Thread by @MongabayIndia

As the 2021 #UttarakhandDisaster unfolds, we look back at our coverage on India's environment to put it in perspective. #Thread👇
Watch this space for a ground report anchored by @journomayank, plus additional reporting as the science clarifies from @sghstory

In 2018, @journomayank and @kcmouli25 travelled to #Uttarakhand to mark 5 years after the 2013 floods.
"Environmentalists of the region stress that no lesson has been learnt from the disaster so far" ~
india.mongabay.com/2018/06/five-y…
@nidmmhaindia @moefcc @yamunajiye

Despite billions of rupees spent on #rehabilitation work following the June 2013 floods, Uttarakhand still bore visible signs of destruction, reported @journomayank and @kcmouli25 in 2018.
india.mongabay.com/2018/07/waitin…

Back in 2018, Sushila Devi from Banswara in #Chamoli district was actively fighting for her rights, against an under-construction hydroelectric project.
#hydroelectric #power #Uttarakhand #video

Uttarakhand is also known as Devbhoomi (land of Gods) and attracts spiritual seekers from around the world. The state reels under pressure from unregulated tourism and the infrastructure to support it, finds our 2018 article:
india.mongabay.com/2018/07/this-s…

The 900 km long Char Dham highway project, meant to connect the 4 major Hindu pilgrimage sites – Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath -- is an example of the #infrastructure push in the region. #repost
india.mongabay.com/2018/08/is-the…

The proposed 5040 megawatt #Pancheshwar Dam in the geologically sensitive Uttarakhand #Himalaya is another example of #infrastructure push. The dam would face a serious risk from seismic activity and sediment mobilisation, found a 2019 study. #Repost
india.mongabay.com/2019/06/panche…

Soapstone deposits in Uttarakhand's Bageshwar dt are one of the richest. The govt has sanctioned 90 soapstone mines in this region.
Locals and activists allege that mine operators have been flouting environmental norms.
#mining #soapstone @hridayeshjoshi
india.mongabay.com/2020/11/diggin…

The Indian govt's #Budget2021 has focussed infrastructure development led growth. This is expected to create a demand in the economy and thereby help it recover after the pandemic crisis.
@GopiWarrier
india.mongabay.com/2021/02/commen…

If such an infrastructure blitz were to be implemented without caution, what would be the environmental consequences?
Opinions welcome.
End of #thread.
#infrastructure #development #PostCOVID #recovery #economy