Women, environment and development in the Tribal district of Kinnaur, Himachal Pradesh, India

Abstract

The intersection of women, the environment, and development produces a complex sociological situation. Women often bore the brunt of environmental degradation because of their reliance on natural resources for livelihoods such as agriculture, forestry, and water management. However, their contributions to sustainable practices and local knowledge are typically underestimated or overlooked in official development frameworks. Himachal Pradesh's tribal region has a substantial hydropower potential. Kinnaur has a considerable number of hydroelectric power projects, both large and minor. Hydroelectric project development has had a substantial impact on the local population's livelihood. It is vital to consider women's perspectives and awareness of the consequences of hydroelectric power projects. Women rely more on their physical environment, shared property resources, kinship, and other social ties than men. The goal of this study is to highlight how women's experiences and outcomes in environmental governance and sustainable development practices are influenced by developmental activities and responses to environmental degradation.