19 April 2023, NIICE Commentary 8632
Dr Shalini
Impending Danger in Joshimath
The recent news of land sinking in Joshimath is a clear indication of the impending danger in the region and calls for an immediate action. Joshimath, located in the Indian state of Uttarakhand, is a popular tourist destination and a gateway to several pilgrimage sites. It is situated in the Himalayan region known for its seismic activity, and the recent sinking of land only adds to the existing concerns. The region witnessed a devastating flood in 2013, which claimed several lives and caused massive destruction. The situation in Joshimath could be a precursor to another disaster of a similar magnitude. The sinking of land can be a result of various factors, including deforestation, construction in the fragile Himalayan region, natural phenomena like seismic activity and climate change. This, coupled with the melting of glaciers due to global warming, has increased the risk of landslides and floods in the region.
The Multifaceted Impact of Land Sinking in Joshimath
The significant land sinking in Joshimath has the potential to trigger landslides and flash floods impacting the region’s tourism industry, which is a significant source of income for the local population. These events can result in massive loss of life and property, as was seen during the devastating flood in the region in 2013. It is a serious environmental concern with implications for agriculture, due to issues related to growing crops in unstable soil. The region is home to several endangered species of plants and animals, whose habitat is significantly threatened. Moreover, the destabilization of the slopes could cause soil erosion and release harmful chemicals causing soil and water pollution.
The crisis has led to forced displacement of people that causes a range of psychological symptoms, including depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and feelings of helplessness and hopelessness. This also disrupts their sense of security and stability. The psychological effects of forced displacement also manifest in physical symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, and digestive issues. These physical symptoms can further exacerbate the stress and anxiety associated with displacement. Children are particularly vulnerable to the psychological effects that disrupt their education, social relationships, and sense of security. Children may experience nightmares, bed-wetting, other symptoms of anxiety and trauma with long-term consequences for their development and future well-being. People may feel isolated and disconnected from their communities, making it difficult for them to access the support they need to recover from crisis and rebuild their lives.
Climate induced migration can increase the burden on the social front and economy by leading to poverty, forced servitude and human rights insecurity. It will be very challenging for India in general and Uttarakhand in particular, to absorb the possible migration for food, shelter, and job opportunities; creating clusters in cites in which they can be deprived of basic human needs and rights. To cater women and children will also be tasking and might also create a situation like Rohingya crisis.
Political Silence on Climate Change
The land sinking and consequent forced displacement calls for attention to environmental degradation and its consequences. However, in India, there has been a deafening political silence on climate change. Despite being one of the countries, most affected by climate change, the Indian government has not prioritized the issue in its political agenda. One of the primary reasons for this has been the government’s priority to improve infrastructure and economic output of the country, which has led to a significant increase in greenhouse gas emissions. The government fears that any efforts to mitigate the climate issue may negatively impact the country’s economic growth. Moreover, the issue of climate change is often discussed in scientific terms, making it difficult for the average person to understand the urgency of the situation. Consequently, there is limited public pressure on the government to act on climate change. Hence, the issue remains a low priority on the political agenda. Besides social, economic, and environmental consequences, the lack of action on climate change could also damage India’s international reputation and impact the country’s ability to engage in global negotiations and partnerships. As one of the world’s largest economies, India has the potential to lead the way in adopting sustainable and low-carbon development strategies, but its political silence on climate change undermines global efforts to address climate change.
Building a Resilient Future: Key Strategies
The sinking of land in Joshimath is a wake-up call for all of us. We need to be more mindful of our actions and their impact on the environment. The authorities must ensure that development activities do not come at the cost of environmental degradation and human lives. The government must restrict construction activity in the region and undertake massive afforestation drives to stabilize the slopes. Additionally, measures should be taken to monitor the region’s seismic activity to predict and prevent disasters. They must also create awareness among the local population about the potential consequences of their actions and encourage them to adopt sustainable practices. The government and other organizations must provide adequate support and resources to address the psychological effects of experiencing eminent danger and help the affected communities recover and rebuild their lives. There is a lot that can be learnt from the crisis in Joshimath. For instance, there is a need for early warning systems as they can help to mitigate the impact of natural disasters and reduce the loss of life and property. An early warning system could have alerted residents of Joshimath giving them time to evacuate. Governments must also invest in disaster preparedness and response measures, including evacuation plans, emergency shelters, and relief efforts and ensure community participation in them. Community participation can promote utilization of indigenous knowledge and experience to mitigate impact of natural disasters. Proper urban planning and development are also crucial to prevent similar disasters in the future.
Climate Change and Mental Health: Addressing the Crisis on the G20 Platform
The relation between climate change and mental health is a critical issue that needs to be discussed on the G20 platform in India. The recent land sinking and forced displacement issue in Joshimath, as well as other natural calamities, have shown that climate change not only affects the environment but also has severe consequences for mental health. People who live in areas affected by natural disasters are at a higher risk of experiencing mental health problems such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Displacement and loss of homes and communities can also lead to social isolation and feelings of loss and grief. In the case of Joshimath, the land sinking and forced displacement have had severe consequences for the mental health of the affected people. Moreover, the lack of access to necessities such as clean water, sanitation, and healthcare can worsen the mental health of the affected people. The G20 platform in India provides an opportunity to discuss the relation between climate change and mental health and to develop strategies to mitigate its impact. Governments and policymakers must recognize the connection between climate change and mental health and prioritize mental health in their climate change adaptation and mitigation efforts. This includes investing in mental health services, providing psychosocial support to people affected by natural disasters, and incorporating mental health considerations into disaster response plans. Furthermore, addressing the relation between climate change and mental health requires a multidisciplinary approach. Mental health professionals, environmentalists, policymakers, and communities must work together to develop effective strategies to address the mental health impacts of climate change. This requires a shift in perspective towards a holistic approach that recognizes the interconnectedness of human health and the environment.
Prioritizing Mental Well-being in Climate Action
In conclusion, the relation between climate change and mental health is a critical issue that needs to be discussed on the G20 platform in India. The land sinking and forced displacement issue in Joshimath, as well as other natural calamities, have shown that climate change not only affects the environment but also has severe consequences for mental health. Governments and policymakers must prioritize mental health in their climate change adaptation and mitigation efforts and work together with mental health professionals, environmentalists, and communities to develop effective strategies to address the mental health impacts of climate change.
Dr Shalini is Assistant Professor of Psychology at School of Liberal Arts Bennett University, Greater Noida, India.
