Puran Chand Sharma
Recent cloud burst tragedy that struck in Kishtwar/ Michail (Chishoti) during the course of MICHAIL MATA YATRA which is undertaken by the deeply devoted people from across J&K taking toll of more than 80 people and reportedly many more are missing. Of course, apparently it seems to be natural tragedy but in the on going circumstances and the prevalent conditions, contributory negligence of human beings at the helms of affairs and the religious tourists do have their share of responsibility in the wake of ADMINISTRATION having issued red and orange alerts plus warnings not to proceed for the Michail Mata in the prevailing scenario of inclement weather but the hardcore devotees relentlesslystuck to their religious pursuit. Accordingly this Article is aimed at analysing the pros and cons of this terrific tragedy which has ruined huge number of families. Nature is both a giver and a destroyer. While it sustains, it also tests humanity with its unpredictable forces. One such phenomenon is the cloudburst.
CLOUD BURST, A NATURAL PHENOMENON OR MAN MADE
Apparently root cause of the deadly tragedy is certainly CLOUD BURST which rarely happens in this area. Experts in this case say that a cloudburst occurs when a large amount of water is suddenly released from clouds in a very short time, often within a small geographical area. Technically it is defined as rainfall exceeding 100 mm ( 4 inches) per hour over a localized area. SIGNIFICANT CAUSES of cloudburst are narrated as * OROGRAPHIC EFFECT: when moisture laden air rises quickly over mountains such as in the Himalayas, It cools rapidly and condenses leading to sudden, intense rainfall. *THUNDERCLOUD FORMATION – strong convection currentslift warm,moistair high into the atmosphere, where it condenses into heavy rain. * ATMOSPHERIC INSTABILITY is caused when different temperature and pressure layers interact violently. * HUMAN INDUCED FACTORS:- whilst cloudburst itself is not man made, however, human activities can increase frequency and severity of floods triggered by cloudburst as follows:=
*DEFORESTATION- has the effect of reducing natural water absorption, which increases the possibility of flash floods. * UNPLANNED URBANIZATION: concrete surfaces prevent water infiltration, severe waterlogging . *CLIMATE CHANGE :–warmer air holds more moisture, leading to heavier rainfall events. *POLLUTION: Across the globe multiple types ofpollution is being caused by the excessive human activity exploiting the bounties of nature for his personal use and variousother insignificant chores and things. * ROLE OF FORESTS AND MOUNTAINS: forests act as natural sponges, absorbing excess rain water and releasing it slowly into rivers. They stabilize slopes, reduce erosion, and regulate the watercycle. When forests are destroyed for roads, hotels, or agriculture, the land loses its resilience against sudden rains. MOUNTAINS, particularly the Himalayas are geologically young and fragile. Excessive human intervention by way of tunneling, mining, hydropower projects and flagrant cutting of jungles which weakens their stability. As a result, a cloudburst that may have been manageable in a healthy ecosystem turns into a disaster in the present scenario.
REAL LIFE EXAMPLES, IMPACT
In this context and matter of greater priority and importance, we can learn a lot and enrich ourselves to save nature and ward off severe dangers of massive destruction of property and loss of valuable human population from few earlier tragedies of catastrophic nature such as:-
*LEH, LADAKH in the year 2010: A devastating cloudburst killed over 200 people and thousands got displaced. *KEDARNATH, UTTRAKHAND (2013): Sudden torrential rains led to flash floods and landslides, killing thousands ofpilgrims. *HIMACHAL PRADESH & UTTRAKHAND(2023) : Multiple cloudbursts triggered landslides and floods, highlighting the growing vulnerability of Himalayan states. *JAMMU &KASHMIR * In the year 2021—22 several cloudbursts happened in J&K as well particularly in Anantnag, Ganderbal,andKishtwar causing flash floods that destroyed houses, bridges and crops, also dozens of people were killed in this catastrophe.
ADVERSE IMPACT OF CLOUDBURSTS
These incidents underline and highlight the fact that cloudbursts are becoming more frequent due to changing climate patterns and increasing human interference. IMPACT ON NATURE: Cloudbursts trigger landslides that bury villages and roads, also cause soil erosion which leads to loss of fertile land, further it causes river siltation, altering river courses and increasing flood risks downstream. IMPACT ON HUMANS: * There is large scale loss of lives on account of sudden flash floods. * Homes, infrastructure and agricultural fields suffer huge destruction. * There Is collapse of roads, bridges and communication networks, isolating communities. Society suffers huge psychological trauma and displacement of populations. *ON WILDLIFE AND BIODIVERSITY: Cloudbursts also cause Habitat destruction leading to death of animals and birds. * Reduction in species diversity due to frequent ecological disturbances. * The growing population of humans expands into ecologically fragile regions, increasing vulnerability and multiplying the effects of disasters.
LESSONS LEARNT AND ROLE OF ADMINISTRATION
1.Scientific Measures: We must focus on developing early warning systems using weather Radars and satellites. * Mobile alert systems for vulnerable populations. Appropriate investment in advanced meteorological research must be done on priority. 2. ECOLOGICAL MEASURES: * Large scale reforestation and preservation of natural forests is dire need of the hour. * Restricting reckless construction in mountain regions must be accorded topmost priority. Promotion of eco-friendly tourism practices must be suitably encouraged.
3. ADMINISTRATIVE MEASURES: *Disaster preparedness through mock drills and rescue training. *Strict land use laws to prevent construction in flood prone areas. *Strengthening of drainage systems and flood control infra structure. 4. PUBLIC AWARENESS:* It shall also be very significant to create awareness amongst the communities on disaster response by educating them properly about such disasters and the management. * Encouraging sustainable lifestyles. *Aligning strong religious beliefs with environmental responsibility, as many people in India treat nature as very sacred.
CONCLUSION
Cloudbursts are primarily natural phenomena but their catastrophic impact is magnified by human negligence. Deforestation, unregulated construction, and population pressure have made fragile mountain ecosystems vulnerable to disaster. The burning need of the hour is a balanced approach, respecting and restoring nature, restricting reckless and unbridled development and investing in disaster preparedness.Scientific innovations combined with traditional wisdom can help reduce the impact of such calamities. Mahatma Gandhi once said : “Earth provides enough to satisfy every man’s needs, but not every man’s greed.” If humanity learns this lesson, cloudbursts will remain natural events, not recurring tragedies
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