U’khand needs to strengthen disaster management and climate resilience plans: report
Thursday, 19 OCTOBER 2023 | PNS | DEHRADUN
Uttarakhand is in dire need of strengthening the weak links between disaster management systems and climate resilience plans. The government and the agencies concerned need to make concrete policies considering all issues to minimise the damage caused by disasters and climate change. This was stated by the founder of the Dehradun-based Social Development for Communities (SDC) Foundation Anoop Nautiyal in the 12th report of Uttarakhand Disaster and Accident Synopsis (UDAS) released on Wednesday. The report mainly focuses on the ground reports of eight specialist national agencies in Joshimath which were made public on the recent orders of the Uttarakhand High Court. Eight agencies were ordered to investigate the scientific reasons for Joshimath’s land subsidence after it occurred in January this year. All these reports were with the state government for months but they were not made public. As per the agencies’ reports, excessive construction works, loosening of soil due to settlement on moraine and blockage of natural drains along with water coming out from houses and hotels in Joshimath were responsible for land subsidence. The UDAS report also highlights the demolition being done to convert Badrinath into a smart spiritual town and the problems it is causing to locals. The locals are reportedly protesting in Badrinath against the manner of implementation of this scheme. As per the report, a house had collapsed due to the river flow being diverted for the riverfront project and the locals accused the officials of negligence. People protesting against this plan stated that they are being moved out of their houses forcefully without their consent and till now no one from the administration has reached out to them. They said that they will continue the protest as the master plan and the rehabilitation policy are not acceptable to them. However, officials claim that the work is being done with the consent of the common people, as stated in the UDAS report. This report also mentioned the recent comments of the High Court regarding disasters. A division bench of Chief Justice Vipin Sanghi and Justice Rakesh Thapliyal on September 6 said during the hearing of a PIL regarding the tourism development plan in Doon Valley that the State administration has completely disregarded the law and wants to commercialise everything. According to the court, disasters are increasing in the Himalayan region due to neglect, most of which are man-made. The court directed the State government to prepare a comprehensive plan and follow the Doon Valley notification. Nautiyal said that the report also mentioned how frequent avalanche occurrences behind Sumeru Mountain in Kedarnath have reportedly made prominent deep cracks in Purnagiri Dham. According to local priests, a situation like Joshimath may also arise here if this area is not treated soon, claims the report.
