Why in news?
In early September 2025 residents of Band Bazar in Nanda Nagar, a town in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district, experienced sudden land subsidence. Multiple buildings developed cracks and at least seven houses collapsed, forcing families to evacuate. Another 16 structures were declared unsafe as water seeped from the ground and the land continued to sink.
Background and causes
- Tectonic forces: The Himalayas are born of the collision between the Indian and Eurasian plates. The ongoing convergence makes the region prone to earthquakes and ground movements.
- Fragile geology: Chamoli sits on young sedimentary rocks that are easily destabilised. Heavy monsoon rains saturate the soil, increasing the risk of slope failure.
- Human activities: Unregulated construction, road widening, hydropower projects and over‑extraction of groundwater disturb the natural drainage and load‑bearing capacity of the slopes. The nearby town of Joshimath faced a similar crisis earlier in 2023.
Impacts and response
- Displacement: Dozens of families have taken shelter in temporary camps. Schools and markets remain closed as a precaution.
- Government action: Local authorities have cordoned off the affected area, set up relief camps and announced compensation for the displaced. Experts from geological institutions are studying the subsidence to propose mitigation measures.
- Long‑term concerns: Frequent disasters damage tourism and infrastructure in Uttarakhand. They also raise questions about the sustainability of development in ecologically fragile zones.
Lessons and way forward
The Nanda Nagar incident underscores the need for strict land‑use planning, environmental impact assessments and regulation of construction in hill towns. Strengthening drainage, limiting groundwater extraction and promoting eco‑friendly tourism can reduce risks. Early warning systems, community awareness programmes and swift rehabilitation plans are essential to protect lives and livelihoods in the Himalayan region.