Himachal Pradesh Monsoon Crisis and Infrastructure Damage
Source:asianews-network ↗
Why It Matters
Relevant for understanding extreme weather events, climate vulnerability, and disaster management challenges specific to the topography of Himachal Pradesh.
Summary
Himachal Pradesh experienced a severe monsoon crisis leading to more than 70 deaths and economic damages exceeding USD 95 million due to extensive landslides, flash floods, and infrastructure destruction.
Key Points
- Himachal Pradesh faced a severe monsoon crisis resulting in over 70 fatalities.
- Total economic damage and infrastructure loss crossed USD 95 million during the monsoon season.
- Monsoon-induced flash floods and landslides caused widespread disruption across districts in Himachal Pradesh.
Important Terms
State Government of Himachal Pradesh
The executive authority in Himachal Pradesh responsible for governance, law enforcement, disaster response, and allocation of relief funds through mechanisms like the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF).
UPSC context
Relevant for HPAS Paper II (Governance and Administration) and disaster management response coordination during extreme climate events.
Static Concepts Connected
What are the primary institutional mechanisms for disaster management in India and Himachal Pradesh?
- NDMA Role:: Apex statutory body chaired by the Prime Minister for national-level disaster policies and guidelines.
- DDMA Mandate:: Operates at the district level, headed by the Deputy Commissioner, responsible for ground-level response and relief execution.
- SDMA & SDRF:: State nodal agency for disaster response, coordinating search, rescue, and relief operations during heavy monsoon calamities.
Cross-Topic Patterns
Monsoon Disasters vs Hill State Fiscal Capacity
Himachal's recurring monsoon slide disasters directly test the implementation and funding gaps of the National Cyclone Risk Mitigation Project (NCRMP) and NDMA guidelines for hill states.
HPAS Mains: Critically evaluate the structural causes of recurring flash floods in Himachal Pradesh and suggest a sustainable hill-town development model.
Linked PYQs · 3
Linked PYQs · 3
- 2023HPAS_PRELIMSGS1
Consider the following statements : (1) The rainiest district in Himachal Pradesh is Kangra. (2) Rainfall in the Alpine region of Himachal Pradesh varies between 300-600 mm. (3) Winter season in Himachal Pradesh extends from October to March. (4) Mandi is the hottest place in Himachal Pradesh. Choose the correct answer from the options given below :
- 2024HPAS_PRELIMSGS1
Arrange the following climatic zones of Himachal Pradesh according to rainfall amount from lowest to highest : (1) Frigid aridic zone (2) Wet temperate zone (3) Humid sub-tropical zone (4) Sub-humid sub-tropical zone Choose the correct answer from the options given below :
- 2020HPAS_PRELIMSGS1
Consider the given four statements and choose the correct answer from the given options. Select the true statements from the following: 1. Chamba, Kullu and Kinnaur are considered the most susceptible of landslide threat. 2. Una, Bilaspur, Sirmaur, Shimla and Solan are considered as low vulnerable of disaster threats. 3. Hum valley of Una district has hardly any natural drinking water source. 4. As per the study of central water board, Kala Amb valley in Sirmaur district has exploited the least underground water.
