News Analysis India

Tag: Uttarakhand

  • No stone left unturned: Officials race against time to save 37 workers trapped in Tapovan Tunnel

    Express News Service
    DEHRADUN: 55 hours since 37 men were found trapped in the tunnel of Tapovan Hydropower Project in Chamoli district in Uttarakhand on Sunday, combined rescue teams of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police, the Indian Army, the National Disaster Response Force, the State Disaster Response Force and others have been racing against time to save their lives. 

    Officials from the Army Medical Corps of the Indian Army said that they have been trapped without food, water or heat in the tunnel where temperatures plummet to as low as 2 degrees. 

    An official from the AMC camp just 200 meters away from the rescue spot who did not wish to be identified said, “We are waiting for them to be reached and brought to us. We’re trained to save lives, but time is running low for them. They don’t have food or water or any amenities to shield themselves from the cold.”

    ALSO READ: Families await reunion with loved ones trapped in tunnel

    Officials associated with the project said that workers have enough clothing to give them some protection from the freezing temperatures. 

    Rakesh Dimri, an official from NTPC said on a hopeful note that the workers have been working for a while now and that they are acclimatized to the local climate.

    He added, “They are provided with warm clothes, boots, helmet with headlight and other safety devices such as a torch, a rope, a knife along with other items. I hope they all will be rescued safely.”

    Medical experts said that the availability of ventilation will increase their chance of life. 

    Dr Vipul Kandwal, a medical doctor from Dehradun said, “In this situation, many factors are at play. If they don’t drown, air passage will act as lifesaver. The problem with the sludge accumulation in enclosed space is that it blocks passage of almost everything including Oxygen which is the most essential to live. If there is any way through which air is reaching them, it is a boon.  

    ALSO READ: Uttarakhand glacier burst – 70 from UP, including 34 from Lakhimpur Kheri missing

    He also added that comorbidities can become a factor in minimizing their chances to live if the operations stretch for a day or two more. 

    “If any of those workers have any comorbidities like diabetes, hypertension or any other condition it can act as a variable lowering the chances of survival,” added Dr Kandwal. 

    On the other hand, even if all conditions are favorable for survival, another doctor Dr Adarsh Singh said,”time is running out for them as a human can survive without food and water — both for a week or so in such conditions.”

    However, they do not rule out a possibility of a ‘miracle’. 

    “We have witnessed miracles and I am certain that our forces will save all those men. The whole nation’s prayers and wishes are with them,” said Dr Singh. 

    ALSO READ: Uttarakhand glacier disaster highlights pressure on Asia’s great rivers – Experts

    Meanwhile, officials have deployed heli-bound Laser and Electromagnetic Pulse Imager to see if there are any air pockets in the 1.9 km long tunnel network at the hydropower project site. 

    “The Laser and Electromagnetic Pulse Imager works on LIDAR concept which we are using in day time to look for air pockets in and around the tunnel. This will help us pinpoint the location for any air pockets,” said Manjunath PC, commandant of the Indian Reserve Battalion.

    In total, six bodies were recovered on Tuesday taking the total body count to 32. Out of these six, 4 were in Raini, one each in Chamoli and Nandprayag.

    According to official estimates, 175 are still missing, whereas a total of five vehicles are said to be trapped in the tunnels including a JCB and a Mahindra Scorpio.

    Rescue efforts

    Divers from the Indian Navy have been deployed to look for bodies at possible locations including in the vicinity of Tapovan project as more than 100 workers were at work in the project. 

    ALSO READ: Uttarakhand glacier burst: Scientists leave for Joshimath for surveillance, reconnaissance

    More than 100 personnel from ITBP, SDRF and NDRF are working on the rescue spot while over 800 personnel are on the site. Apart from this 700 personnel are on standby.

    Total two excavator/JCB machines are on the site working round the clock. Till the time of writing this report, the machines have excavated over 6,700 tonnes of muck/slush digging the tunnel 120 meters which is of 30 feet height and 25 feet width. 

    Miles of ropes, dozens of spades, floodlights and other essential equipments are also pressed into service. 

    A drone is being used to look inside the tunnel to find if any entry point is available through the slush/muck.

