Rampant construction continues in the seimically active and climate change-sensitive Himalayas; the next disaster is waiting to happen
On February 7, 2021, water accumulated near Raini village in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district. It eventually led to the 2021 flashfloods which killed 200 people. Here, rescue workers watch the affected area from an elevated position. Photo: Vikas Choudhary / CSE
On February 7, 2021, water accumulated near Raini village in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district. It eventually led to the 2021 flashfloods which killed 200 people. Here, rescue workers watch the affected area from an elevated position. Photo: Vikas Choudhary / CSE
The water accumulated in the form of a temporary lake after a huge avalance blocked the Ronthi, a tributary of the Rishiganga river. Pressure slowly built up and the water soon burst into Raini, causing havoc. Here, workers work to clean the area in the immediate aftermath of the disaster. Photo: Vikas Choudhary / CSE
The incident highlighted the threats that the Himalayas face in this era of climate change. The incident took place even as NTPC Ltd was building two hydroelectric power plants on the Rishiganga. They have been shelved for now. Here, the bridge of Raini is seen. Photo: Vikas Choudhary / CSE
The Himalayas are extremely sensitive to seismic changes and tectonic activity. But rampant construction in the area continue. This includes roads being built under the Char Dham Project. The state is currently awaiting its third Doppler Radar in Lansdowne. It has one installed in Mukteswar and work was going on last year to install another near Mussorie. These radars help to predict extreme weather. Here, workmen examine the damage caused due to the disaster. Photo: Vikas Choudhary / CSE
The greatest irony of it all is that the disaster happened in a village which was the birthplace of the 1973-74 Chipko Movement, one of the milestones of India’s environmental history. But now, Raini is sinking gradually, according to latest media reports. Here, a local woman looks forlornly into the camera. Photo: Vikas Choudhary / CSE
