Uttarakhand

• 01 Jul 2024

Avalanche Hits Gandhi Sarovar

Why in News?

Recently, a massive avalanche hit the Gandhi Sarovar located four kilometres above the Kedarnath Dham.

• It occurred near the Chorabari glacier that fell into the valley but there was no loss of life or property.

Key points

• The avalanche occurred in the upper region of the Gandhi Sarovar in Chorabari glacier, below the snow-covered Meru-Sumeru mountain range located at the upper end of Kedarnath valley.
• In 2022, three avalanches hit the area in the months of September and October. 
  • Five such incidents of avalanches were reported in the Chorabari glacier in May and June 2023. 
• Following this, scientists from the Indian Institute of Remote Sensing and the Wadia Institute took stock of the entire situation by conducting terrestrial and aerial surveys of the area.
• The team of scientists described these incidents as “normal” in the Himalayan region, but they emphasised on improving security in the Kedarnath Dham area.

Chorabari Glacier 

• Also known as the Chorabari Bamak Glacier lies in the Garhwal Himalayan region of Uttarakhand.
• The Mandakini River emerges from the Chorabari Glacier.

Avalanche

• An avalanche is a sudden, rapid flow of snow, ice, and debris down a mountain or slope.
• It can be triggered by various factors such as heavy snowfall, rapid temperature changes, or human activity.
• Many regions that are prone to avalanches have specialized teams that monitor and control avalanche risks by using various methods such as explosives, snow barriers, and other safety measures.

Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology (WIHG)

• The Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology is an autonomous research Institute of the Department of Science & Technology.
• Established in June, 1968 as a small nucleus in two rooms of the Botany Department, Delhi University, the Institute was shifted to DehraDun during April, 1976.

Master Plan to Upgrade Facilities at Badrinath Temple

Why in News?

According to the Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, a master plan of Rs 424 crore has been prepared for the upgradation of facilities at Badrinath temple in the state.

Key Points

• Badrinath temple is situated in the town of Badrinath in the state and it is one of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites. 
• There are many religious sites in Uttarakhand and their location in the Himalayan region, which is ecologically sensitive, poses a great challenge for the government to address environmental concerns and the need for better facilities for the pilgrims who arrive from across the country.
• During the meeting, the Chief Minister requested that the Union Minister start the process of expanding Pantnagar Airport in Udham Singh Nagar district soon.
  • Also requested to expedite the process of granting permission for the expansion of Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun and giving the airport the status of an international airport.

Badrinath Temple

• The temple is also one of the 108 Divya Desams dedicated to Vishnu holy shrines for Vaishnavas who is worshipped as Badrinath.
• It is situated along the banks of Alaknanda river, in Chamoli district of Uttarakhand.