Development projects and disaster vulnerability: A political analysis of Uttarakhand’s fragile ecology

Abstract

Uttarakhand, a Himalayan state marked by ecological fragility, has witnessed the rapid expansion of development projects, including hydropower dams, road construction, tourism infrastructure, and urbanisation. While these projects aim to promote economic growth and connectivity, they often intensify the region’s inherent disaster vulnerability. This study offers a political analysis of how state policies, institutional decision-making, and political priorities influence development practices in ecologically sensitive areas. It examines how political pressure, electoral incentives, bureaucratic interests, and inadequate environmental governance contribute to landslides, flash floods, soil erosion, and ecosystem imbalance. The research also examines the tension between economic aspirations and ecological sustainability, highlighting cases such as the Char Dham project, hydropower expansion, and the rapid widening of hill roads. Through qualitative case studies, policy reviews, and stakeholder analyses, the study argues that development in Uttarakhand cannot be understood merely as a technical or economic process, but as a profoundly political one. It concludes that sustainable development in Uttarakhand requires stronger environmental regulation, community participation, and a shift toward long-term ecological policy planning.