The entire Hindukush-Himalaya reason is prone to the geological or climatically induced hazards of various forms and nature. However, there is a clear indication that not only the frequency of such hazards is increasing with time but also their intensity and impact on the lives and livelihood of people, living in the area, is increasing in severity. This year, we witnessed the incidences of cloudburst, flash floods in Leh, Shimla, Haridwar, Almora, Uttarkashi and Badrinath etc. Floods in Pakistan was also the part of the same climatic inductions. However, these were few of the nationally reported incidents but there were numerous incidences, which were not reported. Many hazards were caused due to the geological disturbances. However, such disturbance intensifies the nature of hazards when they cause massive amount of water or rock to collapse on the human settlements and their resources. Leh was the worst example of water-induced hazard. Himachal, Uttarakhand, & Jammu were also affected by hydrological hazards. In Himachal, there were several incidences of cloudburst, floods and landslide, recorded this year. The Flood of river Vyas was at the alarming point causing even a bigger threat of climatically induced hazard.
Here, we would like to share our experiences about Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh, especially in the context of the recent climatically induced hazards. Both the states are very sensitive to earthquake, landslide and flash flood. As reports suggested that the Hindukhush-Himalaya is very much prone to natural disasters but for last 3 to 5 years the entire Himalayan belt is facing acute hydrological & geological threat with increased frequency and intensity. Several types of disasters are being seen very frequently in the recent years that were not so common in the region in the past years:
1. Huge land slides
2. Flood(floods has very different nature)
3. dam outburst floods,
4. cloud burst and floods
5. Glacial Lake Outburst Floods,
A closer look into the pervious century indicates towards the fact that frequency of geological disasters, like landslide, are increasing. Incidences like MALPA where entire village had gone vanished within a night with all pilgrims were not very common in the past. However, not only the frequency of geologically and climatically induced disasters has increased in Hindukush-Himalyan region with the time, but also their severity has been increased. The recent incidences, like one in Almora district where entire village was destroyed due to cloudburst, pointed towards the similar findings. There are more than ten major incidences of similar nature were recorded in Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh and J & K during this year. 2010 has not only witnessed incidences like cloud burst, landslides at higher regions but also noted heavy rainfall in both upper and downstream regions. The vast region of Haryana, Punjab, Delhi, and UP has witnessed heavy rainfall and flood. The intensity of these incidences was very high. The communities, especially, people who live on the mountains, are still facing the adverse impact of these hazards. Again, responses towards these incidences are poor although the intensity of the emerging challenges is increasing. Government machineries do not have any effective strategy regarding preparedness and mitigation of the impact.
These incidences impact the lives and livelihood of the community, especially those who live on the mountainous regain. First and foremost is the fact that incidences like landslide, cloud bust, and flood completely destroy traditional livelihood options like agricultural, farming and animal husbandry. Agriculture in this area forms only a small portion of the household economy due to the low production and lack of appropriate agricultural land and many unfavorable factors. However, people have sustained their lives with a balance in agriculture, animal husbandry and migration. This year, the heavy rainfall and hazards impacted every facet of their economic lives. Secondly, these incidences destroyed whatever means of the communication existed in the area. The road transportation was completely destroyed due to heavy rainfall in Uttarakhand. With the destruction of road transportation, essential supplies could not be sent to villages and towns. The prices of green vegetables, cereals and other essential goods skyrocketed during the period of disaster and even many weeks after that. Again, tourism and out-migration make the major portion of the economy of the entire region. Badrinath Yatra (Chardhan Yatra) is major source of tourism economy in the Garhwal region. However, this Yatra was closed within a few days after its start, due to heavy rainfall and road destruction. Thousands of family, which were depended on their income on this Yatra, suffered heavy losses, this year, with no alternative income options to support their families, especially when the prices were gone up due to hazards &
road damages.
