'Human greed causing death and destruction in the Himalayas' - BBC News

After two successive landslides killed dozens of people in the northern Indian state of Himachal Pradesh, people are still reeling from the shock.
Known for its lush valleys and snow-covered mountains, Kinnaur district in the state is a major contributor to the hydro-power generated in the Himalayan state.
But locals blame the construction of these dams for the disasters that have been unfolding recently. They are now demanding an end to building new dams.
But can dams alone be blamed for disturbing the region's ecology?
Video by Shubham Koul, Raghvendra Rao, and Kinjal Pandya-Wagh.
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#BBCNews

[@manavmishra9071]

India need to find a fine balance between development and environment preservation in the age of climate change🇮🇳

[@nileshbhakre7050]

Saying is easy.

[@bigawdays5724]

India won't do shit. Because 5 party run a government of 1?

[@okboomer6201]

Landslides are normal, has nothing to do with climate change. Tell these idiots not to live near steep slopes.

[@harmony3138]

@@okboomer6201 I tell you not to go out in case you get run over by a car or get struck with lightening 😀

[@okboomer6201]

@@harmony3138 I know not to go out in thunderstorms, and I look both way before crossing. I do not live under a cliff, because landslides are frequent and normal, likewise I do not live in a river valley due to floods. It's all common sense, not magic or the local "green energy" hydroelectric dam. Also, don't live below dams, because dams frequently fail. Eventually 100% of dams fail.

[@madiam4u]

Himachal Pradesh's whole economy depends on two things: tourism and exporting hydroelectric power to other states.

[@blackdog7919]

Apple also contributes in Himachal’s economic growth

[@tarsonglepcha6448]

I Think There Should be Limitations we can exploit Beyond the Natural capability. should be a balance between natural N development .

[@sureshchhetri345]

U know nothing about himanchal pradesh

[@smoke4287]

@@sureshchhetri345 You dont even know how to spell it.

[@harmony3138]

​ @suresh chhetri As though you have really enlightened us with your knowledge of the area! Duh!!

[@curiouscynic4357]

Human greed is causing death and destruction THROUGHOUT the world. Himalaya is just a tiny facet. In this instance the choice is development or subsistence level of existence with rising population and expectations.

[@Nadia.travels]

Do you live in that village? 🤔 maybe if you lived there your views would be a little different 😉

[@robgrant2795]

You could have just said ‘human greed is causing death and destruction’ and left it at that.

[@harmony3138]

*Human greed, pollution and ignorance* has infested the whole planet, not just Himalayas!

[@SolusWhite]

Pretty much what I was gonna say, human greed is destroying everything, everywhere, in one way or another. Who cares about the planet, so long as the rich can make a bit more profit... Hell it's not just the rich, the average person doesn't really care so long as it doesn't affect them...

[@jsoe81657]

​@Cutthroat you say this but when you die by a natural disaster I will laugh at your grave

[@meghaburman4431]

How much do we need. Is there any end. Why can’t we stop being greedy and live a simple and peaceful life.

[@sarath637]

Kerala tense as water level in Mullaperiyar Dam rises

[@thegravytrain1129]

This has nothing to do with greed - it's about inadequate oversight of construction projects driven by a country's increasing need for electricity.

[@ubaidwani6788]

Feel very bad for the poor people of kinour ...😭

[@Ajay-fl7bl]

Kashmiri are rich.

[@peterandrews8129]

Kinnaur, learn to spell. Then feel their pain

[@iknowimcool2514]

I am from Uttarakhand neighbour Himalayan state of Himachal Pradesh we also suffering from consequences of climate change as well as from devlopment projects ...extream weather , frequent landslide now have become a common phenomenon , we are continuously implementing devlopment projects in Himalayas without taking in consideration fragile geography and ecosystem of regions which is not only causing life loss but also economic loss in a large scale , electricity supply , water supply disruption has become very frequent which is further degrading quality of life

[@INDIAN-rc9sh]

BBC please make a video about 126 Mullaperiyar dam which is made up of lime surki. This dam is in danger as reported IIT. If this dam break 50 lakh people will die.

