Addressing the Deluge
A midst the relentless onslaught of an unprecedented monsoon, wreaking havoc in regions such as Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, and Haryana, the recent report submitted to the Rajya Sabha outlining nationwide losses incurred due to rains over the last decade presents a grim reality.
As the Jal Shakti Ministry’s data for the 2012-2021 period unfolds, revealing over 17,000 fatalities and property damage amounting to Rs 2.61 lakh crore, it becomes evident that India’s disaster management policies and flood mitigation measures require serious reevaluation.
The continued magnitude of death toll and destruction underscores the inadequacy of the existing strategies in handling calamitous situations. Despite advancements in weather forecasting technology, the nation seems woefully ill-equipped to effectively address the on-ground challenges. What exacerbates the situation further is the pervasive disregard for numerous regulations that have been introduced to safeguard human and animal habitats from flooding.
The reckless proliferation of unplanned settlements and structures surrounding urban centers remains unbridled, leading to inundation as inadequate drainage systems buckle under the weight of torrential rains. Moreover, the unchecked encroachment upon riverbanks and floodplains obstructs the natural flow of rivers during floods, leaving these regions vulnerable to the fury of nature.
In Himachal Pradesh, arbitrary concretization and unscientific alteration of mountain slopes for infrastructure development, coupled with large-scale deforestation and dam breaches, exacerbate the risk during flash floods or cloudbursts. The path to averting the recurrence of such catastrophic events demands a comprehensive reassessment of flood-prevention policies across all levels of governance. A timely and stringent response to rule violations, coupled with efforts to restore ecological equilibrium, stands as a paramount necessity to cultivate safer and resilient environments.
It is incumbent upon the authorities to prioritize the enforcement of regulations, curb unauthorized constructions, and restore the natural flow of water bodies. This entails not only robust implementation but also a collective commitment to uphold ecological integrity, as safeguarding lives and property remains a shared responsibility that transcends administrative boundaries. In doing so, India can rise to the challenge posed by monsoons, securing its communities against the devastating impacts of floods and fostering sustainable growth in harmony with nature.
