1. “The Himalayan disasters are less natural and more man-made.” Discuss with reference to climate change and unsustainable development. Suggest measures to mitigate such risk.
| SYLLABUS: General Studies – III: Disasters & Disaster Management |
IN NEWS: Constant technological upgrade will help stay ahead of rivals, says Army chief
The Himalayan region, though ecologically fragile and geologically young, is increasingly witnessing floods, landslides, and glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs). While natural vulnerabilities exist, the frequency and intensity of these disasters point to human-induced factors. Thus, Himalayan disasters are often “less natural and more man-made.
Causes:
1. Climate Change – Rising temperatures accelerate glacier melt, increasing risks of GLOFs (e.g., Chamoli disaster, 2021).
2. Unregulated Hydropower Projects – Over 1,100 projects in Himachal disturb slopes and river systems.
3. Deforestation – Removal of deodar forests weakens soil binding, aggravating landslides.
4. Infrastructure Expansion – Road-widening, tunnels (e.g., Manali-Chandigarh) without proper assessments heighten instability.
5. Tourism Pressure – Excessive hotels and homestays increase land-use stress.
6. Urban-style Planning – Applying metro-city models to mountains ignores ecological limits.
7. Sand and Timber Extraction – Riverbed mining and logging amplify flood intensity.
Policy Measures to Mitigate Risks
1. Carrying Capacity Studies – Mandate before approving major projects.
2. Stringent Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) – With disaster impact assessments and public consultation.
3. Sustainable Hydropower – Prioritize run-of-the-river projects over large dams.
4. Nature-based Solutions – Afforestation, slope stabilization, watershed management.
5. Climate-resilient Infrastructure – Relocate critical structures (schools, hospitals) to safe zones.
6. Local Community Participation – Build climate literacy and disaster preparedness at grassroots.
7. Strengthened Legal Framework – Enforce Supreme Court and NDMA guidelines on mountain ecology.
Himalayan disasters reflect the dual impact of climate change and reckless development. A shift towards eco-sensitive, participatory, and climate-resilient planning is essential to safeguard both lives and the fragile mountain ecosystem.
| PYQ REFERENCE: (2024) Q. Flooding in urban areas is an emerging climate-induced disaster. Discuss the causes of this disaster. Mention the features of two such major floods in the last two decades in India. Describe the policies and frameworks in India that aim at tackling such floods |
2. “With troubled neighbours on multiple fronts, India’s foreign policy faces unique challenges. Discuss how India can manage its neighborhood relations while safeguarding its national interests.”
| SYLLABUS: General Studies – II: India and its Neighbourhood- Relations |
IN NEWS: Nepal Army takes charge, as an uneasy calm returns after days of violent unrest
India shares borders with troubled neighbours such as Pakistan, China, and politically volatile smaller states like Nepal, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives. These challenges stem from territorial disputes, political instability, and external influence (notably China). India must balance national security with regional cooperation to maintain stability.
Challenges
1. Territorial Disputes – Ongoing conflicts with China (LAC) and Pakistan (Kashmir, LoC).
2. Terrorism & Cross-border Infiltration – State-sponsored terrorism from Pakistan.
3. China’s Influence – Growing Chinese investments in Sri Lanka, Nepal, Maldives through BRI projects.
4. Political Instability – Frequent crises in Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Myanmar spill over into India’s security.
5. Water Sharing Issues – Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan, Teesta with Bangladesh.
6. Refugee and Migration Concerns – Rohingya from Myanmar, Tamil refugees from Sri Lanka.
7. Trust Deficit – Perception of India as a “big brother” creates resistance to its initiatives
How India Can Tackle Troubled Neighbours
1. Strengthening Border Security – Upgrading infrastructure and surveillance along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China and Line of Control (LoC) with Pakistan.
2. Robust Diplomacy – Using dialogue channels to reduce tensions (e.g., backchannel talks with Pakistan, military-level talks with China).
3. Economic Integration – Expanding trade and connectivity under initiatives like BBIN (Bangladesh-Bhutan-India-Nepal) and IMEC corridor to bind neighbours economically.
4. Neighbourhood First Policy – Prioritising humanitarian aid and development assistance e.g., vaccines to Nepal, fuel aid to Sri Lanka.
5. Countering External Influence – Addressing China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) through alternatives like SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region).
7. Regional Platforms – Leveraging SAARC, BIMSTEC, and SCO to foster cooperative solutions to shared challenges like climate change and terrorism.
8. Soft Power Diplomacy – Promoting cultural ties, educational exchanges, and people-to-people connect to build goodwill and counter anti-India narratives
Troubled neighbourhoods remain India’s foremost foreign policy challenge. A balanced approach combining firm security measures, inclusive economic engagement, and constructive diplomacy can help India safeguard its strategic interests while promoting regional peace and stability.
| PYQ REFERENCE: (2013) Q. What do you understand by ‘The String of Pearls’? How does it impact India? Briefly outline the steps taken by India to counter this. |