Beyond the mountains: unveiling the ease of living in the Himalayan state of Uttarakhand in India

Journal of Social Sciences Vol. VIII, no. 1 (2025), pp. 116 - 131 Fascicle Social Science ISSN 2587-3490 Topic Sociology eISSN 2587-3504 Journal of Social Sciences March, 2025, Vol. 8 https://doi.org/10.52326/jss.utm.2025.8(1).08 UDC 330.59:364.; 2(540) BEYOND THE MOUNTAINS: UNVEILING THE EASE OF LIVING IN THE HIMALAYAN STATE OF UTTARAKHAND IN INDIA Piyoosh Rautela 1*, ORCID: 0000-0001-7280-4655, Meenakshi Bist 2, ORCID: 0000-0002-6066-0954, Deepshikha Rawat Bhatt 3, ORCID: 0000-0002-8666-0346 1 Disaster Management Initiatives and Convergence Society, Hyderabad, Telangana, India 2 School of Management, IMS Unison University, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India 3 Advisory Support Group, Chief Minister’s Office, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India * Corresponding author: Piyoosh Rautela, [email protected] Received: 02. 05. 2025 Accepted: 03. 12. 2025 Abstract. This paper challenges the conventional equation of economic prosperity with human well-being and explores alternative parameters for assessing the ease of living in the Himalayan state of Uttarakhand in India. Recognizing the limitations of relying solely on economic indicators like GDP, the study examines access to basic amenities and public services across different districts of the state. Contrary to the prevailing narrative of "lack of facilities" driving out-migration from the mountainous districts, the analysis reveals that these regions may offer a comparable, if not superior, quality of life in certain aspects, particularly concerning healthcare and infant mortality rates. This finding underscores the need for a more holistic approach to development that prioritizes human well-being in its entirety, encompassing access to healthcare, education, transportation, and essential infrastructure. By examining well-being indicators beyond economic metrics, this research aims to unveil a more nuanced understanding of the ease of living in Uttarakhand and inform policy decisions that promote sustainable development, reduce out-migration pressures, and improve the quality of life for all residents, ultimately contributing to a more balanced and equitable society. Keywords: Himalaya, Uttarakhand, Human well-being, Ease of living. Rezumat. Această lucrare abordează ecuația convențională a prosperității economice cu bunăstarea umană și explorează parametrii alternativi pentru evaluarea ușurinței de a trăi în statul Himalayan Uttarakhand din India. Recunoscând limitările de a se baza exclusiv pe indicatori economici precum PIB-ul, studiul examinează accesul la facilități de bază și servicii publice în diferite districte ale statului. Spre deosebire de narațiunea predominantă despre „lipsa facilităților” care provoacă emigrarea din raioanele muntoase, analiza arată că aceste regiuni pot oferi o calitate a vieții comparabilă, dacă nu superioară, în anumite aspecte, în special în ceea ce privește asistența medicală și ratele mortalității infantile. Această constatare subliniază necesitatea unei abordări mai holistice a dezvoltării, care să acorde prioritate bunăstării umane în întregime, cuprinzând accesul la asistență medicală, educație, P. Rautela, M. Bist, D.R. Bhatt 117 Journal of Social Sciences March, 2025, Vol. 8 transport și infrastructură esențială. Prin examinarea indicatorilor de bunăstare dincolo de metricile economice, această cercetare își propune să dezvăluie o înțelegere mai nuanțată a ușurinței de a trăi în Uttarakhand și să informeze deciziile politice care promovează dezvoltarea durabilă, reduc presiunile de migrație și îmbunătățesc calitatea vieții pentru toți rezidenții, contribuind în cele din urmă la o societate mai echilibrată și mai echitabilă. Cuvinte cheie: Himalaya, Uttarakhand, bunăstare umană, ușurință de a trăi. 1. Introduction Growth and development are often considered synonymous with human well-being, leading to the acclaim of materialistic achievements as contributors to human satisfaction and happiness. Consequently, assessments of human well-being often prioritize economic data, with decisions frequently based on GDP or the size of the economy. However, this approach may not accurately reflect the overall quality of life or wellbeing of the population. This paper challenges the notion that economic prosperity alone equates to human well-being and explores alternative parameters for assessing the ease of living or well-being of the masses in the Himalayan state of Uttarakhand in India that shares international boundary with China to the north and Nepal to the east (Figure 1). Figure 1. Location map of Uttarakhand depicting district