Impact of Climate Change and Anthropogenic Activities on Lower Himalayan Region: A case study of Nainital District, India

With the growing concerns over degradation of natural resources due to unwanted human activities, this study aims at analyzing the quality of natural resources in Nainital district of Uttarakhand state, India and evolving development strategies for management and efficient use of natural resources which are of economic importance to the region. The study area is one of the most preferred tourist spot which is characterized by diversity in their nature i.e. terrain and geomorphic landscape, soil types, natural vegetation, hydrological parameters as well as the climatic complexities obtaining in the region. But even after being an ecologically sensitive area, the region has not escaped anthropogenic impacts, which continue to multiply with increasing population like urban development processes and increased sand mining and deforestation. With change in weather patterns and increasing frequency of extreme climate events, the region deserves specific attention and priority conservation measures for protecting the fragile environment and sustainable urban and rural growth for future economic development. With the growing concerns over climate change and degradation of natural resources due to unwanted human activities, the study aims at analyzing the quality of natural resources in Nainital district and evolving development strategies for management and efficient use of natural resources which are of economic importance to the region. The research is conducted through the study of natural resources that are of social and economic benefits to the districts and mapping them as well as analyze the trends and patterns of utility and demand of natural resources. The development strategies are proposed for efficient use of natural resources without compromising with the economy of the district and managing the natural resources.

Key words: Natural resources, Land resources management, Land degradation, Climate change