Ironically, the Uttarakhand government took no time to request a demand of for twenty one thousand crores rupees as the central assistance to mitigate the impact of the disaster in the state. However the fact is that state government has yet not developed any effective strategy to counter the disasters and their adverse impacts. Giving the fact that such incidences are only going to be increased in future with greater potential to damage the state infrastructure, livelihood and lives. The government is still approaching towards them with stereotyped vision and attitudes. Most demoralizing is the fact that instead of developing a short term and long term strategies to counter the impact of such disasters, at policy level, government seemed to look them as opportunities to fetch more money from the center.
Last month, India TV flashed a clip of Glacial Lake Outburst Flood in Garhwal region of Uttarakhand. The clip was not only dangerous but also forced us to think for the our future action. The most dangerous part of the year was the fear created due to the collapse of the major dams like Bhakhara Nangal and Tihri. Especially, water in Tihari dam crossed the danger level and made us think about the potential destruction in the case of its collapse. Uttar Pradesh also witnessed the roaring form of river ‘Ramganga’ and entire area including cities like Bijnaour, Moradabad and Bulandshahar witnessed the worst experiences of flood. However, the worst this which was reflected in the case of Tehri dam that it showed that government did not have any concrete strategy to counter such a situation.
Last month, India TV flashed a clip of Glacial Lake Outburst Flood in Garhwal region of Uttarakhand. The clip was not only dangerous but also forced us to think for the our future action. The most dangerous part of the year was the fear created due to the collapse of the major dams like Bhakhara Nangal and Tihri. Especially, water in Tihari dam crossed the danger level and made us think about the potential destruction in the case of its collapse. Uttar Pradesh also witnessed the roaring form of river ‘Ramganga’ and entire area including cities like Bijnaour, Moradabad and Bulandshahar witnessed the worst experiences of flood. However, the worst this which was reflected in the case of Tehri dam that it showed that government did not have any concrete strategy to counter such a situation.
However, we do not have any national policy to protect Himalayas and its environment. Our policy makers never developed a Himalaya friendly policy to develop Himalayan ecosystem. Our governments are in hurry to replicate the model of plains in the entire Himalayan region. That was not very suitable for the Himalayas as well. As we know that Himalaya is a sensitive zone and contains large areas which is covered by glaciers, seasonal and perennial snows, wetlands (including lakes), quagmire, and peat. Subsequently, it is very necessary to make a sensitive policy to save Himalaya and to make this entire region safe for community and for the life of the entire sub continent. It is also essential to understand the need of entire environment of Himalaya. However, central’s approached towards issues associated with Himalaya with stereotyped models of creating states, with a notion that smaller states would take care of their developmental issues. But if we could dig into the reality then we would find that environment of Himalyan region is actually stressed under the needs of sustaining the state machinery rather than empowering the community. Revenue needs have necessitated both the state governments to formulate and practice anti-environmental policies, which is reflected in the presence of JPs, Ambuja’s and other similar industrial groups in the areas. Although, there are environment related policies and safeguards existed in both the states however when it comes to practice then anyone can see that worst examples of destroying the mountains and its environment is being practiced at ground level.
Most Negative Aspects of Our Long Term Policy
- The policy maker werjavascript:void(0)e never interested to develop a model for
Himalayas
- They were hurry to replicate the plains model in the entire Himalaya zone
- The model of stereotyped urbanization damaged the whole eco system of the
region.
- Himalayan friendly system is highly ignored by the authorities.
- The traditional safe system is replaced by the endangered system
- Local people are not the part the policy making processes in the Himalaya
- Lacking researches and studies on various aspects related to the Himanlayan
region.
Mountains are being blown up with blasts (for cement production, stones and contraction) with poor technologies right from Shimla to Kinnaure and even one can see the worst situation in Shillai mining area in district Sirmaur. There is no one to save the Himalayan environment at the ground level. Kinnaure witness hundreds of incidences of avalanches each year however if you enter into the district you would witness that dynamites being used by JP group for blowing the mountain, on regular basis, causing the internal weakening of the rocks and reasons for future hazards. Why is this all happening? The answer is very clear state needs revenue from industries and from other states which purchase electricity. However the major portion of this revenue is spent on running and sustaining the stare machinery rather than running the schemes of employment to the members of communities in hilly areas. There is an immediate need to stop all such activities which are causing damages to the mountains. There should be a national consensus on these issues. Again, there should be a long term policy framework for Himalayan states with protecting the environment at the center of it. Other policies of the states including industrial policy should be formulated with putting the environment at the center. At the cost of environment, there wouldn’t be a good and sustainable economy.
