The main cause of the devastation caused by the disaster in Uttarakhand earlier this year is the failure to ensure timely response to advance warning, said geologist from Physical Research laboratory, Ahmedabad, Dr Naveen Juyal. Speaking on disaster-causes and remedies as part of the Veer Chandra Singh Garhwali lecture series at a function held to mark the fifth death anniversary of Rajendra Rawat the founder of Umesh Dobhal Memorial Trust.
Juyal said that serious cognisance should be taken of statements and warnings issued by scientists on factual and research basis. Citing the example of the 1894 flood in Uttarakhand, he said that only one human life was lost then as the advance warning had been acted upon. later, the 1970 flood gave rise to the public opinion that it had been caused by deforestation and Chipko Andolan was launched consequently. Juyal said the Himalayas were formed due to rising tectonic plates. Citing examples of disasters in Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh and leh in Jammu and Kashmir, Juyal said that to minimise damage and loss of life, effective steps should be taken on time following advance warnings.
Construction on the river belt is a major factor which exacerbates damage during disaster. Juyal said that the Supreme Court committee will submit its report on the impact of dams on flood in three months to the Apex Court. Acting president of the Umesh Dobhal Memorial Trust, Bimal Negi, senior journalist GP Semwal and others were also present on the occasion.