Concerns Raised by the Author Regarding the Char Dham Highway Project
The project poses significant risks to mountain ecology, with studies showing increased landslides and environmental degradation.
Over 300 landslides were recorded along the highway due to road widening, leading to fatalities and blocked roads.
The project violates environmental guidelines and was divided into smaller segments to bypass necessary clearances.
Predictions of increased rainfall due to climate change will likely exacerbate landslide risks and instability.
Infrastructure development has led to depopulation, land abandonment, and economic shifts from agriculture to tourism, harming local communities.
The road's construction may hinder emergency troop movements during crises, contradicting its intended purpose.
Way Forward
The government should prioritize environmentally sound practices in infrastructure projects, considering the fragile Himalayan ecosystem.
Implement thorough scientific evaluations before starting large-scale projects to understand potential environmental impacts.
Review and reinforce policies that protect local land and resources from exploitation by outside entrepreneurs.
Develop solutions that support sustainable livelihoods for local communities rather than prioritizing tourism-driven economic models.
Scale down massive infrastructure initiatives and shift towards ecological restoration efforts to address existing environmental damage.
COMMENTS