ministry of Science and Technology is responsible for coordinating the NMSHE, acknowledging the importance of scientific and technological inputs for sustaining the fragile Himalayan ecosystem.
• Collaborative Efforts: NMSHE requires cooperation from Indian Himalayan States, the Planning Commission, and the Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change to achieve its objectives effectively.

Capacity Building

• Continuous Assessment: NMSHE aims to develop national-level capacities to continuously assess the health status of the Himalayan ecosystem, enabling informed decision-making and timely interventions.

Why are the Himalayas important for India?

• Crucial Water Source: Acting as the primary wellspring of freshwater for the Indian subcontinent, the Himalayas give rise to major rivers such as the Ganges and Indus. These rivers play a vital role in sustaining agriculture and livelihoods by transporting freshwater to the plains. Moreover, they contribute to the formation of new plains, accommodating the needs of India's burgeoning population.
  
  
• Climate Regulation: The Himalayas serve as natural barriers, regulating the region's climate dynamics. By obstructing internal Arctic cold waves, they temper the severity of winters, ensuring milder conditions across the subcontinent. This climate moderation fosters agricultural stability and resilience to extreme weather events.
  
  
• Monsoonal Influence: As a geographical barrier, the Himalayas influence the Indian monsoon pattern, redirecting monsoonal winds across the subcontinent. By impeding the premature retreat of monsoons, they sustain adequate rainfall in India's interior regions, critical for agricultural productivity and water resources. Additionally, they facilitate the infiltration of monsoonal winds, augmenting rainfall patterns.
  
  
• Biodiversity Hub: Renowned as an ecological hotspot, the Himalayas harbour rich biodiversity, encompassing a diverse array of flora and fauna. This biodiversity sustains local ecosystems and fosters harmonious coexistence between the environment and communities. The varied plant and animal species also serve as valuable resources for sustenance and medicinal purposes.
  
  
• Strategic Defence: Geopolitically, the Himalayas serve as a natural fortress, bolstering India's defence along its northern, north-eastern, and north-western borders. Their rugged terrain has historically deterred invasions, contributing to India's national security. Recognized as a strategic asset, the Himalayas safeguard India's territorial integrity and sovereignty.

NMSHE Implementation

• Oversight of NMSHE's implementation falls under the purview of the Department of Science and Technology.
• Six task force institutions have been designated to manage various facets of the mission, encompassing geological wealth, water resources, forest resources, traditional knowledge systems, Himalayan agriculture, and more.

Monitoring Activities

• A high-powered committee, led by the Minister for Science, Technology, and Earth Sciences, conducts biannual reviews of the mission's progress.
• This committee comprises representatives from relevant ministries and governments of Himalayan states.
• Reports are periodically scrutinised by the Prime Minister's Council on Climate Change.
• A think tank, established by the National Advisory Council, offers feedback and evaluates progress.
• A Committee of Secretaries oversees input approvals and financing decisions.
• A dedicated Mission Cell on the Himalayan Ecosystem coordinates with and reports to oversight bodies.
• Close collaboration with the Ministries of Environment and Forests, and External Affairs is essential for policy implications and regional cooperation.

Recent information related to NMSHE

• A paper by the Department of Science and Technology identifies the most vulnerable states and districts in India to climate change, highlighting the imperative for adaptation measures.
• DST actively participates in initiatives like the National Mission on Strategic Knowledge for Climate Change and supports State Climate Change Cells in 25 states and Union Territories.
• Scientists, with backing from NMSHE, disseminate scientific information to farmers for sustainable and climate-resilient agriculture.
• State Climate Change Cells are tasked with evaluating vulnerability to climate change at district and sub-district levels.

Conclusion

The National Mission for Sustaining the Himalayan Ecosystem (NMSHE) is a comprehensive initiative led by the Department of Science and Technology aimed at addressing the ecological challenges of the Himalayan region. Through strategic implementation, robust monitoring mechanisms, and collaboration with stakeholders, NMSHE endeavours to safeguard the fragile Himalayan ecosystem and promote sustainable development in the region. Ongoing efforts, coupled with the latest research findings and adaptation strategies, underscore India's commitment to mitigating the impact of climate change and preserving the invaluable natural heritage of the Himalayas.