Uttarakhand, a state frequently shaken by natural disasters, appears to be ignoring the lessons of its turbulent past. Environmentalists caution that human encroachment upon nature — including large-scale construction along rivers, streams, and fragile slopes — is compounding the risks of catastrophic events.
Padma Bhushan awardee environmentalist Dr. Anil Joshi said that the responsibility for these disasters does not rest on Uttarakhand alone but is a global concern. He stressed that unchecked activities have contributed to climate change, causing Himalayan glaciers to melt rapidly. The warming of seas due to rising global temperatures has disrupted rainfall patterns, resulting in erratic precipitation — excessive rain in some areas and drought in others.
Joshi highlighted that melting glaciers are forming new lakes, which, when breached during heavy rainfall, can trigger devastating floods. He underlined that blocking the natural flow of rivers and streams is a man-made error. To mitigate such threats, he advocated for scientific studies between settlements and glaciers and suggested that if lakes form in glacier zones, proper drainage routes should be established to prevent flooding.
Environmental activist Suresh Bhai echoed these concerns, warning that continued interference with nature would lead to even more severe crises in the future. He observed that the Himalayan region’s infrastructure is not designed to withstand disasters and called for a dedicated development policy for Himalayan states. Citing the high disaster sensitivity of the Bhagirathi zone, he criticised ongoing deforestation for road construction in the area despite its vulnerability.
Experts agree that preventing “man-made disasters” is as critical as responding to natural calamities. Without urgent corrective measures, they warn, the Himalayas may face an irreversible ecological decline with far-reaching consequences for both local communities and the wider world.