Nirmala Sitharaman Urges for Improved Border Infrastructure in Himalayan Region to Mitigate Migration

Mussoorie, July 29, 2019:

A historic conclave was held on Sunday in Mussoorie to discuss the priorities of the Indian Himalayan Region (IHR) and to focus on a model of sustainable development in the presence of many dignitaries, including Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.

Chief ministers and representatives of the Himalayan states -- Jammu and Kashmir, Uttarakahand, Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Nagalaland, Tripura, Mizoram and Manipur -- took part in the conclave.

Speaking at the Conclave, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman raised the issues of improving border infrastructure in the IHR to mitigate migration from these areas. She also stressed on the need to institutionalize the platform of The Himalayan Conclave to take the concerns of the IHR forward in the national development agenda.

While appreciating the community spirit of these regions, she posed the difficult question of balancing economic aspirations with ecological sustainability. She asked the states to do away with the imitative model of development by promoting youth startups to find local solutions to their issues.

Meanwhile, Conrad Sangma, CM of Meghalaya proposed the 15th Finance Commission to provide sufficient weightage of 15% to the ecosystem services provided by the IHR states.

The Himalayan States also demanded a separate Union ministry to deal with problems endemic to them and a green bonus in recognition of their contribution to environment conservation.

The 11 States which are a part of the Himalayan belt are: Arunachal Pradesh, Assam Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, Tripura, Uttarakhand

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