Uttarakhand

• 29 Jun 2023

3rd Meeting of G-20 Infrastructure Working Group Concluded in Tehri Garhwal

Why in News?

On June 28, 2023, the third meeting of the three-day G-20 Infrastructure Working Group (IWG) concluded at Narendra Nagar in Tehri Garhwal, Uttarakhand.

Key Points:

• It is known that the next and last meeting of the Infrastructure Working Group will be held on September 19-20, 2023 in Khajuraho (Madhya Pradesh).
• It is noteworthy that the three-day IWG meeting began on June 26 at Hotel Westin Resort, Narendra Nagar, Tehri Garhwal, in which about 63 representatives of G-20 member countries, invited countries and international organizations participated.
• On the first day of the meeting, the basic infrastructural development of the cities of the future was discussed.
• At a high-level seminar on building livable cities organized by the Asia Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), representatives from member countries discussed ways to enhance private investment in cities of the future, simplify policies and promote strong infrastructural development.
• Apart from this, emphasis was laid on mutual coordination to fight against natural challenges.
• The first session on the second day of the meeting discussed the theme of enabling inclusive cities, increasing access and opportunities in urban services. The delegates deliberated on ways to apply Quality Infrastructure Investment Indicators to infrastructure projects.
• In this meeting organized on the last day, in two sessions, the representatives discussed another important action mentioned in the 2023 Infrastructure Agenda along with the framework for enhancing the capabilities of urban administration.
• The session also analyzed the infrastructure budget allocation of the G-20 countries and detailed discussion on the QII indicator set by the G-20.
• In addition, a 'Round Table Conference on Making India an MRO Hub' was organized by the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Government of India.
• The three-day wide-ranging discussions were described by the representatives of the Member States as productive, with the Presidency outlining clearly defined outcomes.

Weather Stations to be Established in High Himalayan Regions

Why in News?

On June 27, 2023, Dr. Ranjit Sinha, Secretary, Disaster Management Department, Uttarakhand said that the Geo-informatics Research Establishment (DGRE) will set up Chandigarh Weather Station in the higher Himalayan regions of Uttarakhand, the cost of which will be borne by the Central Government.

Key Points:

• After taking lessons from the avalanche incident in Uttarkashi, it has been decided to set up weather stations in the border areas of the Himalayas as well.
• With this, its signals will be given before the avalanche. For this, 74 weather stations will be set up in the higher Himalayan regions.
• It is known that due to climate change, the incidents of avalanches have increased in Uttarakhand in the last few years. This is a very dangerous pattern, which is a cause of great concern in the hilly areas.
• In October last year, 29 trainee mountaineers of the Nehru Mountaineering Institute, who had gone for training in the higher Himalayan region in Uttarkashi district, were hit by an avalanche in the Dokriani Bamak glacier. Of these, 27 had died.
• Although this was not the first incident of death due to avalanches in the state, even before this there has been the loss of life and property many times, but taking lessons from this incident, the state government has directed the State Disaster Management Authority (USDMA). Instructions were given to prepare a concrete action plan in this direction.
• USDMA officials said that the meteorological data that we are getting so far does not provide accurate information about incidents like avalanches. That's why it has been decided to set up a separate weather station keeping in mind the avalanches in the higher Himalayan regions. So that alerts can be issued with accurate data. Where these stations will be set up, it has not been disclosed from the point of view of security.
• This is a big step towards strengthening the disaster management system in Uttarakhand. After the installation of weather stations in the high Himalayan regions, we will be able to get accurate data, due to which the loss of life and property can be reduced by issuing alerts at the right time.
• Major incidents of Avalanche in Uttarakhand after the year 2000:
  • In the year 2022, 27 trainee mountaineers died due to an avalanche in Dokriani Bamak Glacier in Uttarkashi.
  • In the year 2021, while climbing the Trishul Peak, six including five climbers from the Navy were killed in an avalanche.
  • In the year 2021, nine tourists died in an avalanche at Lamkhaga Pass.
  • In the year 2019, eight including four foreign climbers died due to an avalanche while climbing Nanda Devi Peak.
  • In the year 2016, two foreign climbers died on Shivling Peak.
  • In 2012, an Australian climber died after falling into a crevasse on the Satopanth Glacier.
  • In 2012, five tourists from Bengal died in an avalanche near Vasukital.
  • In 2008, an avalanche in Kalindi Pass killed three climbers and five porters from Bengal.
  • In 2005, an army mountaineer died due to an avalanche while climbing Satopanth Peak.
  • In the year 2005, five climbers died due to an avalanche in Chaukhamba.
  • In 2004, four climbers died in an avalanche at Kalindi Pass.
  • In 2004, four climbers from Bengal died in an avalanche at Gangotri-2 peak.