PARWANOO(HP): On way to Shimla one can see number of such mind blowing scene on either side of the highway. Blaming nature for destruction is no solution. Man himself has to blame for all disasters because of his follies being played with the nature brings destruction. The IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate change reports that the Himalayas and coastal regions of India will be the hardest hit by climate change. Anthropogenic factors created by man have also significantly contributed to disaster.
A recent discovery by International renowned geologist Dr Ritesh Arya near the toll barrier in Parwanoo has raised significant concerns over the safety and geologic stability of a residential area. An image depicting a house built on the side of a hill highlights the risks associated with constructing habitations in geologically unsustainable locations. The presence of loose debris, indicative of a paleoflooding event in the past, poses a significant threat to the habitations.
The alarming situation becomes evident as any small rainfall could trigger the downfall of the unstable habitat, posing a substantial risk to life and property. Furthermore, the absence of a proper sewerage system enhances the erosion process, leading to potential subsidence. The weight of the building adds to the concerns, potentially exacerbating the collapse of the debris below and posing the threat of a human-made disaster.
It is imperative to note that this situation could have been avoided with a thorough geological investigation and by implementing proper infrastructure. The construction of habitations in such vulnerable locations could have been prevented, and the installation of a secure sewerage system could have mitigated the erosion process, subsequently averting potential disasters.
As we continue to assess and address these concerns, it is crucial for authorities to prioritize the geological stability of a location before approving any construction. This proactive approach is essential to ensure the safety of residents and their property, preventing future risks and potential disasters.
In the name of fiscal reforms the mountain States being forced to generate their own resources for fiscal management. The exploitation of natural resources, including forests, water, tourism, and cement production, became a major focus for development. This led to the rapid construction of hydropower projects, often causing damage to rivers and their ecosystems, widening of roads without proper geological and engineering assessments, expansion of cement plants altering land use patterns and approval of housing complexes without geologist opinion have affected the landscape and river systems.
All stakeholders and authorities to consider the gravity of the situation and take necessary steps to address the un-sustainability of habitats in geologically precarious locations. By working together to implement preventative measures, we can protect the well-being of our communities and safeguard against avoidable threats otherwise state should tight its belt for more dangerous disasters in future. We blame climate change and nature for disasters but ultimate factor for all these is man himself.