Disasters and Environmental Challenges | Uttarakhand State PSC (UKPSC): Preparation - UKPSC (Uttarakhand) PDF Download

 Page 1


Disasters and Environmental Challenges
The people of Uttarakhand are extremely vulnerable to natural calamities
such as floods, landslides, and so on. The vulnerability to climate-related
events is reflected in loss of human lives, injuries, damage to property and the
loss of animals due to natural disasters. According to official statistics, the
loss of lives due to natural disasters was 126 in 2016-17, while in 2013, after
the disaster, it touched 225, with the number of missing recorded at a massive
4021. As of 2016-17, the number of fully damaged houses was 806, and the
number of partially damaged houses was 2440 while there was a loss of 1464
animals, including both small and big ones.
There are additional environmental challenges such as increased air and
water pollution, land degradation, etc In the urban areas, for instance, the
rapidly increasing population, along with unplanned growth and high tourist
inflows, has resulted in air, water and noise pollution. The major rivers,
which are sources of drinking water and irrigation, are being used as drains of
the city. Similarly, lakes and water bodies are also being polluted with
uncontrolled disposal of solid wastes. Bustling cities such as Dehradun are
facing growing air, noise and water pollution at levels that are 125 to 200 per
cent higher than the norms specified by the CPCB.
Earthquake threat in the Himalayas and Uttarakhand
Earthquake hazard potential is assessed to be particularly high in the entire
Himalayan terrain and in the past the region has been jolted by four great
earthquakes, apart from Kumaun Earthquake of 1720 and Garhwal
Earthquake of 1803. Entire Himalayan terrain falls in Zone V and Zone IV of
Earthquake Zoning Map of India (IS 1893 (Part 1), 2002) that divides the
Indian landmass into four distinct risk zones; Zone II to Zone V. Earthquake
intensity can reach VIII on MSK Scale in Zone IV, while in Zone V it can
reach IX or even more. In the recent past (1991 and 1999) the State of
Uttarakhand has witnessed the devastation caused by two earthquakes
(Uttarkashi and Chamoli) and being traversed by major Himalayan tectonic
discontinuities (Himalayan Frontal Fault; HFF, Main Boundary Thrust; MBT
and Main Central Thrust; MCT) the State is often shaken by earthquakes of
Page 2


Disasters and Environmental Challenges
The people of Uttarakhand are extremely vulnerable to natural calamities
such as floods, landslides, and so on. The vulnerability to climate-related
events is reflected in loss of human lives, injuries, damage to property and the
loss of animals due to natural disasters. According to official statistics, the
loss of lives due to natural disasters was 126 in 2016-17, while in 2013, after
the disaster, it touched 225, with the number of missing recorded at a massive
4021. As of 2016-17, the number of fully damaged houses was 806, and the
number of partially damaged houses was 2440 while there was a loss of 1464
animals, including both small and big ones.
There are additional environmental challenges such as increased air and
water pollution, land degradation, etc In the urban areas, for instance, the
rapidly increasing population, along with unplanned growth and high tourist
inflows, has resulted in air, water and noise pollution. The major rivers,
which are sources of drinking water and irrigation, are being used as drains of
the city. Similarly, lakes and water bodies are also being polluted with
uncontrolled disposal of solid wastes. Bustling cities such as Dehradun are
facing growing air, noise and water pollution at levels that are 125 to 200 per
cent higher than the norms specified by the CPCB.
