Why in NEWS
The flash flood in Dharali village, Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand, highlights the growing disaster threats from extreme weather events in the Indian Himalayan Region (IHR).
Key Terms and Concepts
| Term | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Indian Himalayan Region (IHR) | The mountainous belt stretching across northern India, prone to natural disasters due to fragile geology and climate change impacts. |
| GLOF (Glacial Lake Outburst Flood) | Sudden flooding caused when a glacier-fed lake’s dam (often made of ice or debris) fails. |
| Orographic Lift | The process by which moist air rises over mountains, cooling and causing heavy rainfall. |
| Seismic Zones IV & V | High-risk earthquake-prone zones in India, covering much of the Himalayas. |
Factors Driving Frequent Disasters in the IHR
| Factor | Details | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Tectonic Activity | Indian plate colliding with Eurasian plate, creating high seismic risk. | 2005 Kashmir Earthquake (Magnitude 7.6) |
| Fragile Geology | Sedimentary rocks, steep slopes prone to erosion and landslides. | Frequent slope failures after rains |
| Glacial and Snow Hazards | Climate change accelerating glacier melt, increasing GLOF risk. | 2023 South Lhonak Lake GLOF destroying Teesta III Dam |
| Extreme Rainfall & Cloudbursts | High-intensity rain events causing floods and landslides. | 2021 Chamoli, Uttarkashi cloudbursts |
| River Dynamics | Young, fast-flowing rivers with high sediment load; prone to damming and sudden release. | Landslide-induced floods |
| Deforestation & Land Use Change | Road building, hydropower projects, tourism degrading slope stability. | 2023 Joshimath land subsidence |
Key Committees and Recommendations
| Committee | Year | Key Recommendations |
|---|---|---|
| Mishra Committee | 1976 | Ban construction in unstable zones; avoid cutting trees in landslide-prone areas. |
| J.C. Pant Committee | 1999 | Disaster management in Constitution; strict building codes; create Ministry of Disaster Management; establish National & State Disaster Funds; earmark 10% plan funds for risk reduction; promote preparedness culture. |
Measures to Mitigate Disaster Risks in the IHR
| Measure | Description |
|---|---|
| Early Warning Systems | Install solar-powered sensors at high-risk glacial lakes for real-time alerts. |
| Engineering Interventions | Build check dams, spillways, and controlled drainage systems to slow floodwaters. |
| Sustainable Tourism | Tourist caps in peak seasons, eco-homestays, strict waste and water norms. |
| Customized EIA | Tailor environmental assessments for Himalayan geology and hydrology. |
| Climate-Resilient Development | Integrate disaster risk reduction in all infrastructure projects as per Sendai Framework. |
| Watershed & Basin Management | Ridge-to-valley restoration, wetland revival, floodplain construction limits. |
| Community Preparedness | Panchayat-led hazard mapping, training, and shelter planning. |
| Multi-Agency Coordination | NDMA, NRSC, CWC, states, and scientific bodies working jointly on monitoring and mitigation. |
In a Nutshell
Memory Code – “TFC-RED-CM”
Tectonics
Fragile geology
Climate change
Rainfall
EIA
Development planning
Community
Multi-agency
Prelims Practice Questions
- Which of the following is a major cause of GLOFs in the Indian Himalayan Region?
a) Sediment erosion
b) Climate change-induced glacier melt
c) Earthquake aftershocks
d) River meandering - The Mishra Committee (1976) was set up to investigate:
a) 2005 Kashmir Earthquake
b) 2023 Joshimath land subsidence
c) Sinking of Joshimath
d) Kedarnath Floods - The term “Orographic Lift” refers to:
a) Sudden lifting of tectonic plates
b) Rise of moist air over mountains causing heavy rainfall
c) Sudden release of trapped glacial water
d) Upliftment of riverbeds due to sediment load
Mains Practice Questions
- Discuss the role of tectonic activity and climate change in increasing disaster risks in the Indian Himalayan Region. Suggest measures to reduce vulnerability. 15 Marks
- The recommendations of the J.C. Pant Committee remain highly relevant for disaster management in the Himalayas. Examine. 10 Marks
Prelims Answers & Explanations
| Q No. | Answer | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | b | Climate change accelerates glacier melting, increasing GLOF risk. |
| 2 | c | Mishra Committee studied Joshimath’s sinking in 1976. |
| 3 | b | Orographic lift occurs when moist air is forced to rise over mountains, cooling and causing rain. |
