The uttarakhand tragedy.2013.....By- Pratiksha Yadav
Final Paper on Rebuilding Aviation Infrastructure
1. “ Rebuilding of Aviation infrastructure in Uttrakhand”
Anmol Kumar- Student- {MBA AVM}
kumar10anmol@gmail.com
Harsh Vardhan Keshote {MBA AVM}
harsh.keshote@yahoo.com
Dr. Sumeet Gupta (Associate Professor)
Head- Center for Infrastructure and Project Finance
University of Petroleum and Energy Studies Dehradun
sumeetgupta@ddn.upes.ac.in
Uttrakhand land of mountains, forests & valleys has 13 districts. Due to its geographical status,
means of transportation is very limited i.e. roadways are possible to certain extent. Even it is not
possible to construct roads due to weather conditions & heavy rainfall, it again becomes difficult
to maintain roads in such a state. The other options for transportation can be railways, which is
again next to impossible because of the high lands, zigzag ways which could make it so
expensive & a difficult task to maintenance. The study of ‘ means of transportation’ in UK
recommends that Aviation Transportation is the need of hour here, because of floods,
landslides, & earthquakes, whenever these natural calamities occur there is a big loss of life &
public property. During such crucial periods all means of transportation are being destroyed but
aviation till can be helpful during such periods. The latest e.g. of June 2013 is in front of us ,
huge floods at Badrinath swept away everything on their way and we could rescue a little bit that
too through aviation only. On the other hand UK is a place of natural scenic beauty; tourism can
be encouraged for state’s revenue generation because, as if for now Uttrakhand’s tourism
industry is in a loss of 12000 Cr. Along with that UK forests are herbal medicinal stores which
are still unexplored due to lack of transportation here again aviation can be a good & fastest
means to explore such places. The study aims at rebuilding Aviation Infrastructure which will be
helpful at the time of natural calamities. It will also help to explore areas which can be used for
setting up of helipads / airports and formulating the model to integrate the connectivity of rural
and urban areas of Uttarakhand.
__________________________________________________________________________
2. Keywords : Aviation Infrastructure, Aviation Transportation,
Uttrakhand is located at the foothills of the Himalayan ranges & has a mountainous topography.
It has a sharing border with Nepal & China. The state is rich in natural resources, especially
water & forests with many glaciers, rivers & dense forests. Char-dhams, the four most sacred and
revered Hindu temples of Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamnotri are nested in the mighty
mountains. The state is blessed with 175 rare species of aromatic & medicinal plants. It has
almost all major climatic zones, making it amenable to a variety of commercial opportunities in
horticulture, floriculture and agriculture. It has a vast potential in adventure, leisure, and eco-
tourism. But on the other hand due to its geographical status, means of transportation is very
limited i.e. roadways are possible to certain extent. Even it is not possible to construct roads due
to weather conditions & heavy rainfall, it again becomes difficult to maintain roads in such a
state. The other options for transportation can be railways, which is again next to impossible
because of the high lands, zig-zag ways which could make it so expensive & a difficult task to
maintenance. The study of ‘ means of transportation’ in UK recommends that Aviation
Transportation is the need of hour here, because of floods, landslides, & earthquakes, whenever
these natural calamities occur there is a big loss of life & public property. During such crucial
periods all means of transportation are being destroyed but aviation till can be helpful during
such periods. The latest e.g. of June 2013 is in front of us , huge floods at Badrinath swept away
everything on their way and we could rescue a little bit that too through aviation only. On the
other hand UK is a place of natural scenic beauty; tourism can be encouraged for state’s revenue
generation because, as if for now Uttrakhand’s tourism industry is in a loss of Rs.12,000 Cr.
Along with that UK forests are herbal medicinal stores which are still unexplored due to lack of
transportation here again aviation can be a good & fastest means to explore such places.
3. (http://www.google.co.in/search?q=images+of+uttrakhand+flood+2013&safe=vss&source=lnms
&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=KWzyUpSSDMSFrAftlIC4Aw&ved=0CAkQ_AUoAQ&biw=1366&bih
=705)
Focus :- The main motive for doing this case study is to draw importance towards the major
areas of concern which has to be given utmost importance .
1) Backup for the population of Uttrakhand in the hour of natural calamities.
2) Aviation Tourism in Uttrakhand.
3) Interconnectivity with rural and urban areas of uttrakhand.
Infrastructure Scenario in Uttrakhand -
For industrial and economic development, Infrastructure plays a vital role. As in case
of Uttrakhand the government is working towards the development of various infrastructure
projects.
A number of state housing projects, including the 275 acre project in Haridwar has
been taken up under different urban infrastructure projects. Projects costing US$62.6 million
have been sanctioned for Dehradun, Nainital and Haridwar, under the Jawahar Lal Nehru Urban
Renewable Mission (JNNURM).
