Understanding Urban Foraging Concepts in Fast Expanding Urban Areas in Indian Himalayan Region: Lessons from Himachal Pradesh, India

Abstract

The rapid expansion of urban areas in the Indian Himalayan Region presents a complex interplay between urban development and the preservation of natural ecosystems. As concrete landscapes encroach upon once-pristine habitats, a subtle yet profound connection between humans and their environment comes to light in the form of urban foraging. However, as the paradigm of the urban city evolved throughout the twentieth century, foraging lost its visibility to urban planners and researchers, concealing its social, cultural, ecological, and economic significance predominantly because of loss of greenspaces. Mountain areas are no exception to this. Urban areas are fast growing because of the increasing tourism pressure and to fulfill their recreational demands. This becomes crucial as increasing pressure in Himachal Pradesh in India over the last few decades has affected the urban green spaces. Despite that, a local connection from nature still persists and continues through urban foraging. Present chapter is an attempt to understand the concept of urban foraging from fast growing urban areas of Himachal Pradesh, India through key personal interviews, telephonic method, and secondary literature review. Total 18 species were identified in Kangra city followed by 17 species in Kullu and Manali city depicting interlinkage between urban foraging and daily consumption pattern. The local people still follow foraging for medicinal plants, fruits, and others as per their traditional linkages and knowledge systems. The chapter also brings insights from the interlinkages between bio-cultural aspects and urban foraging.