Vulnerable Urbanization in Western Himalayas: A Case Study of Three Small Towns in Uttarakhand, India

Mountains, a complex socio-ecological system, are home to 915 million people. The Himalayas, the planet’s youngest mountain range, are critical in shaping the region’s climate, biodiversity, and culture. The Indian Himalayan Region (IHR), spanning 13 Indian states and union territories, holds immense cultural, ecological, and social significance. IHR is geologically active, earthquake-prone, and faces several threats from climate change and human activities. Despite these vulnerabilities, the IHR’s population continues to grow, and many areas are experiencing rapid urbanization. However, there are limited granular (town-level) assessments on the spatial and temporal patterns of urbanization in IHR and its associated vulnerabilities. This case study examines spatial and temporal trends and associated vulnerabilities of urbanization in three towns of the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand, located in the Western Himalayas. The study also evaluates land-use transitions contributing to an increase in built-up areas. Our findings reveal a 162% increase in built-up areas, with the conversion of agricultural land to built-up areas being a prominent land-use transition. New built-up areas potentially face increased risks of landslides and flash floods due to their locations on steeper slopes and proximity to water streams, respectively. We discuss potential drivers of this urbanization trend and their impact on the mountain ecosystem.