Perspective : The 'Himalayan' Crisis | 10 January, 2023

Summary

The video script discusses the urgent crisis in Joshimath, Uttarakhand, where over 600 houses and roads have developed cracks due to the town's construction on unstable ancient landslide material. Expert panelists emphasize the need for policy overhaul, addressing illegal construction, deforestation, and population pressure. They call for regional planning specific to the Himalayan region's unique geology and ecology, stressing the importance of honest policy implementation to protect the fragile ecosystem and prevent future crises.

Takeaways

• 🏔 The Himalayan crisis in Joshimath, Uttarakhand, has caused panic and protests due to the development of cracks in roads and over 600 houses.
• 🚨 The Supreme Court declined an urgent hearing on a plea related to the incident, highlighting the complexity and urgency of the situation.
• 🏗️ Demolition of at least two hotels and provision of shelter to affected families by the state government is currently underway.
• 🔍 Expert panels and government agencies are assessing the ground sinking in Joshimath, which is built on ancient landslide material with low load-bearing capacity.
• 📚 Historical warnings and studies, including the Mahesh Chandra Mishra committee report from 1976, have been overlooked, contributing to the current crisis.
• 🌳 Deforestation, illegal sand mining, and unchecked construction have been identified as factors exacerbating the vulnerability of the region.
• 🏛️ The lack of proper building codes and policies for construction in seismically active and landslide-prone areas is a critical issue.
• 🛑 Immediate actions required include regularizing drainage systems and demolishing unsafe buildings, while also considering long-term relocation for affected communities.
• 🔑 There is a call for a complete overhaul of policies and plans based on the region's topography and ecological sensitivity, with an emphasis on honest implementation.
• 🤝 The need for a joint partnership between central and state governments, along with local authorities, is emphasized for sustainable development and crisis management.
• 🌐 The discussion underscores the broader need for environmental protection and sustainable practices in economic growth and development plans.

Q & A

What is the current crisis in Joshimath, Uttarakhand?

The crisis in Joshimath involves the development of cracks in several roads and over 600 houses, causing panic and protests among the local population due to the fear of ground subsidence.

What steps have been taken by the authorities in response to the situation in Joshimath?

The authorities have begun the demolition process of at least two hotels affected by the cracks, and are providing shelter to the affected families by the state government and other assistants.

Why is Joshimath considered vulnerable to such crises?

Joshimath city has been built on ancient landslide material, making it rest on a deposit of sand and stone, which does not have high load-bearing capacity, making the area extremely vulnerable to increasing infrastructure and population burden.

What role did the Supreme Court play in this crisis?

The Supreme Court declined an urgent hearing on a plea relating to the incident, indicating that immediate judicial intervention was not sought or granted.

What historical recommendations were ignored that might have prevented the current crisis?

The Mahesh Chandra Mishra committee in 1976 recommended no new buildings in Joshimath due to deforestation and the risk of subsidence, but these recommendations were not adhered to.

What is the connection between illegal activities and the crisis in Joshimath?

Illegal activities such as sand mining, unchecked deforestation, and increased load due to population and illegal construction are believed to have contributed to the crisis by destabilizing the ground.

What are the expert panel's views on the severity of the crisis and its implications for other areas?

The panel agrees that the crisis has been in the making for a long time and is not limited to Joshimath, with similar issues reported in Kedarnath and other cities, indicating a widespread problem.

What are the policy and planning failures that have led to the current situation?

There is a mismatch between research recommendations and policies, and a lack of implementation of those policies. The absence of building codes and policies specific to the region's unique conditions has led to this crisis.

What immediate actions are suggested to mitigate the crisis in Joshimath?

Immediate actions include regularizing the drainage system, demolishing buildings with cracks, and relocating people to safer areas, but also recognizing that relocation is not a permanent solution.

What long-term strategies are recommended to prevent future crises in the Himalayan region?

Long-term strategies include creating regional and sub-regional plans based on micro-zonation, strengthening local planning authorities, and implementing development control regulations that consider the unique geography and geology of the area.

How can the involvement of central and state governments be improved to address such crises?

By making central projects joint ventures with state governments, ensuring local authorities have a say in decision-making, and fostering a coordinated approach that includes all levels of government.