New institutions created through decentralisation policies around the world, notwithstanding the rhetoric, are often lacking in substantive democratic content. New policies for decentralised natural resource management have transferred powers to a range of local authorities, including private associations, customary authorities and non-governmental organisations (NGOs). Scholars see such transfers as detrimental to the legitimacy of local democratic institutions, leading to a fragmentation of local authority and dampening prospects for democratic consolidation.

Patients seek cures from a variety of medical systems. In the traditional medical systems, medical traditions partly cover other sectors of social life. In contrast to traditional health care system, the official health care system is based on Western science and technology. Gaddis employ different ways in case of sickness. Traditional medical knowledge is coded in to household cooking practices, home remedies; ill health prevention and health maintenance beliefs and routines. Like other rural parts of India, health care in Bharmour among Gaddis is characterised by medical pluralism.

Disregarding ecological and livelihood concerns, the Parbati hydroelectric project in Himachal Pradesh is moving forward. Experts warn that diverting water from the Parbati and its tributaries for

Some 15 years ago, pine-covered hillsides were the typical images of Karsog in Himachal Pradesh's Mandi district. But pine provided little fodder for cattle. People in its villages preferred

medicinal plants have traditionally been used as part of animal feed to enhance nutrition and treat digestive disorders. In a recent experiment it was found that drumsticks (Moringa oleifera)

Policy is an enunciation of the set principles to achieve the desired goals. The Government of Himachal Pradesh has developed the Forest Sector Policy and Strategy, 2005 in consonance with Government of India policy guidelines and by making important amendments to the previous Himachal Pradesh Forest Policy of 1980. This policy has been developed through a multi-stakeholder cosultation process by the Policy Analysis and Planning Unit (PAPU) set up under Himachal Pradesh Forest Sector Reforms Project. (Sep 2007)

How does a country of over a billion people take on the challenge of providing a better life to its citizens?

During the earliers days, hilly villages used to have their own ponds, which served the community. The ponds were desilted by the community. But over the period of time, bond of the villagers over such common property is getting weak.

During the earliers days, hilly villages used to have their own ponds, which served the community. The ponds were desilted by the community. But over the period of time, bond of the villagers over such common property is getting weak.

If Punjab da puttar Maima Singh from Rathiya village near Patiala can eat fish, anyone can. Punjabis, who love their butter chicken and their mutton

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