Challenges and Causes of Migration in the Hilly Areas of Uttarakhand

Throughout history, migration is considered as an essential and sometimes unavoidable aspect of human settlement. The researchers throughout the world have studied various causes. There are broadly two theories. The first set of theory is related to individual choices and second set of theory is associated with a structure which emphasises the socio-economic and political factors that guide the migration in various countries. Uttarakhand is one of the Himalayan states situated in the Indian Himalayan region. The State was formed in November 2000. It is rich in biodiversity. It has hilly regions with a fragile environment. The State is concerned with migration as an issue which figures even in the election manifesto of political parties. Keeping the incidence of migration in mind and its consequences, the present government has constituted Migration Commission to study the causes and design a roadmap to minimise the intensity. This paper examines the causes and challenges of Migration in the State of Uttarakhand.