boundaries. Except for Udhamsingh Nagar and Haridwar all other districts of Uttarakhand have mountainous topography. The state faces high rates of out-migration, particularly from its mountainous districts. This exodus is a cause for concern, as many frontier villages along the 118 Beyond the mountains: unveiling the ease of living in the Himalayan state of Uttarakhand in India Journal of Social Sciences March, 2025, Vol. 8 Sino-Indian border are becoming vacated and this trend is evidenced by the negative population growth rate observed in Almora and Pauri Garhwal districts [1]. While this outmigration is often attributed to a lack of employment opportunities and limited access to public services, particularly in healthcare and education, this simplification overlooks the complexities of the issue [2]. This paper argues that the perception of the plains as more prosperous, fuelled by economic indicators and the allure of modern amenities, significantly contributes to this migration. However, a closer look at the well-being indicators in the mountainous districts reveals a different picture. For instance, despite the challenging terrain, the hilly districts of Rudraprayag, Pithoragarh, and Almora have lower infant mortality rates compared to the more developed Haridwar district [3]. This suggests that factors beyond economic prosperity and access to specialized healthcare contribute to human well-being in these regions [4]. By examining data on access to basic amenities and public services, this study aims to unveil the true picture of human well-being in the districts of Uttarakhand and counter the narrative of "lack of facilities" that overshadows the region's quality of life. This analysis considers various factors, including access to healthcare, education, transport, electricity, and water and sanitation, to provide a comprehensive assessment of the ease of living in each district. Ultimately, this research aims to contribute to a more nuanced understanding of human well-being in Uttarakhand and inform policy decisions that promote sustainable development and improve the quality of life for all residents. 2. Methodology and Data Constraints This study assesses the 'Ease of Living' across the districts of Uttarakhand by analyzing access to fundamental public services and amenities. Recognizing that human well-being transcends purely economic measures, this paper adopts a multi-dimensional approach, focusing on five critical components: healthcare, education, transport infrastructure, electricity availability, and water & sanitation facilities. These parameters were selected as essential indicators reflecting the basic quality of life accessible to the general population within each district. The analysis relies exclusively on publicly available data sourced from governmental records pertaining to civic amenities and infrastructure within Uttarakhand [1,5]. To enable meaningful comparison and analysis across districts with varying characteristics, the raw data for the selected indicators was systematically normalized. This process standardizes the data, allowing for a comparative assessment of relative access to these essential services. It is crucial to acknowledge the inherent limitations associated with the data utilized in this study. Primarily, the available datasets predominantly reflect resources and services provided by state-run entities. Consequently, the significant contribution of private sector service providers, particularly prevalent in the more densely populated and economically active plain districts (such as Haridwar, Dehradun, and Udhamsingh Nagar), may not be fully captured in this assessment. The higher population density and greater economic incentives in these areas often attract substantial private investment in sectors like healthcare and education, potentially creating a disparity between the data reflecting public provisions and the actual lived experience of residents who utilize private services. This constraint might influence the comparative 'Ease of Living' index, particularly when contrasting plain districts with the mountainous regions where private sector presence is typically less pronounced. P. Rautela, M. Bist, D.R. Bhatt 119 Journal of Social Sciences March, 2025, Vol. 8 Furthermore, this study did not involve primary data collection through field surveys to validate the secondary data or gather nuanced, qualitative insights into the lived realities across different districts. The assessment is therefore based on the available quantitative indicators within the public domain. Despite these constraints, this paper serves an important purpose. By systematically analyzing and comparing existing data on access to basic amenities, it aims to provide a preliminary but valuable perspective on the relative ease of living across Uttarakhand's diverse districts. The findings are intended to stimulate critical discussion, inform policy dialogue, and encourage further, more detailed research into the multifaceted nature of human well-being within the state, particularly addressing the dynamics influencing migration patterns and regional development disparities. 