The intensity of the river #39;s flow in a short span of time was such that it engulfed whatever came in its way.
Tag: Uttarakhand
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Avalanche or glacial lake burst in Chamoli? Scientists, conservationists lash out at government
Express News Service
DEHRADUN: Scientists, experts, conservationists and activists have pointed out the lacklustre attitude of the governments when it comes to maintaining balance in development activities and environment.Ajay Gautam, a Delhi-based activist who has filed range of public interest litigations in Uttarakhand high court requesting strengthening of disaster management systems said, “I had filed one PIL in year 2014 requesting the honorable court to order installation of warning systems including alarm systems.
“The court had ordered the same in year 2018 but no compliance was done by the state government. This is apathy on the part of government which prefers concretization and deforestation of the hills which invites such disasters.”
Ravi Chopra, chairman of Supreme Court appointed high powered committee (HPC) on the 900 kms Char Dham Pariyojana, commenting on the issue, said, “In the year 2014 we had submitted a report warning about hydropower projects at altitude of over 2000 meters voting various vulnerabilities which could result in a major disaster. Out of then proposed 24 hydropower projects, we recommended cancellation of 23. Altitude above 2000 meters is known as para glacial region where such heavy construction should be avoided.”
Views are still divided as to what caused this disaster. The experts have pinned down on two causes- an avalanche or a glacial lake burst.
“An avalanche is a volume starts moving from high altitude and gathers momentum destroying everything in its path. While glacial lake burst is a result of rainfall and snow when it collapses breaking down everything in its path. If it’s glacial lake burst then it is a big failure for our remote sensing agencies,” said Chopra.
The experts also added that the cause of the disaster needs to be investigated but mostly such occurrences are a result of lake formation.
D P Dobhal, former glaciologist at Dehradun’s Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology, “Lake formation must have happened for sure which eventually breached today and caused the floods. However, an extensive investigation is needed to confirm the reason which triggered this.”
ALSO READ | Uttarakhand glacier burst: Army deploys four columns, medical teams for rescue operations
Dobhal added that the heavy sediments in the flood waters indicate that an avalanche or glacial debris could have dammed the river waters resulting in the burst.
“It will take time to ascertain the reasons as happened with the 2013 disaster in Kedarnath. After investigation it was confirmed as glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF),” said Dobhal.
Many expressed their shock at such an incident occurring in winters. They also added that contributing factors to the disaster can be increasing anthropological activities and construction in the hills.
Amit Kumar, a scientist from Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology said, “If this is a glacier break then it is shocking. The cause needs to be investigated thoroughly. Factors like global warming annd anthropological pressure are the reason for melting of glaciers worldwide.”
Interestingly, Uttarakhand high court in the year 2019 has ordered that the use of explosives to be prohibited in and around the Raini village, the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve and the Valley of Flowers, except with the prior written approval of the District Magistrate, Chamoli and on a license granted by a competent authority under the Explosives Act.
“The District Magistrate, Chamoli shall, forthwith, take necessary steps to prevent any form of illegal mining being carried on in the said area,” stated the court order dated June 26, 2019 by division bench of chief justice Ramesh Ranganathan and justice Alok Kumar Verma.
The court also said that resort to explosives, that too for carrying on illegal mining operations, may well result in destruction of the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve, and the Valley of Flowers said to be located nearby.
“While the respondent-Power Company states that they have not resorted to any form of illegal activities, and are not using explosives, we consider it appropriate to direct the Member Secretary, Uttarakhand State Pollution Control Board and the District Magistrate, Chamoli to constitute a joint inspection team to cause a physical inspection of the area; assess the extent of environmental damage caused thereat; ascertain whether illegal mining operations are carried on, and whether explosives are being used for the said purpose; and submit a comprehensive report to this Court at the earliest,” the court order had stated.
Akash Vashishtha, a conservationist based in Ghaziabad who has filed litigations related to issues in Uttarakhand in National Green Tribunal said, “Today’s tragical incident in Chamoli and the consequent loss of life and property is yet another outcome of unabated obstruction of rivers by hydropower dams and encroachments/constructions on the water courses and channels in the state.
Nothing has been learnt from the June 2013 flood disaster in Uttarakhand, November 2015 Jhelum River (Kashmir floods), August 2015 losses in Chennai or the September 2019 Patna inundation. Even five years after the River Ganga (Rejuvenation, Protection and Management) Authorities Order, 2016 notification under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, its provisions are not implemented.
