Assistant Professor (W.B.E.S.), Post Graduate Department of Geography, Chandernagore Government College, West Bengal, India
The overall changes in population characteristics effect the development and environment of any region. Environment is the source of life on earth and it not only directs but also determines the existence, growth and development of mankind and all its activities. The relationship between population and environment are diverse and diversifying, as even more complex population-environment situations evolve. The present study is based on one of the least economically developed regions of West Bengal i.e. Darjeeling Himalaya which comprises the three hill subdivisions of Darjeeling District viz. Darjeeling Sadar, Kurseong and Kalimpong. This Himalayan region is unique from environmental and eco-perception with a fragile terrestrial system, which is much too often disturbed by various developmental processes & environmental catastrophes. The current paper is based on the analysis of secondary data from census of India, other Government publications, reports, research journals and field observation. This paper throws light on the different issues of development & environment in Darjeeling Himalayan region and to study the relevant changes in demographic pattern for better understanding of the concept. There was complete coordination and co-existence between man, development and environment but with the rapid growth of population with limited resource this balance has not only been disturbed in this himalayan region of West Bengal but has become a threat to the ecosystem and is now responsible for the environmental crisis in the neighboring region as well. It is essentially man's influence that has upset the natural balance, and it is in the adaptation of his interaction with the environment that we must seek for ways to restore it. The major conclusion that has emerged from the present study is that the causes of environmental degradation can never be totally controlled but can be checked to a great extent. The development process in Darjeeling himalaya should practice without neglecting the present environmental issues and its ecosystem. It is, therefore, necessary to pay attention to the problems of environmental degradation and to strike a balance between conservation of nature and population growth. It is, therefore, more essential to take effective and remedial measures for eco-development and to maintain the health of our hill environment.
Himalaya, population, environment, degradation, development