3. Economic Prosperity in Uttarakhand While assessing the economic prosperity of Uttarakhand's districts, it's crucial to acknowledge that traditional metrics like Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and per capita income can provide a limited perspective. These indicators, while valuable, primarily focus on economic output and may not fully capture the distribution of wealth or the overall wellbeing of the population. In this analysis, the available district-wise data relating to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and per capita income [5] are normalized by dividing each value by the maximum value to scale all values between 0 and 1 to allow for comparison across districts and then integrated and averaged to provide a comparative overview of the economic status of the districts. Table 1 Comparative overview of economic development of the districts of Uttarakhand in India Sl. No. District Normalised GDP (A) Normalised per Capita Income (B) Economic Prosperity Score (A+B)/2 Rank 1. Uttarkashi 0.05 0.30 0.17 11 2. Chamoli 0.07 0.35 0.21 5 3. Tehri Garhwal 0.10 0.28 0.19 8 4. Dehradun 0.59 0.65 0.62 3 5. Pauri Garhwal 0.11 0.30 0.21 6 6. Rudraprayag 0.03 0.26 0.15 13 7. Pithoragarh 0.08 0.33 0.21 7 8. Almora 0.10 0.28 0.19 9 9. Nainital 0.27 0.53 0.40 4 10. Bageshwar 0.04 0.27 0.15 12 11. Champawat 0.04 0.32 0.18 10 12. Haridwar 1.00 1.00 1.00 1 13. Udhamsingh Nagar 0.67 0.74 0.71 2 As expected, the plain districts, particularly Haridwar, Udhamsingh Nagar, and Dehradun, emerge as economically more prosperous (Table 1). This is largely attributed to their advantageous geographical location and better connectivity, which facilitate industrial activities, commercialized agriculture, and the efficient movement of manpower and goods. However, relying solely on GDP and per capita income can be misleading. These metrics may 120 Beyond the mountains: unveiling the ease of living in the Himalayan state of Uttarakhand in India Journal of Social Sciences March, 2025, Vol. 8 not accurately reflect the well-being of the masses, as these can be skewed by the presence of a few affluent individuals or organizations. Furthermore, the concentration of industrial activities in the plain districts, facilitated by rail and air connectivity, contributes to their higher GDP. The commercialized agriculture in these districts, supported by well-developed irrigation and other related facilities, also plays a significant role in their economic prosperity. However, this economic activity may not necessarily translate to equitable distribution of wealth or improved well-being for all residents. Therefore, while acknowledging the economic advantages of the plain districts, it is crucial to consider other factors that contribute to human well-being, such as access to essential services, infrastructure, and a healthy environment. A more holistic approach to development, one that goes beyond economic indicators, is necessary to ensure the wellbeing of all residents of Uttarakhand, regardless of their geographic location or economic status. 4. Human Well-being: Beyond Economic Indicators This paper is based on the basic premise that economic data does not project the real picture relating to human well-being [4] and is an attempt to ascertain and compare data related to human well-being or ease of living for the districts of Uttarakhand. Detailed studies do exist on the subject relating to the analysis and assessment of human well-being [4]. These are, however, founded on detailed surveys and data collection pertaining to various aspects relating to well-being. This can be challenging in areas with limited resources or where data collection is not prioritized. This study assesses human well-being in Uttarakhand from the perspective of access to five basic amenities: water, electricity, education, healthcare, and transport. While comprehensive data on all aspects of well-being is not available, this approach provides a valuable overview and encourages further investigation into these crucial areas. The data used for this analysis is sourced from the Directorate of Statistics and Economic Studies, Government of Uttarakhand [5]. 