Himalayan Crisis: Himachal Pradesh Battles Climate Change and Seeks Compensation

A devastating climate crisis looms over Himachal Pradesh, with Town and Country Planning Minister Rajesh Dharmani highlighting the disproportionate effects of global carbon emissions on the Himalayan states. As the region grapples with repeated natural disasters, Dharmani laments the absence of compensation at both national and international levels.

In a conversation with ANI, Dharmani revealed the harrowing experiences following heavy rains in Shimla, which led to landslides and uprooted trees, forcing him, two Congress MLAs, and the Chief Minister's IT advisor to vacate their residences. The minister described the chaotic night, filled with loud explosions and power outages, spurring an emergency evacuation of local residents.

Despite the local government's proactive environmental policies, Dharmani underscored the urgent need for fair compensation from industrial states, akin to the global support mandates of the Kyoto Protocol. He outlined comprehensive regulatory initiatives aimed at mitigating future risks, including strict construction regulations, retrofitting vulnerable structures, and reinforcing eco-friendly practices across the state.

(With inputs from agencies.)