Uttarkashi Disaster Strikes Notified Eco-Sensitive Zone; Experts Cite Ongoing Floodplain Violations

The flash flood and debris avalanche in Dharali, Uttarkashi, occurred within the ecologically fragile Bhagirathi Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ), where over 60 people are missing. Experts blame unregulated development, including construction on floodplains, for worsening the disaster. The Char Dham highway project and illegal constructions have violated ESZ norms. Heavy rainfall, possibly a cloudburst or glacial lake outburst, triggered the landslide. The IMD reported no extreme rainfall in Uttarkashi on the day, though prolonged rain may have destabilized slopes. Experts emphasize that poor enforcement of environmental laws and unchecked development are key factors contributing to such disasters in ecologically sensitive regions.