Save The Earth: ‘Recent catastrophes in Kashmir are actually natural man-made disasters’
Save The Earth: ‘Recent catastrophes in Kashmir are actually natural man-made disasters’
Many environmentalists and experts have termed the recent catastrophes in the valley of Kashmir, including September floods and landslides, as ‘natural man-made disasters’.
Conceding to the observation, Dr G.H. Jeelani, Associate Professor of Department of Earth Science, Kashmir University, mentions that there is nothing abnormal about the heavy downpour that the valley is experiencing these days.
“Even till two decades back, the valley used to experience heavy rainfall during spring season. However, in the last 20 years, there have been tremendous changes in climate. Moreover, flawed urban planning, encroachment of land, streams, and tributaries and unabated construction has affected the natural drainage system. The devastatating floods, in my opinion, were the result of those encroachments. It may not be incorrect to say that the valley is no longer prepared to face heavy rainfall,” he explains.
Further, construction of railway lines and highways without subways on the other side can be attributed as another key reason that triggers floods, according to him.
“Now they have started work on construction of subways but even that’s not enough. Why did they not pay heed to this earlier?” asks Dr Jeelani.
Dr Jeelani underlines that not only the state government but even people should be held accountable for such encroachments. “Surprisingly, the irony is that even the government bodies indulge into encroachments. For road widening near rivers or streams, you can see how they have created retaining walls in the rivers and streams.”
In the recent landslides, around two dozen people lost their life and hundreds of people were rendered homeless across the valley. However, an intervention from the end of authorities and government bodies can play a considerable role in saving lives and homes.
Doctor Jeelani is working in collaboration with Bhabha Atomic Researcg Centre (BARC) Mumbai on a project that aims to detect Gamma radiations in the soil of Kashmir. The project would help in offering meaningful intervention. “We are currently working on this project. If radioactive rocks are found in any area, we can advice people accordingly as to not build houses there. These radioactive waves can be carcinogenic,” he explains.
