Is anybody listening? Himachal environmentalists sound desperate red alert after unusual February flooding in Beas

Say Himalayan glaciers melting rapidly, rivers will soon dry up

MANDI: The recent three-day winter rainfall from February 27 to March 1 (2025) wreaked havoc in several parts of Himachal Pradesh, particularly in the Kullu-Manali belt, leaving roads damaged and an unusual February flood-like situation in Beas river.

But was this destruction merely a natural event or does it indicate something far more serious? Himachal Pradesh environmentalists believe this is just the beginning of a much bigger crisis — the melting of Himalayan glaciers, driven by climate change and unchecked human activities.

We are destroying our natural protection: Narinder Saini

Environment expert Narinder Saini, who has been studying ecological changes in the region, believes deforestation is one of the biggest culprits.

“Our forests are disappearing at an alarming rate. Thousands of trees are being cut down for roads, buildings and other projects. When we had thick forests, even heavy rainfall would not cause much destruction. But now, with fewer trees, water flows unchecked, causing landslides, floods and devastation,” warned Saini.

According to Saini, urban expansion has made matters worse. “Villages and towns are spreading rapidly, and so is concrete. Rainwater used to seep into the soil, but now it flows directly over cemented surfaces, increasing floods. Our traditional ways of living in harmony with nature are being ignored in the race for development,” he said.

Another critical issue he highlighted is the reckless dumping of construction debris. “The waste from highways, tunnels and dam projects is being thrown into our rivers and forests. When heavy rains come, this waste blocks natural drainage paths, worsening floods. It’s like we are setting a trap for ourselves.”

Shifting snowfall pattern another alarming sign: PD Lal

Nature enthusiast PD Lal, an environmentalist from Lahaul, recalled the devastating avalanches of March 8, 1979, in Lahaul & Spiti, when 237 persons lost their lives. “That was one of the deadliest tragedies in our region, but have we learnt anything from it? No. Instead, we continue to make the same mistakes,” he said.

Lal pointed out that the shifting snowfall pattern is another alarming sign. “Earlier, snow would fall in November and December, and it was dense and long-lasting. Now, it comes in February or March, and it’s lighter and melts quickly. This is speeding up glacier melting. If this continues, our rivers will dry up very soon and the entire ecosystem will be in danger.”

He also mentioned the recent 1,000 km-long march by renowned environmentalists from Ladakh to Delhi, aimed at raising awareness about climate change’s impact on the Himalayas. “They walked all that distance to warn us, but who is listening?”

Anuradha Rana: A politician who has been raising the alarm

While environmentalists have been vocal about the crisis, one political leader has been actively pushing for action. Anuradha Rana, Congress MLA from Lahaul & Spiti, has consistently raised concerns about environmental degradation at various platforms.

“She is one of the few leaders who understand that this is not just an ecological issue, but a question of survival for future generations,” says a local activist.

Anuradha Rana has called for stricter regulations on deforestation, better waste management in infrastructure projects, and sustainable development practices. She has also urged authorities to recognise the threat of melting glaciers and its long-term consequences on water availability and agriculture.

Path ahead: Can we still reverse the damage?

Experts believe that the following urgent steps must be taken to mitigate the crisis:

Stop large-scale deforestation and protect remaining forests.
Ensure environmental assessments before approving infrastructure projects.
Regulate urban expansion to balance development with nature.
Prevent dumping of construction waste in rivers and forests.
Raise awareness among local communities about sustainable practices.

If no action is taken, Himachal Pradesh could face even greater disasters in the coming years, said experts. “The recent rainfall was just a warning and how we respond now will determine whether we protect the Himalayas or push them towards an irreversible catastrophe,” they said.

Munish Sood