Imminent waste crisis threatens Uttarakhand tunnel, Experts sound alarm
Amidst the high-tech rescue efforts in Uttarakhand’s tunnel collapse, a looming threat exists in the form of a massive waste mountain generated during the construction, positioned without a protective barrier. This waste, perilously perched on the mountainside, lacks a safeguard against potential sludge formation and downstream movement during heavy rains, posing a severe risk to residential areas below.
Geologist Dr. SP Sati highlights the danger, citing the absence of a protective wall and the potential downstream impact on water density, particularly in the rainy season. Stricter guidelines for construction in sensitive areas like the Himalayas stress the need for a proper muck disposal plan to prevent harm to the local ecosystem.
Experts, including Dr. Sudhir Krishna and Bhaskar Khulbe, emphasize the urgent need to reassess infrastructure development in the fragile Himalayan region. Dr. Krishna urges contemplation on the Uttarkashi tunnel incident as a warning for the future, expressing concern about the consequences of hasty development. Despite these concerns, government authorities, currently focused on the ongoing rescue, assert that environmental issues will be addressed later.
Vishal Chauhan from the National Highways Authority of India acknowledges the unpredictable nature of Himalayan geology but assures that projects undergo environmental assessments. He commits to examining raised questions after the rescue operation, emphasizing the current priority on rescue efforts.
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Executing the project is Navyuga Engineering Company Limited, based in Hyderabad, at a cost of ₹853 crore. While the company asserts completion of similar projects in the past, the unfolding situation underscores the critical need for comprehensive safety measures and environmental considerations in Himalayan development projects.