Earthquake threat in the Himalayas and Uttarakhand
Earthquake hazard potential is assessed to be particularly high in the entire
Himalayan terrain and in the past the region has been jolted by four great
earthquakes, apart from Kumaun Earthquake of 1720 and Garhwal
Earthquake of 1803. Entire Himalayan terrain falls in Zone V and Zone IV of
Earthquake Zoning Map of India (IS 1893 (Part 1), 2002) that divides the
Indian landmass into four distinct risk zones; Zone II to Zone V. Earthquake
intensity can reach VIII on MSK Scale in Zone IV, while in Zone V it can
reach IX or even more. In the recent past (1991 and 1999) the State of
Uttarakhand has witnessed the devastation caused by two earthquakes
(Uttarkashi and Chamoli) and being traversed by major Himalayan tectonic
discontinuities (Himalayan Frontal Fault; HFF, Main Boundary Thrust; MBT
and Main Central Thrust; MCT) the State is often shaken by earthquakes of
lesser magnitude. The State of Uttarakhand has however not experienced a
great earthquake (Mw = 8.0) for more than previous 200 years and constantly
accumulating strain thus remains due for release in this sector. Smaller
earthquakes do not occur sufficiently frequently to accommodate the
observed convergence of Indian and Eurasian plates, there is progressive
strain built up in what are recognized as seismic gaps Falling in seismic gap
entire State of Uttarakhand is interpreted to have accumulated potential slip
for generating future great earthquakes Having been identified as a potential
region for a future catastrophic earthquake is a cause of concern for one and
all, particularly those living in this region.
Avalanche- Avalanches are common in Himalayan region with altitude
more than 3500 meters and where slope is generally more than 30 degree.
North facing slopes are known to have avalanches in winter whereas south
facing slopes usually get them during spring time. In recent past many
incidences of avalanches have been observed in higher reaches of the state
like Gomukh Glacier, Hemkunt Sahib, Ghastoli and Kalindi–Badrinath track.
Cloudburst- In recent times extreme rainfall events as cloudbursts are
dominant phenomenon trigger large scale mass movement and flash floods in
the Himalayan region. Cloudburst is a natural and common phenomenon in
the Himalaya, especially in Garhwal and Kumaon region of Uttarakhand.
Cloudburst and associated disaster affect thousands of people every year and
cause loss of life, property, livelihood, infrastructure and environment.
Almost every year several parts of Uttarakhand Himalaya experience
cloudburst and associated hazards. Cloudburst during August 1998 at
Ukhimath (Rudraprayag) and Malpa (Pithoragarh), August 2001 at Phata
(Rudraprayag), August 2002 at Burakedar (Tehri), August, 2012 in Asi
Ganga (Uttarkashi), September, 2012 at Ukhimath (Rudraprayag), June 2013
at Kedarnath (Rudraprayag) and Mori block of Uttarakashi district in 2019
are some of the examples of recent cloudburst incidences associated with
flash floods and landslides in Uttarakhand Himalaya. The Cloudburst is a
natural phenomenon that generally occurs during monsoon period over many
regions of the Himalaya. Generally, cloudburst refers to particularly heavy
precipitation in a short period of time over limited geographical area. It is
often defined as more than 100 mm/hour rainfall within a limited
geographical area of a few square kilometres. The landforms of the
Uttarakhand Himalaya located above 1200 meter altitude are extremely
Page 3


Disasters and Environmental Challenges
The people of Uttarakhand are extremely vulnerable to natural calamities
such as floods, landslides, and so on. The vulnerability to climate-related
events is reflected in loss of human lives, injuries, damage to property and the
loss of animals due to natural disasters. According to official statistics, the
loss of lives due to natural disasters was 126 in 2016-17, while in 2013, after
the disaster, it touched 225, with the number of missing recorded at a massive
4021. As of 2016-17, the number of fully damaged houses was 806, and the
number of partially damaged houses was 2440 while there was a loss of 1464
animals, including both small and big ones.
There are additional environmental challenges such as increased air and
water pollution, land degradation, etc In the urban areas, for instance, the
rapidly increasing population, along with unplanned growth and high tourist
inflows, has resulted in air, water and noise pollution. The major rivers,
which are sources of drinking water and irrigation, are being used as drains of
the city. Similarly, lakes and water bodies are also being polluted with
uncontrolled disposal of solid wastes. Bustling cities such as Dehradun are
facing growing air, noise and water pollution at levels that are 125 to 200 per
cent higher than the norms specified by the CPCB.
