Himachal: Comprehensive planning must to combat extreme weather events, say experts
Tribune News Service
Mandi, August 26
In view of frequent extreme weather events, experts have highlighted the need for comprehensive planning and safety measures the paraglacial zones of Himachal Pradesh, which are highly susceptible to natural hazards due to their distinctive geography, geology and climate.
Recommendations
- Prohibit large-scale hydropower projects in high-risk areas
- Confine development to elevations below 8,000 ft
- Explore new engineering techniques to minimise risks
- Safety audits for dams in higher Himalayas
- Early warning systems for localised & real-time weather alerts
A recent study by Himalayan Niti Abhiyan, an NGO dedicated to environmental conservation, underscored the need for specific guidelines and rigorous planning in these fragile zones, with a focus on higher and trans-Himalayan regions. The research calls for detailed risk assessments, including topography, sediment mapping and climate pattern analysis, to ensure safer development practices.
Guman Singh, convener of Himalayan Niti Abhiyan, emphasised that development plans must prioritise the analysis of slope stability and enforce stringent guidelines on infrastructure placement. Besides, appropriate distance should be maintained from streams and rivers to prevent floods and landslides. He further advocates for comprehensive studies on major river channels and formulation of specific safety strategies for riverine communities.
The NGO convener said, “The construction of large-scale hydropower projects should be prohibited in high-risk areas. Besides, development should be confined to elevations below 8,000 ft.”
“We must explore new engineering techniques to minimise risks. Meanwhile, safety audits should be conducted on existing dams in the higher Himalayas to address risks introduced by climate change. The government should also employ upgraded technologies and risk management tools,” Singh added.
The report recommended large-scale afforestation and bioremediation efforts to combat soil erosion and landslides, which are critical for maintaining slope stability.
It added that the installation of advanced early warning systems, such as Doppler radars, is necessary for localised and real-time weather alerts. The improved management of construction and demolition waste is also essential to reduce the risk of floods, the report noted.
“As climate change amplifies the frequency of extreme weather events, local communities require enhanced training in early warning and response mechanisms, which must be supported by sufficient funding. Road construction in higher elevations should utilise cut-and-fill methods instead of blasting and drilling to minimise disruption to the environment,” Singh stated.
He also highlighted the need for improved rehabilitation and resettlement strategies for families displaced by disasters. He said legal frameworks should be developed to allocate forest land to disaster-affected families and ensure timely compensation and relocation.
A mass awareness campaign to educate the public about rising hazards and precautionary measures, in collaboration with civil society organisations, was also essential, he added.
“These measures are crucial for addressing growing risks in the state’s paraglacial regions, ensuring the safety of communities and sustainable development in these vulnerable areas,” Singh asserted.
