Land Policies, Land Management and Land Degradation in the Hindu Kush-Himalayas: India Study Report

The study on land policies, land management and land degradation in the north western Himalayan region of India is part of an overall effort by ICIMOD to assess the impact of land policies on land management and land degradation in the Hindu Kush-Himalayan region. The study geographically covers states of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and hilly regions of Uttar Pradesh. The study has touched upon a variety of research issues related to land policy, management, and state of degradation. These include land and land-related policies evolved and implemented by the state governments and the Federal government. The policy area scope of the study included all land policies pertaining to environment, forests, agricultural land use, land reforms, common property land management, biodiversity, wildlife, and agricultural policies. Gaps between policies and ground realities have been analysed and highlighted in appropriate areas. The study also looked at processes and evolution of various land policies in this region and interesting facts have come to light in different states. The study has indicated that stakeholders perceptions about sustainable land use may differ widely much from the land-use plans of governments. Similarly, the study also highlights the differences in land-use approaches among various agencies and governments. Consequently, policies and land-use planning for water, energy, demography, industrial development, and tourism prepared by different departments/ agencies show marked differences. The diversity of policies and land-use approaches has led to the evolution of a mosaic of land degradation problems and contributing factors.