Earthquake threat in the Himalayas and Uttarakhand
Earthquake hazard potential is assessed to be particularly high in the entire
Himalayan terrain and in the past the region has been jolted by four great
earthquakes, apart from Kumaun Earthquake of 1720 and Garhwal
Earthquake of 1803. Entire Himalayan terrain falls in Zone V and Zone IV of
Earthquake Zoning Map of India (IS 1893 (Part 1), 2002) that divides the
Indian landmass into four distinct risk zones; Zone II to Zone V. Earthquake
intensity can reach VIII on MSK Scale in Zone IV, while in Zone V it can
reach IX or even more. In the recent past (1991 and 1999) the State of
Uttarakhand has witnessed the devastation caused by two earthquakes
(Uttarkashi and Chamoli) and being traversed by major Himalayan tectonic
discontinuities (Himalayan Frontal Fault; HFF, Main Boundary Thrust; MBT
and Main Central Thrust; MCT) the State is often shaken by earthquakes of
lesser magnitude. The State of Uttarakhand has however not experienced a
great earthquake (Mw = 8.0) for more than previous 200 years and constantly
accumulating strain thus remains due for release in this sector. Smaller
earthquakes do not occur sufficiently frequently to accommodate the
observed convergence of Indian and Eurasian plates, there is progressive
strain built up in what are recognized as seismic gaps Falling in seismic gap
entire State of Uttarakhand is interpreted to have accumulated potential slip
for generating future great earthquakes Having been identified as a potential
region for a future catastrophic earthquake is a cause of concern for one and
all, particularly those living in this region.
Avalanche- Avalanches are common in Himalayan region with altitude
more than 3500 meters and where slope is generally more than 30 degree.
North facing slopes are known to have avalanches in winter whereas south
facing slopes usually get them during spring time. In recent past many
incidences of avalanches have been observed in higher reaches of the state
like Gomukh Glacier, Hemkunt Sahib, Ghastoli and Kalindi–Badrinath track.
Cloudburst- In recent times extreme rainfall events as cloudbursts are
dominant phenomenon trigger large scale mass movement and flash floods in
the Himalayan region. Cloudburst is a natural and common phenomenon in
the Himalaya, especially in Garhwal and Kumaon region of Uttarakhand.
Cloudburst and associated disaster affect thousands of people every year and
cause loss of life, property, livelihood, infrastructure and environment.
Almost every year several parts of Uttarakhand Himalaya experience
cloudburst and associated hazards. Cloudburst during August 1998 at
Ukhimath (Rudraprayag) and Malpa (Pithoragarh), August 2001 at Phata
(Rudraprayag), August 2002 at Burakedar (Tehri), August, 2012 in Asi
Ganga (Uttarkashi), September, 2012 at Ukhimath (Rudraprayag), June 2013
at Kedarnath (Rudraprayag) and Mori block of Uttarakashi district in 2019
are some of the examples of recent cloudburst incidences associated with
flash floods and landslides in Uttarakhand Himalaya. The Cloudburst is a
natural phenomenon that generally occurs during monsoon period over many
regions of the Himalaya. Generally, cloudburst refers to particularly heavy
precipitation in a short period of time over limited geographical area. It is
often defined as more than 100 mm/hour rainfall within a limited
geographical area of a few square kilometres. The landforms of the
Uttarakhand Himalaya located above 1200 meter altitude are extremely
sensitive for the cloudburst induced landslides during monsoon season.
Cloudburst incidences over many areas of Himalaya often go unnoticed due
to the absence of meteorological observatories. Many a times these come to
notice only when these are accompanied by losses and casualties. In the
absence of losses these can only be identified on the basis of inundation
occurring along streams. Mostly upper reach of first order and second order
drainages (seasonal streams) have been observed to be overwhelmed by
debris flow during these incidences. Slope failures and bank erosion are
common during this phenomenon which result sedimentation and sometimes
block the river course, turn them into big lake and create flood condition.
Considering extreme rainfall events in Uttarakhand Himalaya, it is
suggested that instead of valleys and along abandoned channel of drains
people should inhabit on the hard rock or firm ground of slopes for safety
reasons. At locations where ground fissures have developed and subsidence
has taken place appropriate measures are required for checking infiltration of
rainwater as well as surface water. This should precede implementation of
permanent treatment measures. People living around these slopes should
remain vigilant, particularly during the monsoon period and any physical
change in the slope should immediately brought into the notice of authorities.
