Sir,
Situations such as we witnessed in Kashmir valley arising due to floods, landslides and cloud bursts used to occur in the past (many years back or so) but not of that magnitude as they have become so common in the present scenario of modern civilization and development and of highly devastating in nature that it forces us to think for the real cause. People in general have to blame for creating such situations as they are not at all afraid of nature’s power. People are always exploiting and trying to conquer nature for their short-term benefits/gains. They are stopping the natural flow of water of rivulet and rivers not only by encroaching the river banks but are also not hesitating in making construction within the rivulets and rivers. Nature has its course of action and when there is more water it will definitely flow from some side and then enters into the nearby localities. Trees giving support to mountains and river banks are being continuously cut. Similarly, mountains are also being continuously exploited and dug for stones, minerals, roads and construction of houses which makes them vulnerable to land sliding.
We have to live in harmony with nature means that we should not cross our limits in exploiting the nature and should protect/conserve it at any cost. Committing all the sins and then going to God for forgiveness is not a desired way of living. In this respect, our ancestors were more civilized and intelligent than what we are today. They were showing a great respect to each and every entity of nature, e.g., trees, mountains, rivers etc. They always lived in harmony with nature by respecting nature and requesting nature to protect them from its furry. It is time to rethink about the modern development strategies followed by mankind which are totally in contrast to nature and its principles. If we will cross the limits of nature, such tragedies will be more and human and property loss will be unimaginable.
Yours etc…
Dr S S Verma
SLIET Longowal Sangur Punjab