Fragile ecologies of Uttarakhand
Joshimath, Uttarakhand’s historic hill town, serves as a gateway to several Himalayan Mountain climbing expeditions, trekking trails, and pilgrimage sites in the North of India [1]. Since 2021, the area has been severely affected by the aftermath of flash floods. This has resulted in the sinking and land subsidence of its slopes, and structures around town have developed cracks in foundations, forcing thousands to live in highly hazardous, disaster-prone areas. Attributed to the National Thermal Power Corporation’s hydropower projects, the incident serves as a grave reminder of the irreversible damage caused by rampant infrastructural developments [3].
These events have come to highlight the discernable contradictions between the built and the natural. The incredibly multi-faceted character of the region poses questions of heritage preservation in the light of climate change, alternative energy sources, the hill town’s capacity to deal with increasing tourism, as well as the future of urbanization in a region predisposed to multiple natural hazards and exposed to climate change extremes.
The events emphasize the need for long-term, regulated scenario planning, prioritization of the climate action agenda, and the need for ecological design interventions strengthening socio-ecological links in the region.
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Multi-hazardous engineering practices
Contributing to this incident of land subsidence is the incredibly vulnerable location of Joshimath, at an earthquake-prone Seismic Zone-V. The foundations of these homes on the Himalayan slopes were developed on loose debris triggered by an earthquake more than a century ago [1]. As a result, most houses developed cracks, exacerbated by heavy rainfall and two flash flood events two years in succession, and not in the least by the impacts from the new hydropower plant developments [3]
The haphazard construction activity is accompanied by rapidly growing developments of hotels and restaurants on the slopes in response to a growing number of tourists [2]; this raises questions as to the capacities of existing infrastructures, exploitation of natural resources onsite, the carrying capacity of the hill town and a lack of consideration from the locals’ point of view.
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Post-disaster reconstruction and planning
A strong regional planning process must follow, one that reevaluates the priorities of the region and proposes phased-out interventions at a bio-regional scale. This would first and foremost involve the development of strict codes and the rethinking of zoning regulations to provide safe and livable conditions for the residents. Planners, policymakers, and local authorities must prioritize future mitigation planning and sustainable development of the region by seeking alternatives to the current hydropower plants, given the fragile nature of the Himalayan ecosystem.
The post-disaster reconstruction process of homes should be one that is rooted in localized vernacular techniques instead of poured concrete; one that promotes the use of local materials like stone, timber and slate; and avoids the need for trucks for transportation within the context of the hill town.
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The role of technology
Technology will play a significant role in identifying and understanding the factors that contribute to vulnerability in watershed areas, and in helping develop strategies to manage and mitigate these risks.
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Reforestation and Water Retention Practices
Climate change, deforestation, and soil erosion exponentially increase the damage and severity of floods, landslides, and water-runoff into the rivers of Josimath. Low-impact ecological interventions and biodiversity strategies are essential to providing necessary conservation. Design interventions in the form of water retention, effective drainage and comprehensive reforestation strategies must be employed in order to provide resilient and connected landscapes.
Water retention and harvesting techniques rooted in traditional practices include the revival of aquifers and springs as well as the generation of retention ponds by making use of streams and underground resources– with the advantage of increasing water-access for residents year-round. With proper hydro-geomorphic studies of the site, storm-water channels can be designed to effectively manage excess run-off, whilst the widening of streams and riverbeds at strategic locations can help increase water-retention capacities. When combined with effective reforestation strategies promote increased infiltration, soil stability and reduce the risk of flooding.
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Sources
[1] India, P. T. of. (2023, January 7). Why is Uttarakhand's joshimath "sinking"? here's what experts say. NDTV.com. Retrieved January 9, 2023, from https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/expert-on-reasons-behind-sinking-of-uttarakhands-joshimath-3670440
[2] Kautilya Singh / TNN / Updated: Jan 8, 2023. (n.d.). 10 crore people visit Uttarakhand a year, how much can it take, say experts: Dehradun News - Times of India. The Times of India. Retrieved January 9, 2023, from https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/dehradun/10-crore-people-visit-uttarakhand-a-year-how-much-can-it-take-say-experts/articleshow/96823611.cms
[3] Joshimath Crisis: Hydropower Project Construction Must Be Stopped, expert gives dire warning. Business Today. (2023, January 7). Retrieved January 9, 2023, from https://www.businesstoday.in/latest/in-focus/story/joshimath-crisis-hydropower-project-construction-must-be-stopped-expert-gives-dire-warning-359330-2023-01-07