4. Facts about Uttrakhand –
State Capital Dehradun
Area (Sq. km) 53,483sq Km
Area under Forest 37,651 Sq Km, 70%
National Highway length 1,376 Kms
Population (Census 2011) Rs.1crore
No. Of Districts 13
Important Rivers Ganga & Yamuna
Domestic Airport Dehradun & Pant nagar
Literacy Rate 79.6%
(http://www.phdcci.in/admin/admin_logged/banner_images/1385707328.pdf)
Major Catastrophe Hits Uttrakhand –
Uttrakhand was struck with a disaster in June 2013, due to a heavy cloudburst and rain, which
caused massive floods that wrecked the state. Uttrakhand use to have a normal rainfall of
65.9mm during monsoon but in mid Jun 2013 Uttrakhand received more than 380 mm of rainfall
which was about 439% in excess. Due to the heavy rainfall there was a tremendous increase in
the water level of the three main rivers namely Alaknanda, Bhagirathi and Mandakini.
5. `
Along with the increase in water levels the state of uttrakhand was washed away with Mud and
slit. Kedarnath , Badrinath, Uttarkashi, Rudraprayag, Rambada, Chamoli and Joshimath were the
most effected areas of uttrakhand. Loss of lives, livestock and infrastructure resulted due to
landslides in major parts of Uttrakhand. Due to the peck tourist season for the state, thousands of
tourists were on there way to chardham yatra which increased the devastation volume. Major
pilgrimage spots like Kedarnath and Badrinath were badly hit and tourists flow was impacted the
most, due to which kedarnath has now turned into a deserted town.
Some major Loses –
Loss to Live - Thousands of people lost their lives in the calamity. However government
was able to rescue as many as 1,00,000 Lakh people from different part of uttrakhand but
around more than governments stats above 900 people are still missing. Rambada a place
in Uttrakhand was fully destroyed along with roads. To save the lives of the people which
were a victim of the floods stuck in the hilly and bad weather conditions, large scale
rescue operations were undertaken. Rescued people were provided with food and
medicines.
Loss to Tourism – State’s economy is maximum pulled up by the tourism industry which
was also significantly affected. The calamity had ruined prospective tourism earnings,
which was flourishing since last few years. Tourism was mainly concentrated along the
sides of river of Alaknanda, Bhagirathi, Mandakini and Dhauliganga in both Gharwal as
well as Kumoan regions.
6. Massive damages were brought to roads, Buildings & houses. On top of which
government of uttrakhand announced that there will be no Chardham Yatra for the next
two years. Due to all the significant destructions in uttrakhand it is reported a loss of
Rs.12crores (apprx.)
Expected Loss In Uttrakhand Floods
Lives and Livestock damages -
S.No Status Of damage
Number/Square miles/INR
1 No. Of People Evacuated 100,000 approx.
2 No. Of Missing People 5,748 approx.
3 No. Of Dead People 900 approx.
4 No of Animals washed away 2,500 approx.
Infrastructure damages -
S.No Status of damage Number / Square Miles
1 Area affected of the state 37,000 Sq. miles
2 No. of micro industry & business
affected
14,000
3 No. of affected villages 4,000
4 No. of houses damaged 2,232
5 No of damaged roads 1,307
6 No of drinking water schemes damaged 695
7 No of damaged bridges 175
7. Monetary damages -
S.No Status Of damage INR
1 Tourism Industry estimated Loss 12,000 Crores
2 Uttrakhand District estimated
Loss
3,000 Crore
3 Agricultural estimated Loss 90 Crore
Disaster at Uttrakhand - The catastrophe has ruined the state. It has not only impacted the
economy of the state but has also hampered the infrastructure , socio economic , agriculture
facilities in the state which has resulted into heavy economic and livelihood loss.
8. (http://www.google.co.in/search?q=images+of+uttrakhand+flood+2013&safe=vss&source=lnms
&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=KWzyUpSSDMSFrAftlIC4Aw&ved=0CAkQ_AUoAQ&biw=1366&bih
=705)
Uttrakhand’s helipad scenario
Helipad development is a vital step taken not only towards development of Aviation sector in the
state but also helps in evacuating the people stuck in any catastrophe like the recent floods and
will also help in providing various medical aid in the hour of need.
(http://helicopterindia.com/helipads_waypoints_twrs)
S.No List of Heliports Longitude
1 AG1 N54 03.6 E77 58 50.6
2 AGASTMUNI N N30 23 24.9 E79 01 15.4
3 ANANDA N30 09 11.0 E78 17 43.4
4 AuliH N30 31 49.8 E79 33 47.9
5 AuliL N30 31 51.7 E79 34 15.5
6 BADRINATH N30 45 02.6 E79 29 49.7
7 CHARSU N30 34 56.8 E78 19 33.6
8 DEVPRAYAG N30 08 33.3 E78 35 56.8
9 FUNVALLEY N30 08 00.0 E78 09 00.0
10 GANGOTRI N30 56 06.7 E79 04 09.1
11 GOPESHWAR N30 24 21.8 E79 19 00.5
12 GOVINDGHAT N30 37 06.5 E79 33 49.6
13 GTC N30 20 42.8 E78 01 54.5
14 GUPTKASHI N30 31 37.8 E79 04 56.4
10. the civil aviation sector and to set up 40 new chopper landing facilities in the hill state.
