Himachal Pradesh is witnessing yet another devastating monsoon season, with extreme weather wreaking havoc across the state. Since the onset of the monsoon on June 20, at least 98 people have lost their lives, while 34 remain missing. Infrastructure damage has been extensive — dozens of homes and roads have been destroyed — resulting in an estimated loss of ₹800 crore, reports Hindustan Times.
While climate change is cited as a major driver, experts are also pointing fingers at unchecked construction, flawed development models, and neglect of ecological considerations as key contributors to the recurring disasters.
Government Considers Action Amid Escalating Cloudburst Incidents
The rising frequency of cloudbursts has prompted the Himachal government to consider new legislation to regulate unplanned construction and address unscientific muck dumping, which experts say is worsening the impact of extreme rainfall. The state is also pushing for more studies on cloudbursts and looking to introduce scientific mechanisms for safe waste disposal.
Dr. Suresh Atri, principal scientific officer in the Department of Environmental Science and Technology, explained that cloudbursts typically occur when over 100 mm of rain falls in a very short span of time over a small area. “The narrow valleys and weak soils in Himachal cannot handle such intense rain. With global temperatures rising, these events are becoming more frequent,” he said.
Dr. Atri cautioned against poorly planned afforestation as well, stating that indiscriminate tree planting may not effectively offset deforestation caused by development. He stressed the need for thorough scientific assessments before approving construction projects, particularly in sensitive zones such as riverbanks and steep valleys.
According to L.N. Aggarwal, former director of the Geological Survey of India and current consultant to Himachal’s energy department, improper road construction is a major reason for landslides in the region. “Cutting roads into hills disturbs the natural slope and exposes weak rock layers. These layers often contain clay and silt, which become slippery when wet, leading to landslides,” he explained.
He added that the Himalayas, being geologically young, are composed of unstable and loosely packed materials. Tunnel construction through these fragile formations further disturbs internal stability. Aggarwal pointed out that tectonic activity in the region, particularly in places like Mandi and Thunag, has created fault lines and thrust zones that are naturally weak. Continuous rainfall saturates the soil, making landslides inevitable.
“In some places, you can see trees leaning at odd angles — this indicates ongoing soil movement beneath the surface,” Aggarwal noted.
Professor Ambrish Kumar Mahajan, head of the geology department at the Central University of Himachal Pradesh, said the state’s increasing vulnerability to landslides stems from more intense rainfall caused by climate change. “Rainfall events are becoming shorter but much heavier. This sudden load of water overwhelms the terrain,” he said.
Mahajan also warned that unplanned urbanisation and vertical road cutting are weakening the already fragile Himalayan slopes. He emphasized the need for better drainage systems and strict regulations to prevent construction along riverbeds.
Echoing this sentiment, Tikender Singh Panwar, an urban transition expert based in Shimla, said extreme weather events are no longer rare. “Disasters that were once considered once-in-a-century events are happening regularly. We must map vulnerabilities and completely avoid building in landslide-prone zones,” he said.
Experts across the board agree that Himachal Pradesh’s mounting ecological disasters are the result of both environmental and human-made factors. With climate change increasing the frequency and intensity of such events, there is a growing consensus that development in the hills must be reimagined — one that is science-led, ecologically sensitive, and climate-resilient.