Strange still, the Central Government has even shown no interest in tabling the River Regulation Zone (RRZ) draft bill (which is almost ready) in the Parliament.”
He further added, “No earnestness has been shown by the Centre and State to follow the recommendations of the Supreme Court-appointed Ravi Chopra Committee report (to look into the causes of 2013 UK floods).
The ecological sanctity of the rivers in the state has been critically compromised with all these stifling constructions and is still being negotiated. Foolproof measures and zero tolerance policy is required for the protection of water channels and river courses and consequent safety and security of the people.”
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High alert in Uttar Pradesh as glacier breaks off in neighbouring Uttarakhand
By PTI
LUCKNOW: The Uttar Pradesh government on Sunday put on alert the authorities in all districts on the banks of the Ganga and asked them to continuously monitor the water levels in the river after a glacier broke off at Joshimath in neighbouring Uttarakhand’s Chamoli, triggering a massive flood there.The glacier burst triggered an avalanche and a deluge in the Alaknanda river system that washed away hydroelectric stations, leaving at least seven people dead and 125 missing who are feared dead.
In a disaster alert issued to district magistrates in Uttar Pradesh on Sunday, the relief commissioner said, “Reports of breaking off a part of the Nanda Devi glacier in Uttarakhand have been received. The districts on the (banks of the) Ganga river need to be on a high alert and the monitoring of water level needs to be done 24×7.”
“If required, people should be taken to safer places. The NDRF, SDRF and PAC Flood Company have been instructed to be on the highest alert,” the statement added.
ALSO READ: ‘Nayi zindagi mili’ – ITBP rescues workers stuck in flash-flood hit tunnel
In a tweet in Hindi, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said, “To tackle the natural disaster in Uttarakhand, the Uttar Pradesh government will extend all possible help.”
In another tweet, he said, “Feel sad by the news that many people are feared dead in the disaster which took place after breaking off a glacier. I pray to Lord Ram to give peace to the souls who have passed away, strength to the aggrieved family members to bear the loss and speedy recovery to the injured.”
Later in a statement, the chief minister said in case of an increase in the water levels, people residing close to the the banks of the Ganga should be shifted elsewhere.
He appealed to people not believe in any rumour.
“People should exercise caution and not venture towards the river banks. In case of any adverse circumstances, cooperate with the district administration. The UP government is taking all necessary steps,” he said.
ALSO READ: Uttarakhand flood – 2019 study warned Himalayan glaciers melting at alarming speed
Interacting with reporters in Ayodhya, Adityanath said as the Ganga covers almost 1,000 kilometres in the state, they are exercising full caution.
He said the the Jal Shakti Department was alerted soon after the incident.
“The Home Department is keeping a watch,” he said, adding that water in the Alaknanda river is fast receding.
“Our supposition is that the water will take time to reach lower areas. After Haridwar, we will absorb this water at the barrages in Narora and Bijnor, and there will be no problem in the downstream areas,” he said.
“Despite this, all 25 districts in the state where the Ganga flows have been alerted. The emergency and home departments and the SDRF are on alert,” the chief minister said, stressing there is no need to fear.
ALSO READ: Glacial burst in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district grim reminder of 2013 Kedarnath deluge
In Kannauj, District Magistrate Rakesh Kumar Mishra convened an emergency meeting of officials.
Divers and revenue officials of villages located on the banks of the Ganga have been told to remain on alert.
Mishra inspected the Mahadevi Ghat in the district and said in case of rise in water levels, villagers will be taken to safer places.
In Ballia too, the district administration alerted people, according to District Magistrate Shrihari Pratap Shahi.
Irrigation officials said the department is on alert and the Ganga is flowing almost five metres below the danger mark.
ALSO READ: Uttarakhand glacier burst – Army deploys four columns, medical teams for rescue operations
In Shahjahanpur, people on “kalpvaas”(a peiod of austerity observed by devotess in the month of Magha near the river banks) are being taken to safer places while others have been told to remain alert.
District Magistrate Indra Kumar Singh told PTI, “During the month of Magha, ‘kalpvaasis’ stay for almost one month on the banks of river Ganga, take bath and offer prayers. Almost 100 ‘kalpvaasis’ are being shifted to safer and higher places.”
Superintendent of Police S Anand said they told villagers to go to safer places.
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‘Nayi zindagi mili’: ITBP rescues workers stuck in flash-flood hit tunnel
By PTI
DEHRADUN: Covered in mud, several men were safely pulled out one after the other from a slush-covered tunnel by ITBP personnel in the Tapovan power project area that was swept away by a flash flood triggered by a glacier break in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand on Sunday.In a video of the operation shared by the border force, the rescuers can be seen raising slogans of ‘dum lagakey haisha’ while retrieving a couple of men through the vertical and narrow snout of the tunnel with the help of a rope line.