Ground Realities of The HinduKush Himalayan Region:
- Government agencies have no system to know about any incident which takes
place in remote areas.
- Government agencies are very less informed agencies at local level. There is lack
of coordination among various agencies.
- People working with the agencies responsible to respond in emergency situation
are working with stereotyped mindset. They do not respond quickly. They also
lack the skills and trainings to respond efficiently during emergencies.
- Official information system is also very poor.
- There is huge gap between government official’s action and community requirement.
Himalayan community is highly vulnerable to the disasters due to fact that any rescue or support operation requires much time and resources to reach to them, especially in the remote areas. Nevertheless, in changing scenario people are much feared about the new faces of disasters. They are trying to understand the reasons behind the new types of disasters. They are familiar with the past trend of the disasters like earthquake, landslide and floods, which has been normal part of their lives. However, in the changing climatic scenario community needs information, awareness and proper training to cope with disasters & also for adaptation. There should be an appropriate policy and mechanism for preparedness in the context of disasters. There should be appropriate state preparedness to mitigate short term as well as long term impact of the hazards. Last, but not least is that fact that Himalayan life is very much dependent on natural resources and practices like agriculture, jungle, and animals. There should be effective provisions for livelihood development for people and communities living in the hills, especially for those living in extreme geographical conditions.
Some Most Considerable Points For Protecting The Himalayan Region:
• To develop a Himalayan friendly policy process to fight with disasters and also
to reduce it
• To develop a understanding between community and government people to make some
local understanding
• Also to develop a Capacity Building for Flash Floods Management and Sustainable
Development in the Himalayas.
• Himalayan people must be the part of the policy process for the region.
• Policy must be in the favor of the Himalayan environment and people
• To conduct researches and studies, on the regular basis, to contribute in risk
reduction in the Himanlayan region
! Stop Playing With Nature!
Dr Alka Singh
President
AMRITA
(Agency For Multidimensional Research, Implementation, Training & Advocacy)
Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Uttranchal, India
Note: This article has originally been published by the Solution Exchange, run by UNDP, New Delhi, India. The writer is Dr Alka Singh, President of AMRITA, India.
Saturday, December 11, 2010
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
CLIMATE CHANGE AND NUTRITIONAL STATUS IN INDOGANGETIC PLAIN ( BIHAR)
For last seven years, my work has been focused on assessing vulnerability of community to climate change and enhancing their adaptive capacity through community based adaptation and policy efforts in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. It includes assessment of vulnerability of food system and improving policy responses for enhancing adaptive capacity of food system of Indogangetic plain with the support of Asia Pacific Network for Global Change Research-Japan (APN), Nepal Water Conservation Foundation, Nepal (NWCF) and Global Environmental Change and Food System-UK (GECAFS). This project was implemented in five sites of four South Asian Countries.
In India, Ludhiana and Bihar were research sites. I have written several reports and papers and out of these, one is lying on the GECAFS’s website. The below given facts are based on research carried out in Vaishali district (Site - 4) of North Bihar (data collected uptill 2008).
During the characterization of food system and assessing its vulnerability to climate change induced water stresses, it was found that water stresses (mainly food and drought) have been playing major role in determining the adaptive capacity of food system. In last 33 years, the trend of rainfall and air temperature has changed. In result, the natural disasters (flood and drought) have become uncertain and devastating. This has made the farmers uncertain and unable to adapt with changing climate. The geographical situation and topography are additional determining factors unfavouring food system. The increasing period of waterlogging is disrupting agriculture and livestock rearing and reducing agricultural land by converting it into wasteland. The cycle of these disasters and resulted poverty, hunger and poor adaptive capacity (infrastructure, government support etc) have made the socio-economic status of community very pathetic. In turn, high migration rate exists as key coping mechanism; however, its major part is utilized in settling the loan taken by the family in the absence of migrants. Per capita income, in comparison of state and national average, is very poor. Thus, poor situation is prevailing in Bihar.
