Brainstorming on Extreme Rainfall Events and Disasters in Uttarakhand Organised

4th September 2025, Dehradun

As part of the Himalaya Week Celebrations (4–9 September 2025), the ICAR–Indian Institute of Soil and Water Conservation, Dehradun, organized a Brainstorming Session on “Extreme Rainfall Events and Disasters in Uttarakhand: Impacts, Preparedness, and Ways Ahead.”

The Chief Guest, Dr. Anil P. Joshi, Padma Bhushan Awardee and Founder, HESCO, emphasized the significance of the Himalayas and the need for carrying-capacity–based development, where consumer attitudes must align with ecological balance and sustainable growth.

Er. Manu Gaur, Member, SAC Uttarakhand; President, TAXAB; Member, Drafting Committee, UCC; and Shri Anoop Nautiyal, Founder, Sustainable Development for Communities, Dehradun, graced the event as Guests of Honor.

Er. Gaur underlined the importance of addressing root causes rather than symptoms for long-term sustainability.

Sh. Nautiyal drew attention to unchecked human interventions disturbing natural systems and triggering disasters, also sharing key publications from his organization.

Dr. M. Madhu, Director, ICAR–IISWC, highlighted concerns on extreme rainfall, cloudbursts, and the need for integrated management and conservation strategies.

The brainstorming brought together over 110 participants, including scientists, experts from various organizations, and officials from Uttarakhand state line departments, along with around 25 online participants. Notable attendees included representatives from IIRS, Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology, ZSI, NIRDPRTR Gurugram, and government departments.

The deliberations focused on the rising frequency and intensity of extreme rainfall in the Himalayas and their cascading impacts on farming, animal husbandry, fisheries, forestry, infrastructure, and livelihoods.

Participants emphasized the importance of integrating public opinion in developmental planning, strengthening early warning systems, multi-sectoral preparedness, resilient infrastructure, and community-based disaster risk reduction.

The program highlighted that knowledge need to be taken to right agency that are needing or working at the field.

Around 25 participants attended the programme in hybrid mode.

(Source: ICAR–Indian Institute of Soil and Water Conservation, Dehradun)