4.1 Access to Healthcare Health is a fundamental human right and a critical component of well-being [6]. However, access to healthcare, particularly specialized services, is often cited as a reason for out-migration from mountainous districts of Uttarakhand. This is understandable, as specialized healthcare facilities tend to concentrate in urban centers with larger populations and better infrastructure, making these economically challenging to operate in sparsely populated mountainous regions. However, it is crucial to recognize that access to healthcare is a multifaceted issue, and the concentration of specialized facilities in urban areas doesn't necessarily guarantee better healthcare access for all. Factors such as the distribution of healthcare facilities, availability of qualified medical professionals, affordability of services, and proximity to healthcare providers all play a significant role in determining access. This study, constrained by the lack of detailed data on medical staff and facility specifics, to ascertain healthcare access across Uttarakhand's districts used the available data pertaining to (i) the number of allopathic hospitals and PHCs which provides a general measure of the availability of healthcare facilities in each district, (ii) the bed availability in allopathic hospitals and PHCs which indicates the capacity of the healthcare system to accommodate patients requiring hospitalization and (iii) the number of PHCs which reflects P. Rautela, M. Bist, D.R. Bhatt 121 Journal of Social Sciences March, 2025, Vol. 8 the availability of primary healthcare services that are crucial for preventive care and early intervention [5]. To create a comparable index, these parameters were normalized for each district by dividing by the highest value, resulting in a range between 0 and 1. The three normalized values were then averaged to create the ‘Access to Healthcare Index’ (Table 2). Table 2 Asses to healthcare statistics for various districts of Uttarakhand Sl. No. District Normalised Allopathic Hospitals and PHCs (A) Normalised Bed Availability in Allopathic Hospitals and PHCs (B) Normalised PHC Numbers (C) Access to Healthcare Index (A+B+C/3) Rank 1. Uttarkashi 0.30 0.38 0.23 0.31 10 2. Chamoli 0.50 0.43 0.64 0.52 6 3. Tehri Garhwal 0.30 0.31 0.05 0.22 13 4. Dehradun 0.20 0.29 0.18 0.22 12 5. Pauri Garhwal 0.61 0.72 0.27 0.53 4 6. Rudraprayag 0.93 0.34 1.00 0.75 1 7. Pithoragarh 0.46 0.43 0.22 0.37 9 8. Almora 0.39 0.46 0.27 0.37 8 9. Nainital 1.00 0.55 0.33 0.63 2 10. Bageshwar 0.38 0.47 0.37 0.41 7 11. Champawat 0.27 0.35 0.07 0.23 11 12. Haridwar 0.61 1.00 0.09 0.57 3 13. Udhamsingh Nagar 0.67 0.79 0.12 0.53 5 Nainital district had the highest number of allopathic hospitals and PHCs. Haridwar led in bed availability while Rudraprayag had the highest number of PHCs. Surprisingly, Dehradun, generally considered the most developed district and capital of the state, ranked low in the Access to Healthcare Index. This suggests that factors beyond the sheer number of hospitals and beds influence healthcare access. This is attributed to uneven distribution of facilities; concentration of healthcare facilities in Dehradun city, leaving rural areas with limited access. It is worth adding that the cost of healthcare services in Dehradun is prohibitive for large proportion of residents. Further research is needed to investigate these factors and identify strategies to improve healthcare access in Dehradun and other districts with lower rankings. This could involve (i) decentralizing healthcare facilities by establishing more healthcare centers in rural areas of low ranking districts, (ii) incentivizing medical professionals so as to attract and retain qualified healthcare workers in underserved areas, (iii) improving affordability by implementing policies to make healthcare services more affordable, (iv) enhancing transportation infrastructure and improving road connectivity and public transportation to facilitate access to healthcare facilities. By addressing these issues, Uttarakhand can ensure equitable access to healthcare for all its residents, regardless of their location or economic status. 