Increasing disasters in Uttarakhand, experts blame govt negligence

The Center for Public Policy at Doon University recently organized a roundtable conference to discuss the state government’s readiness to handle disasters caused by climate change, floods, landslides, and other natural calamities.

Ecology and economy for Himalayas' sustainability

Noted environmentalist and HESCO founder, Anil Prakash Joshi, emphasized the need for ecology and economy to work in tandem for a sustainable future for the Himalayan region’s inhabitants. In this context, he referred to the current situation in Uttarakhand as a “tragedy of the commons.”

Building on this point, Anil Bahuguna, a retired IAS officer and secretary of the Himalayan Trust, highlighted the increasing vulnerability of many hilly areas due to unregulated development. He went on to criticize the government’s failure to prepare a master plan for Dehradun, the state capital, and questioned its ability to develop effective plans for the hilly regions.

Expanding on the discussion, D.K. Gupta, former GM (Civil) of THDC India Limited, provided further insights into the importance of planned and sustainable development of new hill cities and settlements. In support of his argument, he cited New Tehri city as a prime example of a well-planned and developed city.

Shifting our attention to another aspect of the discussion, Piyush Rautela, Executive Director of the Uttarakhand State Disaster Management Authority, delved into the government’s efforts to raise awareness. He elaborated on the implementation of ten-day workshops and programs aimed at disaster preparedness. Throughout his presentation, he consistently emphasized the critical need for a change in people’s attitude towards climate and the carrying capacity of the state.

In addition, Piyush expressed concern over the lack of earthquake engineering education for students and stressed the urgent need for it. This underscores the importance of a change in people's attitude towards climate and the carrying capacity of the state.

Concerns raised over deforestation in Uttarakhand

Anup Nautiyal, the founder of the Community Foundation for Social Development, expressed concern about the high level of deforestation in Uttarakhand compared to Himachal Pradesh and Arunachal Pradesh.

Professor Kusum Arunachalam, Head of the Department of School of Environment and Natural Resources, Doon University, proposed the concept of agroforestry as a means to mitigate nature loss. She noted the irony that Dehradun, despite being home to many policy-making institutions, still struggles with effective policy making.

Professor Rajendra Prasad Mamgain, Head of the Department of Economics, emphasized the necessity of a mountain-specific MSME (Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises) development policy. He added that the State should not blindly adopt the policy from elsewhere but actively customize it to meet its unique needs."

High Carbon Footprint in the Region

Dr. Sunit Naithani, an associate professor at the School of Environment and Natural Resources, Doon University, highlighted a concerning fact. He pointed out that the region's carbon footprint exceeded 300,000 overnight. This is a significant matter of concern, especially when considering that the established limit is only 15,000 carbon footprints.

Furthermore, he suggested implementing a "Village Disaster Management Plan" and creating a permanent state plan. In addition, he strongly disagreed with development strategies in places like Joshimath and Auli.

Continuing the discussion, Doon University Vice Chancellor Professor Surekha Dangwal raised questions about Uttarakhand's development model, which could lead to environmental disasters and instability, concluding the conference.

Additionally, he added, that the unscientific and indiscriminate mountain cutting across the state had caused a crisis. It is worth noting that the demand for a highway covering Delhi-Dehradun in two and a half hours had never come from any Uttarakhand resident. Consequently, proper examination of any development model is essential to prevent future disasters.

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