Unplanned Development Worsens Himalayan Floods

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Context:

Recent flash floods in the lower Himalaya, particularly in Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh, have raised concerns over the combined impact of extreme weather and unregulated construction on disaster vulnerability.

Understanding the Context of Flash Floods

Recurring Nature of Disasters: Heavy pre-monsoon storms and floods have historically occurred in the Himalaya, but attributing them solely to climate change risks ignoring deeper systemic causes.
Impact of Unlanned Development: Indiscriminate construction of roads, hotels, ashrams, guesthouses, and temporary camps in ecologically fragile zones exacerbates flood risk.
Resource and Land Pressures: Scarcity of buildable land in mountainous areas forces construction in vulnerable riverbanks and steep slopes, heightening exposure to floods and landslides.

Historical and Recent Disaster Episodes

Past Flood Events: The Kedarnath tragedy (2013), Mandakini Valley flooding, and earlier disasters in the 1970s and 1980s reveal a pattern of destruction amplified by excessive rain and unstable slopes.
Role of Tourism Pressure: Pilgrim influx, adventure tourism, and rapid infrastructure expansion, including hotels and resorts near rivers, have increased hazard exposure.
Urbanisation in Fragile Zones: Expansion in areas like Dehradun and Mussoorie shows how unregulated construction along streams and hillsides worsens vulnerability.

Lessons and the Way Forward

Beyond Climate Attribution: While climate change increases rainfall intensity, ignoring land-use mismanagement and poor planning limits effective disaster prevention.
Need for Ecologically Sensitive Planning: Restricting high-density construction near riverbanks, enforcing building codes, and prioritising nature-based solutions can mitigate risks.
Balancing Development and Safety: Sustainable tourism models, controlled urban expansion, and stronger environmental governance are essential to reduce recurring disasters.

Practice Question:

"Flash floods in the Himalaya are as much a product of unregulated development as they are of extreme weather events. Critically analyse this statement with reference to recent disasters in Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh."

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