Climate change and the bulging population are reasons for the rising temperature in Himalayan states, BJP leader Anurag Thakur said Thursday as nine Himalayan states discussed the issue.
"If apple orchards have moved upwards in height and there is an increase of 4-5 degrees in temperature, the reason must be seen in population increase and climate change," he said at the conclave of Himalayan states here.
The regional consultation organised by GLOBE-India in association with Indian Environment Law Offices and Integrated Mountain Initiative focused on the effects of climate change in the region and explored ways to mitigate it.
The representatives of the nine Himalayan states also demanded a special ministry for Himalayan affairs, said a statement.