How Unchecked Development, Not Climate Change, is Pushing the Himalayas to the Brink

Punjab recently experienced its worst flooding since 1988. In August, heavy rains caused rivers like the Sutlej, Beas, and Ravi to overflow, leading to the destruction of villages. Sadly, at least 34 lives were lost in the Indian-controlled Kashmir and parts of Pakistan. In Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand, a village named Dharali vanished due to a landslide triggered by the deluge.

This situation isn’t new for the Indian Himalayan region. Past disasters like the 2013 Kedarnath floods and the 2021 calamity in Chamoli highlight a troubling trend. Many attribute these events solely to nature, overlooking other significant factors.

Experts caution against labeling every heavy rainfall as a “cloudburst.” Arun B. Shrestha, a senior advisor at the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), emphasizes that many disasters stem from a mix of climate change and human activity. The Himalayas, the youngest mountains globally, are prone to instability, making them susceptible to floods and landslides.

Chief Justice B.R. Gavai described the sight of logs floating in floodwaters as alarming. He warned that if current practices continue, Punjab could witness the tragic loss of its forests and villages. The Supreme Court highlighted the dire consequences of prioritizing economic gain over ecological balance, asserting that unplanned development poses catastrophic risks.

In their July observations, the Supreme Court voiced concern over Himachal Pradesh’s future. Justice Gavai stressed the importance of implementing thoughtful development plans that prioritize environmental sustainability, especially in vulnerable regions. Navneet Yadav from Caritas India echoed this sentiment, adding that development in mountainous areas must differ from urban centers like Delhi.

The Himalayan region is witnessing increased tourism and infrastructure development. With over 1,144 hydropower plants either operational or under construction in Himachal Pradesh, the landscape is changing dramatically. This surge raises alarms about potential disasters. Heavy machinery used for construction aggravates the risk of landslides, especially without comprehensive environmental impact assessments.

Climate change compounds these challenges. The average temperature in the Indian Himalayas is rising faster than the global average, leading to reduced snowfall and increased glacier melt. These melting glaciers can create unstable lakes, possibly resulting in glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs). ICIMOD reported over 25,000 glacial lakes in major river basins, increasing risks for communities below.

Experts like Shrestha stress the importance of adapting infrastructure to cope with climate variations. He advocates for a balance between economic growth and environmental protection, encouraging solutions rooted in nature and involving local communities. Yadav adds that building climate awareness among locals is vital. Critical structures such as hospitals and schools should never be constructed in flood-prone areas, which is unfortunately often not the case.

The rise in tourism has led to demands for land for hotels and other accommodations, exacerbating local deforestation. This removal of native trees destabilizes the soil, increasing the risk of landslides and floods. Experts believe there are sustainable paths to development that do not require sacrificing the environment.

In summary, the situation in Punjab and across the Himalayas underscores the pressing need for responsible development. Addressing climate change, rethinking infrastructure, and actively involving local communities will be essential in mitigating future disasters.

For further reading on climate impacts and disaster management, check out the latest reports from ICIMOD here.

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