Cloudburst risk higher in mountains due to indiscriminate constructions, says ARIES scientist

AFZAL HUSSAIN FAUJI | Nainital

Indiscriminate constructions in the mountainous regions of Uttarakhand are not only disrupting the ecological balance but also fuelling the risk of disasters. A scientist at the Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences (ARIES) here states that unplanned construction of buildings and roads in the mountains has affected the sensitive ecology in the region.

Experts state that the geological makeup of the mountains is comparatively weak. Large scale cutting of mountains for constructions not only decreases the soil’s water holding capacity but also affects the weather pattern. Local cloud formation is rising abnormally in the mountains. Such clouds form at comparatively lower height and are prone to cause cloudbursts.

ARIES meteorologist Narendra Singh said that construction works have a major impact on the environment. He said, “Every construction emits radiation which increases the temperature. Areas where there is more construction are found to have an average temperature which is higher than nearby areas. This temperature rise affects the formation of clouds and the type of rain,” he said.

Singh further said that the combined effect of global warming, deforestation and indiscriminate constructions is clearly visible in the mountainous areas. If actions are not taken to check the situation, incidents of cloudburst and landslides may rise considerably in Uttarakhand and other Himalayan States in the coming years, he said.