In what ways does deforestation in India’s hilly regions increase the risk of flash floods?
Shrinking glaciers result from climate change driven by human activities i.e. rising global temperatures, greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, pollution and altered precipitation patterns, accelerating glacier melting and retreat worldwide rapidly.The socio economic impacts of shrinking glaciersRead more
Shrinking glaciers result from climate change driven by human activities i.e. rising global temperatures, greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, pollution and altered precipitation patterns, accelerating glacier melting and retreat worldwide rapidly.The socio economic impacts of shrinking glaciers on communities dependent on glacial meltwater are numerous and far reaching i.e. –
- Cause water scarcity by impacting communities drinking water, sanitation, hygiene and food security, exacerbating poverty and social instability.
- Trigger economic losses due to reduced hydroelectricity, tourism, agriculture and infrastructure damage, straining local economies and exacerbating poverty levels.
- Harm health by water scarcity, increased water borne diseases, reduced sanitation and malnutrition, exacerbating community health vulnerabilities and risks.
- Disrupt communities by displacement, migration, cultural loss, social tensions and decreased well being, affecting indigenous rights and traditional livelihoods severely.
- Threaten food security by reduced irrigation, crop failures, livestock stress and water scarcity, exacerbating hunger, malnutrition and livelihood instability.
- Erode cultural heritage due to loss of sacred sites, traditional livelihoods and ancestral lands, threatening indigenous identities and spiritual practices.
- Expose vulnerability , requiring adaptation through communities face heightened risk, displacement and livelihood disruption, necessitating climate resilient strategies and infrastructure upgrades.
Governments initiate relief measures by investing in climate resilient infrastructure, water harvesting, irrigation systems, agricultural subsidies, relocation plans and skill training programs to mitigate socio economic impacts of shrinking glaciers on vulnerable communities.
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India's exposure to floods encompasses over 40 million hectares of its 329 million-hectare landscape, marked by heightened vulnerability (NDMA). This susceptibility is notably accentuated in hilly regions, where flash floods—sudden and intense deluges as seen recently in Himachal Pradesh—intensify dRead more
India’s exposure to floods encompasses over 40 million hectares of its 329 million-hectare landscape, marked by heightened vulnerability (NDMA). This susceptibility is notably accentuated in hilly regions, where flash floods—sudden and intense deluges as seen recently in Himachal Pradesh—intensify due to various catalysts. Prominent factors include altered river courses, increased urbanization, and climate change impacts. However, out of these, deforestation looms large as a pivotal contributor, amplifying the risk substantially as explained below:
Deforestation and Increased Vulnerability to Flash Floods in Hilly Regions of India:
Amidst the complicated tapestry of nature, deforestation significantly amplifies the susceptibility of flash floods in Indian hill regions. The journey ahead calls for collective action, policy reinforcement, and a harmonious coexistence with the environment. This restorative symphony envisions a future where deforestation yields to sustainable coexistence, diminishing flash flood vulnerability.
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