On the basis of information collected from the local people, strong wind and
lightning are very common during cloudburst. Even though locals consider it
to be a cloudburst event it is hard either to accept or reject their assertion in
absence of authentic meteorological data from the proximity of slope failure
incidences. Indiscriminate and unscientific construction should be banned
especially in landslide affected areas. Besides this safe disposal of rainwater
needs to be given due importance. Both surface and subsurface drainage
measures should therefore be planned and executed. For this drain pipes
could be provided on debris slope. The planned drainage network should be
stepped and wide enough to accommodate heavy downpour events.
Increasing anthropogenic activities, venturing in unsafe areas due to limited
land availability and heavy localized precipitation, these are continuously
increasing the landslide vulnerability in hilly terrain of Uttarakhand. In case
indiscriminate and unscientific construction could not be regulated all
mitigation and treatment measures would remain a mere formality and would
be of little use. The bioengineering technology can be successfully
implemented by using specific and local vegetation along with engineering
Page 4


Disasters and Environmental Challenges
The people of Uttarakhand are extremely vulnerable to natural calamities
such as floods, landslides, and so on. The vulnerability to climate-related
events is reflected in loss of human lives, injuries, damage to property and the
loss of animals due to natural disasters. According to official statistics, the
loss of lives due to natural disasters was 126 in 2016-17, while in 2013, after
the disaster, it touched 225, with the number of missing recorded at a massive
4021. As of 2016-17, the number of fully damaged houses was 806, and the
number of partially damaged houses was 2440 while there was a loss of 1464
animals, including both small and big ones.
There are additional environmental challenges such as increased air and
water pollution, land degradation, etc In the urban areas, for instance, the
rapidly increasing population, along with unplanned growth and high tourist
inflows, has resulted in air, water and noise pollution. The major rivers,
which are sources of drinking water and irrigation, are being used as drains of
the city. Similarly, lakes and water bodies are also being polluted with
uncontrolled disposal of solid wastes. Bustling cities such as Dehradun are
facing growing air, noise and water pollution at levels that are 125 to 200 per
cent higher than the norms specified by the CPCB.
Earthquake threat in the Himalayas and Uttarakhand
Earthquake hazard potential is assessed to be particularly high in the entire
Himalayan terrain and in the past the region has been jolted by four great
earthquakes, apart from Kumaun Earthquake of 1720 and Garhwal
Earthquake of 1803. Entire Himalayan terrain falls in Zone V and Zone IV of
Earthquake Zoning Map of India (IS 1893 (Part 1), 2002) that divides the
Indian landmass into four distinct risk zones; Zone II to Zone V. Earthquake
intensity can reach VIII on MSK Scale in Zone IV, while in Zone V it can
reach IX or even more. In the recent past (1991 and 1999) the State of
Uttarakhand has witnessed the devastation caused by two earthquakes
(Uttarkashi and Chamoli) and being traversed by major Himalayan tectonic
discontinuities (Himalayan Frontal Fault; HFF, Main Boundary Thrust; MBT
and Main Central Thrust; MCT) the State is often shaken by earthquakes of
lesser magnitude. The State of Uttarakhand has however not experienced a
great earthquake (Mw = 8.0) for more than previous 200 years and constantly
accumulating strain thus remains due for release in this sector. Smaller
earthquakes do not occur sufficiently frequently to accommodate the
observed convergence of Indian and Eurasian plates, there is progressive
strain built up in what are recognized as seismic gaps Falling in seismic gap
entire State of Uttarakhand is interpreted to have accumulated potential slip
for generating future great earthquakes Having been identified as a potential
region for a future catastrophic earthquake is a cause of concern for one and
all, particularly those living in this region.
Avalanche- Avalanches are common in Himalayan region with altitude
more than 3500 meters and where slope is generally more than 30 degree.
North facing slopes are known to have avalanches in winter whereas south
facing slopes usually get them during spring time. In recent past many
incidences of avalanches have been observed in higher reaches of the state
like Gomukh Glacier, Hemkunt Sahib, Ghastoli and Kalindi–Badrinath track.
