The factors that worsen the Uttarakhand Disasters

March 18, 2021 SANDRP4 Comments

Abstract: While Uttarakhand is vulnerable to disasters, climate change is increasing these vulnerabilities. Major human interventions like hydropower projects and highways implemented without an informed or democratic decision-making process act as force multipliers during such disasters. The violations of legal and other prudent norms in their implementation further increase the damages. The absence of necessary… Continue reading The factors that worsen the Uttarakhand Disasters

Monsoon

Unprecedented October 2021 Rainfall in Uttarakhand

October 26, 2021October 27, 2021 SANDRP3 Comments

This account is an attempt to document the historical rainfall events caused by combination of low pressure and western disturbance (WD) weather phenomena.

Dam Disaster · Uttarakhand

Force Multipliers in Uttarakhand disaster

February 26, 2021February 26, 2021 SANDRP4 Comments

Given below if the text of the presentation made by SANDRP coordinator on Day 1 at the FICCI-NIDM (NIDM: National Institute of Disaster Management; FICCI: Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry) 3-day training program on Feb 18-20, 2021 on “Resilient Infrastructure in Hilly Areas: Avalanche, GLOF & Debris Flow” in the context of… Continue reading Force Multipliers in Uttarakhand disaster

Cloud Burst

Uttarakhand: Cloud Bursts in SW Monsoon 2021

October 12, 2021 SANDRP1 Comment

While scientists are alarmed over gradual increase in cloud burst incidents, researchers linking it to climate change impact and warning about worse situation in future, the government still seems unprepared and in denial mode.

Cloud Burst

Uttarakhand: Cloud bursts in May 2021

June 3, 2021June 4, 2021 SANDRP1 Comment

Undoubtedly, the extreme rainfall events are happening across the state with increased intensity and frequency at the same time the monitoring, prediction and mitigation work by concerned departments and state government as a whole is lagging miles behind.

Dams · Hydro Disaster

Uttarakhand: Disaster around NHPC’s Dhauliganga Hydropower project

September 27, 2021 SANDRP1 Comment

NHPC has publicly shared no information on the disaster impact, damages and losses which shows it continues to function in non-transparent, unaccountable, irresponsible manner.

Ramganga

Uttarakhand: Ensure safe disposal of Rural Road debris

March 6, 2022 SANDRPLeave a comment

Under prevalent malpractices, the muck and debris from rural road construction are disposed of carelessly along the slopes and drainage channels affecting forest land, village pasture, farmlands and streams across the state. The road planning documents do mention of muck dump yards and prohibits its disposal into water sources; on ground the contractors openly ignore the norms, plans and instructions to save on cost and escape responsibility thinking it would gradually get stabilize or wash away with run-off.

Ramganga

Uttarakhand: Burying Ramganga Streams under Road Muck

March 5, 2022March 5, 2022 SANDRPLeave a comment

Syunsal village has faced a ‘cloud burst’ incident in early morning hours of Sep 7, 2021 which caused significant damages to crops, farmlands, trees, pathways, foot bridge along the gadera. The impact of the subsequent flood is visible even through Google Earth imagery and the scar of the deluge is still visible from miles distance in a clear reminder to proportion of destruction if the drainage channels are chocked with malbas and debris. The pre-monsoon season when many such events are witnessed in the state is just round the corner. In case of intense rain or cloud burst over catchment of these streams, the muck and debris are bound to amplify flash flood destruction. Hence the grim situation requires urgent intervention by the PWD and district administration.

Dams · Hydro Disaster

Uttarakhand: Cloud Bursts around Vyasi HEP

September 17, 2021 SANDRPLeave a comment

n, delays, looming geological, climatic threats, norms violations and social injustice, the tall claims of the hydro project developers continue to be contradicted by the ground realities.

Ganga · Hydropower · Uttarakhand

Open Letter to PM on Uttarakhand Hydro in Sept 2021

September 23, 2021September 24, 2021 SANDRP1 Comment

Open Letter to the Prime Minister, Minister of Environment and media on 09/09/2021:Restarting seven under-construction hydro projects in Ganga Himalaya unjustified Recently the MoEF&CC has recommended restarting the construction of seven under-construction HEPs in Uttarakhand namely Tehri II (1000 MW), Tapovan Vishnugad (520 MW), Vishnugad Pipalkoti (444 MW), Singoli Bhatwari (99 MW), Phata Byung (76… Continue reading Open Letter to PM on Uttarakhand Hydro in Sept 2021