Experts have warned that the Western and Eastern Ghats, two ecologically fragile areas in India, might face a disaster much like the land sinking incidents in Joshimath, if developmental actions should not halted, reported The New Indian Express.
Geologists and scientists have reported an increase in earthquakes, landslides, and flooding within the Western and Eastern Ghats, which they declare are being ignored by each the federal government and native communities.
They have referred to as for the federal government to conduct an intensive geo-scientific mapping of the areas and to instantly put an finish to the blasting of rocks for highway development, resorts, and different tasks.
An environmental evaluation have to be accomplished previous to kickstarting improvement tasks: Experts
A senior geologist from the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) said that the federal government was warned concerning the sensitivity of the areas when it introduced plans for river diversion and hydroelectric tasks.
Despite these warnings, the federal government reportedly proceeded with the tasks with out conducting any assessments of the potential hydrological, geological, and environmental impacts.
The geologist additionally remarked that the scenario in Joshimath, which additionally has a military base, has been dealt with extra effectively than it might be within the Western or Eastern Ghats.
Western Ghats getting used for urbanisation, alleges geologist
Sreedhar Ramamurthi, a famous geologist informed The New Indian Express that solely 20% of the realm in Joshimath wanted to be developed for settlement. He additionally warned that small pockets of the Western Ghats are already being opened up for urbanisation and different actions and that there’s a knee-jerk response from the federal government to handle the problem.
He emphasised the necessity for detailed scientific assessments of the areas earlier than it’s too late, citing the instance of Kerala, the place flooding occurred when springs have been obstructed.
He additionally famous that minor earthquakes happen yearly within the Himalayan area and micro-earthquakes happen day by day and that the identical may very well be occurring within the Western and Eastern Ghats with out being detected.
Need cautious examination to stop a Joshimath-like disaster: Expert
Professor Soumitro Banerjee, of the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) in Kolkata, additionally emphasised the necessity for detailed scientific assessments of the Western and Eastern Ghats.
He said that these areas have a pure geology and are in want of cautious examination earlier than it’s too late. He concluded by warning that the occasions in Joshimath might repeat in these areas if motion will not be taken instantly.