Cloudburst- In recent times extreme rainfall events as cloudbursts are
dominant phenomenon trigger large scale mass movement and flash floods in
the Himalayan region. Cloudburst is a natural and common phenomenon in
the Himalaya, especially in Garhwal and Kumaon region of Uttarakhand.
Cloudburst and associated disaster affect thousands of people every year and
cause loss of life, property, livelihood, infrastructure and environment.
Almost every year several parts of Uttarakhand Himalaya experience
cloudburst and associated hazards. Cloudburst during August 1998 at
Ukhimath (Rudraprayag) and Malpa (Pithoragarh), August 2001 at Phata
(Rudraprayag), August 2002 at Burakedar (Tehri), August, 2012 in Asi
Ganga (Uttarkashi), September, 2012 at Ukhimath (Rudraprayag), June 2013
at Kedarnath (Rudraprayag) and Mori block of Uttarakashi district in 2019
are some of the examples of recent cloudburst incidences associated with
flash floods and landslides in Uttarakhand Himalaya. The Cloudburst is a
natural phenomenon that generally occurs during monsoon period over many
regions of the Himalaya. Generally, cloudburst refers to particularly heavy
precipitation in a short period of time over limited geographical area. It is
often defined as more than 100 mm/hour rainfall within a limited
geographical area of a few square kilometres. The landforms of the
Uttarakhand Himalaya located above 1200 meter altitude are extremely
sensitive for the cloudburst induced landslides during monsoon season.
Cloudburst incidences over many areas of Himalaya often go unnoticed due
to the absence of meteorological observatories. Many a times these come to
notice only when these are accompanied by losses and casualties. In the
absence of losses these can only be identified on the basis of inundation
occurring along streams. Mostly upper reach of first order and second order
drainages (seasonal streams) have been observed to be overwhelmed by
debris flow during these incidences. Slope failures and bank erosion are
common during this phenomenon which result sedimentation and sometimes
block the river course, turn them into big lake and create flood condition.
Considering extreme rainfall events in Uttarakhand Himalaya, it is
suggested that instead of valleys and along abandoned channel of drains
people should inhabit on the hard rock or firm ground of slopes for safety
reasons. At locations where ground fissures have developed and subsidence
has taken place appropriate measures are required for checking infiltration of
rainwater as well as surface water. This should precede implementation of
permanent treatment measures. People living around these slopes should
remain vigilant, particularly during the monsoon period and any physical
change in the slope should immediately brought into the notice of authorities.
On the basis of information collected from the local people, strong wind and
lightning are very common during cloudburst. Even though locals consider it
to be a cloudburst event it is hard either to accept or reject their assertion in
absence of authentic meteorological data from the proximity of slope failure
incidences. Indiscriminate and unscientific construction should be banned
especially in landslide affected areas. Besides this safe disposal of rainwater
needs to be given due importance. Both surface and subsurface drainage
measures should therefore be planned and executed. For this drain pipes
could be provided on debris slope. The planned drainage network should be
stepped and wide enough to accommodate heavy downpour events.
Increasing anthropogenic activities, venturing in unsafe areas due to limited
land availability and heavy localized precipitation, these are continuously
increasing the landslide vulnerability in hilly terrain of Uttarakhand. In case
indiscriminate and unscientific construction could not be regulated all
mitigation and treatment measures would remain a mere formality and would
be of little use. The bioengineering technology can be successfully
implemented by using specific and local vegetation along with engineering
measures to reduce instability and soil erosion. Although it is difficult to
forecast cloudburst events, dense network of rain gauges particularly in the
areas identified as being vulnerable to cloudburst is required for better
understanding of this phenomenon. Accurate measurement of such events
and studies based on different aspects of geology, geomorphology and
climatology could help in developing a cloudburst forecasting model. Such
studies would result in efficient landslide risk mitigation. At the same time
the awareness about the extreme precipitation events and associated disasters
among the dwellers of the area is needed.
