Devastating Floods in North India..Why Himachal is facing natures fury, every year? Climate Change Impact?

 Why Himachal is facing natures fury, every year?

Floods, Destruction , Loss of lives

Why is this happening again and again? How climate change is affecting lives of millions across the globe

Himachal Pradesh is facing a crisis — floods, landslides, cloudbursts, and collapsing roads have become regular headlines.
From Manali to Kullu and Shimla, the same mistakes continue — unscientific construction, forest encroachment, and over-development.
It’s time for the government to act wisely and scientifically to protect both people and nature. 🌿

In August 2025, the scenic valleys of Manali and Kullu once again witnessed massive destruction.
The Beas River overflowed, sweeping away highways, bridges, hotels, and vehicles — a grim reminder of the disasters of 1995 and 2023.

Heavy rains in Himachal Pradesh disrupted 524 roads, 1230 electricity transformers were hit. Himachal Pradesh suffered more than 312 deaths since the onset. The national highway between Mandi and Manali remained closed for nearly 2 weeks due to damage.

Is it only climate change — or our own unscientific development, encroachment, and greed?

In this vlog, we uncover the real story behind the Manali floods:
🌧️ How changing rainfall patterns and global warming are reshaping Himachal’s landscape
🏗️ How non-scientific highways, illegal construction near rivers, and forest encroachment are worsening disasters
🏞️ The impact of apple farming expansion, over-tourism, and unchecked population growth
🏠 The danger of non-TCP approved buildings and constructions too close to rivers and slopes
⚠️ What the government must do now — scientific planning, strict regulation, and sustainable growth

 

Major Causes of Natural Disasters in Himachal Pradesh

❌ Excessive Encroachment
Illegal constructions along rivers, streams, and slopes block the natural flow of water, leading to floods and landslides every year.

🛣️ Unscientific Highways and Development Projects
Roads and tunnels built by cutting through fragile mountains without proper geological study make slopes unstable and increase the risk of landslides.

🌲 Deforestation for Apple and Other Orchards
Uncontrolled cutting of forests for horticulture reduces tree cover, weakens soil-binding capacity, and disturbs rainfall balance.

🏘️ Construction Along Rivers and Streams
Building too close to rivers and nullahs multiplies the danger of flash floods and cloudburst-related destruction.

👨‍👩‍👧 Population Growth and Excessive Tourism Pressure
Overcrowding and overuse of limited natural resources disturb the ecological balance, causing pollution and waste accumulation.

🏗️ Unplanned Construction Along Highways
Irregular building near mountain roads increases the chances of landslides and road collapses, leading to heavy loss of life and property.

🚫 Non-TCP Approved Buildings (Unauthorized Construction)
Buildings constructed without approval from the Town & Country Planning Department are often unsafe and get destroyed first during disasters.

♻️ Plastic Waste and Garbage Mismanagement
Plastic and debris block drainage channels and river flow, creating waterlogging and worsening flood situations.

🌧️ Climate Change
Irregular rainfall, sudden snowstorms, and unpredictable weather patterns have made natural disasters more frequent and intense.

🚧 Excessive Mining and Stone Quarrying
Uncontrolled mining weakens the natural structure of mountains, triggering landslides and soil erosion.

 

In this vlog, we highlight 7 key steps the government must take to make Himachal safer and more sustainable 👇

1️Scientific and Sustainable Development
All highways, tunnels, and dam projects must only proceed after geo-technical studies and environmental impact assessments (EIA).
Slope stabilization and retaining wall techniques should be mandatory in hill construction.

2️Control Illegal Construction and Encroachment
Buildings constructed without Town & Country Planning (TCP) approval near rivers and streams must be removed.
Flood-prone and low-lying areas should be declared No Construction Zones.

3️Forest Conservation and Afforestation
Stop clearing forests for apple orchards or resorts.
Plant deep-rooted native trees on slopes to reduce erosion and landslides.

4️Strengthen Disaster Management
Expand Early Warning Systems to every village.
Train local teams under SDRF and NDRF.
Conduct regular Disaster Preparedness Drills in schools, hotels, and panchayats.

5️Regulate Tourism
Define carrying capacity for tourist hotspots like Manali, Shimla, and Dharamshala.
Use eco-tax revenue for waste management and river protection.

6️Control Mining and Construction Material Use
Strictly monitor riverbed mining and promote alternative construction materials to protect natural balance.

7️Combat Climate Change (Adaptation Plan)
Monitor glaciers and prepare for GLOF (Glacial Lake Outburst Floods).
Develop climate-resilient infrastructure and demand a Special Climate Fund for Himalayan states.

👉 The Bottom Line:
The government must stop treating “Development vs Environment” as a battle.
True progress lies in balanced, scientific, and eco-friendly growth.
The Himalayas will survive not through more roads and hotels — but through a safe and sustainable environment. 🌏

 

This vlog is not just about destruction — it’s about hope, awareness, and responsibility.
If we act now, the Himalayas can still be saved.