In Himalayan regions like Uttarakhand, devastating floods were generally experienced once in a couple of decades in the past. However, due to factors like increased anthropogenic pressures, the frequency of such floods has risen to once in every other year. Stating this, Chipko Movement leader Chandi Prasad Bhatt reiterated a suggestion he had made to the Central Government in the past- creating a special ecological task force involving India, Nepal, Bhutan and China especially for floods in the Himalayan region.
Speaking at a national media workshop on climate change in the Indian Himalayan region as part of the Centre for Media Studies (CMS) Vatavaran environmental and wildlife film festival and forum in the national capital, the noted social and environmental activist from Uttarakhand recalled that the 1970 flood in Srinagar, Garhwal, was probably the first human-caused flood in the region. “The locals had then pointed out and it was also ascertained scientifically later that the 1970 flood had been caused by indiscriminate tree felling. In subsequent years, as the pressure of human activities increased, devastating floods experienced once in a couple of decades in the past became more frequent in the region. Considering this, I had in the past written to the Central Government suggesting the formation of a special ecological task force involving India, China, Nepal and Bhutan to tackle this serious issue. However, my letter got forwarded to the state’s principal chief conservator of forests back for my reference. I will once again ask the Central Government to think in this direction.” Referring to increased human pressure in the state, he said that it is stated in Atkinson’s gazetteer that during the colonial era, about 50,000 pilgrims visited Badrinath during a year and then too the number was high due to the Kumbh Mela. However, now, thousands reach the shrine in a day. Traditional and religious beliefs had also played an important role in the conservation of the environment in this Himalayan region, he added.
Department of Science and Technology, SPlICE adviser and head Akhilesh Gupta said that the Himalayan region had seen more changes than the rest of the globe in the last 100 years. Regarding measures aimed at facilitating correct and clear information to journalists on environmental issues, he said that the department is planning to come up with a list of subject experts to approach for information and views on such issues. Swiss cooperation office head and counselor Marylaure Crettaz and CMS director general PN Vasanti also addressed the gathering on the occasion.