Landslides-Landslides and avalanches are among the major hydro-
geological hazards that affect Uttarakhand. Landslides of every type- big and
small, quick and creeping, ancient and new occur in the state. Landslides in
state, cause recurring economic losses worth lakhs of rupees. Some
spectacular events of tragedies are reported as Varnavat landslide, Uttarkashi
District, Malpha landslide Pithoragarh district, Ukhimath landslide in
Chamoli district.
The main resaons behind landslides in the state include steep slope,
younger and thus weaker nature of landforms mainly Himalaya, large scale
deforestation in the past, existence of fault zones along Himalayan ranges,
cloudburst which have become more frequent and extreme due to the effects
of global warming indused climate change etc. Human induced reasons like
unscientific developmental and construction practices, cutting of roads along
unstable slopes, blasting of rocks, mining and weakening of mountains due to
forest fires are also important.
The problem therefore needs to be tackled for mitigation and management
for which hazard zones have to be identified and specific slides to be
stabilized and managed in addition to monitoring and early warning systems
to be placed at selected sites.
Wildfire/Forest fire-The major wealth of the state is its forests with very
rich biodiversity. So any let up in land management, of which forest
management is the core, will have a telling effect on state’s downstream with
regard to water supply, soil erosion and consequent floods and
impoverishment of agricultural land. Due to the diverse nature of forest in
Uttarakhand these forests are prone to forest fires. The state is richly forested
and typically exhibits forest fire activity from February to June, with a peak
in fire incidence in May and June. Forest fire is one of the major disasters in
Page 5


Disasters and Environmental Challenges
The people of Uttarakhand are extremely vulnerable to natural calamities
such as floods, landslides, and so on. The vulnerability to climate-related
events is reflected in loss of human lives, injuries, damage to property and the
loss of animals due to natural disasters. According to official statistics, the
loss of lives due to natural disasters was 126 in 2016-17, while in 2013, after
the disaster, it touched 225, with the number of missing recorded at a massive
4021. As of 2016-17, the number of fully damaged houses was 806, and the
number of partially damaged houses was 2440 while there was a loss of 1464
animals, including both small and big ones.
There are additional environmental challenges such as increased air and
water pollution, land degradation, etc In the urban areas, for instance, the
rapidly increasing population, along with unplanned growth and high tourist
inflows, has resulted in air, water and noise pollution. The major rivers,
which are sources of drinking water and irrigation, are being used as drains of
the city. Similarly, lakes and water bodies are also being polluted with
uncontrolled disposal of solid wastes. Bustling cities such as Dehradun are
facing growing air, noise and water pollution at levels that are 125 to 200 per
cent higher than the norms specified by the CPCB.
Earthquake threat in the Himalayas and Uttarakhand
Earthquake hazard potential is assessed to be particularly high in the entire
Himalayan terrain and in the past the region has been jolted by four great
earthquakes, apart from Kumaun Earthquake of 1720 and Garhwal
Earthquake of 1803. Entire Himalayan terrain falls in Zone V and Zone IV of
Earthquake Zoning Map of India (IS 1893 (Part 1), 2002) that divides the
Indian landmass into four distinct risk zones; Zone II to Zone V. Earthquake
intensity can reach VIII on MSK Scale in Zone IV, while in Zone V it can
reach IX or even more. In the recent past (1991 and 1999) the State of
Uttarakhand has witnessed the devastation caused by two earthquakes
(Uttarkashi and Chamoli) and being traversed by major Himalayan tectonic
discontinuities (Himalayan Frontal Fault; HFF, Main Boundary Thrust; MBT
and Main Central Thrust; MCT) the State is often shaken by earthquakes of
lesser magnitude. The State of Uttarakhand has however not experienced a
great earthquake (Mw = 8.0) for more than previous 200 years and constantly
accumulating strain thus remains due for release in this sector. Smaller
earthquakes do not occur sufficiently frequently to accommodate the
observed convergence of Indian and Eurasian plates, there is progressive
strain built up in what are recognized as seismic gaps Falling in seismic gap
entire State of Uttarakhand is interpreted to have accumulated potential slip
for generating future great earthquakes Having been identified as a potential
region for a future catastrophic earthquake is a cause of concern for one and
all, particularly those living in this region.
