Himalayan Disasters: Uncovering the Real Culprit Behind Reckless Construction, Beyond Just Climate Change

Ignoring Climate Signals About Rivers

Climate science has shown us the pressing need to build resilience in Himalayan communities. Unfortunately, many governments are following the wrong trends, placing these communities in jeopardy. Ignoring ecology has serious consequences, and people are facing the brunt of it.

Take the Tawi Riverfront Development Project in Jammu. It promised picturesque views of manicured gardens, high-rise apartments, and even a Ferris Wheel similar to the London Eye. The project’s first phase aimed to revamp part of the Tawi’s banks over 2.7 kilometres, reclaiming about 23 hectares of land for development. However, the recent floods reveal a harsh reality: the river is reclaiming what was taken from it.

This situation raises important questions about riverfront development. Such projects often constrict rivers instead of allowing them to overflow and manage excess rainwater. Despite public outcry and evident lessons from nature, many cities in India continue to pursue this approach.

Concrete embankments can damage river habitats and hinder the natural flow of water, affecting both groundwater recharge and drainage. This ultimately jeopardizes long-term water security and the river’s health. So, it’s no surprise that heavy rains have intensified flooding, as seen recently in Jammu.

Rivers can self-purify, protecting their water quality and ecosystem. However, riverfront developments often lead to stagnation, which degrades water quality. A 2024 study titled Impact of Riverfront Development on Self-Purification Capacity evaluated the Tawi and Devika Rivers. It found that upstream, undisturbed sections had much better water quality compared to those near riverfront developments, where the slope was more gradual.

The study concluded that rivers with steeper slopes maintain better water quality. It also warned that the development could diminish the river’s self-purification ability due to the less effective slope introduced by the project.

Amid these findings, we must wonder why governments persist in these developments. Listening to nature and respecting ecological balance could save both the rivers and the communities that depend on them.

For more detailed insights, check out this study on riverfront developments.

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