Dehradun/Gopeshwar, August 28 (H.S.): The devastating flood and debris disaster that struck Nepal’s Himalayan region on August 26 has raised fresh concerns over the risks of Himalayan disasters in Uttarakhand. Experts have stressed the need to focus not only on relief and reconstruction but also on a long-term disaster risk reduction policy to address risks arising from changes in glaciers and Himalayan slopes, sudden extreme water flows, avalanches and landslides.

The recent tragedy in Nepal serves as both a warning and a lesson for Uttarakhand. Experts have called for priority to be given to monitoring glacial lakes, assessing river and flood risks, reviewing the safety of bridges and roads, strengthening local-level early warning systems and preparing for the rehabilitation of vulnerable populations.

The floods in Nepal caused extensive damage after water levels in rivers originating in the upper Himalayan region rose suddenly, carrying large quantities of debris. Such events are associated with phenomena including Glacial Lake Outburst

Floods (GLOFs), avalanches and geological changes in the Himalayan region. The breach of a natural dam in upper reaches or the movement of glaciers and ice masses can suddenly increase the flow of water and debris in rivers, with the impact potentially extending to downstream areas.

Uttarakhand is also part of the same Himalayan geological system. Major rivers such as the Alaknanda, Bhagirathi, Mandakini, Pindar and Dhauliganga are fed by glaciers and Himalayan water sources. Therefore, major natural events in the upper Himalayan region can have far-reaching consequences in river valleys.

Disaster Management and Rehabilitation Minister Madan Kaushik said Uttarakhand is highly vulnerable to disasters and the government is working seriously to reduce potential risks.

He said the state was strengthening monitoring systems for glacial lakes, rivers and other vulnerable areas while taking lessons from the recent disaster in Nepal. Special emphasis is being given to scientific surveys and regular monitoring of vulnerable glacial lakes and the installation of advanced early warning systems.

The minister said additional equipment and technical resources would be provided wherever necessary so that information about potential threats could reach the administration and people in time. He said protecting human lives was the government's priority.

He added that efforts were being made to minimise possible loss of life through preparedness before disasters, timely warnings, capacity building at the local level and better coordination among departments. All concerned departments and officials have been directed to remain alert and ensure prompt action during the monsoon.

Development must be balanced with Himalayan carrying capacity:

Experts said roads, hydropower, pilgrimage and tourism are important pillars of Uttarakhand's economic activity, but their expansion must take into account the natural vulnerability and carrying capacity of the Himalayan region.

Geology expert Prof M.P.S. Bisht said lessons must be drawn from major disasters such as those of 1894, 1970 and 2013, and future risks should be identified in advance. He stressed strengthening early warning systems and establishing clear standards for construction and settlements along riverbanks and in areas vulnerable to flooding.

Experts said framing regulations alone would not be sufficient. Effective control over construction in natural river flow zones, scientific mapping of risk-prone areas and arrangements for the safe rehabilitation of vulnerable populations are also necessary.

Several major disasters recorded in history:

Uttarakhand has witnessed several major disasters, from the Alaknanda flood of 1894 to the devastating floods of 1970 and the 2013 Kedarnath disaster, highlighting the vulnerability of Himalayan rivers.

The 1970 Alaknanda flood caused extensive damage in the Chamoli region. After the riverside town of Chamoli was affected, the district headquarters was shifted to Gopeshwar.

In 2013, intense rainfall, avalanches, landslides and sudden surges in rivers caused widespread destruction in the Kedarnath region and across the Mandakini and Alaknanda valleys.

On February 7, 2021, an avalanche-triggered disaster caused extensive destruction in the Dhauliganga valley. Hydropower projects in the Raini and Tapovan areas were damaged and a large number of people lost their lives. The incident further underlined the need for scientific risk assessments before undertaking large construction and hydropower projects in Himalayan regions.

Recent disasters in areas including Dharali and Tharali have also highlighted the vulnerability of villages and towns located along riverbanks.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Indrani Sarkar