Barot’s construction boom sparks ecological fears

Barot, a picturesque village nestled along the banks of the Uhl river, surrounded by the pristine Himalayan landscape, has rapidly emerged as a popular tourist destination in recent years. Once an unspoiled paradise, the village is now on the brink of ecological degradation due to unregulated and unplanned construction, particularly along the riverbanks.

In what was, until recently, a tranquil escape into nature, Barot is now witnessing a construction boom that many fear could spell disaster. Numerous hotels, restaurants, homestays and shopping complexes have mushroomed in the area. However, Barot still remains outside the purview of the Town and Country Planning Act, which has paved the way for large-scale illegal developments. The lack of regulation and oversight has made the region vulnerable to natural disasters, similar to the tragedy witnessed in Dharali, Uttarakhand.

If timely interventions are not made, experts warn that Barot could face a similar fate, particularly given the consistent narrowing of the Uhl river’s width due to encroachments and riverside construction. The potential danger from flash floods originating in the upper reaches of Chhota Bhangal cannot be ignored and the unplanned construction only increases the risk.

Despite existing construction norms, implementation remains weak. A visit to the area reveals numerous structures built dangerously close to the Uhl river, in clear violation of environmental guidelines. According to current rules, construction should be prohibited within 100m of the riverbank and under no circumstances should buildings be erected within 25m. However, these regulations are often bypassed or ignored altogether.

A senior official from the Town and Country Planning Department, when contacted by The Tribune, admitted, “The minimum distance for construction from the river should be 25m. If anyone violates it, we cancel the permission. Our local teams carry out inspections regularly. However, due to mining activities and other factors, river courses tend to shift over time. Still, no one can predict the fury of nature.”

Similarly, a senior officer from the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) stressed the urgency of discouraging construction near rivulets, rivers and khuds. “We have consistently warned the state government and departments concerned about the increasing risk, especially due to the unpredictability of flash floods,” he said.

The environmental implications of unchecked development are compounded by climate change, which has made rainfall patterns more erratic and intense. This has increased the vulnerability of hill regions like Barot to disasters, making sustainable development an urgent necessity.

Speaking to The Tribune, a resident of Barot voiced the need for comprehensive guidelines tailored to the region. “Construction rules must be re-evaluated based on flood-prone zones, river flow patterns and the impact of climate change,” he said.