The Himalayas are one of the highest mountain ranges in the world, separating the Indian subcontinent from the Tibetan Plateau. However, this beautiful mountain range has faced several ecological issues, mainly due to human activities. Recently, a town named Ramban, situated in the northwestern part of the Himalayas, faced the wrath of these environmental problems. In the Ramban district of Jammu and Kashmir, several houses were damaged due to landslides. According to local news agencies, over 50 houses and 4 electricity transmission towers were destroyed. Cracks in houses and the ground were observed in many places, damaging roads and affecting connectivity. This might indicate a larger environmental issue faced by the region. Unsustainable development practices and climate change might also play a role. Let’s delve into what happened recently and how it can be tackled.
The Alarming Statistics
The appearance of cracks in houses and roads is not something we are observing for the first time. Other Indian states have also faced similar issues in the very recent past. For instance, in the recent past, similar environmental issues were observed in the Joshimath area of Uttarakhand, where over 800 houses developed cracks, leading to the loss of property worth millions of rupees. Not only this, similar observations were noted in many other towns of Uttarakhand, and this doesn’t just indicate a coincidence. The towns of Chamba, Karnaprayag, and Landour also faced the same wrath of nature in the same year. Similarly, another town, namely Karnaprayag, which is 82 km away from Joshimath, witnessed similar cracks in over 24 houses.
Apart from Uttarakhand, another Himalayan state witnessed the same problem. In 2023, a landslide occurred in Himachal Pradesh’s Shimla, which led to the collapse of several houses. According to The Indian Express, it resulted in the death of around 55 people. Now, we are witnessing the same issues in parts of the Jammu region. Landslides are a very common problem in the Gool Ramban area these days. Not only in Jammu, but the heavy and continuous rainfall in Kashmir in April 2024 led to the damage of several houses in the Kupwara district of North Kashmir. Many colonies were submerged underwater, which might indicate a bigger environmental problem in the region.
Possible and Apparent Causes
The development of cracks, landsliding, and landslides in Ramban and other cities might be the result of multiple factors, not just one. Let’s discuss them one by one in detail.
Heavy Rainfall and Geological Instability
Ramban and its surrounding regions have witnessed heavy rainfall in recent years. This might have led to soil saturation, increasing the risk of landsliding and landslides. We are well aware that the J&K region of the Himalayas receives high levels of rainfall, sometimes exceeding 100 centimeters annually.
Excessive water in the soil can loosen it, paving the way for landslides. The steep slopes, unstable rock formations, and the presence of fault lines in the area create a geological landscape vulnerable to the impacts of heavy rainfall and other environmental issues. The region’s geology is characterized by sedimentary and metamorphic rocks prone to weathering and erosion, further increasing the risk of landslides in this part of the Himalayas.
Unsustainable Development Practices
In addition to natural factors, unsustainable development practices in the region may have contributed to the issue of landslides in Ramban.
One of the key concerns is the unplanned construction of roads, buildings, and other infrastructure in the area. These development activities often neglect to consider the local geology and hydrology, disrupting the natural balance of the land and increasing its vulnerability to disasters like landslides. Some studies have already investigated the spatiotemporal pattern of urban expansion in Ramban using satellite imagery and GIS, thereby analyzing the drivers of urban growth in the context of environmental sustainability and urban planning.
For instance, the construction of roads and buildings without proper drainage systems can alter the natural flow of water, leading to the accumulation of water in certain areas and the destabilization of the slope. Similarly, deforestation and the removal of vegetation can reduce the soil’s ability to absorb and retain water, further contributing to the risk of landslides.
Moreover, the lack of comprehensive land-use planning and zoning regulations in the region has allowed for the development of infrastructure in areas that may be inherently unstable or prone to natural disasters. This lack of planning has increased the vulnerability of local communities to such incidents.
Impact on the Local Community
Following the landslide event in Ramban this year, the local community has been deeply affected and devastated. Over 50 homes were destroyed in Ramban, leaving many families without homes and exposed. They require immediate help and support. The fact that these families had to relocate has disrupted their lives, making them feel unsafe and in urgent need of housing, food, and other basic necessities.
Additionally, the destruction caused widespread power outages in these areas due to damage to dozens of energy transmission towers. This power outage not only made it difficult for people to carry out their daily activities but also significantly impacted essential services such as healthcare, communication, and emergency response systems. The lack of electricity has made it harder for medical facilities, information networks, and the community as a whole to function, exacerbating the challenges faced by the residents.