    ALSO READ: Abrupt snowslide, not glacier burst, might have caused the calamity, says Uttvarakhand CM Trivendra Singh Rawat

    The clearing of the tunnel was done upto 130 meters but the muck from inside the tunnel slowed the team down by reducing the cleared part of the tunnel to 90 meters, said officials.

    Aparna Kumar, deputy-inspector general, ITBP, Dehradun sector said, “Our personnel are working every moment. No stone is left unturned to save those men. We have reached beyond 100 meters at 180 meters stretch of the tunnel where the men are trapped.”

    Many suspect that at this pace, the operation could stretch by another 3 to 4 days. 

    According to state government data, 174 are still missing out of which 37 are trapped inside the tunnel.

    A team of Indian Army also tried to enter the tunnel from another side but had to abort due to the deposition of muck and debris at the spot. 

    EXPLAINED: How glaciers can burst and send floods downstream

    Meanwhile, Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat visited the villages which are cut off due to the washing away of four bridges.

    “Rescue and relief operations are on and we hope those men will be saved. We are providing every possible relief in the affected villages,” said the CM.

    Uttarakhand state public works department has also started constructing four trolly bridges at the locations where motorable bridges and suspension bridges were washed away in the flash flood.

    Ayaz Ahmed, chief engineer, PWD, Garhwal region said, “We are using nylon ropes, steel ropes and a trolly to install bridges at three locations where the bridges were washed away. It will take 4-5 days.”

    The trolly bridges which will carry one person at a time are being installed in Raini village, Tapovan and Juwagad village to connect the villages. 

  • Came under sharp attack as environment minister for stopping hydel projects in Uttarakhand: Jairam Ramesh

    Relief is being distributed by helicopters among villagers cut off due to the washing away of a bridge in the avalanche at Malari.

  • Boulders in debris inside Tapovan tunnel biggest hindrance to search operations: ITBP officer

    By PTI
    TAPOVAN: Huge boulders embedded in the debris inside the Tapovan tunnel are causing the biggest hindrance to the ongoing search operations at the NTPC’s damaged hydel project site here, ITBP Deputy Commandant AK Dabral said.

    Around 25 to 35 people are feared trapped in the tunnel since the avalanche hit Joshimath area of Chamoli district on Sunday with rescue efforts by multiple agencies focused on reaching them as soon as possible.

    The combined rescue team has reached up to 130 metres inside the tunnel but there is a lot of debris clogging it, he said.

    ALSO READ: Uttarakhand glacier burst – 70 from UP, including 34 from Lakhimpur Kheri missing

    People feared trapped inside the tunnel should be at around 200 metres, he said.

    Personnel of the Army, State Disaster Response Force, National Disaster Response Force, Sashastra Seema Bal are coordinating and working with a defined strategy to get to those trapped inside, Dabral said.

    However, some feel that more sophisticated equipment should be engaged to expedite the rescue operations.

    Kedarnath MLA Manoj Rawat said excavators and Pokland machines should be brought in to speed up the process.

    ALSO READ: No stone left unturned – Officials race against time to save 37 workers trapped in Tapovan Tunnel

    Meanwhile, search efforts at the now demolished hydel project site at Raini also  picked up pace on Tuesday with heavy mechanical equipment tearing through the debris deposited there by the avalanche.

    SDRF personnel have been able to throw ropes across the Rishi Ganga river and are installing trolleys there as an alternative arrangement to transport food and other essentials to the residents of villages cut off due to the washing away of three pedestrian bridges and a motorable bridge in the area.

    Essentials are being supplied to these villages at present by helicopters.

    ALSO READ: Families await reunion with loved ones trapped in tunnel

    Besides, people stranded in these villages are also being evacuated by helicopters.

    Around 150 residents were evacuated from these villages on Tuesday by helicopters, Additional Information Officer Ravindra Negi said.

  • Too early to determine cause of Chamoli disaster: Experts

    Express News Service
    DEHRADUN: Scientists and experts said that it is too early to determine cause of the flash floods in Chamoli district that has killed 32 people and has left 174 missing. 

    The state government has reportedly issued written instructions refraining the scientists and experts from making any comments or statements until something concrete comes out in any investigation.

