Environmental Degradation Resultant of Choosing Economics Over Ecology: Joshimath Visited

The picturesque state of Uttarakhand which lies in the fragile Indian Himalayan ecosystem has witnessed a long history of environmental protection and degradation. The hypothesis of this paper is that there has been a switch in the pattern where economics has been chosen as the more viable option for the state in comparison to ecology, ecosystem and the environment which has resulted in its degradation. This research paper is an attempt to recall the plight of the calamitous events caused by coupling of anthropogenic and natural causes, witnessed by the state and the resulting environmental damage and excessive land, water and soil degradation to form a backdrop to understand the fate of the villages, like Joshimath, today, which even after decades are under the same threat and look towards a similar fate. The paper seeks to showcase by the usage of doctrinal attempts, the constant choosing of rampant development in the form of construction and infrastructural work in the state and a flouting of the basic norms of environmental protection. The paper highlights the failures of prioritizing short-term economic gains over long-term environmental sustainability. The research contributes to the discourse on integrating economics and the environment for a more sustainable future.