Overview
The Ministry of Home Affairs has set up a Multi‑Sectoral Central Team (MSCT) to study the rising incidents of cloudbursts, flash floods, landslides and extreme rainfall in Himachal Pradesh. The team brings together experts from several national institutions and incorporates data from the IMD, Central Water Commission and Geological Survey of India.
Key Developments
- Formation of MSCT comprising NDMA, Central Building Research Institute, Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, IIT Indore and other agencies.
- Mandate to conduct scientific assessment of causes behind increasing extreme weather events.
- Compilation and analysis of data from multiple agencies to recommend long‑term mitigation measures.
- Statement by Shri Nityanand Rai, Minister of State (Home), in Lok Sabha confirming the initiative.
Important Facts
Assessments by weather experts and scientific institutions indicate that climate change is intensifying rainfall in the Himalayan belt. Accelerated snowmelt and moraine instability are causing off‑season slope failures and high runoff in high‑altitude zones. The MSCT study also points to anthropogenic factors as contributors to the heightened risk.
Exam Relevance
Understanding the composition and role of the MSCT helps aspirants answer questions on inter‑agency coordination (GS2) and disaster management frameworks (GS3). The link between climate change, glacial dynamics and Himalayan hazards is vital for environment‑related topics in GS3. Knowledge of agencies like NDMA, IMD, and GSI is frequently asked in prelims and mains.
Way Forward
- Develop region‑specific early warning systems integrating data from IMD, CWC and GSI.
- Implement land‑use planning that restricts construction on vulnerable slopes.
- Promote afforestation and slope‑stabilisation measures to counter anthropogenic impacts.
- Strengthen capacity of local disaster response teams through training by NDMA and CBRI.
- Regularly update climate‑risk assessments as part of the MSCT’s long‑term monitoring.
These steps aim to reduce loss of life and property from future cloudburst‑related disasters in the Himalayan region.