The Hindu Editorial Vocabulary– Aug 23, 2022; Day 343

Factoring in (Consider as relevant when making a decision) the risk: on development of mountain areas

Development of mountain areas over the years has upset the ecological balance

Monsoon rainfall over India is 8% more than what is usual for this time of the year. While this might bode well (to show or suggest that future developments or events will be good or favorable) for agriculture in some regions, it also means floods and concentrated downpours (A heavy rain) with devastating consequences. At least 25 people were killed over the weekend as torrential (Pouring in abundance) rains triggered flash floods and landslips (A slide of a large mass of dirt and rock down a mountain or cliff) in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. Several arterial (Of or relating to a major route) roads were blocked by debris, as currents washed away bridges and vehicles. The toll was higher in Himachal Pradesh with 21 killed and 12 injured. At least six are missing due to chaos (A state of extreme confusion and disorder) following the downpour. Mandi, Kangra and Chamba were the worst-affected districts in the State. While death and damage to property are the surface manifestation (A sign or symptom) of these rains, there are a range of secondary effects with long-term downstream impact. Schools and transport facilities, for instance, are immediately put out of action, leading to loss of productive hours. Cattle and saplings (Young tree) are left to perish, which in turn destroys livelihoods, debilitates (Make weak) family finances and strains the finances of the state exchequer (The funds of a government, institution or individual). The monsoon compresses around 75% of India’s annual rainfall into four months and unevenly waters (Supply with water, as with channels, ditches or streams) the country’s highly diverse terrain. It is, therefore, inevitable that some spots are far more vulnerable and bear a disproportionate impact of climate fury (The property of being wild or turbulent). A recent report released by Himachal Pradesh’s Department of Environment, Science and Technology underlines that mountain areas are highly vulnerable to natural disasters, where development over the years has compounded (Make more intense, stronger, or more marked) the problem by upsetting the ecological balance of various physical processes.

While hill States such as Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand have certain unique challenges, the threats from the vagaries (An unexpected and inexplicable change in something) of climate are not unique to them. Monsoon rain patterns are being disrupted leading to a rise in cloudburst (A heavy rain)-like events as well as a rise in the frequency of high-energy cyclones and droughts. One strategy adopted by the government has been to improve the system of early warning forecasts. The India Meteorological Department now provides fortnightly, weekly and even three-hourly weather forecasts to districts. Within these are integrated warnings about flash floods (A sudden local flood of great volume and short duration) and lightning. Not all of these are accurate and often, they are not provided early enough for authorities to prepare themselves. In recent years, improvements in early warnings for incoming cyclones have helped state agencies evacuate and rehabilitate (Restore to a state of good condition) the most vulnerable, but such success has not been observed for floods. While the inherent risks of infrastructure development in hills and unstable terrain is well understood, these are often elided (Leave or strike out) by authorities in the name of balancing the demands of the people for better infrastructure and services. The increased risk and cost to such projects and infrastructure should be factored in when they are tendered (Make a tender of) out by the government, and scientific advice regarding development ought to be strictly adhered to.

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