In addition, the town of Ramban is facing even more trouble because important roads cannot be used due to landslides. The damaged road in Ramban was a vital route for people to access services, transport goods, and connect with each other in the area. Its destruction has severed communities, hindered emergency response efforts, and made it challenging for individuals to access resources, services, and assistance.
All of these issues have compounded the difficulties faced by the people in the area, highlighting the importance of swiftly providing comprehensive aid and finding long-term solutions to rebuild and repair the damaged areas.
Recommendations for Long-term Solutions
A comprehensive approach is necessary to address this issue in the long term. Moreover, it is crucial to take timely steps to tackle this problem. Here are some actions that can be taken in the coming years.
Strengthening Disaster Risk Reduction Measures
First and foremost, the state and central governments must prioritize investing funds to strengthen disaster risk reduction measures. This will help local communities to better face and mitigate any such issues that may arise in the future. Developing a practical early warning system would be invaluable in informing people about impending disasters. Given today’s technological advancements and innovations, this should be entirely feasible. Such systems can analyze incoming weather-related and geological hazards in a timely manner. Moreover, emergency response teams must be properly coordinated to ensure an effective approach.
Additionally, the government should focus on implementing proper land-use planning and zoning regulations. This will prevent people from constructing their homes or utilizing high-hazard land for similar purposes. By doing so, we can save numerous lives and prevent extensive damage.
Sustainable Infrastructure Development
In regions like Ramban, we should avoid reckless development. Constructing buildings or roads in eco-sensitive places will have long-term consequences. Thus, we must prioritize sustainability without disregarding the environment. Moreover, we can utilize eco-friendly construction materials that do not harm ecosystems. A natural and well-designed drainage system that complements the region’s hydrology is necessary. Before undertaking any major construction project, we need to conduct proper hydrological and geological assessments. This will enable our buildings and roads to withstand the challenges posed by the rugged terrain of these areas.
Integrated Land Management Strategies
As mentioned, the government must consider integrating proper land management strategies. We cannot ignore the unique environmental, geological, and socio-economic factors of places like Ramban and Joshimath. To achieve this, we need to implement sustainable land use practices, such as ensuring proper drainage systems and restricting construction of houses in high-risk areas. Similarly, implementing eco-friendly construction methods tailored to specific areas is also a great idea.
Apart from that, the government and people should focus on afforestation and reforestation. The land’s plant cover must be increased or restored to its previous state from decades ago. Planting more trees will help the soil absorb more water and hold soil particles together, thus preventing landslides that can cause cracks in buildings. Moreover, such actions are beneficial for the overall ecosystem of the region as well.
Strengthening the Local Community
The government must also engage and empower the local communities of these eco-sensitive regions. It is necessary for authorities to listen to and understand the unique needs, traditional knowledge, and concerns of local people. This kind of information can be useful for preserving the delicate ecosystems present in these areas. Moreover, involving the local communities will help develop trust between the government and the local people. In the long term, such measures will certainly prove beneficial for both people and the ecosystems.
Conclusion
The landslides, development of cracks in houses, and destruction of roads in the states of J&K, Uttarakhand, and Himachal Pradesh are clear warnings of growing environmental issues. The loss of human life and economy has a significant impact on the lives of local people. Therefore, there is a strong need to address this issue promptly. It is necessary to mention that researchers have warned of such disasters, but the lack of proper functioning in government agencies has turned these hazards into disasters. Hazards are ubiquitous in mountainous regions, but what is within our control is not allowing these hazards to turn into disasters. The implication of research outcomes is necessary.
Additionally, the Sawalkote hydel power project, which is under construction, has led to the initiation of many landslides in the area. The Sangaldhan railway tunnel, recently opened, is constructed in a place that has already witnessed a major landslide in 2010 and is susceptible to sliding. The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) should not have allowed this construction, given the area’s fragility. Although a lot of research has been conducted and published on the fragile environment of the Himalayas, very little consideration is given to them on the ground. Therefore, addressing and focusing on the root cause of the problems is necessary. It is time to strengthen disaster risk reduction measures and promote sustainable development. At the same time, people must be empowered and trained to build a resilient system. This will not only help us save people’s lives but also protect the entire fragile ecosystem of the Northwestern Himalayas.
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