Urgent Call for Expert Consultation Amidst Rising Cloudburst Threats in Himalayan Region

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has raised alarms about the surge in natural disasters, such as cloudbursts, affecting the Himalayan region, particularly Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand. He emphasizes the need for expert collaboration to address these challenges.

Abdullah spoke near Chasoti, a village recently ravaged by a cloudburst, stressing that the entire Himalayan belt is increasingly vulnerable to such phenomena. He advocated for consulting experts to devise effective measures against the risks posed by glacial lake bursts and cloudbursts.

Following a deadly cloudburst in Kishtwar district, which resulted in fatalities and missing persons, Abdullah suggested that religious pilgrimages may require regulation to ensure safety. However, he cautioned against hasty decisions given the sensitive nature of these religious traditions.

(With inputs from agencies.)