HPAS/Allied Mains 2022 Answer Writing Challenge Day 259: Model Answer

Question: Discuss the Traditional wisdom and Knowledge in Sustainable development of the Himachal Pradesh. (8 marks/ 120 words)

Answer.

Traditional wisdom and knowledge is related to know-how, skills and practices that are developed, sustained and passed on from generation to generation within a community, often forming part of its cultural or spiritual identity.

It has played an important role in Sustainable development of the Himachal Pradesh through practising the following techniques and practical application of long-standing knowledge.

Agriculture and horticulture

• In lahaul spiti and Kinnaur, a small wooden structure called tokhre is used for digging the soil facilitating the horizontal spread of roots in cabbage and other vegetables crops thereby increasing production.
• Animals like dzos (hybrid of yak and domestic cattle) helped in thrashing of crops in west Himalayan cold desert.

Watershed Management in Himachal Pradesh 

• The Kuhls are used for irrigation in the State.
• Water harvesting in dugout structure called ‘Khati in Hamirpur and Bilaspur districts and ‘diggi’ in Kangra district.
• In Spiti grass is used as the inner linings of zings (water ponds) and irrigation kuhls for checking percolation losses.

Various other traditional practises in Himachal Pradesh

• In Spiti and other regions, Biofencing with seabuckthorn is As seabuckthorn being thorny in nature protects the crop from stray animals.
• Storing fruits in underground pits.
• The various handicrafts like Kullu Shawl, chamba rumal, Chamba chappal etc.

Conclusion: These practises are farmer friendly, socially acceptable and environmentally sound suited to local conditions. These practices are eco-friendly and are one of the finest examples of sustainable development.