A Call for Change: Building Resilience in Mountainous Regions

In response to recurring disasters in hill regions, environmentalist Major General (Retd) Atul Kaushik has issued a call to establish 'no-build zones' in floodways along mountain streams and unstable slopes. His proposal aims to prevent future devastation in these areas by responding proactively to climate change.

According to Kaushik, past development prioritized GDP growth and unchecked consumerism, leaving mountainous communities vulnerable to natural forces like cloudbursts and river floods. He emphasizes that without proper planning, rebuilt structures could wash away again next year, burdening governments endlessly.

Kaushik advocates for mountain-specific building designs, robust climate-stress tests on infrastructure, and sustainable water management. Emphasizing transparency, he calls for real-time hazard mapping to ensure responsible urban planning and suggests using vacated land for parks and reforestation to mitigate risk.

(With inputs from agencies.)