Geological Disasters, Climate Change, and Sustainability: A Perspective with Reference to Uttarakhand Himalaya

ABSTRACT Diversified types of geological hazards or geo-hazards with reference to the Uttarakhand Himalaya have been synthesised with their scientific reasons, and plausible steps for mitigation. The Himalayan landscape and geomorphology, which are influenced by natural phenomena, environmental degradation, and anthropogenic activities, regulate the damage patterns during a catastrophe produced by landslides, ice/ snow avalanches, flash floods, Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOF), forest fires, or earthquakes. Thus, we need to critically look into the climatic elements, natural processes, changes in geomorphic features, land degradation, and anthropogenic activities in gauging the Himalayan geo-hazards. The first and foremost measure of remediation is the identification of the most susceptible or vulnerable zones through the acquisition and analysis of different sets of land and satellite data, followed by the establishment of state-of-the-art sensors, suited for monitoring related geo-hazards. The data sets would then be utilised for developing Integrated Early Warning Systems (IEWS) based on Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Learning (ML) or Internet of Things (IoT) with a view to safeguarding lives and protecting properties. Definitely, the success of mitigation depends on the sensitisation of people living in the vulnerable areas and the engagement of local communities. The next measure is the stringent implementation of mountain-specific building codes. The final and most crucial part is maintaining a balance based on a mix of modern scientific approaches and traditional or Nature-based Solutions (NbS) for the preservation of the Himalayan ecosystem, and the exploitation of resources and creating facilities towards the socio-economic and strategic growth.