Sustainable Development Goals and the Indian Himalayan Region

Development in mountainous regions is a tedious task. Proper planning and execution of development policies, and projects along with the construction of sustainable infrastructure is a necessity. In the Himalayan regions, nature performs a crucial role which cannot be overlooked considering the potentially grave implications. The Indian Himalayan region comprises eleven states and two union territories. Though the government provides this region's growth with significant focus, it is vital to take a look at its accomplishments through the prism of the Sustainable Growth Goals. These goals have been specifically designed to attain development in a holistic way and their role becomes more substantial with respect to the Himalayan region. It is so because these goals can help in combating various social, economic, and environmental issues through sustainable ways. Himachal Pradesh has been ranking second in SDG India Index Reports consecutively for the last two terms. Being a hilly region, it inspires me to understand the importance of SDGs in achieving sustainable development. The present study aims to examine the impact of SDGs on the Indian Himalayan region. In addition, it will not only try to bring forth the areas that need consideration but also try to draw focus on areas that can be used as strengths to attain development sustainably. The present study is an attempt to analyze how SDGs are impacting the development of the Indian Himalayan region and what else shall be incorporated so that every state or union territory of this region can gain benefit and develop under the aegis of Sustainable Development Goals.