Avalanche- Avalanches are common in Himalayan region with altitude
more than 3500 meters and where slope is generally more than 30 degree.
North facing slopes are known to have avalanches in winter whereas south
facing slopes usually get them during spring time. In recent past many
incidences of avalanches have been observed in higher reaches of the state
like Gomukh Glacier, Hemkunt Sahib, Ghastoli and Kalindi–Badrinath track.
Cloudburst- In recent times extreme rainfall events as cloudbursts are
dominant phenomenon trigger large scale mass movement and flash floods in
the Himalayan region. Cloudburst is a natural and common phenomenon in
the Himalaya, especially in Garhwal and Kumaon region of Uttarakhand.
Cloudburst and associated disaster affect thousands of people every year and
cause loss of life, property, livelihood, infrastructure and environment.
Almost every year several parts of Uttarakhand Himalaya experience
cloudburst and associated hazards. Cloudburst during August 1998 at
Ukhimath (Rudraprayag) and Malpa (Pithoragarh), August 2001 at Phata
(Rudraprayag), August 2002 at Burakedar (Tehri), August, 2012 in Asi
Ganga (Uttarkashi), September, 2012 at Ukhimath (Rudraprayag), June 2013
at Kedarnath (Rudraprayag) and Mori block of Uttarakashi district in 2019
are some of the examples of recent cloudburst incidences associated with
flash floods and landslides in Uttarakhand Himalaya. The Cloudburst is a
natural phenomenon that generally occurs during monsoon period over many
regions of the Himalaya. Generally, cloudburst refers to particularly heavy
precipitation in a short period of time over limited geographical area. It is
often defined as more than 100 mm/hour rainfall within a limited
geographical area of a few square kilometres. The landforms of the
Uttarakhand Himalaya located above 1200 meter altitude are extremely
sensitive for the cloudburst induced landslides during monsoon season.
Cloudburst incidences over many areas of Himalaya often go unnoticed due
to the absence of meteorological observatories. Many a times these come to
notice only when these are accompanied by losses and casualties. In the
absence of losses these can only be identified on the basis of inundation
occurring along streams. Mostly upper reach of first order and second order
drainages (seasonal streams) have been observed to be overwhelmed by
debris flow during these incidences. Slope failures and bank erosion are
common during this phenomenon which result sedimentation and sometimes
block the river course, turn them into big lake and create flood condition.
Considering extreme rainfall events in Uttarakhand Himalaya, it is
suggested that instead of valleys and along abandoned channel of drains
people should inhabit on the hard rock or firm ground of slopes for safety
reasons. At locations where ground fissures have developed and subsidence
has taken place appropriate measures are required for checking infiltration of
rainwater as well as surface water. This should precede implementation of
permanent treatment measures. People living around these slopes should
remain vigilant, particularly during the monsoon period and any physical
change in the slope should immediately brought into the notice of authorities.
On the basis of information collected from the local people, strong wind and
lightning are very common during cloudburst. Even though locals consider it
to be a cloudburst event it is hard either to accept or reject their assertion in
absence of authentic meteorological data from the proximity of slope failure
incidences. Indiscriminate and unscientific construction should be banned
especially in landslide affected areas. Besides this safe disposal of rainwater
needs to be given due importance. Both surface and subsurface drainage
measures should therefore be planned and executed. For this drain pipes
could be provided on debris slope. The planned drainage network should be
stepped and wide enough to accommodate heavy downpour events.
Increasing anthropogenic activities, venturing in unsafe areas due to limited
land availability and heavy localized precipitation, these are continuously
increasing the landslide vulnerability in hilly terrain of Uttarakhand. In case
indiscriminate and unscientific construction could not be regulated all
mitigation and treatment measures would remain a mere formality and would
be of little use. The bioengineering technology can be successfully
implemented by using specific and local vegetation along with engineering
measures to reduce instability and soil erosion. Although it is difficult to
forecast cloudburst events, dense network of rain gauges particularly in the
areas identified as being vulnerable to cloudburst is required for better
understanding of this phenomenon. Accurate measurement of such events
and studies based on different aspects of geology, geomorphology and
climatology could help in developing a cloudburst forecasting model. Such
studies would result in efficient landslide risk mitigation. At the same time
the awareness about the extreme precipitation events and associated disasters
among the dwellers of the area is needed.
