Landscape intervention for vulnerable areas : Along the path of Ganga from rishikesh to koudiyala, Uttarakhand

Abstract

Uttarakhand is one of the most beautiful states in India that everyone wants to explore for its serenity at least once. Where nature invites you and it unfolds the secrets at each and every step. The elements like mountain ranges, rivers, wild forests, and snow give meaning to this wonderful place. The closer you go towards nature, the deeper you understand and feel its power. The Cultural Growth pattern along with the Natural Settings invites people to come and get immersed in the beauty of this place. Uttarakhand Himalayan ranges are gift to the India in the form of Monsoons, Two of India's most important rivers, the Ganges and the Yamuna flow from the glaciers of Uttarakhand. The State consists of rare and threatened species of plants and animals. It is often referred as the Devbhumi due to the many Hindu temples and pilgrimage centres in the state i.e Chhota Chardham, Hemakunda Sahib etc. “Some beautiful paths can’t be discovered without getting lost”- well said by Erol Ozan. The area selected for study is the stretch along the Ganga from Rishikesh to Koudiyala in Lesser Himalayan region, on Rishikesh Badrinath National Highway NH 58. The road distance is 36 km. This path of Ganga is famous for White Water Rafting, Forest Campaign and other adventurous activities. This activity has impacts on Riparian, Aquatic and Forest Ecosystems. Rishikesh is known as Heritage Town of India. Rishikesh has become favourite destination for peace seeker through yoga and meditation, adventure lover through white water rafting with beach camping on the silver clean beaches of the Ganges, bungee jump & zip line tour, nature lover through trekking in the Himalayas & wild safari in the famous national parks and ethnic explorer to explore their roots and culture through chardham Yatra & visits to vibrant places of spiritual and cultural importance. - Garhwal Himalayan Explorations Pvt. Ltd. Uttarakhand state is disaster prone area. The stretch Rishikesh to Koudiyala comes under Seismic zone 4 and covers areas liable to MSK VIII. (5 to 7.9 Richter magnitude scale) The zone is called the High Damage Risk Zone. It is also prone to Landslides and Floods due to structural pattern. Though Disaster have been officially termed a natural calamity but the growth of tourism, unchecked Rapid increase of roads, hotels, shops and multistory housing in ecologically fragile areas and unplanned construction are also the reason for them. In such situations understanding the Vulnerability of the region and onserving our fragile Landscape heritage is very important and challenging to.