One of the newest Indian states,
Uttarakhand came into existence on the 9th of November 2000. It lies in north India, bordered by Nepal and China [Tibet] to the north, and the states of Himachal Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh in the north west and south.
Map. There are two major sub divisions to the state, Kumaon and Garhwal. 65% of
Uttarakhand's terrain is covered by forest, and only 13% of the land is available for agriculture. The wild terrain makes access to markets tremendously difficult for farmers and craftsmen - indeed for anyone wishing to trade.
Within
Uttarakhand are innumerable sites of great religious significance for all Indians, so many in fact that it is known in India as the abode of the gods. Here also is the setting for some of India's great epic, The Mahabharat. It is an area of stunning natural beauty. Magnificent snow covered mountain peaks - most famously Nanda Devi, Kedarnath, Trishul, Bandarpaunch - glaciers, wild rivers and dense forests enthrall pilgrims and tourists. In contrast to all this splendour, life is harsh.
In the past there was little investment in this and similar areas - in fact it has been known as one of India's 'orphan states.' This was not an area that shared India's 'Green Revolution' and only 30% of the farmland is irrigated.
Now that Uttarakhand has realised its long ambition to be a state in its own right and not a neglected part of Uttar Pradesh there are many projects in hand for 'Development' of the area. Those of us who love
Uttarakhand are glad of this, but are also watchful, hoping to ensure that 'development' will not mean further degradation of the forests and mountains, the rich plant and animal life and loss of traditions and skills. [For instance an initiative to support and develop the wool trade led to some import of mill spun and chemically dyed wool from outside the region, a move that clearly threatened the uniqueness and survival of a local craft.]
