SDC Foundation Blasts Uttarakhand Authorities Over Rising Disasters and Accidents.. Ticking Time Bombs in Himalayan region.. Will Authorities Wake Up and zdo Something?
DEHRADUN: The Dehradun-based SDC Foundation has released its latest Uttarakhand Disaster & Accident Analysis Initiative (UDAAI) report for April 2024, slamming state authorities for their lackluster response to increasing disasters.
This marks the 19th report in the series and highlights the alarming rise in forest fires and the expansion of glacial lakes.
Forest Fires: A Growing Menace
The report paints a grim picture of forest fires in Uttarakhand. Compared to last year, fire incidents have tripled.
NASA's data shows a staggering increase from 1,850 fires in March and April 2023 to 6,295 this year.
SDC Foundation President Anoop Nautiyal called this a dire warning that authorities can't afford to ignore.
Breaking down the district-wise data, Almora saw 909 fires this year compared to 299 last year. Nainital faced an explosion of incidents, jumping from 207 to 1,524.
Other districts like Champawat and Pauri have also reported significant increases. Even relatively safer districts like Dehradun and Haridwar saw a rise in fires.
Nautiyal didn't mince words: "This spike in forest fires is a clear sign of neglect. The government needs to take immediate action before more lives and property are lost.
Glacial Lakes: A Looming Threat
The report also highlights the spread of glacial lakes, citing an ISRO study. Out of 2,431 lakes studied, 676 have expanded since 1984, with 130 of these within India. The potential for glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) poses a serious threat to low-lying areas.
"These glacial lakes are ticking time bombs," warned Nautiyal. "The state must strengthen its disaster management systems to prevent catastrophic floods."
Tragic Road Accident
The UDAAI report also covers the tragic death of eight people, including seven Nepali workers, in a vehicle accident in the Betalghat area of Nainital. The passenger vehicle fell into a 150-meter deep gorge on April 8, highlighting the region's hazardous road conditions.
"How many more lives need to be lost before the government improves road safety?" Nautiyal questioned. "This incident is another example of the state's failure to protect its people."
Call for Immediate Action
Nautiyal emphasized the urgent need for the state to bolster its disaster management and climate action frameworks. "Our monthly reports are a wake-up call. Policymakers must use this data to make informed decisions and protect Uttarakhand's future," he stated.
The SDC Foundation's report is a scathing indictment of the Uttarakhand government's handling of environmental and safety issues.
It urges immediate action to prevent further disasters and safeguard the state's residents.
District-wise Data of Forest Fires for March-April
| District | 2023 | 2024 |
|----------|------|------|
| Almora | 299 | 909 |
| Bageshwar| 75 | 224 |
| Chamoli | 99 | 293 |
| Champawat| 120 | 1025 |
| Dehradun | 48 | 62 |
| Pauri | 378 | 742 |
| Haridwar | 42 | 25 |
| Nainital | 207 | 1524 |
| Pithoragarh| 213| 615 |
| Rudraprayag| 31 | 117 |
| Tehri | 115 | 380 |
| US Nagar | 183 | 290 |
| Uttarkashi| 40 | 89 |
The SDC Foundation's April UDAAI report is a clarion call for Uttarakhand's government to wake up and address these escalating threats.
