Shimla, Aug 19,
As the Himachal Pradesh Assembly deliberates on the widespread destruction caused by this year’s monsoon, a civil society platform Himalaya Niti Abhiyan has urged legislators to move beyond routine exchanges and focus on nine critical issues that can shape the state’s long-term resilience against climate disasters. In a letter to Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania, with copies to Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu and Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur, the group welcomed the debate but stressed that it must result in “deeper deliberation and concrete decision-making.”
Pertinent to mention here that so far as per official records, Himachal has reported 268 human deaths, 336 injuries, and over 1,000 livestock losses so far this monsoon. Infrastructure losses include 743 houses fully damaged, 1,193 partially damaged, along with over 2,274 shops, cowsheds, and public buildings affected. The cumulative economic damage is pegged at more than Rs 2190 crore.
Climate change at the core
The Abhiyan first highlighted the growing impact of climate change, noting that global warming has intensified irregular rainfall, cloudbursts, floods and landslides in Himachal’s fragile Himalayan terrain. It called for legislators to recognise that these extreme weather events are no longer isolated incidents but a recurring threat that demands a comprehensive response.
Rethinking the development model
Equally pressing, the letter pointed to the state’s current model of development, which it described as unscientific and unplanned. Large-scale projects have often been executed without factoring in Himachal’s carrying capacity, geomorphology, traditional community wisdom or ecological sensitivity. The group argued that a fundamental review of this model is necessary to prevent further damage.
Big projects under scrutiny
Raising concerns over big-ticket infrastructure works, the Abhiyan demanded independent environmental audits of cement industries, mining operations and hydropower projects. According to the organisation, unchecked expansion of such projects has compounded disaster risks and must be critically reassessed to balance growth with ecological security.
Roads and highways in question
Another issue flagged was the construction of four-lane highways and other major road projects being executed by the National Highways Authority of India. The group urged the Assembly to constitute a special committee to scrutinise NHAI’s practices, citing repeated instances where road widening and excavation have triggered instability and landslides in already fragile zones.
Early warning and preparedness
The Abhiyan also stressed the urgent need for a robust early warning system. It asked the House to invest in scientific forecasting and disaster preparedness mechanisms that could provide timely alerts, save lives and reduce losses in vulnerable regions.
Relief and resettlement policy
On relief and rehabilitation, the letter questioned the adequacy of current measures and called for a transparent, enforceable policy for fully displaced families. It emphasised that disaster-hit communities require not just temporary assistance but dignified and sustainable resettlement solutions.
Call for a Himalayan policy
Looking to the future, the organisation pressed for the formulation of a dedicated Himalayan Policy. Such a policy, it suggested, should ensure ecological balance while securing livelihoods, and adopt conservation-oriented, community-centric models backed by legal provisions. This, the Abhiyan said, would help Himachal chart a path of sustainable growth.
Community-led climate adaptation
The group further underlined the role of community-led climate adaptation, particularly ecosystem-based approaches. It urged recognition of community forest rights under the Forest Rights Act, strengthening local governance of forests and empowering communities to be active stakeholders in conservation and resilience.
Building for future resilience
Finally, the letter warned that climate disasters will recur with greater frequency and intensity in the coming years. It urged the Assembly to prioritise resilient infrastructure and the identification of safe housing zones so that vulnerable populations are not left at the mercy of shifting weather patterns.
The Abhiyan concluded by recommending that scientists, environmental experts and civil society representatives must be actively consulted in shaping policies. Only by drawing on technical expertise and community experience, it said, can Himachal Pradesh build a resilient framework capable of safeguarding both its ecology and its people.
About the Author
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.