    Kalachand Sai, director of the Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology, Dehradun, said, “At this stage it is difficult to pin point the exact cause of the flash floods. We are on the ground taking samples and examining everything. Only after the analysis can we tell what exactly has happened.”

    The team of five scientists from the institution are in Tapovan, Raini and other locations to collect samples of muck, water and debris for tests that can help find out the cause of the disaster. 

    They said that both the causes – glacier break and avalanche cannot be ruled out.  

    “There can be multiple causes such as an avalanche or glacier break or may be both. We do not see any reason to determine it as a standard Glacial Lake Outburst Flood,” said Sai. 

    A preliminary finding by the Dehradun-based Indian Institute of Remote Sensing (IIRS), which is part of Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) has established that the flash floods occurred due to landslide ruling out glacial burst or GLOF (Glacial Lake Outburst Flood).

    A scientist from the institution who wanted to remain anonymous, said, “Our preliminary findings indicate that a landslide was triggered at around 5600 meters of altitude. It was a combination of rocks, snow from recent snowfall on February 4, 5 and the ice of the glacier. The area of 0.3 square kilometers covered by the landslide made the first fall of 1.8 kilometers on the steep slope due to which the flash floods occurred.”

    The website of the IIRS says, “It has been observed from the satellite data of Feb 7, 2021 in catchment of Rishi Ganga river at the terminus of the glacier at an altitude of 5600 meter, a landslide triggered a snow avalanche covering approximately 14  sq.km area and causing a flash flood in the downstream Rishi Ganga river. It is estimated that flash flood had generated 2-3 million cubic meter of water in a short span of time.”

    Meanwhile, scientists from DRDO and various other institutions across the country have reached Chamoli to investigate the cause.

    A team from Snow and Avalanche Study Establishment (SASE) of the DRDO also reached Chamoli on Monday.

  • Uttarakhand glacier burst: Families await reunion with loved ones trapped in tunnel

    By PTI
    TAPOVAN: They stand ashen-faced in small clusters near the devastated barrage of the NTPC’s Tapovan-Vishnugad hydel project, waiting for some news about their missing relatives.

    Camping at Tapovan since the glacier tragedy struck in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district on Sunday, the hope of being reunited with their missing kin brings them every morning to the banks of the Dhauli Ganga, half a kilometre from Tapovan, where intense efforts are underway to trace around 30-35 people trapped inside a tunnel that belongs to the project.

    One of the glum-faced bystanders is Dipak Nagwal of Kanchula village, whose sister’s husband Sateshwar Singh, a contractual mechanic, was at work inside the tunnel at the time of the avalanche.

    ALSO READ: Uttarakhand glacier burst – 70 from UP, including 34 from Lakhimpur Kheri missing

    His whereabouts are not known since the avalanche caught the workmen inside the tunnel unaware.

    The elder brother of Dipak’s brother-in-law and other relatives are also staying with him at Tapovan in the hope of hearing some glad tiding about their missing kin.

    Every time a uniformed securityman comes into view, they run towards him with their queries.

    However, the cluster returns disappointed as there is no news yet about Sateshwar.

    Three men of Chamoli’s kimana village are also stuck inside the tunnel.

    ALSO READ: Uttarakhand glacier disaster highlights pressure on Asia’s great rivers – Experts

    Over 40 people from the village have been camping at Tapovan.

    Darshan Singh Bisht, a resident of the village, said three of his relatives — Arvind Singh, Ramkishan Singh and Rohit Singh — are trapped in the tunnel.

    Two months ago, the men, aged 18-20 years, joined a firm named Ritik, which worked at the site on contract for the National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC).

    Their parents are waiting for their return.

    Standing at the tunnel gate, waiting to hear about his brother DS Bisht, Vijay Singh Bisht of Dak village said his restlessness and worries about the well-being of his brother are growing with every passing minute.

    ALSO READ: Abrupt snowslide, not glacier burst, might have caused the calamity, says Uttvarakhand CM Trivendra Singh Rawat

    He said advance equipment should have been used for clearing the debris inside the tunnel.

    That would have expedited the rescue operations, he said.

