By Dr. Yudhbir Singh
Associate Professor, Department of Geology, University of Jammu
On April 22, 2025, Ramban experienced a catastrophic natural disaster. A cloudburst triggered a chain reaction of flash floods, debris flows, and landslides that brought the region to a standstill. While there was no loss of human life—a small relief amidst the destruction—the damage to infrastructure, homes, livelihoods, and the daily lives of residents has been immense.
Many attribute the devastation solely to the intense rainfall that day. However, having grown up in this area and worked extensively on its geological challenges, I can say with confidence that the picture is far more complex. The events of that day were not entirely unprecedented or unexpected. Long-dormant landslide zones, some inactive for 30–35 years and others for 10–15 years, were reawakened. These were not just random failures but consequences of deeper, long-standing issues—many of which stem from unregulated development and poor planning.
I have walked these slopes, studied these formations, and continue to investigate the geological patterns of this region. And like many of my fellow citizens, I strongly believe that recent construction and infrastructure expansion—often carried out without proper scientific consultation—has significantly contributed to the disaster.
Development and disaster often go hand in hand when the former is executed without foresight. Ramban stands as a sobering reminder that ignoring geological realities can have devastating consequences. It is essential that we not only acknowledge this but actively learn from it.
Today, the people of Ramban are facing unprecedented hardships. With roads blocked, drainage systems choked, and monsoon rains approaching, anxiety is high. Many are demanding immediate intervention—clearing of debris, restoration of basic services, and long-term solutions to prevent future disasters. Their concerns are not just valid—they are urgent.
Commuters, students, patients, and daily wage workers suffer the most. Regular landslides in notorious zones such as Sita Ram Passi, Kela Nala, Anari Nali (Chamba), Shan Palace, and Cafeteria Morh have made even short journeys a grueling ordeal. People are forced to walk several kilometers around landslide zones just to reach their destinations—costing them time, energy, and, in many cases, their livelihoods.
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In recent years, Ramban’s landscape has been rapidly altered by construction—both for public infrastructure and private developments. This transformation, unfortunately, has often ignored geological input. Many historically stable areas have now become active sliding zones. The most telling examples are Sita Ram Passi and Cafeteria Morh—both of which saw a spike in instability following road widening and construction activities. These locations, once relatively stable, have now become highly vulnerable, triggering landslides even after minor spells of rain.
This raises serious questions about the planning and execution of development projects. Were geological surveys conducted? Were expert recommendations ignored? The answers to these questions hold the key to preventing future disasters.
What Ramban needs now is not just restoration—but sustainable rebuilding. This is an opportunity to reassess how we approach development in ecologically fragile regions. We must prioritize resilient infrastructure, proper drainage planning, slope stabilization, and above all, long-term environmental sustainability. Ignoring these factors would be a disservice to the people of Ramban and surrounding regions.
I share these observations not just as a geologist, but as someone who belongs to this place. It is our collective responsibility—citizens, engineers, planners, and policymakers alike—to think beyond short-term goals and prioritize safety, sustainability, and science in our development plans.
We cannot blame nature alone. Concretization, poor water discharge systems, and disregard for environmental capacity have all played a role. We must become more conscious of the impact of our actions. Every decision we make today will shape the security and stability of future generations.
Let us learn to work with nature, not against it. Let us preserve what remains of our forests, revisit traditional construction wisdom, and integrate scientific input into every project. And most importantly, let us demand accountability and sustainability from those responsible for shaping our public infrastructure.
Disclaimer :
The views expressed in this article are personal and based on the author’s professional observations and experience in the field of geology. They do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any institution or government agency. The intent is to raise awareness, encourage informed decision-making, and advocate for sustainable development practices in vulnerable regions like Ramban (DD)
