EDITORIAL
The Uttarakhand Tragedy
Built Expressions, as a mark of immense respect and national pride salutes the hero warriors of the Indian Army, Air Force, Navy, Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), Border Security Force, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and many other NGO’s who displayed exemplary courage in saving the lives of thousands, during the recent natural calamity and the man made catastrophe that devastated Uttarakhand and Himachal regions. Their gallant sacrifice shall remain imprinted on the minds of many in the history of India.
The upper Himalayan territories of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand are full of forests and snow-covered mountains and thus remain relatively inaccessible. Being the home to several pilgrimage sites, these regions command exceptional respect by millions of Indians. Between 12th and 20th June of this year, Uttarakhand and adjoining areas received unprecedented rainfall, which was about 375 percent more than the benchmark rainfall during a normal monsoon. This excessive rainfall caused melting of Chorabari Glacier which is the source for Mandakini River and aggravated the floods in Bhagirathi, Alakanada, and the 1560 miles long Ganga. Warnings by the Indian Meteorological Department predicting heavy rains went unnoticed causing thousands of people to be caught unawares, resulting in huge loss of life and property. Many towns and villages, houses, communication links have been effaced beyond recognition.
Intensive construction of Hydel projects involving blasting of hillsides, excavation, debris dumping, movement of heavy machinery, construction of tunnels and diversion of forests and rivers surely have disturbed the ecological balance in the region. Expanding human settlements and urbanization resulting in changing land uses have also to be factored while assessing the magnitude of damage.
But what is the genesis of the whole problem? Is excessive rainfall, the only explanation as to why the abode of the Gods was battered beyond measures? Is it the human greed? Or is it the indiscriminate deforestation and mindless construction practices? Or is it the poor soil stability on the steep slopes in this fragile region? Post damage, Indian Forces have done their bit.
It is time now for us as Engineers to learn from mistakes and evolve appropriate mechanisms to mitigate the issue. What India needs now is the systematic and overall management of water resources in the region.
Let us work together towards an integrated water management scheme to avoid repetition of the sacred River Saraswathi and to save our sanctified Himalays.
Ajit Sabnis
Editor-in-Chief