Those present at the spot motivated the men in action with ‘bahut badhiya’ and ‘shabaash’, jo ‘bole so nihaal’ and ‘jai ho’ slogans.
ALSO READ: Uttarakhand flood – 2019 study warned Himalayan glaciers melting at alarming speed
One of the workers rescued from the tunnel was seen taking a euphoric leap as the ITBP personnel patted his back in recognition of the grit and endurance displayed by him despite being hit by a disaster and being swamped with mud.
“Apna bhai aa gaya (our brother is back),” said a local who works in the project area as another official summed up the mood in the disaster zone by saying “nayi zindagi mili (those rescued got a new life)”.
Multiple teams of the force, with personnel wearing protective gear and helmets, were rushed to the Tapovan power project site from their 1st battalion base in Joshimath and the ITBP mountaineering and skiing institute located nearby in Auli to launch search and rescue works.
ALSO READ: Glacial burst in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district grim reminder of 2013 Kedarnath deluge
Armed with mountain rescue gear, ropes, pulleys and carabiniers, the ITBP men were seen taking out the workers and putting them on stretchers that they brought along with them.
ITBP spokesperson Vivek Kumar Pandey said in Delhi that his personnel stationed at the Joshimath base heard a “large bang and screams of people” shortly after 10:45 AM when the tragedy is stated to have struck the two dam sites near the Raini village in Chamoli.
A flash flood in the Dhauli Ganga river caused large-scale devastation in the upper reaches of the ecologically fragile Himalayas.
ALSO READ: Uttarakhand glacier burst – Army deploys four columns, medical teams for rescue operations
“A total of 12 workers have been rescued from the tunnel site till now. There is a second tunnel too where the rescuers are working,” Pandey said.
Chamoli, about 270 kms from state capital Dehradun, is a border district along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China and it is well known for the Badrinath shrine that is located very close to the last Indian village in Mana.
The ITBP has a large deployment here as part of its mandate to guard the LAC.
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Chamoli disaster, a nightmare for eyewitnesses
Express News Service
DEHRADUN: A laid back Sunday for Sandeep Nautiyal in Raini village was disrupted by the orchestra of noises and terrifying visuals of a glacier coming down.As the avalanche started, 5 kms from where he stayed, he joined his neighbours and rushed out shouting ‘Bhaago bhaago.’
Everyone panicked and ran to alert others of the eventuality.
“It was a bright sunny day and suddenly we heard a mix of roaring sound and earthquake-like tremors. We looked towards the direction of the noise and saw this huge wave coming down the mountains washing away everything in its way,” said Nautiyal.
The village that houses more than 300 odd people, located near the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve, and in close proximity to the Valley of Flowers, include shepherds, farmers and workers.
ALSO READ | Uttarakhand glacier burst: Army deploys four columns, medical teams for rescue operations
“We are used to similar sights only in the monsoon season. In rainy season, it’s common to experience and witness landslides as water streams become alive and mountains seem more fragile than ever. This has shocked us to core,” said Shankar Rana, another resident.
The locals in the vicinity of the Dhauli ganga river have been moved to secure locations. Many are still in shock and apprehensive about returning to their villages any time soon.
Prem Butola, another resident said, “The incident has left a scar on our hearts and minds. We will not able to live in peace now. I hope the government will take measures to adress matters so that such disasters never happen.”
ALSO READ: 10 bodies recovered, over 150 missing after glacier burst in Uttarakhand triggers flood
Sangram Singh, another resident of Raini village who had filed a public interest litigation in Uttarakhand High court in year 2019 requesting the court to stop the use of explosives said, “We were fearing that this would happen for so long.
I approached the court on behalf of the village residents and told the honorable court about the impending disaster. The court had directed the government to stop using explosives and take necessary steps but nothing happened. Now lives are lost and we are uprooted from our lands.”
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Uttarakhand floods: PM Narendra Modi okays Rs 2 lakh ex gratia for kin of those dead
By PTI
NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved an ex gratia of Rs 2 lakh each for the next of kin of those who lost their lives due to the avalanche caused by a glacial burst in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli, the Prime Minister’s Office said on Sunday.The PMO also said Rs 50,000 would be given to those seriously injured.
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 trapped more than 100 labourers who are feared dead.
