Himalayan Conclave 2047 Targets Sustainable Mountain Growth

13 Nov 2025 CW Team

The event seeks to build a strategic roadmap for the Indian Himalayan Region (IHR) by 2047, aligning with the national Viksit Bharat 2047 vision, which aspires to transform India into a developed, sustainable economy by the centenary of independence.

The conclave will convene leading scientists, academicians, policymakers, administrators, and representatives from NGOs and local communities across the Himalayan belt and beyond. Discussions will centre on environmental conservation, climate adaptation, sustainable livelihoods, and regional cooperation.

Home to 11 states and two Union Territories, the Indian Himalayan Region is known for its rich biodiversity and cultural heritage but faces growing challenges from climate change, population pressures, land-use shifts, glacier retreat, flash floods, and depleting water resources. The conclave aims to develop actionable strategies for environmental resilience and inclusive economic growth.

Over three days, deliberations will be organised into six thematic areas across 21 sessions:

Himalayan biodiversity and changing climate;

Land, water, and atmospheric interactions;

Environmental sustainability and climate resilience;

Socio-economic development and sustainable livelihoods;

Policy frameworks for regional cooperation; and

Gender equality and social inclusion in development.

Each theme will feature expert presentations, policy dialogues, and recommendations to strengthen climate resilience and foster sustainable growth across mountain communities. The conclave also aims to update the Himalayan Action Plan by integrating ecosystem-based strategies, responsible tourism, green entrepreneurship, and community-led value addition of local products.

Co-hosted by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the event involves collaboration with several national and international organisations, including the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Department of Science and Technology (DST), ICIMOD, IUCN, ICARS, IIT Roorkee, NCSCM, WISA, UCOST, NIDM, the State Bank of India (SBI), and multiple universities and NGOs.

Organisers emphasised that as India approaches 2047, it is crucial to balance development with ecological integrity. The conclave’s outcomes are expected to shape strategies for groundwater management, land restoration, climate adaptation, and sustainable tourism, while empowering local communities to achieve climate-resilient and inclusive livelihoods.

The G.B. Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment (NIHE), an autonomous institute under the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, is hosting a three-day Himalayan Conclave titled “Indian Himalayan Region–2047: Environmental Conservation with Sustainable Socio-Economic Growth” from 13–15 November 2025 at its headquarters in Kosi-Katarmal, Almora, Uttarakhand. The event seeks to build a strategic roadmap for the Indian Himalayan Region (IHR) by 2047, aligning with the national Viksit Bharat 2047 vision, which aspires to transform India into a developed, sustainable economy by the centenary of independence. The conclave will convene leading scientists, academicians, policymakers, administrators, and representatives from NGOs and local communities across the Himalayan belt and beyond. Discussions will centre on environmental conservation, climate adaptation, sustainable livelihoods, and regional cooperation. Home to 11 states and two Union Territories, the Indian Himalayan Region is known for its rich biodiversity and cultural heritage but faces growing challenges from climate change, population pressures, land-use shifts, glacier retreat, flash floods, and depleting water resources. The conclave aims to develop actionable strategies for environmental resilience and inclusive economic growth. Over three days, deliberations will be organised into six thematic areas across 21 sessions: Himalayan biodiversity and changing climate; Land, water, and atmospheric interactions; Environmental sustainability and climate resilience; Socio-economic development and sustainable livelihoods; Policy frameworks for regional cooperation; and Gender equality and social inclusion in development. Each theme will feature expert presentations, policy dialogues, and recommendations to strengthen climate resilience and foster sustainable growth across mountain communities. The conclave also aims to update the Himalayan Action Plan by integrating ecosystem-based strategies, responsible tourism, green entrepreneurship, and community-led value addition of local products. Co-hosted by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the event involves collaboration with several national and international organisations, including the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Department of Science and Technology (DST), ICIMOD, IUCN, ICARS, IIT Roorkee, NCSCM, WISA, UCOST, NIDM, the State Bank of India (SBI), and multiple universities and NGOs. Organisers emphasised that as India approaches 2047, it is crucial to balance development with ecological integrity. The conclave’s outcomes are expected to shape strategies for groundwater management, land restoration, climate adaptation, and sustainable tourism, while empowering local communities to achieve climate-resilient and inclusive livelihoods.

Infrastructure Transport

12 Jan 2026

Dhalbhumgarh Airport Faces 150-km Rule Hurdle

The issue has resurfaced following a recent statement by Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu, who said that under existing aviation policy, a new greenfield airport is generally not permitted within an aerial distance of 150 kilometres of an operational civilian airport. He added, however, that if a formal proposal is submitted, its impact on the existing airport can be examined and relaxations may be considered on a case-by-case basis. While the clarification has revived some hope for Dhalbhumgarh, it has also underlined the scale of the technical challenge facing the project. Unde..

Infrastructure Transport

12 Jan 2026

Stakeholders Seek Parallel Ops For Vizag Airports

With road and metro rail links to Bhogapuram still several years away, stakeholders in north Andhra Pradesh have renewed demands to continue civil operations at INS Dega even after the commissioning of Bhogapuram International Airport. The new airport is expected to begin commercial operations from June. Officials said close to 80 per cent of the airport infrastructure at Bhogapuram, including the terminal building and internal approach roads, has already been completed. However, inadequate external connectivity remains a key concern. Making a case for parallel operations, Andhra Pradesh Air ..

Infrastructure Transport

12 Jan 2026

Govt To Roll Out V2V Tech To Cut Road Crashes

In an effort to curb road accidents, particularly in low-visibility conditions such as dense fog, the government is set to roll out vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication technology that will allow cars to exchange real-time data and alert drivers to potential dangers. The announcement was made by Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari after the 43rd meeting of the Transport Development Council. The technology involves installing an on-board unit (OBU) in vehicles, enabling wireless data exchange between nearby cars. This will allow vehicles to share information such as spee..