Disaster Management in the Himalayas
Monsoon rains have led to severe destruction in the northern states of Jammu & Kashmir, Uttarakhand, and Himachal Pradesh, prompting a comprehensive response from disaster management authorities.
National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) Survey
- The NDMA, in collaboration with the Jammu & Kashmir State Disaster Management Authority (J&K SDMA), has initiated a detailed survey to investigate the causes of cloudbursts, flash floods, and landslides.
Role of ISRO
- The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is conducting satellite mapping of the Himalayas to assess the risk of outburst from inaccessible glacial lakes.
Preventive Measures and Engineering Solutions
- The construction of disaster-resilient infrastructure such as houses, bridges, and power plants with appropriate engineering solutions is emphasized as a preventive measure.
- Japan's survival on four tectonic plates as an example was highlighted for its effective disaster management through protective planning.
Case Study: Uttarakhand's Dharali
- In Uttarakhand’s Dharali, boulders and slurry materials caused destruction of houses, highlighting the urgent need for robust disaster management strategies.
