Himalaya Day, observed on the 9th of September each year, stands as a significant occasion dedicated to the preservation of the Himalayan ecosystem and region. The Himalayas, renowned for their rich biodiversity and their pivotal role in maintaining the natural balance and shielding the nation from adverse climatic conditions, take center stage on this day. Himalaya Day also serves as an exceptional platform to foster awareness among the general populace and inspire active community involvement in conservation endeavors. In 2023, the nation commemorates the 14th edition of Himalaya Diwas.
This annual observance underscores the paramount importance of the Himalayas. The hill cities nestled within this majestic range grapple with a multitude of challenges, ranging from inadequate urban planning and infrastructure, including roads, water supply, and sewage systems, to the alarming deforestation rates. These issues give rise to profound ecological concerns.
Himalaya Day serves as a poignant reminder that the development of environmentally sensitive urban plans and designs is an urgent necessity for the Himalayan region. Recognizing the Himalayas as a source of strength and a global heritage, it emphasizes the imperative need for their protection. Beyond the promotion of scientific knowledge, this day fosters increased awareness and active community participation in safeguarding this invaluable ecosystem.
The declaration of September 9th as Himalaya Day was officially made in 2014 by the then Chief Minister of Uttarakhand, Harish Rawat. The visionary concept was initiated by Anil Joshi of the Himalayan Environmental Studies and Conservation Organization, along with other dedicated Indian environmentalists. The objective was to establish September 9th as Himalaya Diwas in all Himalayan states of India, spanning from Jammu and Kashmir to Arunachal Pradesh. This unified celebration was driven by the recognition of a shared Himalayan social ecology among these states.
While the chosen date lacks direct historical significance in the environmental and socio-cultural context of any particular Himalayan state in India, its selection could be attributed to significant events like the devastating monsoon of August 2010 and the catastrophic 2013 Kedarnath disaster. These incidents shed light on the fragile nature of the Himalayan ecosystem, further underscoring the importance of Himalaya Day in promoting conservation awareness and action.