Himalayan havoc: Are we ignoring nature's warning signs?

Since time immemorial, Himalayan ranges have occupied our mind space for their serene landscape; natural sounds of winds, rivers, flora and fauna; spirituality; sanctuary; solace and much more. But not anymore.

What we are witnessing is dreadful, to say the least. So, who should be blamed for the frightful scenario? The easiest thing would be to lay blame sheets at the doors of governments and companies and wash one’s hands of responsibility.

True, governments and companies are directly responsible for cutting/dividing mountains, making tunnels through the ridges and erecting massive modern summits. But aren’t these a part of popular demand too? Haven’t people in their individual capacity erected structures on peaks and slopes to cash in on hordes of travellers making their way to the hills?


One should never forget that the Himalayas are majestic and every peak is like a crown. But in the hall of the mountain king when regality is challenged, pushbacks are natural. Has anyone witnessed cloudbursts, raging rivers, flash floods, landslides, rockfalls, crashing boulders — all at once — in the plains? It is also important to keep in mind that mountains aren’t open country and they aren’t everywhere. Hence, it’s critical to remember that they are different and what holds true in the plains may not be relevant in the mountains, who are like a close-knit family, preferring to live with their brethren in a particular corner of a landmass.

Another way to look at the devastation is to consider the Himalayan havoc as a form of divine punishment. No matter how the destruction is perceived, it is clear that mountains are sending out messages every monsoon, year after year. Only time will tell if the signals were picked up or not.