ALSO READ: Uttarakhand flood – 2019 study warned Himalayan glaciers melting at alarming speed
“PM Narendra Modi has approved an ex gratia of Rs 2 lakh each from PMNRF (Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund) for the next of kin of those who have lost their lives due to the tragic avalanche caused by a Glacier breach in Chamoli, Uttrakhand. Rs 50,000 would be given to those seriously injured,” the PMO tweeted.
The sudden flood in the middle of the day in the Dhauli Ganga, Rishi Ganga and Alaknanda rivers — all intricately linked tributaries of the Ganga — triggered widespread panic and large-scale devastation in the high mountain areas.
ALSO READ: Glacial burst in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district grim reminder of 2013 Kedarnath deluge
Two power projects – NTPC’s Tapovan-Vishnugad hydel project and the Rishi Ganga Hydel Project – were extensively damaged with scores of labourers trapped in tunnels as the waters came rushing in.
Sixteen men were rescued safely from a tunnel in the Tapovan project but about 125 were still missing.
ALSO READ: Uttarakhand glacier burst – Army deploys four columns, medical teams for rescue operations
As night fell in the ecologically fragile Himalayas and rescue work in the difficult to access areas became more difficult, there were fears they may be dead.
Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat said seven bodies were recovered and at least 125 were missing.
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Glacial burst in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district grim reminder of 2013 Kedarnath deluge
By PTI
DEHRADUN: The massive flood in the Dhauli Ganga river triggered by a glacial burst in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district on Sunday came as a grim reminder of the Kedarnath deluge of 2013 which led to widespread devastation in the ecologically fragile Himalayan region.A devastating natural disaster in the form of torrential rains of unseen magnitude had struck Kedarnath on 16-17 June in 2013.
The banks of the Chorabari lake in Kedarnath collapsed due to a cloudburst that had resulted in a major flash flood causing widespread destruction in Uttarakhand and led to heavy losses to infrastructure, agriculture lands, human and animal lives.
ALSO READ: Uttarakhand glacier burst – Army deploys four columns, medical teams for rescue operations
However, unlike the Kedarnath tragedy which struck after a downpour, the flash flood on Sunday occurred on a bright and sunny morning which helped in relief and rescue operations by police, State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) personnel in the affected areas.
Contrary to the bad weather that delayed launch of relief and rescue operations after the Kedarnath deluge whose magnitude could not be immediately realised, the clear weather on Sunday allowed helicopters to reach the affected areas quickly.
Uttarakhand DGP Ashok Kumar said all efforts at the moment are focused on tracing those who went missing after the flood.
Over 150 labourers working at a power project in Tapovan-Reni are feared dead, an Indo-Tibetan Border Police spokesperson said while quoting the project-in charge.
Three bodies have been recovered so far.
According to the Uttarakhand police chief, the power project has been swept away completely.
Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat also lost no time in rushing to the affected areas of Tapovan and Raini to take stock of the situation on the ground.
He said relief and rescue operations are being carried out on a war footing in the affected areas.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah are constantly in touch with the chief minister assuring of all possible help.
Homes along the way of the deluge were swept away as the waters rushed down the mountainsides in a raging torrent.
There were fears of damage in human settlements downstream, including in heavily populated areas.
Many villages were evacuated and people taken to safer areas.
Connectivity with some border posts was “totally restricted” due to a bridge collapsing near Reni village, an ITBP spokesperson said.
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Uttarakhand glacier burst: IMD says no adverse weather over affected areas on February 7, 8
By PTI
NEW DELHI: The MeT department Sunday said no adverse weather events are expected over Chamoli, Tapovan and Joshimath in Uttarakhand on February 7 and 8, in a relief for the area hit by a major glacier burst.India Meteorological Department (IMD) Additional Director General Anand Sharma said Chamoli, Tapovan and Joshimath are likely to witness dry weather during the two days.
PRESS RELEASE : WEATHER FORECAST FOR UTTARAKHANDDry weather is likely to prevail over Uttarakhand on 7 & 8 Feb. However, under the influence of a Western Disturbance, light rainfall/ snowfall is likely over northern part of Uttarakhand during evening of 9th to forenoon of 10th.
— India Meteorological Department (@Indiametdept) February 7, 2021“No snowfall/rainfall is likely on February 7-8,” the IMD said in its special weather advisory for the state.
However, light rainfall/snowfall is likely in the northern parts of the Chamoli district on February 9-10, the advisory added.
Over 150 labourers working at a power project in Tapovan-Reni are feared dead, an Indo-Tibetan Border Police spokesperson said after a part of the Nanda Devi glacier broke off at Joshimath in Chamoli Sunday.