    Bhawan Singh Farswan (60) of Karchaun village has been coming to the tunnel site along the Dhauli Ganga river since Sunday to find out about a young man from his village, who, he said, is trapped in the tunnel.

    Two members of his family are also missing from the demolished Rishi Gana hydel project site at Raini, Farswan said.

    EXPLAINED: How glaciers can burst and send floods downstream

    People from different parts of the country have gone missing in the tragedy, including 19 from Datunu village of the Jaunsar area in Dehradun district.

    Amar Singh of Datunu, who has come to enquire after his fellow villagers, said the entire village is in a state of shock after the calamity.

    “A total of 25 residents of my village worked at the NTPC project site, of whom six had a day off on Sunday and were luckily saved, but the rest are trapped inside the tunnel,” Singh said.

    The scene at Raini, where 46 people went missing at the Rishi Ganga project site, is similar.

    People have gathered there to find out about their relatives.

    Four bodies were recovered at Raini on Tuesday, State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) commandant Navneet Singh Bhullar said, adding that one of the bodies was that of a police constable.

    “The daunting task of clearing the debris inside the tunnel at Tapovan is being dealt with by a multi-agency team of security personnel and we hope to make a headway,” he said.

    The death toll from the Uttarakhand glacier disaster has climbed to 31 with five more bodies recovered, while around 175 people are still missing, officials said on Tuesday.

  • 197 people missing, 20 dead in Uttarakhand floods: Home Minister Amit Shah tells Parliament

    By PTI
    NEW DELHI: As many as 197 people are missing while 20 have died in Sunday’s avalanche and flash floods in Uttarakhand, Union Home Minister Amit Shah told Parliament on Tuesday.

    He said the figures received from the state government may change and the situation is being monitored round-the-clock at the highest level by the Centre and Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself.

    Five more bodies were recovered on Tuesday taking the death toll from the Uttarakhand glacier disaster to 31 as multiple agencies raced against time to reach about 30 workers trapped inside a tunnel in a power project site and 175 people remained missing.

    A portion of the Nanda Devi glacier broke off in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district on Sunday, triggering an avalanche and a deluge in the Alaknanda river system that washed away hydroelectric stations and endangered lives of people living along the banks.

    ALSO READ: Uttarakhand glacier burst – 70 from UP, including 34 from Lakhimpur Kheri missing

    Shah told the Rajya Sabha that the rising water levels washed away the functional Rishiganga small hydro project of 13.2 MW and also affected the under-construction 520 MW NTPC Hydro Power Project at Tapovan on the downstream of the Dhauli Ganga river.

    “As per information received from the Government of Uttarakhand, 20 people have died and six persons have been injured so far. As per information, a total of 197 people are reported missing which includes 139 of an under-construction project of NTPC, 46 of the functional Rishi Ganga Project and 12 villagers,” he said.

    Twelve people working on the NTPC project and 15 on the Rishiganga one have been saved.

    In a tunnel of NTPC project, approximately 25-35 people are suspected to be trapped, Shah said.

    ALSO READ: Uttarakhand glacier disaster highlights pressure on Asia’s great rivers – Experts

    “Rescue operation to evacuate these people is going on a war footing and all-out efforts are being made for searching missing persons.

    “I assure the House that the Centre is extending all possible assistance to the state government for relief and rescue work. The central government is working in close coordination with the state and all necessary steps, which are considered appropriate, are being taken,” he said.

    Since a bridge has been washed away due to the deluge, 13 villages around the place of the incident have been cut off.

    Necessary supplies and medical assistance are being provided to these villages through helicopters, the Union Home Minister said.

    ALSO READ: Abrupt snowslide, not glacier burst, might have caused the calamity, says Uttvarakhand CM Trivendra Singh Rawat

    The state government has reported that there is no danger of downstream flooding and the rise in water level has been contained, he said, adding “The centre and the state governments are keeping a strict vigil on the situation.”

    A meeting of the National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC) under the chairmanship of cabinet secretary was held on February 7, wherein all the agencies concerned were directed to work in close coordination and to extend all requisite assistance to the state administration.

    Shah said both the control rooms of the Ministry of Home Affairs are monitoring the situation and are providing all possible help to the state.