The nutritional security, key determinant of food security outcomes, is highly dependent on regular adequate intake of diversified foods throughout the year. There are many factors; those determine the availability of diversified food. These factors are quantity of food production, control over food production, purchasing power, hike in market food price, land area, agricultural investment and others. In the research area, due to water stresses, both Kharif and Rabi crops are adversely affected almost every year. The loss of major crops ranges from 40-65 percentages. In flood year 2008, percentage of crop loss is very much increased. In the area, because of low agricultural investment due to apprehension of risk of loss of water stresses and low investment capacity, there is low crop diversification. Small land holding prohibits crops diversification, likes, green vegetables, pulses etc. The animals’ by-products, likes, milk is sold for income purposes. Due to lack of adequate control over crop production because of many factors, the major part of produced food is sold to meet the household demands. In turn, the community is compelled to consume inadequate and less diversified food round the year. The intake of food is comparatively better during initial two-three months after crop harvesting. The social security programmes could not play their expected role due to well-known reasons. Conclusively, the large population is involved round the year in the food management for their survival. However, during rainy season, community of lowest income consumes flora and fauna, which are sources of protein.
Their food is unsafe because of use of ground water contaminated from arsenic and fluorides- in cooking food. Also, during the flood situation, because of poor storage system, their food is contaminated from flood water. In severe flood situation, due to lack of edible food, they are compelled to consume water-affected food. In area, 80 percentage of the population is malnourished and is victim of nutritional insecurity. They suffer from water born diseases.
I have also analyzed the policy aspects of climate change adaptation in Bihar. I am continuously working on this direction and looking for support to use research findings to influence policy-making process. I am of opinion that improvement of food security is dependent on community, regional, national and international level initiatives. At, initial three levels, development of all sectors is very important. In this context, Bihar has taken good initiatives. It is first Indian states, which has roadmaps for developing its major sectors including governance system. The appropriate and prompt implementation of these roadmaps and other supportive programmes, likes, NREGA, ICDS, Disaster Management etc can certainly improve food security of the Bihar. The increase of agricultural growth and reduce of migration are good examples.
In the community, sustainable agriculture with integrated approach, organic low input farming practices, agro-based income generation activities, promotion of improved livestock breed and water management practices can improve food security. It is not possible without proper investment, infrastructure & market development, ease and soft loan, innovate techniques, compilation and promotion of traditional teachings and system and R&D etc. The capacity building of community on climate change and adaptation issues is an essential aspect should be an ongoing process.
The engagement of citizen and local governance system in climate change adaptation policy process will play critical role. It should be integral part of all policy processes. Bihar has also started this process. For example, in Nov, 2009 on Draft State Water Policy, current Bihar government had involved farmers, NGOs, media, activists etc and obtained valuable feedbacks. It is now going to incorporate these inputs into its polices (latest news).
Gyaneshwar Singh
Senior Researcher
(Agency For Multidimensional Research, Implementation, Training & Advocacy)
Note: It was published on Solution Exchange,run by UNDP, New Delhi, India
(ftp://ftp.solutionexchange.net.in/public/food/cr/cr-se-food-clmt-13011001-public.pdf)
In India, Ludhiana and Bihar were research sites. I have written several reports and papers and out of these, one is lying on the GECAFS’s website. The below given facts are based on research carried out in Vaishali district (Site - 4) of North Bihar (data collected uptill 2008).