ALSO READ | High alert in UP as glacier breaks off in neighbouring Uttarakhand
The glacier burst led to a massive flood in the Dhauli Ganga river and caused large-scale devastation in the upper reaches of the ecologically fragile Himalayas.
Officials said three bodies have been recovered so far and a massive relief and rescue operation is underway.
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Ensure rescue of pilgrims from Gujarat: Vijay Rupani to Uttarakhand CM after glacier burst
By PTI
AHMEDABAD: In view of a glacier burst in Uttarakhand, Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani on Sunday requested his counterpart Trivendra Singh Rawat to ensure immediate help and rescue of pilgrims from Gujarat stranded in the northern state.A part of the Nanda Devi glacier broke off at Joshimath in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district on Sunday, leading to a massive flood in the Dhauli Ganga river and causing large-scale devastation in the upper reaches of the ecologically fragile Himalayas.
Rupani has also instructed Gujarat chief secretary Anil Mukim to contact the Uttarakhand administration and take immediate action in this regard, the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) said in a release.
ALSO READ | 10 bodies recovered, over 150 missing after glacier burst in Uttarakhand triggers flood
“In a telephonic conversation with the Chief Minister of Uttarakhand, Vijay Rupani has requested for immediate help and relief and to ensure rescue of the pilgrims from Gujarat trapped in the natural calamity at Chamoli Tapovan in Uttarakhand.
He also sought help in arranging treatment for the injured,” it said.
Several pilgrims from Gujarat are reportedly stranded afterthe glacier broke off at Joshimath.
A pilgrim from Rajkot, Krishnaben Pancholi, told a Gujarati news channel over phone that a group of 50 pilgrims from Gujarat was instructed to return to Dehradun from Haridwar, while they were on the way towards Tapovan in Uttarakhand when the calamity struck.
“We are safe. We were going towards Srinagar and Tapowan when we received instruction from the authorities that we should go back towards Dehradun, where we are headed, leaving some of our baggage in Haridwar. There is a high alert in Haridwar and Rishikesh,” she said.
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‘Freedom of speech not unlimited’: Uttarakhand DGP amid uproar over ‘anti-national’ content scrutiny
Express News Service
DEHRADUN: After uproar on Uttarakhand police’s announcement to scrutinize social media accounts posting ‘anti-national’ content to block the approval of passport and arms license, Director-General of police Ashok Kumar said that ‘Freedom of Expression’ is not ‘unlimited’.“My statement related to not give clean chit to those posting against integrity and sovereignty of the country is being given unnecessary spin. I want to make it clear to all of You that the values for passport verification already have this. I have just made sure of the implementation of the same. Number 6 of part B of passport verification form clarifies this. I also want to make it clear that ‘Freedom of Expression’ is not unlimited. In the name of freedom of expression no one can speak against integrity and sovereignty of the nation,” said the DGP in his Facebook post on Thursday late evening.
However, legal experts disagree on what the DGP has to say to justify the move.
Dr Kartikey Hari Gupta, a doctorate in law and law practitioner in Uttarakhand High Court and Supreme Court of India said, “Police has no authority to adjudicate whether any statement is anti-national or not. Article 19 provides reasonable restrictions on individual freedoms and time and again the Supreme Court of India has held that freedom of speech and expression can not be curtailed merely on the particular understanding of the executive branch. its only judiciary which can judge whether any statement or behaviour is prejudicial to sovereignty and integrity of the country”.
He further added, “Police has only function to investigate and not prejudge and behaviour or statement as anti-national. Passport verification record is to be filled by the intelligence branch of police on the basis of the record. Without any verdict of any court by which a person has been found guilty of threatening behaviour how can Police itself prejudge any person or behavior as anti-national.”
Avtar Singh Rawat, a senior advocate from Supreme Court of India who also practices in Uttarakhand High Court and took active participation in statehood agitation of Uttarakhand said, “The job of the police is to investigate and verify. They can not block anyone from anything. If they receive any such information they can ascertain its authenticity.”
Earlier this week, Uttarakhand police announced that it will now keep track of social media behaviour pattern of those frequently posting ‘anti-national’ and ‘anti-social’ posts.
The state police will keep track of such people and will mention this while verifying their documents for passport and arms license.
Earlier, the state police would counsel the person asking her/him not to indulge in any such behaviour in future instead of booking a person right away.
Officials from the department said that the move comes after alleged ‘surge’ in such posts and social media accounts.