Relevance: GS I (Geography) & GS III (Economy – Tourism) | Source: The Hindu / State Govt Release
1. The Context: A Major Policy Shift
In a strategic move to boost tourism and stop distress migration, the Uttarakhand Government has opened 83 major Himalayan peaks for mountaineering.
- The Scope: The peaks range from 5,700m to 7,756m in altitude.
- Key Peaks: The list includes iconic summits like Mount Kamet (7,756 m), Nanda Devi East, Shivling, Chaukhamba, and Panchachuli.
2. Incentives: Removing Barriers
To attract climbers, the state has removed financial hurdles:
- For Indians: Complete waiver of expedition fees, camping fees, and environmental fees.
- For Foreigners: All state-level extra fees are abolished. They now only pay the standard fees prescribed by the Indian Mountaineering Foundation (IMF).
- Governance: A new “Uttarakhand Mountaineering Permission System” (online portal) ensures transparency.
3. Strategic & Economic Significance
- “Eyes and Ears”: Many of these peaks (like Mt. Kamet) are near sensitive international borders. Regular civilian expeditions act as informal surveillance, enhancing border security.
- Stopping Migration: By creating local jobs for porters and guides, the policy aims to check “Pahari Migration” (people leaving hill villages for plains due to lack of jobs).
- Sustainable Tourism: The focus is on high-value, low-volume adventure tourism, adhering to the Carrying Capacity of the region.
UPSC Value Box
| Concept / Institution | Relevance for Prelims |
| Indian Mountaineering Foundation (IMF) | The apex national body (based in New Delhi) for organizing and supporting mountaineering and rock climbing expeditions in the Himalayas. It is affiliated with the International Climbing and Mountaineering Federation. |
| Mount Kamet | The second-highest mountain in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand (after Nanda Devi). It resembles a giant pyramid topped by a flat summit area with two peaks. |
| Inner Line Permit (ILP) | A travel document required by non-natives to visit sensitive border areas. Opening these peaks often requires streamlining ILP norms for climbers. |
Q. Consider the following pairs of mountain peaks and their location:
| Peak | State / Region | |
| 1. | Mount Kamet | Uttarakhand (Garhwal) |
| 2. | Panchachuli | Himachal Pradesh |
| 3. | Gorichen Peak | Arunachal Pradesh |
Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Correct Answer: (b)
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