GNY LIVE Peak Tensions: Himalayas on the Edge

The Indian Himalayan region, a geologically dynamic and ecologically sensitive landscape, is currently undergoing a transformation marked by the intersection of tectonic strain, accelerated climate change, and increasing anthropogenic pressures. The frequency and magnitude of natural disasters, including earthquakes, landslides, glacial lake outburst floods, glaciers/snow avalanches, flash floods, and forest fires, underscore the multidimensional vulnerabilities of this fragile ecosystem. This article, based on an in-depth interview with Prof. Kalachand Sain, former Director of the Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology (WIHG)-DST, explores the geophysical mechanisms underpinning the region’s seismicity, the climatic anomalies accelerating its environmental degradation, and the infrastructural and population-related stressors that are contributing to a mounting crisis. Through a synthesis of field-based geoscientific observations and a policy-relevant framework, the article offers a comprehensive perspective on the risks facing the Indian Himalayas and underscores the urgent need for integrated, science-led interventions.

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