Cloudburst Incidents Rising in Uttarakhand: Experts Warn of Three Major Causes – Tehri Dam, Shorter Monsoon, and Deforestation
Dehradun, August 6: Uttarakhand has reported a sharp increase in cloudburst incidents over the last decade. Experts say this alarming trend is driven by three key factors – the construction of the Tehri Dam, the shortening of the monsoon season, and deforestation in the state’s plains.
Tehri Dam Impact on Local Climate
Dr. Sushil Kumar, former head of the Department of Geophysics at Wadia Institute, told Bhaskar that the frequency and intensity of cloudbursts have risen significantly in recent years. He explained that the Tehri Dam, built on the Bhagirathi River, is a major contributor.
“The reservoir created by the Tehri Dam spans 52 sq km and holds about 32 lakh acre-feet of water. This large water body alters the local microclimate, increasing cloud formation. During the monsoon, these clouds often cannot sustain the excess moisture, leading to destructive bursts,” said Dr. Kumar.
Multi-Cloudburst Phenomenon Emerging
Experts warn that Uttarakhand is now witnessing “multi-cloudburst” events – situations where multiple clouds burst simultaneously over the same region, causing widespread devastation. Hydropower projects across the state have further disrupted the natural river flow, aggravating the situation.
Historical Incidents and Current Frequency
The first major cloudburst disaster was recorded in 1952 in Pauri district when flash floods in the Nayar River wiped out Satpuli town. In 1954, Rudraprayag’s Daduwa village was buried in a landslide triggered by heavy rains. Since 1975, such incidents have occurred almost every year. Today, 15–20 cloudburst events are reported every monsoon. The 2013 Kedarnath disaster, which killed over 20,000 people and left 10,000 missing, was also caused by a cloudburst.
Monsoon Season Now Just Two Months Long
The Meteorological Centre in Dehradun says the monsoon season has shrunk. Rainfall that earlier spread over four months (June–September) now occurs mostly in July and August. Moreover, the number of “rainy days” has dropped, meaning that the same amount of rain falls in fewer days, increasing the risk of floods and landslides.
Deforestation in Plains Adds to Crisis
While 70% of Uttarakhand’s hilly areas are forested, the plains lack tree cover. This uneven distribution means monsoon clouds bypass the plains and release excessive rain over the hills, leading to flash floods and cloudbursts. Experts call for urgent afforestation in lowland areas to reduce the risk.