    The Indo-Tibetian Border Police has set up their control room and 450 personnel of the force with all necessary equipment are engaged in rescue and relief operation.

    EXPLAINED: How glaciers can burst and send floods downstream

    Five Nation Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams, which have also reached the place of incident.

    Besides, eight teams of the Indian Army, including one Engineer Task Force (ETF), are carrying out rescue operation at the incident site.

    A diving team of the Indian Navy has also reached the site for the rescue operation.

    “Five helicopters of the Indian Air Force have also been engaged in the rescue operation. A control room has been established at Joshimath,” Shah said.

    ALSO READ: Uttarakhand glacier burst: Scientists leave for Joshimath for surveillance, reconnaissance

    Despite adverse conditions at the site, search and rescue operation is being carried out continuously.

    The Army has cleared debris at the opening of the tunnel to rescue the people trapped in it.

    A team of the Snow and Avalanche Study Establishment/DRDO has reached the site for surveillance and reconnaissance, he said.

    At the ground and government level, the district administration, police and disaster management departments of the state government along with all central agencies have been working for rescue and relief work, Shah said.

    He also informed Lok Sabha about the situation in Uttarakhand and the response of the government.

    Essential food and medical supplies are being provided to affected villages through helicopters, Shah said.

    The state Public Works Department and the Border Roads Organisation have started repairing five damaged bridges.

    Central Water Commission personnel are on high alert and a DRDO team is keeping a vigil on avalanches, he said.

  • Men in uniform saved our lives: Survivors of Chamoli disaster grateful for new lease of life

    Express News Service
    DEHRADUN: K Sriniwas Reddy, a geologist from Hyderabad who is among the lucky 12 to be rescued by the Indo-Tibetan Border Police on Sunday believes he got a new lease of life. 

    “I feel blessed as I am safe now. I thank these brave men and God for saving my life. I thought that we are not going to survive this,” says Reddy. 

    “When we finally reached the mouth of the tunnel, we realised it was completely blocked. The light was coming in through a small opening and a colleague of ours got some mobile network. We managed to call our officers and were finally saved by the ITBP,” added Reddy. 

    ALSO READ: Uttarakhand glacier burst: 55 UP labourers missing at Tapovan power project site

    It took an operation of over 6 hours to get these men out of the tunnel which was filled up with water.

    “Luckily, we were towards higher end of the tunnel. A sudden gush of water was followed after a thundering noise. Before we could understand, we were knee-deep in water and muck rising. We just ran towards end of the tunnel. One of us acted as there was still network in his phone,” recalls Suraj, one of the workers who is admitted in ITBP hospital in Joshimath, 15 kms from Tapovan, the site of the major damages. 

    ALSO READ: Abrupt snowslide, not glacier burst, might have caused the calamity, says Uttvarakhand CM Trivendra Singh Rawat

    Birendra Kumar (50), senior foreman working the project acted quickly and called up his general manager to save 12 lives including his. 

    The Dhak village resident said, “We were all panicking and suddenly in the midst of all that, we felt the vibrations of my phone. I didn’t think much. I called my boss Rakesh Dimri and told him that we were trapped in a tunnel. He informed the authorities and the men in uniform saved our lives. We all thank them. They are our Gods.”

    EXPLAINED: How glaciers can burst and send floods downstream

    Sanjay Kumar, deputy commandant of the First Battalion of the ITBP who led the operation told The New Indian Express, “Once we got the information, our teams moved ahead with the task. We just wanted to save those men at any cost. It took over 7 hours because we learned that the usage of heavy machinery might hurt them. So we dug slowly and even used our hands.”

    In a bid to save the men trapped in the tunnel, the ITBP used ropes, pulleys, carabiners and spades to descend into the muck.

    Out of 12 rescued from the tunnel, four are residents of Nepal. 

    Sant Bahadur, a resident of Kanchanpur district of Nepal said, “Finally, we will be able to see our families. We thought that this was our end. These people saved us. We will now go back to our homes, first thing.”

    Out of other survivors who are recovering in various medical centers including an ITBP hospital, many are still in shock. 

    “Their mind is still coping with the shock and trauma the disaster caused to them. We are doing everything we can to make them healthy soon,” said a doctor from one of the medical centers.

