The Ramban district is currently grappling with a severe landslide crisis, highlighting a grim pattern of administrative negligence and faulty planning. As nature reclaims its dominance, the human cost is profound—more than 500 individuals have been evacuated, their homes, roads, and essential infrastructure decimated by relentless land subsidence. Over 58 houses and key infrastructure including electricity transmission towers and a power receiving station have been severely damaged. The Gool-Ramban road, a critical link for the local population, has been rendered impassable, further isolating the affected communities. This disaster, while exacerbated by natural forces, is deeply rooted in human error. The development of roads and infrastructure in Ramban has long been plagued by shortsighted planning and execution. The fragile geology of the region demands meticulous, expert-driven approaches to construction, which have been conspicuously absent. Instead, the emphasis has been on rapid development with insufficient consideration of the environmental implications. The result is a recurring pattern of infrastructure projects that not only fail to withstand natural stresses but often exacerbate them. Authorities have been quick to respond with emergency measures—evacuations, the establishment of temporary shelters, and deployment of medical camps. However, these are reactive steps that, while necessary, do not address the root causes. The administration’s focus now must shift from managing disasters to preventing them. This requires a paradigm shift in how infrastructural projects are planned and executed in the region. A critical examination of the recent incidents in Ramban reveals glaring gaps in the administrative approach to development. There has been a significant delay in summoning geological experts to understand the causes of the landslide, a fundamental step that should precede any major construction in such vulnerable areas. Additionally, the hasty and inadequately supervised construction of roads and buildings has compromised the stability of the land. Former Minister and president of Dogra Sadar Sabha, Gulchain Singh Charak and other political leaders have called for swift compensation and a reassessment of the development strategies employed in the region. This call must be heeded with urgency and sincerity. The Dogra Sadar Sabha has rightly urged the Lt Governor Manoj Sinha and Central Government to deploy top experts to both assess the damage and formulate measures to prevent future occurrences. Moving forward, the administration must adopt a more sustainable and scientifically informed approach to development. This includes integrating comprehensive environmental impact assessments into all infrastructural projects going on in the district and ensuring robust oversight mechanisms during construction phases. Additionally, community engagement and education on disaster preparedness can empower local populations to better cope with natural calamities. The tragedy unfolding in Ramban is a stark reminder of the perilous consequences of negligent planning. It is imperative that the administration not only addresses the immediate needs of the affected population but also commits to a long-term strategy that prioritizes safety, sustainability, and resilience against the forces of nature. Only through such a paradigm shift can we hope to prevent the recurrence of such devastating events.