122 Beyond the mountains: unveiling the ease of living in the Himalayan state of Uttarakhand in India Journal of Social Sciences March, 2025, Vol. 8 4.2 Access to Education Uttarakhand boasts a rich educational heritage dating back to the British Raj, with Dehradun, Mussoorie, and Nainital renowned for hosting world-class institutions [7]. However, evaluating educational access requires a multifaceted approach, considering not just the presence of prestigious schools but also factors like teacher quality, student-teacher ratios, academic performance, infrastructure, and overall learning environment. Due to limitations in data availability, this study focused on four key parameters sourced from the Directorate of Statistics and Economic Studies [5] to assess access to education based on (i) Junior Basic Schools per lakh population, (ii) Senior Basic Schools per lakh population, (iii) Higher Secondary Schools per lakh population and (iv) the literacy rate which provides an overall indicator of the population's educational attainment. To create a balanced ‘Access to Education Index’, these parameters were normalized by dividing by the highest value to confine the range between 0 and 1, and weighted to reflect their relative importance. Access to primary education and literacy rate were given higher weightage of 1.5 and 2.0, respectively acknowledging their crucial role in overall educational development. The other two parameters were assigned weightages of 1.25 and 1.0, respectively (Table 3). Table 3 Asses to Education statistics for the state of Uttarakhand Sl. No. District Normalised Junior Basic Schools per Lakh Population; A (Weightage = 1.5) Normalised Senior Basic Schools per Lakh Population; B (Weightage = 1.25) Normalised Higher Secondary Schools per Lakh Population; C (Weightage = 1) Normalised Literacy Rate; D (Weightage = 2) Access to Education Index (1.5A+ 1.25B+ C+2D)/4 Rank 1. Uttarkashi 0.83 0.99 0.77 0.90 1.26 6 2. Chamoli 0.92 0.98 0.99 0.98 1.39 2 3. Tehri Garhwal 0.94 0.99 0.89 0.91 1.34 3 4. Dehradun 0.28 0.56 0.52 1.00 0.91 11 5. Pauri Garhwal 0.91 0.92 0.70 0.97 1.29 4 6. Rudraprayag 1.00 1.00 1.00 0.97 1.42 1 7. Pithoragarh 0.86 0.70 0.89 0.98 1.25 7 8. Almora 0.91 0.68 0.88 0.96 1.25 8 9. Nainital 0.58 0.43 0.52 1.00 0.98 10 10. Bageshwar 0.93 0.81 0.79 0.95 1.27 5 11. Champawat 0.79 0.68 0.89 0.95 1.20 9 12. Haridwar 0.23 0.60 0.30 0.87 0.78 13 13. Udhamsingh Nagar 0.29 0.53 0.47 0.87 0.82 12 Rudraprayag district demonstrated the highest availability of schools at all levels; Junior Basic, Senior Basic, and Higher Secondary per lakh population while Dehradun district had the highest literacy rate. P. Rautela, M. Bist, D.R. Bhatt 123 Journal of Social Sciences March, 2025, Vol. 8 Interestingly, despite having renowned schools, Nainital and Dehradun districts ranked relatively low in the overall Access to Education Index with 10th and 11th place, respectively. This unexpected outcome is attributed to several factors that result in less number of state run schools in these districts and thus having negative impact on districts’ performance. The factors associated with state run schools include: (i) High concentration of private schools in these districts, (ii) Public perception of lower quality in state-run schools might lead to lower enrolment, (iii) Factors like low enrolment ratios, high dropout rates, poor academic results, and inadequate staffing or facilities, and (iv) Social status linked with private schools influences parents to opt for private education, even if state-run schools are accessible. Despite these complexities, the data suggests that access to education in hilly districts is better than commonly perceived. This contradicts the notion that lack of educational opportunities is a primary driver of out-migration. Further research is however needed to investigate the quality of education in both state-run and private schools and understand the factors influencing parental choices. 4.3 Access to Transport Access to transport is fundamental for development and significantly influences the quality of life. It connects people to essential services, markets, education, and healthcare, fostering economic growth and social inclusion. While the plains of Uttarakhand benefit from rail and air connectivity, this study focuses on road infrastructure, recognizing its critical role in connecting mountainous regions [8]. To assess the ‘Transport Access Index’, this study utilized two key parameters; (i) Metalled Road length (km) per 1000 km2 area that measures the density of road networks across districts, and (ii) Metalled road length (km) per lakh population which measures road availability relative to population density [5]. The latter recognises that mountainous districts often have large uninhabited or forested areas. Table 4 Asses to transport statistics for various districts of Uttarakhand Sl. No. District Normalised Metalled Road Length (km) per 1000 km2 Area; A (Weightage = 1) Normalised Metalled Road Length (km) per Lakh Population; B (Weightage = 2) Transport Access Index (A+2B)/2 Rank 1. Chamoli 0.09 0.42 4.64 8 2. Almora 0.24 1.00 11.12 1 3. Tehri Garhwal 0.62 0.63 7.28 3 4. Champawat 0.98 0.26 3.35 11 5. Bageshwar 0.48 0.49 5.58 6 6. Pauri Garhwal 0.57 0.29 3.52 10 7. Nainital 0.12 0.34 3.78 9 8. Uttarkashi 0.79 0.85 9.74 2 9. Pithoragarh 0.60 0.44 5.09 7 