From Pahad to Maidan: climate change and the socio-economic dynamics of out-migration in the Uttarakhand Himalayas

Mountain regions globally are increasingly confronted with the challenge of out-migration, primarily driven by systemic underdevelopment and sustained policy neglect. This issue is particularly pronounced in the Indian state of Uttarakhand, which, continues to experience stark regional disparities between its pahadi (hill) and maidani (plain) districts. Economic and industrial development remain concentrated in the plains, resulting in persistent out-migration from the resource-rich hilly regions. Recently, climate change has also emerged as a critical stressor further compounding these issues. This study adopts a mixed-methods approach with the primary objective to examine the patterns and drivers of rural out-migration in Uttarakhand through lived experiences of migrants, regional experts and rural communities. The study integrates spatial and empirical analysis, based on secondary data from the Uttarakhand Rural Development and Migration Commission and the Census of India, with thematic analysis, based on qualitative data collected through personal ( n = 5), group ( n = 1), and key informant ( n = 2) interviews and focus group discussions ( n = 3) conducted across Nainital town and villages of Almora district. The study first identifies regions experiencing severe out-migration and examines the structural drivers of migration using spatial and empirical analysis on secondary data. This is followed by thematic analysis of qualitative data highlighting employment scarcity, agricultural constraints, migration drivers and patterns, destination preferences, and perceptions of government and NGO interventions. A key contribution of this study is the systematic identification of climate change as both a direct and indirect driver of out-migration. The findings provide grounded policy insights for Uttarakhand and other fragile mountain regions.