Mountains are fragile ecosystems vulnerable to the adverse impact of climate change and other anthropogenic interventions. Illustrate with examples. Also, highlight the initiatives taken for their sustainable management. (Answer in 250 words)

1. Increased rainfall: short and intense spells - as atmosphere warms up, holding capacity increases (in air) and leads to intense rainfall.

2. Four laning of roads: unseemly chilling of mountains that lead to landslides; cutting of mountain in Himalayas [row - actual cutting should have been done].

3. Loss of vegetation: due to developmental projects such as hydroelectric projects and infrastructural projects.

4. Population pressure on certain cluster towns: such as Shimla, Nainital, Dehradun.

5. Tourist burden: leads to altering, air pollution and unfettered use of buildings for accommodation.

The initiatives thus taken for sustainable management are:

1. Contour bunding: on slopes to prevent soil erosion and land-slide.

2. Forest fire management: as heating up can lead to destruction via forest fires.

3. Limiting vehicles: such as those in Nainital to prevent burden of population.

However, the following steps can augment measures:

1. Halting extreme developmental projects: Dardian roads, Hydro electric projects (eg. Toshimath landslide linked to the latter)

2. Involvement of local population to encourage best practices.

3. Himalayan ecosystem warming up faster than cycle - hasten the process to avert warming: factories, industries near the hills.