Landslides-Landslides and avalanches are among the major hydro-
geological hazards that affect Uttarakhand. Landslides of every type- big and
small, quick and creeping, ancient and new occur in the state. Landslides in
state, cause recurring economic losses worth lakhs of rupees. Some
spectacular events of tragedies are reported as Varnavat landslide, Uttarkashi
District, Malpha landslide Pithoragarh district, Ukhimath landslide in
Chamoli district.
The main resaons behind landslides in the state include steep slope,
younger and thus weaker nature of landforms mainly Himalaya, large scale
deforestation in the past, existence of fault zones along Himalayan ranges,
cloudburst which have become more frequent and extreme due to the effects
of global warming indused climate change etc. Human induced reasons like
unscientific developmental and construction practices, cutting of roads along
unstable slopes, blasting of rocks, mining and weakening of mountains due to
forest fires are also important.
The problem therefore needs to be tackled for mitigation and management
for which hazard zones have to be identified and specific slides to be
stabilized and managed in addition to monitoring and early warning systems
to be placed at selected sites.
Wildfire/Forest fire-The major wealth of the state is its forests with very
rich biodiversity. So any let up in land management, of which forest
management is the core, will have a telling effect on state’s downstream with
regard to water supply, soil erosion and consequent floods and
impoverishment of agricultural land. Due to the diverse nature of forest in
Uttarakhand these forests are prone to forest fires. The state is richly forested
and typically exhibits forest fire activity from February to June, with a peak
in fire incidence in May and June. Forest fire is one of the major disasters in
the forests of Uttarakhand. These are many indigenous and endangered floral
and faunal species which are adversely affected due to forest fires.
Early in 2018, as the temperature increased in the state, more than 2000
hectares of land were affected by forest fires. Uttarakhand experiences
repeated incidence of forest fires and these cause great loss to the forest
ecosystem, diversity of flora and fauna and economic wealth. The longer
term environmental impacts of such forest fires can be severe. For example,
the black carbon deposits in the glaciers from the smoke and ash of forest
fires can lead to the faster melting of ice. High temperatures without adequate
atmospheric moisture comprise one of the important reasons for forest fires in
Uttarakhand. Rudraprayag, Uttarkashi, Champawat and Bageswar were
found to have the maximum reporting of forest fires.Rudraprayag, seemed to
be particularly vulnerable.
The forest fires have been categorized into three types: Ground fires •
Surface fire • Crown fires • Ground fires are not easily predictable as it
spread within rather than top of organic matter. It consumes organic matter
like duff, musk or peat present beneath the surface litter of the forest floor.
Surface fire is characterized by the fast moving fire which consumes small
vegetation and surface litter along with loss debris and the Crown fire burns
the top trees or shrubs without any close link with the surface fire.
Uttarakhand forest is prone to all the above mentioned fire types.
Uttarakhand forest department is the custodian of the forest and is
responsible for protection of the rich and diverse flora and fauna of
Uttarakhand. Every year various activities are performed by the department
relating to forest protection and conservation. With reference to fire
protection the department performs various pre- fire season activities like:
Maintenance of an elaborate network of existing fire lines, block lines and
their early • clearing and burning. Control Burning in fire prone areas. •
Training of staff and local residents relating to fire fighting methods and
handling of fire ` • Use of remote sensing for regular forest fire monitoring by
Uttarakhand Forest Department’s Information Technology and Geo-
informatics Centre (UKFD-ITGC) throughout the year. • Creating a quick
response teams by the forest divisions and assigning them roles and
responsibilities. • Clearing of dry forest matter along the roads and railway
lines. • Some of the fire season activities of the forest department include:
Sending SMS alerts to the concerned divisions in case of fire detected by the