Some of them could experience erosion and landslides. Subsidence has occurred at Mussoorie, Nainital, Bhatwadi, Munsiyari, and Purnagiri. Additionally threatened are Gopeshwar, Karnaprayag, and Srinagar. According to scientists, some parts of Srinagar are built on flood debris, making unauthorised construction there potentially hazardous. Given that the entire ground surface of Joshimath is made up of landslide material, Gopeshwar’s landscaping is comparable to Joshimath’s.
The Mishra Commission of 1976 and other studies that followed suggested limitations on development activity in the area, but long-term cautions like these were not heeded, according to scientists. They have emphasised that despite recent calamities, no lessons have been learned. A wide area of land had been severely damaged by the 2013 Kedarnath catastrophe. However, development was done in numerous locations on the disaster’s debris later. The rapid floods at Rishi Ganga in 2021 also yielded no lessons. The National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC), which is building the dam, and R K Singh, the Union Minister for Renewable Energy, have denied any connection, despite the fact that many experts believe that the Tapovan hydroelectric project, which is being built in the area, may have contributed to the disaster. Numerous organisations and institutions have investigated the situation’s many facets. The current issue should be handled in accordance with their reports and recommendations, which are readily available.
Video Courtesy: TIMES NOW
The risk does not only exist in Uttarakhand. The entire Himalayan region is under risk, all the way to the northeastern portion. In Himachal Pradesh, a market collapsed as the main route connecting McLeodganj and Dharamsala fell recently. Land has been under intense demand for construction of infrastructure, development, tourism, and other activities throughout the region, and it is now evident.
An dangerous area has been proclaimed in Joshimath. A large portion of the town’s land is no longer capable of supporting the weight of buildings, which is why so many homes, hotels, and roadways are being torn down there. Nearly 700 homes occupied by at least 30,000 people will need to be moved. Families are being relocated to temporary relief camps and receiving compensation for their losses while a large rescue and relief effort is being carried out. They will all lose their sense of security in their homes. Refusal to hear scientific advice and inability to learn from experience will lead to larger tragedies.
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