Post Dharali disaster, CM Dhami orders mapping of vulnerable zones, bans construction along river banks

Dharali flash floods.

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has announced strict measures to prevent construction in areas vulnerable to natural disasters, following the recent tragedy in Dharali on August 5.

In light of the incident, the government has ordered an immediate halt to all ongoing construction activities in ‘disaster-prone zones’, The Times of India reported.

The CM stated that no government or private construction will be allowed near riverbanks, streams, natural watercourses, or in landslide- and avalanche-prone areas.

Locations identified as geologically sensitive or ecologically fragile will also be off-limits for any new residential or commercial projects. These restrictions apply to both new settlements and any planned expansion in such regions.

As per TOI, Dhami has also directed authorities to carry out immediate mapping and identification of vulnerable zones across Uttarakhand so that timely precautionary measures can be implemented.

He emphasised that protecting the lives of citizens must be the top priority and has instructed senior officials to issue clear guidelines to district administrations. These guidelines will be regularly monitored to ensure they are followed strictly.

The Chief Minister also highlighted the need to fix accountability among government officers and employees if rules are violated.

“As a hill state, Uttarakhand is prone to natural calamities. We not only need to stop such risky construction in the future but also hold officials responsible when lapses occur,” he was quoted by TOI as saying.

Notably, over 70 per cent of the state's area is under forest, and authorities have already identified 54 landslide-prone spots along the Char Dham route.

According to data from Uttarakhand State Disaster Management Department, a total of 3,667 concrete houses and temporary structures were completely destroyed in natural disasters from 2014 to 2024.

During this period, 9,556 permanent structures and over 5,000 temporary structures across the state were partially damaged.