ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION The previous three chapters have discussed the linkages between those segments of the Theory of Himalayan Environmental Degradation that relate primarily to the physical processes occurring, or that are assumed to be occurring, within the mountains. This chapter focuses on the larger question: assuming that accelerated erosion due to land-use changes is taking place on a vast scale in the mountains, what is the evidence in support of claims for dramatic downstream impacts? We will now attempt to estimate the regional distribution of watershed degradation in the central Himalaya and its hydrological and geomorphic effects downstream.
