The Himalayan areas of India, especially Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Jammu and Kashmir, are struggling with natural disasters these days. Incidents of floods, landslides and cloudburst are increasing. Recently, the Supreme Court has warned that if this continues, Himachal Pradesh can disappear from the country’s map.
Come, let’s understand why all this is happening? What is the condition of disasters? Why did the Supreme Court express concern?
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Recent natural disasters in Himalayan states
Himalayan states have been facing natural disasters for the last few years. Let’s see recent examples …
- Himachal Pradesh (2025): This year, heavy rains and cloudburst in the monsoon led to floods and landslides. More than 170 people died in July. There was a loss of Rs 1,59,981 lakh. Roads, houses and bridges were swept away. Especially in areas like Kullu and Mandi, there was havoc.
- Uttarakhand (2021-2023): In 2021, there was a terrible flood in Nainital due to cloudburst, in which hundreds of people died. In 2023, there was a landslide due to rain, which damaged the villages.
- Jammu and Kashmir (2023): Due to heavy rains in Jammu, roads were closed and many houses collapsed. The threat of floods has increased due to the melting of the glacier.
- Glacier in Himachal: Lahaul-Spiti’s big Shigri Glacier has shrunk 2-2.5 kilometers in the last few years, which is causing both water scarcity and floods.
It is clear from these disasters that the situation is deteriorating in the Himalayan areas.
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Why did the Supreme Court express concern?
Recently, the Supreme Court expressed deep concern over the condition of Himachal Pradesh. During the hearing of a case, the court said that if the mistakes of humans and the blind race of development continue, the Himachal could disappear from the map. Come, let’s understand what the court said …
- Human fault: The court said that floods and landslides are not only due to nature, but are being made by the mistakes of humans. The construction of roads, hydro power projects, forest harvesting and construction without planning are its major reasons.
- Nature angry: Justice JB Pardiwala and R. Mahadevan’s bench said that nature is angry with the activities happening in Himachal. This year hundreds of people died in floods and landslides and thousands of properties were destroyed.
- Wrong development: The court questioned hydro projects, tunnels and cutting the mountains for four lane roads. Due to this, mountains are getting weaker. Floods are increasing.
- Global Warming: The threat is getting deeper by rising temperature, melting glacier and irregular patterns of rain. This is affecting farming, water and biodiversity.
- Need to improve: The court said that the environment should not be ignored in the race to earn revenue. Steps should be taken immediately to save the beauty of Himachal.
The court dismissed the case of a hotel company and made it a PIL (PIL). Asked the Himachal government in four weeks.
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Why is the threat to the hilly states increasing?
The Himalayan states are famous for their beauty, but human mistakes are destroying them …
- Jungle harvesting: Despite the forest being more than 66% of the land, the soil is getting loose due to harvesting.
- Hydro Projects: There are cracks in the mountains due to the dams on Beas, Sutlej and Chenab rivers.
- Tourism pressure: The mountains are weakening by building four lane roads and hotels.
- Climate Change: Glaciers are melting due to increasing heat. The rain is getting irregular.
- Unplanned construction: The threat of landslides has increased due to the construction of no thoughtful buildings and roads.
Due to all this, Himachal, Uttarakhand and other hill states are in danger.
What can government and people do?
The Supreme Court has given responsibility to Himachal and the Central Government. Also, some steps have been suggested …
- Planning: Seek advice from geologists and local people before development.
- Save the forest: Stop cutting trees and plant new plants.
- Tourism Control: Make rules to prevent over tourism.
- Hydro Projects: Do not harm the environment, take care of it.
- Cooperation of Himalayan states: All mountainous states should plan together with the help of resources and experts.
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