1 year ago
Heavy Rains and Flooding Devastate Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh
Heavy rains caused flash floods and landslides in Uttarakhand, especially near the Ganga river.
This caused deaths and destroyed homes and businesses.
It appears that things like building too close to rivers and cutting down trees made the floods worse.
Scientists are saying climate change is making these extreme rain events more common.
Experts suggest that the government should be careful with construction and consider the environment when making decisions, especially regarding projects like the Char Dham highway.
Flash floods in Uttarakhand's Uttarkashi district, triggered by a cloudburst, resulted in deaths and significant damage.
Human activities, including unregulated construction and deforestation, exacerbated the impact of the disaster.
A study confirms increased extreme rainfall events in Uttarakhand, highlighting the role of climate change.
Similar rain-related incidents in Himachal Pradesh have led to fatalities and infrastructure damage.
Experts call for sustainable planning and conservation, suggesting a re-evaluation of projects like the Char Dham highway.
- Who
- Residents, tourists, and local businesses in affected areas.
- What
- Flash floods and landslides triggered by heavy rainfall have caused destruction and loss of life in Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh.
- Where
- Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh, India.
- When
- Ongoing during the monsoon season, with a noted increase in extreme rainfall events since 2010.
- Why
- Due to a combination of heavy rainfall, climate change, and human activities such as construction and deforestation.
Development vs. Environment
Sustainable Development
Highway Project
Development vs. Environment
The Char Dham highway project prioritized development without adequate environmental consideration.
Sustainable Development
The Char Dham highway project is crucial for connectivity and economic growth.
Key facts
- Fatalities (Uttarakhand)
- At least 4 (Dharali)
- Fatalities (Himachal Pradesh)
- 173
- Affected Region
- Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh
- Primary Cause
- Cloudbursts, heavy rainfall
- Contributing Factors
- Deforestation, unregulated construction
Quotes
Ravi Chopra
who headed a Supreme Court-appointed high-powered committee which appraised the Char Dham project in-depth
“On the stretch from Dharasu to Gangotri, the headquarters of Bhatwari block is located. The slope here has been sliding away over a period of time, and scientists have studied and published papers on this. We had said the road widening was not recommended and advised (the authorities) not to touch it.”
financialexpress.com
Mallika Bhanot
a member of the BESZ monitoring committee from Ganga Ahvaan, a non-profit organisation
“This is a natural event turned into a disaster which is due to man-made reasons. Unregulated construction along the sides of small tributaries and rivers leads to devastation downstream.”
financialexpress.com
the SC bench
Supreme Court bench
“the day is not far when the entire state of Himachal Pradesh may vanish.”
financialexpress.com
