Experts say the government is ignoring scientists’ advice and continuing cement and iron construction in the sensitive Himalayas
It has been 10 years since the 2013 Kedarnath disaster, but it does not appear to have led to lessons learned. Rather, the number of disasters have spiked. Experts believe that in the coming years, Kedarnath will face bigger disasters that will bring about even greater losses.
The Social Development of Communities Foundation organised a dialogue with expert panellists at the Uttaranchal Press Club, Dehradun on June 17, the 10th anniversary of the tragedy.
The panellists said the rampant promotion of tourism and construction without an understanding of the sensitive ecology of the Himalayas is increasing disasters. To prevent them, there needs to be a mindset change.
Geologist YP Sundriyal said after the 2013 disaster, it was found in a survey that the Kedar Valley had lodgings to accomodate only 25,000 pilgrims. But there were 40,000 people there on the night of June 17.
Now, this balance has further deteriorated. Roads were previously touted ‘all weather’. Now, the authorities have quietly stopped terming them as such.
Char Dham Marg project boards have been installed at various places because it is not possible to commute for 12 months straight in the high Himalayan region. Scientists had warned about this well in advance, but the government had not paid heed.
Sundriyal went on to say that while the government has the budget to build roads, there is no budget to stabilise the resulting slope created on a hill due to erosion. This is why landslides are happening on such roads throughout the year.
Along with some geologists, he conducted a survey on the Char Dham route and prepared a report, which showed many new landslide zones that had formed on the highway and many that may form further. The report was submitted to the government which did not respond to it.
He said the carrying capacity of the Kedar Valley must be taken into consideration. The result of unplanned development in Joshimath has also been seen. The government must listen to experts on these issues and involve them in the policy process.
Hridayesh Joshi, senior journalist and author of the book Tum Chup Kyon Rahe Kedar on the Kedarnath disaster, said there is no time left to write poignant stories now that it is 10 years since the disaster. We must directly blame those responsible for it.
“The Himalayas are still being covered with cement and iron. Work is only given to a few selected contractors and done against the opinion of scientists. We must also emphasise sustainable roads over wide roads. People are asking for roads in their villages, but we are unnecessarily widening already-built roads in the name of passenger convenience and strategic importance,” Joshi said.
He highlighted the effective early warning system in the coastal areas, which reduces damage despite cyclones like Biparjoy. Such warning systems have not been developed in the Himalayas. The Raini disaster of 2021 is an example of this. There is also no system to monitor the artificial lakes being formed in the Himalayas. Environmental concerns are sidelined in development plans.
State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) Commandant, Manikant Mishra, said the 2013 calamity was not limited to Kedarnath. Rather, the whole of Uttarakhand was affected by it.
Then, the authorities had no idea on how to deal with a disaster of this magnitude. SDRF was formed on the basis of experiences like these. In the 10 years since the disaster, there has been a change in the attitudes of the administration and the public. They now believe that such a disaster can come anytime and we must be prepared for it. Now, SDRF is ready to deal with all kinds of disasters.
Mishra stated that currently, SDRF has five companies deployed at 42 locations due to which they can reach accident sites in the minimum possible time. They have access to better forecasts, with weather forecasts now at a micro level.
The increasing number of tourists in the state has led to increased challenges of dealing with accidents. For this, personnel have been trained in personal rescue and paramedical services. There is also a special team for high altitude rescue.
Mishra said he has advised tourists coming to Uttarakhand to be alert about weather reports and travel only after making adequate arrangements for clothes and other necessities.
Geologist and environmentalist SP Sati said the roads to reach Char Dham have been widened. Thousands of vehicles are now reaching there, worsening the situation further. There is no parking space to park the vehicles as well, leading to jammed roads.
One of the speakers then noted that weekend tourism is being foisted on the mountains and is bringing harm to the Himalayas’ ecology. It is not even benefitting local people.
In fact, only a selected few are lobbying for it. This lobby opposes limiting the number of tourists by putting pressure on the administration.
One question that arose in the programme was about mandatory online registration for the Char Dham Yatra being stopped despite the government having approved it earlier.
People also raised questions on indiscriminate construction and tourist rush in Uttarakhand as well as policy issues, and went on to make suggestions. The programme was moderated by senior journalist Sanjeev Kandwal while the inaugural session was moderated by Prerna Raturi.
We are a voice to you; you have been a support to us. Together we build journalism that is independent, credible and fearless. You can further help us by making a donation. This will mean a lot for our ability to bring you news, perspectives and analysis from the ground so that we can make change together.
.png)
Comments are moderated and will be published only after the site moderator’s approval. Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name. Selected comments may also be used in the ‘Letters’ section of the Down To Earth print edition.