Time to choose: Ecological balance or unchecked construction

Himachal Pradesh, fondly known as Dev Bhoomi—the Land of Gods—is one of India’s most cherished tourist destinations. With its majestic mountains, tranquil rivers, vibrant culture and cool climate, it attracts both Indian and foreign travellers in large numbers. Adding to its charm are the thriving fruit orchards and off-season vegetable cultivation, which have transformed the region into a robust rural economy.

Religious pilgrimages such as the Mani Mahesh Yatra, Shrikhand Mahadev Yatra and Kinner Kailash Yatra are an essential part of this region’s identity. These spiritual journeys, coinciding with the monsoon season—from Janmashtami to Radhashtami—draw thousands of devotees into the lap of the Himalayas.

However, this divine land is now facing the relentless fury of nature. Over the past few years, Himachal Pradesh has been battered by increasing incidents of cloudbursts, flash floods and landslides, especially during the rainy season. These disasters have become more frequent and devastating, raising alarms for the government, planners and citizens alike.

The damage from these events is no longer confined to remote valleys. From the high-altitude slopes of Lahaul to the fertile belts of Mandi and Kullu, nature’s wrath is evident everywhere. The recent destruction in the Janjehli-Thunag region of Mandi district, where nearly 70 people died and over 400 homes were destroyed, underscores the scale of the crisis. Critical infrastructure—roads, bridges, and communication lines—has been swept away, slowing down rescue and relief efforts.

This recurring devastation raises urgent questions. Why has the intensity of natural disasters increased so dramatically? Have our development practices gone astray? Are the causes rooted in reckless construction, unregulated urbanisation and large-scale infrastructure projects like hydropower dams?

There is an urgent need to understand these changes scientifically. The Himalayan region is warming at a rate faster than the global average. One contributing factor could be methane emissions from hydropower reservoirs, where submerged organic matter decomposes without oxygen, releasing greenhouse gases. These emissions, often overlooked, may be accelerating climate change in the region.

The manner in which we construct infrastructure in the mountains is another major concern. Road-building practices in Himachal are often unscientific—featuring vertical hill-cutting, careless dumping of debris and poor water drainage systems. Such methods destabilise already fragile slopes.

The push for four-lane highways through ecologically sensitive zones needs urgent re-evaluation. Ropeways and cable cars could offer a greener, more sustainable alternative for mass transport. Enhancing public transport systems with modern amenities can also reduce private vehicle usage, limiting the need for wider roads.

While the adoption of electric vehicles is a promising step in curbing vehicular emissions, it is not enough. The destruction of forest cover to make way for mega projects continues to erode the ecological balance. The issue isn’t new. From the Chipko Movement of the 1980s to the ongoing Himalaya Niti Abhiyan, environmentalists have long warned against blind developmentalism in the hills.

In the early 1990s, an expert committee led by Dr SZ Quasim submitted a landmark report to the Planning Commission, suggesting alternative development models for the Himalayas. That report can still serve as a blueprint, updated with new insights from science and technology.

What is now needed is political will. A national-level task force—comprising environmental scientists, geologists, climatologists and technocrats—must be formed to chart out a new, sustainable path for Himalayan development. Their recommendations should form the basis of policy both at the Centre and in state governments.

If Himachal Pradesh is to remain the Dev Bhoomi, a place of divine serenity and beauty, we must urgently realign our development vision. The future of its people, culture and ecology depends on it.

(The author is an environmentalist and social activist)

Himachal Tribune