ASSIGNMENT
RISK SENSITIVE LAND USE PLANNING
Chamoli Disaster (2021)
Has your city/municipality been impacted by a disaster? Please identify and
describe a particular disaster.
The Chamoli Disaster of February 7, 2021, was one of the most devastating
natural disasters in Uttarakhand, India, caused by a massive chunk of ice and rock
detached from the Ronti Peak glacier (part of the Nanda Devi glacier system). The
collapse triggered a high-speed avalanche, which rushed downhill with immense force a
glacier burst and flash floods. The disaster led to widespread destruction in the
Rishiganga and Dhauliganga river valleys, severely impacting local villages,
hydropower projects, and the environment.
What was the extent of damage in terms of fatalities, families displaced, private
property lost, and public infrastructure damaged ?
Extent of Damage
Category Impact
Lives Lost Over 200 people died or went missing.
Several villages along the Rishiganga & Dhauliganga rivers were
damaged.
Villages Affected
Many villages were left uninhabitable due to flooding and debris.
Infrastructure Roads, bridges, and two major hydroelectric power plants were
Destroyed severely damaged.
Rishiganga Power Project (13.2 MW) - Completely destroyed
Hydropower Plants
Tapovan-Vishnugad Project (520 MW) - Major damage, tunnels
Lost
collapsed
Economic Loss Estimated at ₹1,500 crores (~$200 million USD).
What decisions, actions and measures are taken by your city/municipal
authorities to protect people and their properties before, during and after
disasters?
1. Actions Taken by Authorities
(a) Before the Disaster
(i) Lack of Early Warning Systems. No advanced warning
system in place. Local residents noticed minor tremors before the disaster
but had no formal warning.
(ii) General Disaster Preparedness. Uttarakhand’s State
Disaster Response Force (SDRF) had basic emergency response plans
for floods and landslides. Villages along the riverbanks had some
evacuation routes, but no system for glacier-related disasters.
(b) During the Disaster – Emergency Response
(i) Massive Rescue Operations. Indian Army, ITBP, NDRF, and
local authorities launched a large-scale rescue operation. Helicopters,
Sniffer dogs and drones were used to locate trapped victims.
(ii) Rescue at Tapovan Tunnel. Heavy machinery was used to
dig through the tunnels, but many workers were found dead.
(c) After the Disaster – Recovery & Rehabilitation
(i) Compensation Announced: The Uttarakhand government
provided ₹4 lakh to families of the deceased. Financial assistance was
given to those who lost their homes and jobs.
(ii) Reconstruction of Infrastructure: Roads and bridges were
rebuilt to reconnect affected villages. Plans were made to redesign and
repair hydro projects in a more sustainable way.
In the event the phenomenon reocurs, or another disaster strikes, how vulnerable
are the city’s inhabitants? What have you or the city/municipal authorities done
or are doing to minimize future damage to lives and property?
1. Future Vulnerability & Disaster Prevention
(i) Melting Glaciers & Climate Change. Himalayan glaciers are retreating
rapidly, increasing risks.
(ii) Uncontrolled Hydropower Projects. Several large hydroelectric dams
are still planned in fragile zones.
(iii) Landslide-Prone Terrain. The area remains vulnerable to landslides and
flash floods.
2. Steps Taken to Prevent Future Disasters
(i) Glacier Monitoring & Early Warning Systems. ISRO, Wadia
Institute of Himalayan Geology, and NRSC (National Remote Sensing Centre)
are monitoring glaciers using satellites, drones, and ground sensors.
(ii) Eco-Sensitive Development & Zoning Laws. Stricter regulations
on hydropower projects in glacier-prone zones. Reforestation projects to stabilize
mountain slopes and reduce landslides.
(iii) Better Emergency Preparedness. Training local communities on
disaster response and evacuation procedures. Establishing safe shelters in
flood-prone areas.
Does your city/municipal authority have a land use plan and a zoning ordinance?
Do you think the vulnerability of your city/municipal population to potential
hazards has been reduced due to the preparation and implementation of these
documents?
Land Use Planning & Zoning Regulations
1. New Land Use Plans Implemented
(a) Construction is now restricted in high-risk flood zones.
(b) Eco-sensitive zones (ESZs) have been designated, limiting development
near fragile glaciers.
2. Safer Infrastructure Development
(a) Hydropower projects must follow stricter safety guidelines, including:
Building higher dams and reinforced tunnels.
(b) Designing flood-resistant power stations.
3. Has This Reduced Vulnerability?
(a) Partially – While new regulations help, many older hydro projects are still
vulnerable.
(b) More glacier monitoring is needed to track climate change effects.
(c) Strict enforcement of construction bans is necessary to prevent further
disasters.