Water Treasures of the Himalayas

A billion lives depend on the waters of the Himalayas; sixty million live in this mountain range, while the rest live in its foothills, on the plains of the Indian subcontinent. Despite their astonishing diversity, all these peoples share the common belief that this is a "Sacred Land", and this mountain range is, above all, the "Abode of Snow" -- where pure water springs, rivers gush and lakes are crystal-clear. This volume shares with our readers the astonishing variety of bonds formed between man and water in the Himalayas. In the Himalayas, water inspires a growing number of people even while it continues to frighten them. It can at times unite them and at other times divide them, provide for them and bring death. In this mosaic of peoples, languages, religions and lands, it plays a vital part in the geographical distribution of the various ethnic groups, their social organisation and the way they see themselves.