As the frequency of landslides and other natural disasters has increased in Uttarakhand, courts have spoken up on the state’s plight. Early this year, when subsidence threatened Joshimath’s existence, the
National Green Tribunal (NGT) observed that Mussoorie should take note of the perils of unplanned construction. A bench headed by
NGT chairperson Justice AK Goel said a comprehensive study of the carrying capacity of eco-sensitive Himalayan areas is imperative.
NGT also mentioned a 2001 study by the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration that had advised a pause on construction in Mussoorie but was ignored by Mussoorie Dehradun Development Authority.
When villagers in Bageshwar opposed mining, NGT said blasting in the fragile mountains was disturbing the ecology of the area and leading to cracks in houses. It also formed a joint committee to look into the issue. Likewise, Uttarakhand high court has often expressed its displeasure over “the breakdown of ecological system due to uncontrolled and unregulated tourism in Doon Valley region – comprising Dehradun, Mussoorie, Rishikesh, Haridwar and adjoining areas”. The state government has been ordered to explain why it failed to prepare a tourism development plan and get it approved by the Centre, as mandated under the Doon Valley Notification.
In the light of the Joshimath subsidence, the HC advised National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to be mindful of the disaster while planning projects in eco-sensitive areas like the Ranibagh-Nainital ropeway project.