Forest Fires, Glacial Lake Risks Top Concerns in Uttarakhand....
DEHRADUN: Dehradun-based environmental watchdog, SDC Foundation, dropped a bombshell with its latest report, painting a grim picture of Uttarakhand's environmental woes.
Topping the list of concerns are raging forest fires, delays in vital rail projects, and the looming threat of glacial lake disasters.
Forest Fires Engulf Uttarakhand
Forest fires have turned up the heat across Uttarakhand, with areas like Gopeshwar, Uttarkashi, and Kedarnath feeling the burn.
The report highlights a worrying surge in incidents, exacerbated by the dry season and the reckless burning of crop residue. But the real kicker?
The lack of manpower and resources to douse the flames, with officials busy playing their part in election duties.
Rishikesh-Karanprayag Rail Line Hits Roadblock
Meanwhile, the dream of a Rishikesh-Karanprayag rail line faces a two-year delay, thanks to the Himalayas' unpredictable geology.
Expected completion by December 2025, the project is hailed as a lifeline for Uttarakhand, promising better connectivity and economic growth. However, the treacherous terrain poses a formidable challenge, pushing back the timeline and raising concerns among locals and officials alike.
Glacial Lake Risks: Ticking Time Bombs
But perhaps the most chilling revelation is the risk posed by glacial lakes. Two expert committees are on high alert, eyeing five ticking time bombs primed to wreak havoc.
Located mainly in Pithoragarh and Chamoli districts, these lakes could unleash catastrophic floods, warned Secretary Ranjit Sinha.
With the National Disaster Management Authority identifying 13 such lakes prone to Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOF), the urgency to address this threat cannot be overstated.
Deodar Trees vs. Road Widening: A Battle for Ecology and Religion
Adding to the mix, locals in Almora are up in arms over plans to fell 1,000 deodar trees for road widening.
Not only does this spell disaster for ecology, but it also rubs against religious sentiments, with the ancient Jageshwar temple caught in the crossfire.
The widening project, aimed at improving connectivity and beautifying the area, has sparked outrage among priests and residents alike.
Landslides Compound Woes in Uttarkashi
As if that weren'
t enough, landslides in Silyan village of Uttarkashi district have left residents on edge.
Homes hang precariously on the brink of collapse, with cattle sheds already giving way under the weight of heavy rains and unstable terrain.
With safety concerns mounting, villagers are calling on authorities to take urgent action before disaster strikes.
Call to Action: Strengthening Disaster Management.
Anoop Nautiyal of SDC Foundation stressed the urgent need for bolstering disaster management and climate action in Uttarakhand.
With the UDAAI report shedding light on the state's woes, the ball is now in the court of policymakers and stakeholders to act before it's too late.
As Uttarakhand grapples with a perfect storm of natural and man-made disasters, the time to act is now.
