The monsoon season of 2025 has severely impacted northern India’s Himalayan states. Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, and Uttarakhand faced devastating floods, landslides, and cloudbursts. These events brought into light the vulnerability of mountainous regions to extreme weather and the urgent need for improved disaster management.
Impact of Monsoon 2025 in Himalayan States
Heavy rains triggered floods in river basins like Chenab, Tawi, Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej. Over 140 lives were lost in Jammu and Kashmir alone. Crops were destroyed, pilgrimages disrupted, and infrastructure damaged. Uttarakhand saw flash floods that isolated remote areas like Dharali. Pilgrims stranded in Himachal Pradesh’s Manimahesh Yatra exceeded 10,000. The scale of destruction telld the fragility of the region’s terrain.
Disaster Response and Coordination
The response was swift and multi-agency. The Army, Air Force, paramilitary forces, and local volunteers worked together. Emergency bridges were installed, helicopters deployed, and stranded people evacuated. Communication networks were restored rapidly. Temporary Incident Command Posts enabled real-time coordination. Drone imagery and satellite communication supported damage assessment and relief operations.
Role of Technology in Disaster Management
Technology played a key role in managing the crisis. Drones helped with surveillance and rescue guidance. Satellite links and Doppler radar improved weather monitoring. The India Meteorological Department’s nowcasting tools provided timely alerts. However, experts stress the need to scale up technology use. Landslide mapping, glacial lake monitoring, and AI-based flash flood forecasting must be expanded for better preparedness.
Challenges in Public Awareness and Infrastructure
Despite warnings via SMS and apps, many citizens were unaware of safety protocols. Pilgrimage routes remain vulnerable due to continued footfall during alerts. Unregulated construction in riverbeds and slope destabilisation increase disaster risk. Awareness programmes like NDMA’s Aapda Mitra require deeper reach into schools and communities. Mock drills and local evacuation knowledge must be strengthened to improve public response.
Future Strategies for Himalayan Resilience
Recovery and reconstruction must focus on sustainability. Roads and bridges should be rebuilt with slope stabilisation measures. River embankments need reinforcement and illegal mining must be controlled. Early warning systems must become more localised and dense across valleys. Integration of civil society into disaster planning is vital. Strict enforcement of seismic codes and no-build zones can save lives. Building resilience is essential for adapting to climate change impacts.
Questions for UPSC:
- Critically analyse the role of technology in enhancing disaster management in mountainous regions with suitable examples.
- Explain the challenges faced by local populations during natural disasters and suggest measures to improve community preparedness and response.
- What are the impacts of climate change on Himalayan ecology? How does it influence disaster frequency and severity in the region?
- Comment on the importance of integrating civil society and government agencies in disaster risk reduction. Discuss with reference to recent disaster management practices in India.
