This book is perhaps the first effort to focus on energy issues in the Indian Himalayas. Though a lot has been written on the ecological consequences (of energy-related activities), these energy issues by themselves have not received sufficient attention. The papers in this volume have been selected from those commissioned by the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development, and the Tata Energy Research Institute as a part of their collaborative programme on rural energy planning. As it was found that critical gaps exist in knowledge and experience in the area of effective diffusion of energy technologies for promoting Himalayan development, it was felt that a collection of papers on the existing states-of-the-art would be a useful first step before embarking on practical interventions. There are papers that have focussed on technologies, planning issues and economic welfare aspects relevant to development in all the different regions of the Himalayas. Some authors have focussed instead on the regions and have looked at the status of the three subject areas (technologies, planning and welfare) as they pertain to their regions. The major value of this book is that in addition to a clear articulation of problems, issues and possible solutions, it represents a comprehensive collection of information existing for this region. The authors have also brought out the gaps that exist currently and have established priorities for further research and direction for programmes to promote sustainable development of energy resources and their use in the Himalayan region.