New Delhi, Sep 11 (IANS): Experts and environmentalists feel that the Himalayan region is facing new challenges and going through rapid changes due to unplanned development for economic growth.

Participating in a discussion on 'Bioresources to Bioeconomy for the Himalayan states' here, the experts said that these unplanned developmental activities cause frequent flash floods, melting of glaciers, loss of habitats, land slides and several other devastations.

The event was jointly organised by the Centre for Himalayan Studies, Delhi University, and the Himalayan Study Circle, Hindu College, to mark Himalaya Day.

Speaking during the panel discussion, environmental scientist Dinabandhu Sahoo, Director at the Centre for Himalayan Studies in Delhi University, said that a bioresources based economy is the solution for the growth and development of the Himalayan states.

Sahoo said bioeconomy has the potential to create new jobs and can generate new solutions for the planet's major challenges in the field of health, food, water, climate change and can deliver social, environmental and economic benefits.

"Himalaya is our common heritage and the entire humanity should try and contribute to save it," he pointed out.

Sahoo said that the region has several plants, animals and micro organisms which can be used to set up bioresource based industries in the Himalayan states.

"Bioeconomy is a relatively new concept and rapidly developing in several nations. India can be a major player with its unique resources from the Himalayan region, especially from northeastern Himalayas," he said.

Anju Srivatava, Principal of Hindu College, said that students from the college would visit the Himalayas and explore the various possibilities. The college would also stress on Himalayan research, Srivastava said.

Panelist and writer C.K. Nayak urged the youth to take up protection and preservation of the Himalayas for their own generation.