Residential environment and related health problems in cold desert ladakh—A regional analysis

Environmental geographers have begun to take an even wider-angle view, as investigators using ecological approaches to explore the multifaceted interrelationships between the residential environment and human health. The present research work, an attempt in the same direction, examines various aspects of residential environment and related health problems in Ladakh—A high altitude cold desert region of Jammu and Kashmir. The investigation reveals that traditional residential adjustment because of harsh climatic conditions leads to various aspects of poor housing such as overcrowding and poor sanitation that in turn have been identified as contributing to the impact of housing on health. Majority of households are lagging behind in all recommended housing standards and are suffering from both respiratory and infectious diseases. The study seeks to assess and quantify the health impact of housing conditions and attempts to formulate a planning strategy shall be helpful for future health care planning.