Uttarakhand Floods: Glacial Melt or Construction Blunder? IMD Points Fingers
Dharali, an ecologically fragile zone in Uttarakhand, was ravaged by flash floods on August 6, 2025. The scale of devastation has raised serious questions about infrastructure development in the region.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has ruled out a cloudburst as the sole cause. Instead, preliminary investigations suggest a combination of factors. These include possible glacial melt or an avalanche, worsened by unchecked construction related to the Char Dham project.
Concerns over road widening and slope instability near Bhatwari block have also been highlighted. Experts fear that these activities destabilised the already precarious terrain, exacerbating the impact of natural events.
The incident underscores the urgent need for stricter environmental regulations and sustainable development practices in the Himalayas. The ongoing Char Dham project must be thoroughly reviewed to prevent similar tragedies in the future, ensuring the safety of both the environment and the local population. The long-term consequences for the region’s fragile ecosystem and the livelihoods of those affected demand immediate and decisive action.
