Dehradun, Sept 27: Legislators from across the Indian Himalayan Region (IHR) came together at Doon University on Saturday, adopting the Dehradun Declaration 2025 with a pledge to push for science-based, disaster-resilient growth models and coordinated mountain policies.
The Mountain Legislators’ Meet (MLM), part of the Sustainable Mountain Development Summit-XII organised by the Integrated Mountain Initiative (IMI), was chaired by Uttarakhand Speaker Ritu Bhushan Khanduri.
Sixteen legislators from Nagaland to Himachal joined the discussions, along with leaders like former Uttarakhand CM Trivender Rawat, former Arunachal CM Nabam Tuki, former MP P.D. Rai, and MLA Munna Singh Chauhan.
Representing Himachal Pradesh, Ms. Anuradha Rana complimented IMI for the congregation and called for hill-specific construction norms in NHAI projects, regular monitoring of glacial lakes, and strict caution in dam-building in para-glacial valleys.
“Recent and recurring disasters are a wake-up call. We cannot afford to ignore the looming risk of major earthquakes,” she said, urging communities not to construct homes in vulnerable low-lying zones.
Speaker Ritu Bhushan Khanduri emphasised the collective responsibility of Himalayan states:
“All mountain states must jointly impress upon the Centre the need for an exclusive planning authority for Himalayan regions.
Disaster-proof, resilient construction technology must become non-negotiable.
Youth must be involved at all stages to spread awareness and preparedness.”
IMI President Ramesh Negi honoured the legislators and set the tone for future action.
“The development roadmap must now shift from revenue-driven growth to a science-based, people-safe model.
The Dehradun Declaration will be submitted to NITI Aayog for follow-up,” he said.
The Dehradun Declaration – Key Highlights
The declaration, signed by all legislators present, recognises the Himalaya as the world’s youngest and most fragile mountain system, sustaining nearly two billion people across Asia.
Expressing solidarity with disaster-affected communities, the leaders pledged to:
Adopt a science-based resilient development model for the Himalaya.
Establish a Strategic Environmental Planning and Green Infrastructure Cell within NITI Aayog for the IHR.
Monitor glaciers and glacial lakes to prevent GLOFs and protect downstream settlements and hydropower projects.
Enforce zero tolerance for negligence in implementing agencies violating environmental norms.
Conduct a comprehensive assessment of river basins for restoration and planning.
Ensure transparent lifecycle monitoring of projects with local community and expert participation.
Combat overtourism by promoting responsible tourism aligned with carrying capacity.
Make disaster preparedness the first line of action, with early warning systems, cross-border data sharing, and community involvement.
Strengthen relief and rehabilitation frameworks, including mental health support.
Prepare in advance for the 2026 monsoon and beyond.
Promote transboundary cooperation for coordinated disaster response across the Himalaya.
The meet concluded with IMI’s assurance that the Dehradun Declaration will be pursued vigorously with the Centre and all Himalayan state governments for adoption and implementation.
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