Daijiworld Media Network - Dehradun
Dehradun, Dec 8: A sweeping analysis of 4.83 lakh children across Uttarakhand has revealed an alarming rise in child malnutrition, prompting experts to warn that the state is facing a full-blown “nutrition emergency” that could severely undermine its future economic potential.
The study, compiled by Dr Kirti Kumari, scientist at Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Tehri Garhwal, and brand ambassador for ‘Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao’, examined data from 15,514 Anganwadi centres across all 13 districts. It identifies four districts—led by Almora—as requiring urgent, district-level intervention.
Almora has emerged as the worst-hit region. Despite not being among the most remote Himalayan districts, it reported a wasting rate of 5.34%, affecting 949 children, and a Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) rate of 1.94%—nearly double the state average of 0.72%. “The district administration must declare a nutrition emergency immediately,” Dr Kirti warned, noting that Almora and Uttarkashi have crossed critical WHO thresholds.
The report also flags the long-term human cost of large infrastructure projects. Tehri Garhwal shows worrying signs of distress, with 4.17% wasted and 25.55% stunted children. Researchers link this to mass displacement during the construction of the Tehri dam, which uprooted families from fertile valleys to rocky, low-yield terrain.
“Tehri Garhwal’s children bear the unseen burden of the Tehri dam,” Dr Kirti said. Displaced resident Harish Negi echoed the sentiment: “We had 2 acres of rich land. Now we have 0.5 acre of rock. How do we feed our children?”
Kamla Bisht, an elderly woman in a resettlement colony, lamented the soaring cost of basic nutrition. “Before the dam, we had milk from our cows, vegetables from our fields… Now everything is bought at double the price. Three grandchildren are malnourished. Is this the price of development?”
The economic impact is staggering. The study estimates that child malnutrition drains Uttarakhand of nearly ?7,000 crore annually—equivalent to 2.5% of its Gross State Domestic Product—surpassing even the state’s health budget of ?4,500 crore. “Every day of delay costs Uttarakhand ?19 crore,” Dr Kirti said. “This money is simply lost.”
Uttarkashi shows high levels of moderate acute malnutrition at 3.80%, while Pithoragarh is inching close to WHO danger thresholds. Experts warn that immediate action is needed, as most damage caused by malnutrition becomes irreversible after the age of two.