The states and areas of the Indian Himalayan Region (IHR) represent a substantial part of India’s forests, water sources and biodiversity. Together they account for 16 percent of the country’s landmass. But these regions remain poorly developed in comparison to most states and are inadequately represented in Parliament. As a result, in the give and take of federal equations, they have traditionally fared poorly. There is little understanding of their special needs and their voices when heard aren’t adequately accounted for. Landlocked, denied old trade routes, and custodians of natural wealth they must. . .