During the characterization of food system and assessing its vulnerability to climate change induced water stresses, it was found that water stresses (mainly food and drought) have been playing major role in determining the adaptive capacity of food system. In last 33 years, the trend of rainfall and air temperature has changed. In result, the natural disasters (flood and drought) have become uncertain and devastating. This has made the farmers uncertain and unable to adapt with changing climate. The geographical situation and topography are additional determining factors unfavouring food system. The increasing period of waterlogging is disrupting agriculture and livestock rearing and reducing agricultural land by converting it into wasteland. The cycle of these disasters and resulted poverty, hunger and poor adaptive capacity (infrastructure, government support etc) have made the socio-economic status of community very pathetic. In turn, high migration rate exists as key coping mechanism; however, its major part is utilized in settling the loan taken by the family in the absence of migrants. Per capita income, in comparison of state and national average, is very poor. Thus, poor situation is prevailing in Bihar.
The nutritional security, key determinant of food security outcomes, is highly dependent on regular adequate intake of diversified foods throughout the year. There are many factors; those determine the availability of diversified food. These factors are quantity of food production, control over food production, purchasing power, hike in market food price, land area, agricultural investment and others. In the research area, due to water stresses, both Kharif and Rabi crops are adversely affected almost every year. The loss of major crops ranges from 40-65 percentages. In flood year 2008, percentage of crop loss is very much increased. In the area, because of low agricultural investment due to apprehension of risk of loss of water stresses and low investment capacity, there is low crop diversification. Small land holding prohibits crops diversification, likes, green vegetables, pulses etc. The animals’ by-products, likes, milk is sold for income purposes. Due to lack of adequate control over crop production because of many factors, the major part of produced food is sold to meet the household demands. In turn, the community is compelled to consume inadequate and less diversified food round the year. The intake of food is comparatively better during initial two-three months after crop harvesting. The social security programmes could not play their expected role due to well-known reasons. Conclusively, the large population is involved round the year in the food management for their survival. However, during rainy season, community of lowest income consumes flora and fauna, which are sources of protein.
Their food is unsafe because of use of ground water contaminated from arsenic and fluorides- in cooking food. Also, during the flood situation, because of poor storage system, their food is contaminated from flood water. In severe flood situation, due to lack of edible food, they are compelled to consume water-affected food. In area, 80 percentage of the population is malnourished and is victim of nutritional insecurity. They suffer from water born diseases.
I have also analyzed the policy aspects of climate change adaptation in Bihar. I am continuously working on this direction and looking for support to use research findings to influence policy-making process. I am of opinion that improvement of food security is dependent on community, regional, national and international level initiatives. At, initial three levels, development of all sectors is very important. In this context, Bihar has taken good initiatives. It is first Indian states, which has roadmaps for developing its major sectors including governance system. The appropriate and prompt implementation of these roadmaps and other supportive programmes, likes, NREGA, ICDS, Disaster Management etc can certainly improve food security of the Bihar. The increase of agricultural growth and reduce of migration are good examples.
In the community, sustainable agriculture with integrated approach, organic low input farming practices, agro-based income generation activities, promotion of improved livestock breed and water management practices can improve food security. It is not possible without proper investment, infrastructure & market development, ease and soft loan, innovate techniques, compilation and promotion of traditional teachings and system and R&D etc. The capacity building of community on climate change and adaptation issues is an essential aspect should be an ongoing process.
The engagement of citizen and local governance system in climate change adaptation policy process will play critical role. It should be integral part of all policy processes. Bihar has also started this process. For example, in Nov, 2009 on Draft State Water Policy, current Bihar government had involved farmers, NGOs, media, activists etc and obtained valuable feedbacks. It is now going to incorporate these inputs into its polices (latest news).