Government is in the process of identifying new sites for the same and has a strategy to develop
3 to 4 heliports in each of the 13 districts of uttrakhand. Uttrakhand government has already
received a sum of Rs.100 crore for strengthening the two airports i.e. Naini-Saini in Pithoragarh
district and Chanyalisaur in Uttarkashi district. There is also a new possibility of new air
connection from Pantnagar. In addition to all Utttrakhand Government has already sanctioned a
sum Rs- 1,05,80,000/ crore per heliport construction in all the 13 districts.
(http://www.phdcci.in/state_profiles.php)
Analysis:-
In light of the recent devastation which has resulted in the heavy losses to the state of
Uttarakhand, we suggests measures to rebuild the Aviation infrastructure for revival of state
economy. We look forward for a policy which will provide a dynamic support and through it’s
effective implementation and reform initiatives it would enhance the growth and development
for the state , for that we suggests the following measures.
Disaster Evacuation Measures
The state should ensure measures for safe yatra for the pilgrims. There is a need to regularize the
Chardham Yatra and special arrangements should be made for the pilgrims. Yatra should have
adequate arrangement for medical checkups, registration, identity verification, record keeping of
pilgrims and should have a proper control over the number of tourist visits. The state should
evolve a regulation and registration to control tourist movement with bio-metric support at all
important points within the state. In addition state should advise tour operators to get the tourists
insured before entering the state. There should be adequate number of shops, eating stalls and
mule stands in the Kedar valley keeping a track on the availability of sufficient space in the
region so that it should not overburden the Kedar Valley. State should develop a mechanism of
early warning system to mitigate such tragedies in future. A system of early warning should be
placed for forecasting and dissemination for all kinds of disasters, particularly those related to
rainfall and landslides. Also focus should be given to create an active disaster management
system covering most of the hilly terrain of the state. For that Medical Air Assistance should be
there so that people can be send to nearby There should be a clearly defined monitoring system
to give a prompt report of expected rainfall so that the downstream area people and
11. administration can be alerted. State should also spread awareness among people and educate
them to deal with such situations.
Connectivity through Civil Aviation -
In view of fast recovery of the state infrastructure, Air connectivity plays a major concern. After
the disaster that had hit Uttrakhand, transport linkages within the state have been affected. Air
connectivity with other regions, villages and states has been damaged. The main concern is the
air connectivity with all the regions in the state. Hence, there should be a special cell for
supervision of Air connectivity in the state vesting with all legal and financial powers. Keeping
in view the geographical location of the state Civil Aviation can be an important alternative for
some difficult hill areas where no other transport mode is effective. Need of the hour implements
for building up a wide network of air connectivity in the state.
Reviving economy
Aviation Industry Development -
Due to the catastrophe, hilly reasons have suffered a heavy infrastructure setback. Hence, it is
essential to adopt Air connectivity approach for the backward hill areas to develop. Maintenance
of roads can be a very difficult task in case of heavy rainfall; soil erosion and even snow fall in
certain regions which can hamper the connectivity within the state so in that case implementing
the idea of making Heliports can be a fruitful idea. Thus, it is essential to focus on the
infrastructure development in the hill areas. This is one area which the state has to practically
address in a focused manner. The sectors which can be benefited with good quality infrastructure
in hill areas are tourism, horticulture and handicrafts.
Boosting tourism through Air connectivity
Tourism has a huge potential in the state, with demand emanating from both the domestic and
international tourists. Tourism should be given vital importance for the economy which can’t be
a success story without a robust infrastructure. The state has enormous resources for cultural,
pilgrimage, adventure, wildlife, and leisure tourism. Therefore, tourist zones apart from roads
12. and rails need to be connected with Aviation. The potential of tourism sector needs to be
diversified to overcome the seasonality factor and to create employment for year-round tourism.
Conclusion –
The Recent disaster had a serious impact on the economy of Uttrakhand. It may all together take
years to roll back physically , socially & psychologically due to the damage caused by the
calamity. Uttrakhand has an expected 11% GSDP wash in terms of tourism earning that engulfed
the state. On an overall count Uttrakhand has a loss of Rs.20,000 Crore. Different Industries also
had a serious impact on them about 14,000 small scale industries were victim of the disaster.
Heavy slit and mud which had covered the fertile lands destroyed the crop industry which
directly affected the agricultural sector. The calamity ruined around 60% of the Uttrakhand’s
tourism industry and had a worse effect on the job prospects of local artists, traditional handicraft
makers, small businesses like small tea stalls and grocery stores. Roads and other connectivity
also had an impact and transportation was ruined. Uttrakhand’s hydro power projects were
severely hit and affected the future prospects of the state.