10. Rudraprayag 0.29 0.55 6.21 5 11. Dehradun 0.48 0.54 6.21 4 12. Haridwar 0.93 0.11 1.63 13 13. Udhamsingh Nagar 1.00 0.17 2.34 12 124 Beyond the mountains: unveiling the ease of living in the Himalayan state of Uttarakhand in India Journal of Social Sciences March, 2025, Vol. 8 These parameters were normalized by dividing by the highest value to confine the range between 0 and 1, and the latter parameter was assigned a higher weightage of 2 compared to the former (1). This adjustment ensures a fairer comparison by accounting for the varying population densities and terrain challenges in different districts (Table 4). Udhamsingh Nagar had the highest metalled road length per 1000 km2 area while Almora led in metalled road length per lakh population. The integrated ‘Transport Access Index’, considering both parameters and their weightages, placed Almora at the top, followed by Uttarkashi and Tehri while Haridwar and Udhamsingh Nagar ranked at the bottom. These findings underscore the critical importance of road connectivity in mountainous regions. In these districts, well-maintained road networks are essential for: (i) Access to essential services as roads ensure timely access to healthcare, education, and other vital services, (ii) Economic opportunities as roads facilitate movement of goods and people, promoting trade and economic activities, and (iii) Social inclusion as roads connect remote communities to the wider region, fostering social cohesion and reducing isolation. Investing in road infrastructure in mountainous districts is crucial for promoting equitable development and enhancing the overall quality of life for residents. This includes not only constructing new roads but also maintaining existing ones to ensure all-weather accessibility and safe travel conditions. 4.4 Access to Electricity Access to electricity is a fundamental indicator of development and significantly impacts the quality of life for individuals and communities. It powers homes, businesses, and essential services, enabling economic activity, educational opportunities, and improved healthcare [9, 10]. In this study, electrification data, specifically the percentage of families having electricity [5], was used to assess the ‘Electricity Availability Index’ across the districts of Uttarakhand (Table 5). The analysis revealed that Haridwar district has the highest electricity availability, followed by Almora and Uttarkashi. This is noteworthy, as Haridwar is a relatively developed district with a significant urban population, while Almora and Uttarkashi are predominantly rural and mountainous. Surprisingly, Dehradun and Nainital, despite considered relatively developed districts, trail behind in the index. This suggests potential disparities in electricity access across districts, which are attributed to various factors, which include (i) Infrastructure limitations: The mountainous terrain of some districts, such as Rudraprayag and Nainital, poses challenges for extending the electricity grid and ensuring reliable supply, particularly to remote areas, (ii) Economic factors: The cost of electricity infrastructure and connection fees is often a barrier to access for some households, particularly in districts with lower per capita income, and (iii) Population density: Sparsely populated districts face challenges in achieving economies of scale for electricity infrastructure development, potentially leading to higher costs and limited access. Further investigation is needed to understand the specific factors contributing to these disparities and to identify targeted interventions to improve electricity access for all residents of Uttarakhand. Ensuring equitable access to electricity is crucial for promoting inclusive development and enhancing the overall well-being of the state's population. Proposed interventions to P. Rautela, M. Bist, D.R. Bhatt 131 Journal of Social Sciences March, 2025, Vol. 8 16. NITI Aayog, Sustainable tourism in the Indian Himalayan region 2018. Report of Working Group II, NITI Aayog, Government of India. Available online: https://library.niti.gov.in/cgi-bin/koha/opac-retrievefile.pl?id=590800ca82413427e3ba16f1447e9a54 (accessed on 19 October 2024). Citation: Rautela, P.; Bist, M.; Bhatt, D.R. Beyond the mountains: unveiling the ease of living in the Himalayan state of Uttarakhand in India. Journal of Social Sciences 2025, 8 (1), pp. 116-131. https://doi.org/10.52326/jss.utm.2025.8(1).08. Publisher’s Note: JSS stays neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations. Copyright:© 2025 by the authors. Submitted for possible open access publication under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). Submission of manuscripts: [email protected]