Dehradun: A recent study published in Springer, titled “Environmental Challenges and Concurrent Trend of Weather Extremes over Uttarakhand Himalaya”, has sounded the alarm over the rising frequency of extreme weather events in Uttarakhand’s fragile Himalayan region.
The study, led by researchers Pramod Kumar, Jaya Rai, and Prem Kumar from IIT Delhi, along with Arbind Patel from JNU, highlights the increasing occurrences of forest fires, landslidesflash floods, and droughts, which are reshaping the landscape and livelihoods of one of India’s most ecologically-sensitive regions.
The research points to a significant rise in maximum temperatures over the past 40 years in Uttarakhand, making the region increasingly vulnerable to forest fires, especially during the summer months. According to the study, nearly 90% of these fires are triggered by human activities such as deforestation, overgrazing, and illegal land clearing.
Researchers also highlighted that precipitation patterns in the region have changed, with extreme rainfall events causing frequent flash floods and landslides. Over seven decades (1951-2020), the study observed a rise in extreme heat events, a decline in cold days, and a notable increase in both temperature and precipitation extremes. However, the overall annual rainfall in the region has decreased, which is partially attributed to the surge in construction and infrastructure projects, and have disrupted natural water cycles.
A key finding of the study is the phenomenon of “elevation-dependent warming” (EDW), where higher altitudes in Uttarakhand are experiencing faster temperature increases than lower regions. This accelerated warming is destabilising glaciers and heightening the risk of glacial melt, posing a significant threat to the region’s delicate ecosystem.
“In hilly regions, the noticeable daytime warming has a significant effect on raising night temperatures. In comparison to previous times, warm nights and very warm days are increasingly common now. The number of cold days and very cold nights is declining way faster than in previous periods,” the study stated.
The lesser Himalaya region, which includes Dehradun, Haridwar, Pauri Garhwal, Ram Nagar, Nainital, and Champawat, experiences more warm days, the study said, highlighting that “there is a noticeable decline in the number of cold days across the entire state of Uttarakhand.”
The study also raised concerns over the impact of construction and deforestation on the region’s already fragile slopes, making it more prone to landslides and soil erosion. According to Uttarakhand State Disaster Management Authority (USDMA), the state recorded 56 chronic landslides during the rainy season this year. Researchers criticised poorly planned infrastructure projects, especially road construction in hilly areas, which often proceed without proper soil conservation measures. “The increase in construction activity led to deforestation on a large scale, which, combined with erratic weather patterns, further intensified the risk of natural disasters,” the study stated. Additionally, the frequency of severe landslides induced by intense rainfall has sharply increased, especially in the lower Himalaya regions, where deforestation and erratic weather patterns have amplified the threat.
The study has also revealed a troubling link between extreme weather events and rising migration from Uttarakhand’s hill districts. It highlights how climate-driven phenomena—such as rainfall-induced landslides and forest fires—are forcing residents to abandon their homes in search of safer living conditions.
According to the study, increasing instances of landslides and wildfires are making life in the hilly regions of Uttarakhand increasingly perilous. The resulting displacement is largely involuntary, as residents prioritise their safety amid deteriorating environmental conditions. The report underscores that this trend of climate-induced migration is reshaping the demographic of the state.
Researchers recommended implementing a rapid and effective early warning system for both human-induced and natural disasters.
To mitigate these escalating risks, the study recommended the implementation of a rapid and effective early warning system for both human-induced and natural disasters. Researchers also stressed the urgency of adopting sustainable development practices to safeguard the region’s fragile environment.
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