Average temperature in Himalayan region of Himachal Pradesh has risen by 0.9 degrees Celsius: Scientist

Himachal Pradesh Faces Rising Climate Threats: Experts Call for Urgent Action

In the scenic hills of Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, experts from the state’s Environment and Climate Change Department are sounding the alarm on climate change impacts. They warn that the Himalayan region is dealing with more extreme weather like heavy rainfall, flash floods, landslides, and cloudbursts. These dangers stem from global warming and human activities, putting lives and infrastructure at risk.

The department’s Climate Change Centre analyzed decades of data and research to back these claims. Senior environmental scientist Dr. Suresh Kumar Atri, who’s been deeply involved in this study, shared key insights with . He revealed that Himachal Pradesh’s average temperature has already climbed by 0.9 degrees Celsius. "If we don’t act, this could hit 1.5°C by 2050 and climb to 2-2.5°C by century’s end," Atri explained.

This warming isn’t just numbers—it’s changing everything. Himachal is seeing messed-up monsoon patterns and ecological imbalances caused by human actions. Take this year’s monsoon: it stretched on without a real break since March. Short bursts of intense rain now turn into disasters. Even Western Disturbances, which usually wrap up by December, are lingering into winter months like January and February, thanks to global warming. These shifts are fueling flash floods, cloudbursts, and landslides across the state.

Atri stresses that this 0.9°C rise signals a permanent shift in the Himalayas’ climate. "Spring is shrinking, summers are scorching hotter, and natural disasters are on the rise. This isn’t guesswork—it’s backed by solid science," he said. Human habits are making it worse: unchecked building, deforestation, over-mining, and pulling too much groundwater or minerals from riverbeds. "We’re overexploiting the Earth," Atri noted. "Mining, forest cutting, and groundwater extraction throw nature out of balance. Planting a few trees doesn’t fix chopping down many more. We need to live in harmony with our ecosystems, not drain them dry."

To fight back, Atri pushes for long-term climate-resilient planning in Himachal Pradesh. After this devastating monsoon season, building tough infrastructure is key. Imagine a landslide blocking Shimla’s main roads—traffic grinds to a halt, hospitals get cut off, and supplies vanish. "We must design roads, hospitals, power grids, and water systems to withstand disasters," he urged.

Himachal gets about 1,200 mm of rain yearly, but now it dumps in intense bursts, overwhelming rivers and drains. Atri suggests marking flood-prone zones, beefing up drainage, and checking riverbanks scientifically. Skip shaky ground for new builds. Instead, go for nature-based fixes like planting trees, restoring watersheds, and using climate-smart plants and grasses.

Community involvement is crucial too. "Train every school, village, and home on climate risks," Atri said. Engage women, kids, and locals—grassroots prep can save lives. Policymakers should tighten rules on land use, ban construction in danger zones, and listen to community input.

Atri also recommends a Special Climate Relief Fund for Himachal Pradesh, plus more investment in research and early warnings. The state is already setting up Doppler radars, with 67 more in the works. "Stronger alerts and better forecasting from universities can cut down losses—even if we can’t stop them entirely," he added.

The Environment and Climate Change Department plans to weave these ideas into a new Climate-Resilient Development Infrastructure Policy. It will focus on cutting disaster risks, smart land use, eco-tourism, and science-driven building. As Himachal battles these changes, these steps could safeguard its stunning landscapes and people for the future.

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