Why in the News?

Earlier this week, the Indian Army and Indo-Tibetan Border Police rescued 23 workers trapped under snow and ice after an avalanche in Mana village, Uttarakhand.

What were the key challenges faced by the rescue teams during the avalanche operation in Mana Village?

• Harsh Weather Conditions: The rescue teams operated under heavy snowfall and extreme cold at an elevation of 10,500 feet above mean sea level.
• Blocked Access Routes: Snow-blocked roads required the use of helicopters for evacuation, complicating logistics and delaying rescue efforts.
• Physical Exhaustion: Rescuers worked in near-continuous 60-hour shifts, demanding immense physical and mental stamina.
• Buried Structures: Containers housing workers were buried under several feet of snow, ice, and rock, making detection and extraction challenging.
• Limited Visibility and Navigation: Poor weather conditions hindered visibility, requiring the use of advanced technology like drone-based detection systems.

Why is Mana village particularly vulnerable to avalanches and other natural disasters?

• High-Altitude Location: Situated at 10,500 feet above sea level in the upper Himalayas, the village experiences heavy snowfall and extreme weather, increasing the risk of avalanches. Example: The recent avalanche buried containers under several feet of snow, making rescue operations challenging.
• Geological Instability: The Himalayan region is tectonically active, making the terrain prone to landslides, avalanches, and other natural hazards. Example: Frequent landslides during the monsoon season disrupt roads and infrastructure in Uttarakhand.
• Seasonal Climate Extremes: Harsh winters with severe snow accumulation create unstable snowpacks that can trigger avalanches. Example: Villagers traditionally migrate to lower areas like Gopeshwar during winter to avoid extreme weather risks.
• Construction and Human Activity: Ongoing infrastructure projects, such as road-building by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), disturb the fragile environment and increase disaster risks. Example: Workers were caught in an avalanche while working on a BRO construction site.
• Proximity to Glacial Zones: Close to glacial areas where melting ice and shifting snowpacks heighten the probability of snow slides. Example: Melting glaciers in the region have previously triggered flash floods, like the 2021 Chamoli disaster.

What lessons can be learned from other hazardous environments? 

• Enhanced Shelter Design for Safety: Use reinforced, insulated shelters designed to withstand extreme weather and heavy snow loads, similar to Antarctic research stations. Example: Antarctic research bases like the Amundsen-Scott Station use elevated, modular designs to prevent snow burial and provide long-term safety.
• Advanced Early Warning Systems: Implement real-time monitoring using satellite imaging, drones, and weather forecasting to detect potential avalanches and other hazards. Example: Switzerland’s avalanche warning system uses advanced sensors and weather models to alert communities and workers in mountainous areas.
• Comprehensive Safety Protocols and Training: Provide specialized safety training, emergency drills, and evacuation plans to workers in high-risk zones. Example: Oil platforms in the Arctic conduct regular safety drills and have rapid-response systems for extreme weather emergencies.

How could better infrastructure and safety measures reduce the risks faced by workers in high-altitude, disaster-prone areas? (Way forward)

• Improved Worker Shelters and Living Conditions: Construct insulated, avalanche-resistant shelters with emergency exits and heating systems to protect workers from harsh weather. Example: The Siachen Glacier military base uses reinforced prefabricated shelters designed to withstand extreme snow and sub-zero temperatures.
• Deployment of Real-Time Monitoring and Early Warning Systems: Use geospatial technology, drones, and automated weather stations to track snow accumulation and predict avalanches. Example: Japan’s snow monitoring system uses remote sensors to provide early warnings, reducing avalanche risks in mountainous areas.
• Enhanced Emergency Response Infrastructure: Establish permanent rescue facilities with specialized equipment (e.g., thermal detectors and rapid evacuation routes) for quicker disaster response. Example: The Alps region in Europe maintains well-equipped avalanche rescue stations, ensuring faster response times and reducing casualties.

Mains PYQ:

Q Differentiate the causes of landslides in the Himalayan region and Western Ghats. (UPSC IAS/2021)

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