Badrinath highway landslide prompts review of Himalayan development
Shimla, July 10
Following a massive landslide on the Badrinath Highway in Uttarakhand, former Deputy Mayor Tikender Singh Panwar has called for a thorough review of the Himalayan development trajectory. The landslide, which occurred in Patalganga, highlights the increasing frequency of such disasters in the fragile and young Himalayan mountain ranges.
Noteworthy that the video of the said landslide has been trending in social media.
Watch:
खून सुखा देने वाला दृश्य
बद्रीनाथ हाईवे पर पाताल गंगा के पास भूस्खलन का ऐसा चक्रवात आपने नहीं देखा होगा। पहाड़ गिरा देर तक बना रहा ग़ुबार। #joshimath #patalganga #badrinath pic.twitter.com/vSzKudFm7N— Ajit Singh Rathi (@AjitSinghRathi) July 10, 2024
Panwar, expressed concern over the relentless exploitation of the mountains. “At least now, we should start reviewing the developmental trajectory of Himalayan development,” he urged. Noting that 44% of disasters occur in the Himalayas, Panwar stressed the need for immediate changes to the current development practices.
Pertinent to mention that Pnwar has long advocated for replacing the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) with a new, competent Himalayan Division of NHAI. This new division would design development strategies specifically for the Himalayas and mountain towns, ensuring construction aligns with the natural contours and respects the delicate environment.
Reacting to the landslide, Panwar, who is also a member of the Urban Commission for the Government of Kerala, took to social media to express his alarm. “You would not have seen such a cyclone of landslide near Patalganga on Badrinath Highway. The mountain fell, and the dust lingered for a long time,” he tweeted, highlighting the severity of the incident.
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The HimachalScape Bureau comprises seasoned journalists from Himachal Pradesh with over 25 years of experience in leading media conglomerates such as The Times of India and United News of India. Known for their in-depth regional insights, the team brings credible, research-driven, and balanced reportage on Himachal’s socio-political and developmental landscape.
