The decisions is our, for now
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 so...