Himachal Pradesh, known for its scenic beauty, snow-capped Himalayas and exquisite landscapes, attracts lakhs of national and international tourists every year. However, the hill state is now caught in a continuous cycle of landslides, cloudbursts and flash floods. According to the Himachal Pradesh State Disaster Management Plan, the temperature and rainfall patterns in the state are changing and this has led to an increase in the frequency and intensity of extreme climate events, such as river and flash floods, avalanches, cloudbursts, landslides and forest fires. . The frequent occurrence of landslides is one of the problems faced due to erosion of the top layer of soil. Also, the loss of marine aquatic life due to hydroelectric projects and cement factories is a problem of serious proportion in Himachal.
At least ten people, including five women and a two-year-old girl, were crushed to death by several vehicles, including a bus carrying 24 passengers, when a landslide hit a highway near Nigulsari in Himachal’s Kinnaur. And 60 others are feared trapped. District, Himachal Pradesh officials said in August 2021.
“Humans are the only creatures polluting the world and they have to save it, there is no other way,” says environmentalist Arna Wadhawan. Yesterday he visited Pinegrove School, Kasauli and motivated them to take action against soil erosion. Arna warned the children that as the youth power of the country if they do not take action to prevent the disaster against deforestation, the earth will have to face its consequences and hence they will be responsible for the climate crisis. He reminded the youth of the Kinnaur tragedy caused by heavy rains.
Himachal is paying the price for ignoring the shortcomings of climate change. Arna Wadhawan apprised the students of Pinegrove School, Himachal about ways to prevent soil erosion by planting trees. He explained the importance of tree plantation.
The snow cover of the Himalayas in Himachal Pradesh, which feeds four major river systems, has reduced by 18% in a year, indicating climate change. If snowfall patterns change, as has been observed over the years, it will have a long-term impact on water availability in river basins as seasonal snow cover contributes to river discharge during the low season. If such fluctuating trends continue over a long period of time, they affect the weather cycle, resulting in erratic rainfall, snowfall and heat and ultimately the availability of water.
Earlier pleasant rains used to last for a week, but now the rainy days have reduced and the intensity of rain has increased.
Glaciers are also melting rapidly now. The water from the glaciers gets mixed with the heavy rains, causing sudden floods in the area. The hot winds have intensified which hit the heavy cold clouds. So, the moisture comes down a lot in the form of a cloudburst. The cloudburst events thereafter lead to floods and landslides, causing serious damage to the infrastructure in the state.”