232 Abode of Gods
Scarcity
The whole environment of an unknown beautiful place centres
round one important object—water. The main source of water in
the Himalayas is precipation, either in the form of rain or snow.
While snow falls above 6000 ft. during winters, rainfall takes
place at the foothills. Rainfall over the southern ranges facing
planes is higher than the northern slopes. Many of its people
suffer from scarcity of water which becomes acute during summer.
Ladies can be seen carrying heavy water laden vessels over their
heads. Water is also scarce for irrigational purposes. Therefore,
it is necessary that water conservation schemes are developed
which will generate power on the one hand, irrigate low lying
areas on the other hand and provide drinking water side by side.
If there is more water in a village, the people can lead a decent
and clean life. They can also grow variety of cash crops and
vegetables which will ultimately lead to the development of agro-
industrial units.
Small scale industries
At present the economy of the hills is based on the 'Money
Orders' which every hillman serving in the plains sends home;
as such the hill economy has come to be described as 'Money
Order economy*. We have failed to give it some sound base on
the basis of available raw materials. If countries like Japan,
Czechoslovakia, Israel, Switzerland and Yugoslavia which are as
big as, Uttarakhand can capture world market by providing
consumer goods why can't we do so. What is required is that
we need to establish some raw material based plants which could
be easily run by local hydro-electric power generation.
In order to examine above feasibility we must appoint an
expert committee which should evolve schemes which will—
(i) Boost hill economy
(ii) Avail opportunities of local initiative.
(iii) Capture and meet the demands of market,
(iv) Consume locally produced electricity.
(v) Provide stable base to the Himalayan economy.
^ourism
Gifted with an extensively beautiful panorama, UttaraKnana