In recent times, Uttarakhand has been grappling with the alarming frequency of cloudbursts, triggering devastating consequences for both the environment and the communities residing in the affected regions. In the face of these recurrent natural disasters, it becomes imperative to assess and implement robust mitigation measures by the guidelines set forth by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA). The NDMA serves as the apex body in India responsible for formulating policies, plans, and guidelines for effective disaster management. This essay will delve into the key measures recommended by the NDMA to mitigate the impact of cloudbursts in Uttarakhand. By scrutinizing these guidelines, we aim to understand the proactive strategies and interventions necessary to enhance preparedness, response, and recovery efforts in the wake of cloudburst incidents. As we explore these measures, it becomes evident that a comprehensive and well-coordinated approach is essential to minimize the socio-economic and environmental repercussions of cloudbursts, thereby fostering resilience in the vulnerable regions of Uttarakhand.
Tag: Disaster and Disaster management
Decoding the Question:
- In Intro, try to define cloud burst in the introduction.
- In Body,
- Discuss NDMA guidelines concerning cloudburst and measures to be adopted to mitigate recent cloudburst events in Uttarakhand.
- Try to conclude the answer as per the context.
Answer:
A cloudburst refers to a sudden downpour over a limited area as if the entire clouds were to rain down in a matter of minutes. If it rains over 100 mm in an hour concentrated in an area of just a few square kilometers, it is classified as a cloudburst. For example, In Uttarkashi and Rudraprayag, it rained 479 mm in the intervening night of June 16-17, 2013.
Rainfall does not directly cause death but the consequences of the cloudbursts in the form of rainfall trigger landslides, flash floods, houses and establishments getting swept and caved in leading to death and damage. Restoring settlements near mountain foothills is difficult due to flash floods that might happen from cloudbursts.
Measures to be adopted to mitigate the impact of cloudbursts:
- Stopping haphazard construction in hilly areas: Haphazard construction in hilly areas has been considered one of the major problems. Tourist resorts, pilgrimage sites see the highest number of hotels and buildings often overlooking safety concerns.
- Preventing encroachments of riverbeds: River beds are very vital and act as the first line of defense in times of flood like situations. Various sizes of rocks and other materials reduce the speed of water and help in mitigation of cloudburst like problems.
- Afforestation: Deforestation is a very serious problem in Himalayan region. It not only made floods or cloudburst a disaster, but it also helps in landslides and other events. Hence afforestation is very significant for reducing during and after effects of cloud burst.
- Early warning system based on Space application: ISRO’s model of heavy rainfall amp/ cloudburst prediction should be utilized for continuous monitoring of meteorological systems. Alert-relay system (Early warning system) should be put in place so that people can evacuate on time.
- Implementing NDMA guidelines for flood: NDMA guidelines will be very helpful for mitigating floods caused by cloud burst. Due to cloudburst Glacial Lake OutBurst (GLOF)/ Floods like events happen and to deal with situations like NDMA guidelines provide clarity in operation.
NDMA guidelines emphasize on community Based Disaster Management (CBDM).Utilization and leverage of local knowledge, resources, can have a multiplier effect on mitigation. Participation and co-operation of local bodies such as NGOs, Gram Sabhas, Panchayats can strengthen the entire framework of disaster management.Apart from this proper Environment impact assessment of projects in glacial valleys and efforts towards afforestation are needed as a pre-emptive steps against such disasters.
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