The recent visuals of the massive destruction in Uttarakhand due to rains are heart wrenching. The repetitive loss of human life due to frequent natural disasters in past decades is extremely frustrating.
The recent floods and landslides in the
Himalayan state are stark reminder of the fact that no lesson has been learned
from the 2013 Kedarnath tragedy. Unmindful construction in the path of rivers
and rain water drains; cutting of millions of trees to build/widen roads; and
unsustainable strain on the sensitive ecology due to excessive tourist flows
has not only continued unabated post 2013, but has actually increased.
Since 2013, the State has witnessed multiple
natural disasters almost every year. The visuals of rain water storming the
Nainital town clearly indicates that the natural rain water drains have been
obstructed/encroached and forest cover for the city has been denuded.
There is nothing to suggest that this fight
between the Nature and our greed will stop any time soon. The development
planner must understand that construction of development edifice which are
directly in conflict with sustainability and core beliefs must be rejected out
rightly.
Unfortunately, we have not seen any policy
drive to this effect despite frequent natural disasters; though many efforts to
the contrary have come forth. The major
road project in the Garhwal Himalaya to connect the four sacred temples in
upper reaches through a wider road network is only one example of the
unsustainable development.
The stated objective of
the project is to make it more convenient and safer for the pilgrims to visit
these sacred temples. As a frequent visitor to the region, I can vouch that the
ecology of the region is already facing serious threats. This widening of roads
has not only caused cutting of numerous trees, but is also resulting in massive
increase in vehicular traffic and number of pilgrims visiting the region. Rise
in pollution & garbage, pressure on infrastructure, massive construction of
room capacities and other conveniences is actually destroy the sanctity of the
place itself; and killing the sacred rivers that originate from there.
(Image sourced from
the Internet. All rights acknowledged)
Totally with you. We all need to take steps to protect our natural habitat. We can promote sustainable living and housing by making right choice.
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