Title:
Crisis Over the Himalayas: Unplanned Development at the Core of Repeated Disasters
Introduction:
Himalayan states like Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Jammu & Kashmir are increasingly facing devastating natural disasters. While governments often attribute these events to climate change or extreme weather, experts argue that the true cause lies in haphazard and unscientific development that is straining the fragile ecology of the Himalayan region.
Main Report:
According to Anand Sharma, President of the Indian Meteorological Society, forecasting and monitoring have improved over the past decade. However, unless warnings are acted upon promptly by local authorities and communities, blaming weather alone is futile.
Geologist Dr. Rakesh Gautam from the Indian Institute of Himalayan Studies highlights rampant construction along rivers, unchecked encroachments, and ignoring slope stability — all contributing to increasing vulnerability.
Infrastructure Pressure:
Studies by IIT Roorkee and Wadia Institute reveal that 65–70% of the Himalayan terrain is landslide-prone. Yet infrastructure projects are often being carried out on unsafe gradients, with massive debris being dumped into rivers and slopes. For instance, Shimla’s vehicle capacity is around 85,000, but during tourist season, over 200,000 people arrive daily.
Development vs. Destruction:
Projects like the Char Dham highway, tunnels, and high-rise hotels are burdening the already fragile region. Experts stress that while development is essential, its current direction is dangerously flawed.
Policy Recommendations:
- Mandatory risk assessment before construction.
- Strict enforcement of no-construction zones.
- Early warning systems integrated with HAM and community radios.
- Compulsory geological and ecological feasibility checks before projects.
- Local community participation and disaster training.
- Strengthen accountability mechanisms and stop using climate change as an excuse.
Conclusion:
If development models are not reoriented toward sustainability, the Himalayas could face irreversible damage. The future disasters won’t be natural alone—they will be man-made.
3 Comments