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Topped the Climate-Adjusted Human Development Index: Kinnaur, Lahaul & Spiti, Chamba most resilient to climate-related risks in HP

The findings suggest that these districts remain geographically isolated and infrastructurally weak.

3 min readShimlaUpdated: Oct 29, 2025 11:53 AM IST

Remoteness and lower population density have benefited Kinnaur and Lahaul & Spiti, but the districts show serious gaps in health infrastructure. Limited medical facilities, erratic power supply and poor connectivity hinder access to healthcare, the report shows.

Meanwhile, dense fog was observed in Bilaspur, while shallow fog was reported from Mandi district in the last 24 hours. (File)

Remote and sparsely populated districts — Kinnaur, Lahaul & Spiti, and Chamba — have emerged as the most resilient regions to climate-related risks in Himachal Pradesh, topping the newly released Climate-Adjusted Human Development Index (CAHDI) rankings.

According to the Himachal HDI report released Monday, these districts recorded low Hazard Index or HI values compared to others. The values indicated a lower vulnerability to climate change and natural disasters.

The findings suggest that these districts remain geographically isolated and infrastructurally weak. However, their overall development is more sustainable and less threatened by potential climate hazards.

In contrast, districts like Solan, Bilaspur and Shimla, despite having higher Human Development Index (HDI) scores, were at the bottom of the CAHDI, due to their high exposure to climate risks. The reports suggest that these districts are urbanised and economically advanced.

Remoteness and lower population density have benefited Kinnaur and Lahaul & Spiti, but the districts show serious gaps in health infrastructure. Limited medical facilities, erratic power supply and poor connectivity hinder access to healthcare, the report shows.

The report notes that only one-third of households in Himachal have health insurance coverage. It also says that over 2,800 facilities generate significant emissions and more than four tonnes of biomedical waste daily, underscoring the state’s dual challenge of climate mitigation and health resilience.

According to the report, a climate-adjusted measure integrates environmental vulnerability through a Hazard Index. The Hazard Index assesses how natural disasters and changing climatic conditions can undermine human development outcomes.

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The Hazard Index ranging from 0 (low risk) to 1 (high risk) draws data from the Himachal Pradesh State Action Plan on Climate Change (SAPCC). The index includes change in average annual maximum temperature (°C) since 1981–2010, variation in average annual rainfall (%), changes in dry and wet spell durations and increase in very heavy precipitation days (>20 mm/day).

A higher HI proportionally reduces the HDI value, penalising districts with greater exposure to environmental risks and providing a more realistic view of long-term development.

As per the CAHDI values, Kinnaur (0.667) ranked first, followed by Lahaul & Spiti (0.653) and Chamba (0.606).
Solan, despite having the highest HDI value (0.880), recorded a very high Hazard Index (0.868), pushing its CAHDI down to 0.116, ranking 11th.

Bilaspur stood at the bottom with a CAHDI of 0.066.

Experts say the findings highlight the need for climate-sensitive development planning, particularly in districts with strong economic growth but weak environmental resilience.

Saurabh Parashar

Saurabh Parashar is an Assistant Editor at The Indian Express, primarily responsible for the publication’s coverage of Himachal Pradesh. He is a seasoned journalist with over 17 years of experience in print media, specializing in crime, legal affairs, and investigative reporting. Professional Background Education: He holds a Master’s degree in Mass Communication from Guru Jambheshwar University of Science & Technology (Hisar) and a Law degree from Himachal Pradesh University (HPU), Shimla. This legal background significantly informs his reporting on complex judicial and administrative matters. Career Path: Before joining The Indian Express in 2017, he spent 12 years with The Times of India. Core Beats: His primary focus is the socio-political landscape of the hill state, with a specific emphasis on the environment, forest conservation, drug menace (specifically "Chitta"), affairs related to tribal and archaeology and the unique challenges of governance in high-altitude regions. Recent Notable Articles (Late 2025) His recent reporting highlights the critical intersection of policy, law, and social safety in Himachal Pradesh: 1. "Himachal’s battle against Chitta: Why the border areas are most vulnerable" (Late 2025): An investigative look at the transit routes from Punjab and the impact on local youth. 2. "Shimla ropeway clears key hurdle as 820 trees face the axe :According to the Forest Survey of India’s 2021 assessment, 47.21 percent of Shimla’s 5,131 sq km geographical area is under forest cover (Nov 17, 2025). 3. "Himachal to handover 2.7427 ha of non-forest land for Shimla Ropeway: Given the land’s non-forest nature, RTDC and the state will not require permission from MoEFCC" (Nov 18, 2025) 4. "How the centuries-old Jodidara tradition is fading in Himachal’s Trans-Giri region: Jodidara: a form of fraternal polyandry—has long been part of Hatti tribal culture in the Trans-Giri region of Himachal Pradesh and adjoining Uttarakhand. It is believed to have evolved to prevent division of ancestral land and maintain unity among brothers in the harsh, mountainous terrain" (Aug 18, 2025) Legal & Agricultural Affairs "Kisan Sabha hails SC’s setting aside Himachal HC order to remove orchards from forest land" (Dec 18, 2025): Covering a major Supreme Court victory for farmers, where a High Court order to remove fruit-bearing apple orchards was overturned. "Himachal Cabinet nod to new tourism policy; focus on home-stays in tribal areas" (Dec 11, 2025): Detailing the legislative push to decentralize tourism and bring economic benefits to Lahaul-Spiti and Kinnaur. 3. Governance & Environment "Forest rights and development: Why Himachal is seeking more leeway from Centre" (Dec 19, 2025): Reporting on the legal hurdles faced by the state in infrastructure projects due to the Forest Conservation Act. "Cloudbursts and resilience: How Himachal’s remote villages are building back better" (Nov 2025): Following up on the long-term rehabilitation efforts after monsoon-related disasters. Crime especially cyber crimes, crypto currency etc: crypto currency: "Agents in uniform, motivational speeches, lavish parties: How a Himachal crypto con went unnoticed:A serial conman, a ‘Nelson Mandela Nobel Peace Award winner', and retired policemen got together to pull off a Rs 1,740-crore fraud" (Nov 10, 2023) Signature Beats Saurabh is recognized for his tenacious reporting on the state's drug epidemic. His deep familiarity with the topography and tribal culture of Himachal allows him to report from remote locations like Spiti, Pangi, Shillai, which are often overlooked by national media. His legal expertise makes him a primary choice for covering the Himachal Pradesh High Court on issues ranging from local body elections to environmental PILs. X (Twitter): @saurabh_prashar . ... Read More

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