1500+ landslides in 17 days: Uttarakhand's all-weather road dream turning nightmare?
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Uttarakhand's monsoon triggers widespread landslides
This event is part of a larger crisis in Uttarakhand. Since the monsoon began on June 23rd, 2024, the state has witnessed 1,521 landslides in 17 days. The State Landslide Reduction and Management Center has identified 132 critical locations prone to severe landslides, mostly along the Char Dham Yatra route. An additional 35 new landslide zones have been discovered, posing a constant risk to travellers.
The Badrinath NH, an essential part of the Char Dham road network, is vital for one of Hinduism's sacred pilgrimage sites and the region's economy. The route's importance is highlighted by the rising number of pilgrims. In 2022, the Char Dham Yatra had over 33 lakh visitors, increasing to 56 lakh in 2023, In 2021, 52.93 lakh pilgrims visited the four Dhams, while in 2020, the number was 33 lakh. In 2019, the number stood at 34.77 lakh straining the infrastructure.
There is another side to this rise of pilgrims, or just tourists. Data from the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) reveals a worrying trend. Between 1988 and 2023, Uttarakhand recorded 12,319 landslides. However, the frequency has accelerated recently:
- 2018: 216 landslides
- 2019: 254 landslides
- 2020: 328 landslides
- 2021: 354 landslides
- 2022: 245 landslides
- 2023: 1,100+ landslides
This trend isn't just statistics. Each event carries the potential for tragedy, like the 2013 Kedarnath disaster that claimed over 6,000 lives.
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Government response and realities
The Uttarakhand State Disaster Management Authority advises taking precautions to minimize landslides' impact. Recommendations include monitoring weather updates before travelling to hilly regions, moving away from likely landslide paths, keeping drainage systems clear, and planting trees to stabilize soil. It's crucial to be aware of signs like rock falls, building subsidence, and muddy river waters, indicating potential upstream landslides, and to contact local authorities if any signs are noticed.
As per the advice, the government uses Landslide Hazard Zonation (LHZ) maps to identify high-risk areas. The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) provides detailed guidelines and a list of do's and don'ts, such as avoiding construction in vulnerable areas and providing proper first aid before moving injured individuals.
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