Fragile Dhauladhar slopes face threat of unchecked construction

The state government, so far, has failed to regulate the large-scale construction activities under way in the eco-fragile zone of the Dhauladhar hills in the Kangra valley. It may be recalled that over a dozen power projects have come up on four major rivers — the Neugal, Binwa, Baner and Gajj — originating from the Dhauladhar hills in the past fifteen years. The Supreme Court has also expressed concern over unregulated growth in the hill state, yet the state government has initiated no efforts to streamline construction activities.

Power companies have virtually wreaked havoc on nature and disturbed the eco-fragile system of the Dhauladhar ranges, indulging in reckless hill-cutting, rock blasting, tunnel execution and the dumping of muck and debris into local rivers.

A recent study conducted by the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Ropar has cautioned the state government that 45 per cent of Himachal Pradesh is prone to landslides, floods and avalanches. The detailed analyses and testing were part of efforts by researchers and scientists from multiple IITs to assess multi-hazard vulnerability across the Himalayan states.

The study has identified regions of the state at high risk from multiple natural hazards — such as flash floods, avalanches and earthquakes — occurring simultaneously. It highlighted slopes between 5.9 degrees and 16.4 degrees and elevations up to 1,600 m are particularly prone to both landslides and floods. Higher-altitude regions with slopes between 16.8 degrees and 41.5 degrees are more likely to experience both avalanches and landslides. Researchers also found that steep mountain slopes and elevations above 3,000 metres face the “highest risk.” However, large-scale construction of high-rise buildings continues on such slopes in the state.

The study stated flood and landslide-prone zones are typically located in lower-elevation river valleys and the lower hills of the state, including Kangra, Kullu, Mandi, Una, Hamirpur, Bilaspur and Chamba districts, while high-altitude mountains in Kinnaur and Lahaul-Spiti face a greater threat of avalanches.

It specifically pointed out that the loss of life caused by natural calamities can be mainly attributed to increasing human interference in eco-sensitive Himalayan zones. Climate change, illegal construction on unstable slopes and floodplains and the removal of green cover have worsened the situation across the Himalayan region.

Environmental bodies have repeatedly cautioned private companies executing power projects, four-lane highways and hotels about the adverse effects of disturbing the eco-fragile hill system. However, these warnings went unheeded, ultimately resulting in flash floods and cloudbursts during the last monsoon.

The lukewarm attitude and irresponsible behaviour of the official machinery, along with the failure to enforce environmental laws despite repeated warnings from the Apex Court and the NGT, remain among the biggest problems in the state. Despite Himachal falling in seismic zone V, the ban on high-rise buildings is being flouted not only by the public but by government agencies as well.