Mountain Environment

Mountain resources are getting enormous stress due to snow melting and glacial retreat  Charlatanry et al., 2006; Dobhal et al., 2004). The scope of latitudinal gradient studies i.e. large change in altitude over short distance associated with significant change in climatic gradient varies from local studies at micro ecosystem to temperate and alpine region. Notable contribution from geographers in this context have come in studies related to assessment and modeling of the interactive influence of topography and land surface heterogeneity on the spatial pattern of soil moisture evaporate-transpiration, runoff generation and erosion. Disasters, be they natural or man-made, are the real constraints to development and are a threat to our environment. The enormous economic losses from natural disasters and the massive relief expenditure make disaster reduction a condition for sustainable development. Development programmed can be so designed as to decrease susceptibility to disasters. Disaster mitigation will have to become a part of national development.Environmental protection is also an essential input in the prevention and mitigation of disasters. The complex cause and effect relationship of disasters and the environment and its impact on development are being carefully understood in recent years as evident in afew studies related to these (Singh, 1998, Singh, 2005, Singh, 2006). Mountain regions make up one-fifth of the Earth’s land surface, and they have considerable role and global importance as environmental resources. Mountains are home to a substantial portion of the planet’s diversity of species and ecosystems. Ironically, allover the world expanding economic pressures are degrading mountain Eco-systems while confronting mountain peoples with increasing poverty, cultural assimilation, and empowerment