  • Recent studies warned Himalayan glaciers melting: Scientists on Uttarakhand glacier burst

    Express News Service
    DEHRADUN: The recent studies pointed towards the dangers of melting/receding glaciers, said glaciologists in the wake of the disaster unfolded in Uttarakhand.

    A study led by Dehradun-based Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology revealed that the glaciers in Nanda Devi and central Himalayan region have significantly receded during the past 37 years (1980–2017). 

    Dr Manish Mehta, a scientist who was part of the study that appeared in an international journal said, “The results clearly indicated that the glaciers are receding which makes them fragile. Such disasters are a result of that.”

    The total loss of area of the glaciated region in the catchment during the period is 26 square kilometre or 10% of the total area and equilibrium line altitude (ELA) shifted between 36 and 96 metre. 

    The equilibrium-line altitude (ELA) on glaciers is the average elevation of the zone where accumulation equals ablation (removal of snow for various reasons) over a 1-year period. 

    According to the study, the analysis of the data showed that recession rate of the glaciers has increased after the 1990s. 

    However, the sensitivity of the glaciers in the upper Rishi Ganga catchment has suggested that the glaciers might have responded likely due to decreased precipitation rather than rise in temperature. 

    ALSO READ | Glaciers in Nanda Devi, central Himalayas have lessened in last 37 years: Study

    Rishi Ganga is a river flowing through Nanda Devi National Park. 

    The recent flashfloods have swept away two hydropower projects in its way — 13.2 Megawatt project on Rishiganga river followed by 520 Megawatt Tapovan project on Dhauliganga river after which 202 people went missing while many others got trapped. In all, 20 bodies have been recovered so far from various locations where the flood wrecked havoc. 

    Last year, another study by Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology revealed that the Gangotri glacier receded 63m in last 360 years. 

    “Winter warming in the western Himalayan region has been found to be relatively higher… Warming in the Himalayan region has also been reported to be altitude-sensitive, higher elevations showing higher rate of warming,” said the report. 

    The report also warned that the Gangotri glacier might face accelerated recession at an unprecedented rate than ever experienced in the past 447 years.So far, only 11 Himalayan glaciers have been studied for mass balance and some 100 are being monitored for fluctuations, the report added.

    DP Dobhal, former glaciologist at the Wadia Institute said, “The studies are an academic record but in this case we should wait before we drive any conclusion. However, one fact is established that disturbances in such landscape causes disasters.”

    Amit Kumar, another scientist from the institution added, “The disastrous event occurred due to glacial break. This means some factors which definitely contributed is apparently man-made. A detailed investigation is needed to confirm and act on it.”

  • INTERVIEW: Development must factor in impact of climate change, says Dr Anjal Prakash

    Express News Service
    Dr. Anjal Prakash, Research Director and Adjunct Associate Professor at the Indian School of Business, is lead author of the ongoing 6th Assessment report of UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.

    In an interview with TNIE’s Richa Sharma, Prakash said projects in Himalayan region should be evaluated for strict environmental impacts for minimising disturbance and maximising benefits for the people.

    Excerpts:

    What is the reason behind the glacial avalanche in Uttarakhand?

    It is very early to draw any conclusion but what we know from various reports is that a section of a hanging glacier in the upper reaches of Uttarakhand broke, probably due to snowfall or bedrock failure. This may have led to the landslide and the avalanche. However, I would wait to get more reports to understand this better.

    Do you see it as possible impact of climate change?

    Prima-facie, this looks like a climate change event due to global warming. It is no brainer now, after a series of reports from IPCC, that the global warming has huge impact on glaciers. Majority of glaciers are retreating and a recent estimate show that about two-thirds of the glaciers will melt if we continue to have policies that contributes to global warming.

    Given the infrastructure projects happening in Uttarakhand like hydro-road, how much does that impact?

    This event has happened in very high mountainous regions which are inhabitable for humans. The infrastructure development such as roads and hydropower is being done in downstream areas. What we need is an understanding about the climate-related risks and what impacts it has on the development projects. So, the development projects must take climate change and its impacts into account while planning and executing any project including infrastructure. These projects will be at much greater risk, so we need meticulous planning and execution.

