Discuss the high-altitude environmental hazards with suitable examples and with special reference to Joshimath. What risk reduction measures are required to prevent a disaster like Joshimath? [150 Words] (10)
High-altitude regions like the Himalayas pose distinct environmental threats to human populations and ecosystems. Physical, biological, and chemical risks exist.
Physical hazards:
- Extreme weather: Eg. snowfall, avalanches, and strong winds.
- Glacier retreat: These events can severely destroy downstream infrastructure and communities.
Biological hazards:
- Pathogens unique to high altitudes can infect humans and animals.
- Humans can damage delicate high-altitude ecosystems, destroying biodiversity and ecological services. These impacts can spread to human health and livelihoods.
Chemical hazards:
- Air pollution: Thin air and decreased atmospheric mixing can worsen high-altitude air pollution.
- Contamination of water: High-altitude water sources are susceptible to human waste, industrial effluents, and natural risks.
Recent years have seen ground sinking in Joshimath, an Indian Himalayan village at around 6,000 feet. This complex issue has several causes, including:
- Overburdening delicate mountain ecosystems: Joshimath is on an unstable landslide deposit. The community has grown, putting pressure on the geology.
- The hills around Joshimath have been destabilized by uncontrolled construction and development, involving heavy machinery and blasting.
- Leaking pipes and poor drainage systems cause soil erosion and building weakness.
- Earthquakes and other seismic phenomena can cause landslides and worsen instability in landslide-prone locations.
Preventing disasters like the Joshimath landslide requires addressing instability and vulnerability at its root. Key risk-reduction measures:
- Rigorous land use planning and development control
- Thorough environmental impact assessments
- Effective drainage and water management
- Monitoring and early warning systems
- Community awareness and preparedness
- Earthquake-resistant building and retrofitting
- Sustainable agriculture, forestry, and grazing