Final answer:
The Theory of Himalayan Degradation, although not explicitly mentioned by Guthman, likely involves environmental degradation due to human impact in the Himalayan region, with historical instances supporting ecological decline caused by overexploitation during British rule and India's subsequent independence.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Theory of Himalayan Degradation is not directly mentioned by Guthman or within the given information. However, based on the context provided, we can infer that it relates to environmental issues in the Himalayan region. This theory likely encompasses concepts of deforestation, soil erosion, and ecological decline caused by human impact, which can be observed during the British colonial times as well as after India's independence. While the information provided does not detail a specific theory called the 'Theory of Himalayan Degradation,' there is historical evidence showing severe ecological impacts due to overexploitation of resources, such as in the deforestation for timber during the world wars and later commercial exploitation.
Similarly, the movement known as the Chipko movement in the 1970s is a firsthand account of the local population, particularly women, taking action against the felling of trees, which reflects a response to environmental degradation in the Himalayas. The existence of such social movements points to a collective acknowledgment and reaction to the ecological issues, which could be considered components of what might be termed as the 'Theory of Himalayan Degradation.'