POLLUTION

Much time year has passed since the horrendous Kedarnath disaster took place last June yet there is no consensus on its causes. The India Meteorological Department holds that the exceptionally heavy rains were the culprit. The data tell a different story, however. The rainfall recorded in the measuring station in the vicinity of Kedarnath on June 17th was: Chamoli 76 mm, Joshimath 114, Tehri 169, Jakholi 108 and Rudra Prayag 92 mm. In comparison other areas of Uttarakhand received much heavier rain: Mukteshwar 237 mm, Bambasa 230, Champawat 222 and Uttarkashi 207 mm. Nearby regions of Himachal Pradesh received yet more rain: Chhachrauli and Bilaspur both received 270 mm rain on that day. I have checked with residents of the area and they have told me that rainfall during those three eventful days was not exceptional at all. Such rainfall has taken place many a times. So heavy rainfall was not the culprit.
Author’s phone: 99171-44777