Destruction of forest and erosion, problems of water balance and even natural catastrophes: all these are consequences of the excessive exploitation of natural resources. The relation between socio-economic structure and its resulting pressure on ecosystems is analysed as one aspect of ecological-geographical investigations, taking Gorkha as an example.
The population of Gorkha is made up of various ethnic groups. The Newar dominate the bazaar and the Chhetri, Bahun and Jogi the surrounding rural areas. Several 'impure' Nepalese castes are present besides the Magar.
