Himalayan geosystem is highly vulnerable and susceptible to various kinds of Geo-hydrological vulnerability. Anthropogenic activities are continuously disturbing the natural system and its impact on the hydrological behavior of river. The important factor causing a flood and also accelerate several hydrological hazards during monsoon periods are heavy rainfall, cloud burst, GLOF, landslides, Slope failure, deforestation, drainage congestion due to urbanization. The Geospatial technique has been used to find out the relief, slope distribution and landslide hazard zonation and secondary data is taken to carry the analysis work. Primary data from each hotspot has been collected through a questionnaire survey and a Participatory Research Approach (PRA) and Livelihood options, Institutional participation in adaptation policy design and implementation, food security and Empowerment parameters like health and education (LIFE) approach. Present research highlights that most of the slope cutting and construction of roads are parallel to course of rivers, consequently slopes and roads have become highly vulnerable to landslides. Landslides vulnerability is increasing at an alarming rate due to unplanned and uncontrolled construction and other types of tourism based infrastructural development. Alaknanda river basin is an in-route gateway to millions of pilgrimages and religious as well as nature tourism movements. Hence, encroachments of the river side’s and constructions of houses have increased the risk and vulnerability. Study also examines the possible ways to improve the living standards of the local community through ecotourism, sustainable development and disaster risk reduction techniques. This paper also provides various mitigation processes for the challenges faced in the Alaknanda river basin, Uttarakhand and attempts to formulate sustainable development strategy for the development of Alaknanda river basin.

This study is a review article which examines the dynamics of the treeline shifts in the Himalayan region of India. It further looks at its impact on ecology, resources and the local communities. The previous studies have found that the Himalayan region is warming at rates faster than the surrounding lowlands. In Himalayas, changes in temperature and precipitation patterns over recent decades have led to significant alterations in treeline ecology, affecting both the landscape and the livelihoods of the communities. As per the previous studies, the Indian Himalayan treeline has shifted significantly upward from 1972-2014. Arunachal Pradesh now has the highest treeline at 4136m (shifted up 452m), followed by Jammu and Kashmir at 4121m (shifted up 441m). Uttarakhand's treeline moved up 411m to 3615m, while Himachal Pradesh and Sikkim both rose about 301m to reach 3520m and 3542m respectively. This study documents temporal changes in altitudinal treeline positions based on available literatures, its associated vegetation dynamics, and their socioeconomic implications for local and transhumant communities. The investigation of several literatures reveals that there has been an upward shift of the treeline in most of the Himalayan region. These shift varies from 300-600m spatially. This threatens alpine meadows, which are critical for local biodiversity and traditional pastoral practices. Grazing areas and other forest resources are becoming less productive and cannot meet the growing demands of both human and livestock populations. The research documents a decline in the availability of essential resources, including medicinal plants, timber, firewood, and grazing grounds, forcing collectors to venture into more remote areas. Additionally, based on number of studies, the article shows how climate-induced changes coupled with increased developmental activities such as road construction impact the treeline ecotone and associated livelihood patterns. The fragile mountain ecosystem, experiencing increased frequency of climatic anomalies has led to devastating effects on local communities. By integrating ecological and social dimensions, this study contributes to a holistic understanding of treeline dynamics and their implications for community well-being.

The Tawang-Chu River Basin of the eastern Himalayas is a heterogenous region that is highly vulnerable to climate change. The changing temperature patterns in this mountain river basin play a vital role in changing the ecological system and inter-ecological nexus. Landsat satellite images were used to analyze spatio-temporal changes in Land Use and Land Cover (LULC) patterns in the basin. The changing trends of Land Surface Temperature (LST) and Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) were analyzed (at intervals of five years) using Landsat data. Changes in rainfall trends were analyzed using the Mann-Kendall test. The results show that fluctuations in annual temperature and increasing rainfall uncertainties are affecting LULC vegetation health.