Man‐made disaster

Over 17 people killed, numerous others injured and missing in the Himalayan tragedy, entirely a man-made one. Dams, electricity projects, roads and other human activity on the mountain slopes are affecting the ecological balance of the area, causing soil erosion and cloudbursts. Add to this the destruction of natural fauna and flora of the great Himalayas. The Char Dham Yatra has opened the gates for hectic commercial activity in the hills. In 1991, there were 99 earthquakes and in 2013, there was the cloudburst at Kedar nath. Sadly, we have not lear nt any lessons.