Himachal Pradesh: Why Landslides Have Increased 6 Times? Why Himalayan State Is Becoming Unsafe?

Search and rescue operations are still underway in Shimla after landslides and other rain-related incidents in the hill station. Heavy rainfall has been forecasted for the next 48 hours in the state of Himachal Pradesh which was witnessed a total of 72 deaths so far. 

Professor's body recovered

The death toll in the Summer Hill Shiv Bawdi temple landslide climbed to 14 on Thursday, with the recovery of one more body from the debris of the collapsed religious structure. The deceased has been identified as Professor P L Sharma, head of department of Mathematics, Himachal Pradesh University (HPU), Shimla. His wife’s body was found two days back. 

The search team, including NDRF and SDRF, resumed the operation at 7 am and after three hours, the body of Prof Sharma was found in a mutilated condition. He was identified by a gold ring on his hand. Eight to 10 more people are still feared to be buried under the debris. 

Landslides occurred 113 times

Increasing construction in the mountains and decreasing forest area is reducing the age of the Himalayas. Its mountains are cracking. Himachal is an example of this. The incidents of landslides have increased 6 times here in two years. Landslides have occurred 113 times in 55 days of this monsoon. 330 people have died in incidents related to rain and landslides.

Mountains of Himachal are being cut straight for wide roads

According to geological expert Prof. Virendra Singh Dhar, the mountains of Himachal are being cut straight for wide roads. Due to this, the rocks of the foothills of the mountains are also being cut, due to which the drainage system has ended. This has made the sloping areas in Himachal vulnerable to landslides. Incidents of landslides are also increasing due to explosion in tunnel and hydro project.

Over 17000 landslide prone areas in Himachal

The landslide prone areas in Himachal have increased to 17120. In these too, there are human settlements on the banks of 675. Many government buildings in Shimla are under the threat of landslides.

68 tunnels are being built 

68 tunnels are being built in Himachal. Of these, 11 have been completed, 27 are under construction and 30 detailed project reports are under preparation. Many of these projects are from the Center. This will increase the landslide prone areas in the state.

Unscientific construction 

Due to unscientific construction, the mountains are being cut straight. The foundations of the rocks is also cut. Settlements have been stopped the flow of water. Water is unable to drain.