Nepal flash floods: A wake-up call against infrastructure building spree across Himalayas, warns geo-scientist C.P. Rajendran

Flash floods in Nepal have highlighted the dangers of unchecked infrastructure development in the Himalayas, according to geo-scientist C.P. Rajendran. He warns that the region's unstable slopes and reduced river efficiency are primarily due to development projects that disregard ecological consequences. The recent disaster is not isolated, as it mirrors past incidents like the 2021 Chamoli disaster and 2013 Kedarnath disaster in Uttarakhand.

Scientists are still investigating the exact cause of the Nepal floods, but evidence points to a massive glacier collapse and landslide. Climate change is exacerbating the situation, with glaciers retreating faster and precipitation patterns shifting. The retreat of glaciers leaves behind moraines that trap melted water and can trigger glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs).

The Himalayas, known as the world's "Third Pole," are a critical source of fresh water for billions of people in South Asia. While glacial melt may initially increase river flow, it could lead to a long-term decrease in dry-season water supply. Soot deposition from tourism and human activities is accelerating glacial melt. To protect the Himalayas, Rajendran suggests reducing greenhouse gas emissions, investing in early warning systems, and enforcing sustainable development practices.

This includes declaring ecologically sensitive zones, enforcing legal protections, and stopping unsustainable activities. Measures should be taken to restore natural forests, increase green cover, and enforce visitor caps in tourism hotspots. Innovative solutions like solar-powered sensors near high-risk glacial lakes are also recommended for early hazard forecasting and timely evacuations.