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Dichotomy of Rain: The Dilemma of Cloud Bursts in Uttarakhand (India) and Challenges to Disaster Management

Author Affiliations

  • 1 School of Ecology and Environment Studies, Nalanda University, Rajgir, Nalanda, Bihar, India

Int. Res. J. Environment Sci., Volume 5, Issue (11), Pages 65-77, November,22 (2016)

Abstract

The rain plays a crucial role in shaping the landscape and bringing nutrients to the creatures for survival, whether it is an ocean ecosystem or mountain eco systems such as in Indian Himalayan region. The geographical concepts of mountains acting as rain shadow and rain shedding natural structures are interlinked. In this way, rain not only enrich in variety of flora, fauna, human communities and cultural diversity but also important as a provider of life, offering water to a huge part of the Indian Himalayan subcontinent. But in recent past, continuing climate change and anthropogenic activities brings significant changes in the climate and precipitation pattern of the Himalayan area. As a result the, Uttarakhand state in Indian Himalayan Zone, is currently known for developing recurrence and power of common catastrophes like Cloud burst, downpour, overwhelming precipitation and ensuing avalanches. These frequencies result in the loss of people, agriculture lands, infrastructure, and further insecurity of mountain slants and ecosystems. As number of cloudburst accidents in Uttarakhand Himalaya area arising every year and hence, lots of discussions are going on how climate change is seeking revenge on mankind by endowing us with disasters! These cloudbursts in first look seem to mostly link with the occurrence of extreme event due to climate change. In this foundation, the main aim of this paper is to investigate and find the factors responsible for increased intensity of cloud burst and the extreme rainfall events experienced by the Uttarakhand through recent rainfall data. The paper likewise takes a gander at and examines different choices for disaster risk diminishments and reductions in the sensitive eco zone like Uttarakhand.

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