DEHRADUN: Dehradun witnessed a bold initiative today as the SDC Foundation presented its latest book, "Making Molehills of Mountains: Demystifying Disasters in Devbhoomi Uttarakhand."
The book delivers a hard-hitting message, exposing Uttarakhand's vulnerability to environmental threats. It criticizes the government's reactive firefighting approach to disasters, emphasizing the urgent need for proactive solutions.
The book's unveiling sheds light on the harsh reality of the region's challenges, calling for immediate action to address the underlying issues.
The book, edited by Anoop Nautiyal and Prerna Raturi, presents insights from 14 contributors, offering a comprehensive analysis of the pressing challenges confronting Uttarakhand and perhaps other eco-sensitive mountain regions across the Himalay.
Uttarakhand Governor Lt Gen. Gurmit Singh and Dr. B K Joshi, adviser and founder director, Doon Library and Research Center have lent their voices to the publication, underscoring the seriousness of the situation.
SDRF Commandant Manikant Mishra, Dr. Piyoosh Rautela, Archana Vaidya, and others contribute expert analyses on Uttarakhand's environmental vulnerabilities.
Geologists Dr. Y P Sundriyal and Dr. SP Sati emphasize the urgency of incorporating research findings into policymaking to mitigate the risks associated with natural disasters. Advocates Snigdha Tiwari and Abhijay Negi call for governmental attention to expert reports and environmental issues in court.
Ramesh Goswami, a PhD scholar, stresses the importance of balancing development with environmental conservation.
Anoop Nautiyal dedicates the book to the memory of the mountaineers who tragically perished in the Draupadi Ka Danda II mountaineering expedition on October 4, 2022, highlighting the ongoing need for disaster preparedness initiatives.
The book launch event witnessed the participation of former Chief Secretaries NS Napalchyal and Indu Pandey, former Secretary Govt of India Vibha Puri Das, WII scientist Dr. DS Rawat, Dr. PS Negi of Wadia Institute, and others. This substantial turnout underscores the widespread concern and interest in addressing Uttarakhand's environmental challenges.
Since the tragic mountaineering expedition, the SDC Foundation has been diligently preparing monthly reports on major disasters and accidents, having released 16 reports thus far. Dr. Y P Sundriyal, a geologist, lauded the book as an essential document, emphasizing its potential role in informing both planning and research efforts.
Dr. Piyoosh Rautela of USDMA highlighted the historical settlement patterns in Uttarakhand, noting the shift towards areas vulnerable to landslides due to population growth.
Geologist Dr. SP Sati questioned the prevailing development model for Uttarakhand, stressing the importance of considering research findings in policy formulation.
Advocates Snigdha Tiwari and Abhijay Negi emphasized the need for governments to heed expert reports and address environmental issues effectively. Ramesh Goswami stressed the necessity of coordination between development and environmental conservation efforts.
Anoop Nautiyal, SDFC president reflected on the Draupadi Ka Danda II mountaineering expedition tragedy that sparked the foundation's initiative and the ongoing need for proactive disaster management strategies.
This comprehensive overview serves as a compelling call to action for policymakers to prioritize measures aimed at safeguarding Uttarakhand and perhaps all mountain states from future disasters.
