Uttarakhand’s Infrastructure Vulnerability to Disasters and Path to Resilience

This animation explores Uttarakhands vulnerability to disasters and what it means for the infrastructure of the state. It also details out natural and man-made risks to disasters. It concludes with possible solutions to increase infrastructure through urban planning, nature. Uttarakhand is located in the northern part of india it is known for its rich culture and biodiversity. As Uttarakhand lies in the young Himalayas, it is prone to glacier bursts, cloudbursts. It is also prone to heavy earthquakes as It forms part of the main frontal thrust for the eurasian and indian tectonic plates. These disasters lead to subsequent disasters like landslides and flashfloods. Factors that increase impact of disasters are rapid urbanisation, construction on ecologically sensitive areas and rise in climate change. These disasters cause human, biodiversity and infrastructure loss. Infrastructure loss disrupts social and economic functions, costs huge financial damage and takes years to recover. In the last three decades Uttarakhand has faced a lot of major disasters in the form of earthquakes, landslides and flash floods causing huge economic damages. For instance, in 2013’s Uttarakhand floods infrastructure damage went upto 661 million US dollars across all infrastructure sectors. So the question is, how do we increase infrastructure resilience? What can Urban Planners do? Firstly, they can do risk assessments to identify vulnerable and sensitive areas prone to disasters. Secondly, they can have zoning laws informed by those risk assessments to have no development zones on such vulnerable areas. Thirdly, early warning systems can help warn people and infrastructure authorities before hand to avoid damages. Lastly, they can prepare resilience strategies for each infrastructure sectors to ensure their stability. So how does nature play a role in infrastructure resilience? Increasing forest cover on hilly areas help stabilise the slope which in turn helps in reducing the impacts of landslides. Other nature based solutions such as maintenance of flood plains and wetlands help soak up water and slows down flood waters These nature based solutions have other benefits like increase in bio improvement of water quality, groundwater recharge and helps to provide livelihood and agriculture to local people. As an aspiring young planner who lives in Uttarakhand, my hope is to make better plans zoning laws which are informed by risk assessments and involve nature to enhance and build resilience.