Human activity was responsible for the rising natural calamities in the Himalayan region. Along with taking precautions to mitigate the disasters, there is a need to develop the communication network at local, Himalayan, Asian and global levels. If these steps are not taken on time massive disasters cannot be averted. These issues were raised by Padma Vibhushan recipient Chandi Prasad Bhatt at SRT campus, Badshahithaul.
Inaugurating the three-day national seminar on geo-environmental hazards and Neo-tectonics in the Himalayas organised by Geology department of the HNB Garhwal central university SRT campus, Badshahithaul , the eminent environmentalist Bhatt said that being a fragile mountain, the Himalaya was not capable of withstanding the interference of human activities.
He said that to build dams and roads, explosives are being stuffed by digging holes into the chest of the hills. Rivers flowing across the region is being trespassed. Besides, uncontrolled urbanisation is taking place.
He said that in view of the growing number of disasters, the sensitiveness of glaciers, snow ponds, meadows and forests should be constantly monitored. To save the Himalayas, a joint ecological forum should be formed involving India, China, Nepal and Bhutan to develop joint policy and joint security.Former Director of CBRI Roorkee R K Bhandari said that the deluge of Uttarakhand was a warning. A strategy should be drawn for prevention of such disasters.
Dr S P Sati said that several dangers are hovering due to climate change. The temperature keeps rising due to increasing Carbon Di Oxide in the atmosphere. The clouds are becoming dense due to melting of glaciers. To control this, we would have to stop tinkering with the nature.On the occasion, SRT campus director, Prof R C Ramola, Dr N P Naithani, Prof N K Aggrawal, Prof R Nagrajan, Prof H C Nainwal, Prof D S Kaintur, Dr K C Petwal, Dr K K Bangwal were present among others.