    What should be the future strategy?

    The Himalayan region is very fragile and so it needs very careful ways of harvesting its potential sustainably. The changes we see now is due to climate plus human-induced changes. They (experts) must examine each of our projects on strict environmental impacts so as to minimise disturbance and to maximise benefits and profits for the people.

    How important is planning for infrastructure in fragile mountainous region?

    The Himalayan region is also home to one of the poorest people who have least access to basic infrastructure such as roads, health care and educational facilities. So, infrastructure planning, at least the basics, is an utmost necessity from the people’s perspective. However, big projects which destruct the environment and make irreversible damage need to be checked. Alternate model for development which is environmentally benign must be at the centre of our developmental discourse.

    What lessons do we learn from this disaster?

    I would like to focus on three aspects — one is to accept that climate change is real and is impacting our lives and in many ways. Second, we need to focus a lot on adaptation while working towards mitigating some of the impacts of climate change, which is a long-term phenomenon. Third, the Himalayan region is one of the least monitored regions. We need to have more focus on monitoring our glaciers and have more resources directed towards it. The more we study, the more we know the implications which will help us in charting out policy measures to protect ourselves from these climatic events.

  • Chamoli disaster: Nearby villagers climb up to the forest in bid to escape similar fate

    Express News Service
    DEHRADUN: Scarred by the Chamoli disaster that happened on Sunday, nearly 400 residents of three villages, including Raini, have taken to the forest uphill for safety.

    Sohan Rana, son of Gaura Devi, the woman who led Chipko Movement in 1973 said, “We are afraid of the disaster repeating. We don’t want to die in a flash flood while sleeping.”

    The residents of the three villages – Raini Chak (Subhai) from where Gaura Devi hailed, Raini Chak (Laata), another village across the river and Jujjhu another village in the vicinity of glacier, have climbed all the way up the hill to find a suitable shelter to spend the night.

    The populace of men, women, children, the old, and the infant are still at risk, as the villagers “are choosing to risk lives in both ways.”

    “We are still afraid of floods and wild animal attacks,” Sangram Singh, a villager said adding that they have taken shelter in a dilapidated building and has started a fire to protect them from the chills and to repel wild animals.

    At least 26 people have died and 197 are missing after a glacier broke off in Joshimath in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district on Sunday, causing a massive flood in the Dhauli Ganga river and endangering the lives of people living along its banks.

    Shobha Rana, a resident of Raini Chak (Laata) said, “We are carrying food, bedding, warm clothes and other essentials to spend the night.”

    The locals said that they are planning to continue to do this until they feel safe.

    Moving uphill in the wake of disasters is not new to one of the villagers, Balwant Singh (75) recalls when a similar situation unfolded in 1971, “The destruction didn’t measure up to this scale. We used to climb up and sleep in the forests.”

    The residents of the area told The New Indian Express that they have been demanding the state government for a relocation.

    “Our demands are not fancy. We are not asking the government to move us to Dehradun valley or Rishikesh. We are only asking them to move us somewhere near Auli or Joshimath where the danger to life is absent,” said Mohan Singh, a resident of Raini Chak (Subhai).

    The residents added that their villages are listed by the government as risk-prone and that the people of these locations need to be relocated for safety.

    According to data from the state government, more than 800 families from 28 villages located in risk-prone zones were rehabilitated to safer locations till last year. 

    A report by the state government following the 2013 disaster had revealed that Uttarakhand had 395 disaster-prone villages, of which 225 fall in the sensitive and 72 fall in the hypersensitive category. 

    Majority of these relocations have been done to the hill districts of Bageshwar, Tehri, Uttarkashi, Pauri, Chamoli and Rudryaprayag.

    From 2013 to March 2017, 11 families from two villages, four in Rudraprayag and seven in Chamoli district were shifted to safer locations at a cost of Rs 37.50 lakh while between years 2017 and 2018, a total of 177 families of 12 villages were relocated at a cost of Rs 6.63 crore. 

    In financial year 2018-19, the government spent Rs 6.47 crore to shift 151 families from six villages and this year, 137 families of three villages have been relocated with cost of Rs 6.04 crore.