The past six weeks of torrential rain in the hilly states of Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh — both with some of the highest mountain ranges in the region, accompanying glaciers and mighty rivers — have badly hit many cities and villages.
In late 2022, Joshimath town in Uttarakhand came under a crisis, when land began sinking from various factors, including manmade ones such as years of unplanned construction, hydroelectric power projects and the lack of a proper drainage system. In 1991, an earthquake had almost flattened Uttarkashi. That the area is fragile has been established beyond doubt.
The neighbouring State of Himachal Pradesh has tapped into the potential of being a tourist destination and there has been rampant development here too. Shimla and Manali serve as the gateway to higher mountain regions where tourism plays a huge role in the economy.
To meet the growing demand for tourism in the region — religious tourism in Uttarakhand, and adventure tourism on the Himachal side, the administration began expanding the road network.
Townships have come along these roads, and more people have settled expecting the expanded roads will bring more economic activity to the region. But come rains, and a different truth starts playing out. People, trees, and vehicles have been washed away.
This time, the States have seen enormous loss of lives. Roads have been swept away, and so have people’s homes. A part of the heritage Kalka-Shimla Railway line was battered.
The Himachal Pradesh government has declared the rain havoc a State calamity. More than 330 people had lost their lives and 12,000 houses have been damaged. In Uttarakhand, at least 75 people have died in rain-related accidents since the monsoon began.
