Abstracts:Lack of energy availability remains one of the key constraints in the development of the Himalayan region. There is an acute need for utilisation of renewable energy sources in the Himalayas - to improve the quality of life of the indigenous communities and to enable sustainable economic development. The report analyses the energy situation in the cold desert of Lahaul and Spiti and also presents an assessment of the potential renewable energy technology options for the region such as solar energy, wind energy, geothermal power and hydropower.

Abstracts:The paper summaries the findings of a study conducted in the Upper Mustang region of Nepal to analyze and document the socio-cultural characteristics, economic characteristics and livelihood options. Upper Mustang is a cold desert with the economy primarily based on the livestock and trans-border trade and where poor road connectivity makes provision of services difficult, inadequate & inefficient. The report seeks to explore the opportunity for development of the region and identify critical areas for development interventions.

Abstracts:Despite India having the largest education system in the world, the task of providing effective and relevant education to all the children has remained difficult. The administration continues to grapple with the problems of inadequate access, poor quality and inefficiency in the schooling system that are most strongly felt in the remote and disadvantaged stretches, the High Altitude Himalayas being one such region. The report presents the findings of a survey conducted across the region to assess the status of education, identify the factors inhibiting proper access to it and devising strategies to overcome the obstacles.