IN July, Himachal Pradesh experienced substantial rainfall, leading to severe floods and landslides. This rainfall has been unprecedented, with eight districts in the state receiving an unusually high amount of precipitation, a situation never witnessed before. This caused severe floods and landslides, resulting in extensive damage. The government's estimation reveals a staggering loss of Rs 6000 crore during the period from June 24 to July 30, 2023. This figure continues to rise as the ongoing rains persist. The magnitude of this immense loss becomes evident when we compare it to the total losses incurred by Himachal Pradesh over the past five years (2017-22), which amounted to approximately Rs 8000 crore due to various disasters.

The continuous heavy downpours are wreaking havoc on human lives, animals, infrastructure, and agriculture. Roads, bridges, orchards, water schemes, power lines, and government and private buildings have suffered significant damage. Critical infrastructure like power lines, transformers, and hydropower projects have also been affected. Additionally, the environment, including forests, wildlife, and vegetation, is facing detrimental consequences. Such massive devastation has never been witnessed before in Himachal Pradesh.

Amidst the disaster, the government worked closely with the administration to conduct relief operations and evacuate people stranded by the floods. The state police successfully rescued many tourists and ensured their safe return. The army and army helicopters were also involved in relief efforts and distributing essential supplies in regions with seasonal snowfall. However, the collapse of bridges has resulted in blocked traffic, and road restoration is progressing slowly. Additionally, the drinking water supply remains disrupted in many areas, further exacerbating the difficulties faced by affected communities. Himachal Pradesh's apple economy is worth Rs 6000 crores, but the closure of roads due to the disaster is causing significant losses to apple growers. The government must urgently open roads and prioritise constructing alternative ropeways to prevent crop wastage and support the industry during this critical time.

CPI(M) was the first to demand that the calamity be declared a national disaster, seeking necessary resources andsupport for a swift rebuilding process. The Congress party's government is alsourging the central government to recognise the magnitude of the calamity, buttheir pleas have been ignored so far. Surprisingly, the BJP of the state has remained silent on this pressing issue and has not shown any support or solidarity. Instead, there are concerns that they may try to exploit the disaster for political gains. The CPI(M) had proposed to the government that a joint meeting of all political parties, voluntary organisations, and other groups be convened to develop a collective strategy for addressing this disaster and also suggested forming a joint delegation to approach the central government, expediting the state's reconstruction. However, regrettably, these initiatives were not implemented.

The central government's response to the calamity in Himachal Pradesh has been inadequate, providing only Rs 361 crore, which falls short of the required amount. An allocation of Rs 400 crore has been announced for repairing four lanes and national highways. However, more comprehensive financial assistance is still needed to expedite the state's reconstruction and recovery efforts.

The calamity has caused the loss of homes and landfor many people, necessitating their rehabilitation and resettlement. Himachal Pradesh has 17 per cent cultivable land and 66 percent forest land, includingbarren areas under the central government's control as per the ForestConservation Act of 1980. Prior to 1980, the state used to provide Nautod (small pieces of land) to the poor and landless, but this stopped due to the Forest Conservation Act. A considerable portion of land belonging to dalits and the poor has been devastated in recent floods, posing a major challenge to restore and rehabilitate them. CPI(M) advocates amending the Act to enable land allocation for rehabilitation. Without this change, the challenge of restoring and rehabilitating those affected remains significant.

There has been extensive debate within the state concerning heavy rains, floods, cloud bursts, and landslides. Various explanations are being put forward to understand the reasons behind these calamities. However, there are several contributing factors at play. One of the major factors is climate change, resulting in heavy rainfall and untimely snowfall in higher regions. Additionally, unscientific and unplanned development practices have led to extensive deforestation. Cities and towns are being developed without proper planning, and construction work is conducted without considering the environment. The improper disposal of waste, illegal mining in riverbeds, and the lack of enforcement of government laws and court orders further exacerbate the situation.

Contractors involved in construction projects often prioritise profit over adherence to rules and regulations. The use of blast materials above the prescribed standards for constructing tunnels and roads leads to frequent explosions and cracks in the mountains. The excavated soil from construction projects has been improperly disposed of, often ending up on riverbanks or inside the river. Similarly, roads are constructed with steep 90-degree cuttings, leading to severe landslides. The state's plantation policy, which emphasizes monoculture over mixed forests, has also played a role in causing heavy landslides.

Due to delays in opening dams for hydropower projects, even during the rainy season, floods are occurring, leading to significant damage. Previously, 24 students lost their lives due to the sudden release of water from the Larji Dam without any prior warning. To prevent such tragedies in the future, constant vigilance and timely gate opening are crucial during the rainy season. Negligence must be avoided to ensure the safety of the public.

To mitigate the increasing frequency of disasters, the state must adopt sustainable development practices, enforce existing laws and regulations, and prioritize environmental conservation in construction projects. Conducting comprehensive analyses and studies in the future can prevent wastage and minimise the impact of calamities. By embracing responsible and sustainable approaches, Himachal Pradesh can safeguard its environment and protect its residents from the devastating consequences of disasters.