Gyaneshwar Singh
Senior Researcher
(Agency For Multidimensional Research, Implementation, Training & Advocacy)
Note: It was published on Solution Exchange,run by UNDP, New Delhi, India
(ftp://ftp.solutionexchange.net.in/public/food/cr/cr-se-food-clmt-13011001-public.pdf)
Sunday, August 29, 2010
People's Voice in Government's Developmental Policies
Dear Ashutosh,
Editor, CNN,IBN
Today, we were watching your program”Hot Seat” on your channel CNN,IBN.Sunita Narain was the personality. You were discussing about development and related aspect. This interview is raising an important point that what type of development is required in Indian environment. What is important to understand regarding development that is:
1. All agitation which is coming from rural India (Aligarh, Mathura, Nandigram etc.) is not against the development. This really shows that rural India is realizing the reality of development and they are breaking their silence. They are expressing that lands are not only their assets but also a resource which is providing them employment and how government can make decision alone without their participation in policy making process. Shocking is this that our governments are planning for Roads, Mega-cities, Apolo type hospitals for whom (well-off people ) by grabbing the farmers livelihood as well as marginalizing them(pushing them towards chronic poverty and hunger ).
2.Development is a big word. We have a model of development which is in our mind. That model is imported model. It is important to think when we are talking about development is: first aspect which is important to think that our development is for whom? Second, development model which was implemented within last 63 years, was suitable for the countryman, area and environment? After why tribes are opposing “Vedanta “? Only because of their expansion? It is only one aspect of opposition. Actually, after many decades of independence people from rural India whether they are tribes or KIssan from Aligrah is analyzing their position and status in modern India and forcing policy makers to rethink over development.
3.Here, we want to raise a question that, if governments are planning to acquire land for development, how can they provide alternate employment option to the people, as 70% of our people are based on land and allied activities. It is our opinion that there is no any alternate option. I think, compensation is not the alternate option. It cannot provide them life time assurance as lands are providing them.
We think, development means develop the people, area and environment according to the geography, environment, need of community. Currently, we are damaging villages, their resources, environment and also their economy only to develop our urban area and to grow urban economy. Our villages are being a party. So they are entitled to huge compensation from urban centered economy as developing countries are demanding from developed countries in the regard of climate change.
Dr. Alka Singh
President
AMRITA
[Agency for Multidimensional Research, Implementation, Training and Advocacy]
Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, India
Editor, CNN,IBN
Today, we were watching your program”Hot Seat” on your channel CNN,IBN.Sunita Narain was the personality. You were discussing about development and related aspect. This interview is raising an important point that what type of development is required in Indian environment. What is important to understand regarding development that is:
1. All agitation which is coming from rural India (Aligarh, Mathura, Nandigram etc.) is not against the development. This really shows that rural India is realizing the reality of development and they are breaking their silence. They are expressing that lands are not only their assets but also a resource which is providing them employment and how government can make decision alone without their participation in policy making process. Shocking is this that our governments are planning for Roads, Mega-cities, Apolo type hospitals for whom (well-off people ) by grabbing the farmers livelihood as well as marginalizing them(pushing them towards chronic poverty and hunger ).
2.Development is a big word. We have a model of development which is in our mind. That model is imported model. It is important to think when we are talking about development is: first aspect which is important to think that our development is for whom? Second, development model which was implemented within last 63 years, was suitable for the countryman, area and environment? After why tribes are opposing “Vedanta “? Only because of their expansion? It is only one aspect of opposition. Actually, after many decades of independence people from rural India whether they are tribes or KIssan from Aligrah is analyzing their position and status in modern India and forcing policy makers to rethink over development.
3.Here, we want to raise a question that, if governments are planning to acquire land for development, how can they provide alternate employment option to the people, as 70% of our people are based on land and allied activities. It is our opinion that there is no any alternate option. I think, compensation is not the alternate option. It cannot provide them life time assurance as lands are providing them.
We think, development means develop the people, area and environment according to the geography, environment, need of community. Currently, we are damaging villages, their resources, environment and also their economy only to develop our urban area and to grow urban economy. Our villages are being a party. So they are entitled to huge compensation from urban centered economy as developing countries are demanding from developed countries in the regard of climate change.
Dr. Alka Singh
President
AMRITA
[Agency for Multidimensional Research, Implementation, Training and Advocacy]
Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, India
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