The multi-disciplinary edited book entitled “Contemporary Issues in Rural and Urban Development: Darjeeling and Sikkim Himalayas,” unravels the intellectual deliberations, understandings and opinions regarding the diverse issues encompassing the developmental prospects and challenges in rural and urban areas of Darjeeling and Sikkim Himalayas. The first five chapters deal with the opportunities and constraints in organic farming; social impact of development process; water consumption pattern among social category groups; extent and degree of urban sprawl and impact of COVID – 19 on the economy of the Himalayan region. The next six chapters focus on the migration process; significant achievements of the State Government in attaining development; settlement pattern and social organisation structure of the hill tribes; developmental challenges of trade corridor covering the hill region; characteristics of population growth, distribution and density and the impact of café culture among the young adults. The final five chapters highlight on the rise of a prominent agribusiness; budget allocation and gaps; false political dilemma of recognition and redistribution of resources; role of Buddhism in the historical framework of Tibet-Sikkim relations and proliferation cultural development boards in the hill region. This edited book will definitely be an important contribution to the social science research reaching out to the masses.About the Book Dr. Neelee K. C. Lepcha is an Assistant Professor and Head in the Department of Geography, Kurseong College, Kurseong. She obtained her Honours Degree in Geography from Loreto College (presently Southfield College), Darjeeling and Master’s Degree from University of North Bengal. She completed her Ph.D. from the Department of Geography and Applied Geography, University of North Bengal in 2019. She is a life member of Geographical Society of the North-Eastern Hill Region, N.E.H.U., Shillong. Her first book entitled “Urbanisation and Level of Urban Development: Kurseong Municipality” published in 2021 focuses on the prospects and challenges on the development of her home town. She has publications in numerous National and International Journals. Her areas of interest include Population and Urban Studies, Social and Environmental Geography.