Unchecked Construction, Ignored Warnings: Uttarkashi Floods Triggered by Rampant Violations in Protected Zone
Recent Disaster Highlights Human-Induced Vulnerability The catastrophic incident on August 5, 2025, in Dharali town of Uttarkashi district shows the impact of human actions. These actions have increased the vulnerability of ecologically sensitive zones in Uttarakhand. More than four people have died. Hundreds are missing. Flash floods swept away residential buildings and hotels. This incident once again illustrates how human negligence amplifies natural hazards. Bhagirathi Eco Sensitive Zone (ESZ): What It Is and Why It Matters Dharali, the epicenter of the devastation, lies within the Bhagirathi Eco Sensitive Zone (ESZ)—a 4,157-sq.km protected stretch between Gangotri and Uttarkashi. Established in 2012,…