Abstract:
Managing climate change induced vulnerability is a challenge in the Himalayan region. The policy interventions
are often not targeted due to lack of assessment and prioritization of vulnerable areas of a district/state. The
intervention measures already available in the Uttarakhand Himalaya are limited due to want of huge investment
and unfavorable terrain. Vulnerability must be understood as a set of socioeconomic conditions that are
identifiable in relation to climate change which include natural disaster, demography, water, health, livelihood,
social network, food. Combination of these factors at varying level of dominance is driving the vulnerability of a
region. Therefore, identifying and grading the key factors influencing the regions vulnerability can of great help
in strategizing targeted adaptive measures. The dynamic nature of climate change vulnerability depends upon both
biophysical and social processes. We undertook the study at three blocks in the Rudraprayag district in the Upper
Ganga Basin (UGB) using the IPCC’s Livelihood Vulnerability Index (LVI) approach. LVI assess the quantum
of adaptive capacity, sensitivity and exposure of a region. The LVI ranges from -1 to +1 representing low to high
vulnerability. To assess the vulnerability in terms of exposure, sensitivity, and adaptive capacity, 7 major
indicators and 25 sub-indicators have been considered in the study. The information for the 25 sub-indicators were
drawn from questionnaire-based field survey conducted in three blocks viz. Augustmuni, Jakholi, and Ukhimath
comprising of 39 villages and 128 households. The LVI values stand at 0.07, -0.18, and -0.21 for Jakholi,
Ukhimath, and Augustmuni blocks respectively. The LVI values indicated that Jakholi block is highly vulnerable
followed by Ukhimath and Augustmuni blocks. It has also been noted that Jakholi block is highly exposed (0.58)
to climate change variability coupled with lower adaptive capacity (0.42). The exposure and adaptive capacity of
Agustmuni block stands at 0.23 and 0.69. Ukhimath block although indicated a higher adaptive capacity (0.82).
The sensitivity of the three blocks is more or less same. It is recommended that any adaptive measures initiated
in the district should be prioritized to Jakholi block followed by Ukhimath and Augustmuni.