[@Misslondon-rh6jf]

This is so sad. My heart's with you all. We are not just killing the planet and animals. It's killing us too. This must stop !!!

[@kiidcathedrale8122]

It will stop with our End.

[@kadinothebean3419]

Ok.. so how? If they CANNOT use hydropower then burn fossil fuels?

[@Zero-hl2zy]

Nature is beautiful. The people have lived there for centuries with no problem until the Government started destroying everything for them it's a shame ❤🙏

[@davie8593]

So you think there hasn't been landslide before your an idiot.

[@elvenkind6072]

@@davie8593 it's pronounced "you're", as in "you are", not "your idiot", as if the idiot is his/her possession.

[@ChronicOstrich]

@@davie8593 it's pronounced "you're", as in "you are", not "your idiot", as if the idiot is his/her possession.

[@10dan33]

Look who's talking about greed here's a suggestion Try returning the gold that is locked up in your vault

[@jepulis6674]

Population explotion. I guess western countries are at fault because nature cant do its thing with unsustainable populations if help is sent.

[@10dan33]

@@jepulis6674 not a hypocrite like this channel definitely it is country's curse at the moment because of its people but then again carbon footprint per person is one of the least in world i.e. west still weighting heavier than asian giants even though we have higher population well be thankful for over consuming for that.

[@veekayrm]

Long back Britain's greed was a prime example. Remember that!!

[@michaelpoulin3445]

Doesn't human greed cause the majority of problems? Governments everywhere are prime examples of this.

[@zkfnd859]

it is not simply the dams. It is actually deforestation(rapid), excavation of rocks(for construction), unplanned JCB road constructions, rapid drilling for underwater ground water, climate change(causing flash floods...)

[@striker44]

Looks like they can harness wind energy as well.

[@kaleem9185]

There are lot of things going wrong at this moment. Hope things get better for everyone.

[@silverianjannvs5315]

British did loot & pillage the Himalayan & left Nepal landlocked & poor. Please take some responsibility

[@BeanOnTheFlipside]

No this is modis fault

[@markgreen5153]

The vikings, Romans and Normans did loot, pillage and rape Britain.

[@glauci013]

Muita tristeza por todo o MUNDO.!! 😢😢🇨🇨🇨🇨

[@izebdeh]

Which flag is that? 🤔

[@stormstriker2000]

What flag is that 😂

[@glauci013]

@@izebdeh Hi, I missed the flsg . I'm from Brasil . 🇧🇷🇧🇷🇧🇷

[@Westralia]

@@glauci013 Brrrrraaaaaassiiiiiiillllll😁

[@glauci013]

@@Westralia Yes!! Brasil!!

[@iwogajda5253]

"For the sake of His sorrowful Passion have mercy on us and on the whole world."

[@Project808]

The queen is still the greediest of all amongst humanity !!

[@kanu5777]

Shhh don't say that, how is their smear campaign against India going to work if we talk about their queen

[@tonyluseno2673]

Nothing as frightening as an avalanche of massive rocks tumbling down the mountain..Sorry for the young man's demise.

[@tomtom3889]

It’s all about placement. Extensive topography testing is extremely important for dam safety.

[@kithsirirubesinghe9202]

Shirking responsibility at every level. Poor people bear the brunt. Justification of stubborn, obstinate schemes, talk, talk, talk, until the cows come home. GREED TRULY IS THE CURSE.

[@RP-fe8xo]

I have travelled extensively in Himalayas.First of all nothing is planned, nothing is organised.Ad hoc things r done.And BBC is on point about hydroelectric dams.These dams have ruined Himalayas.Instead of building these dams,a proper planned nuclear dam would have done the work.And about tunnels, Himalayas r growing mountains,so buildings will cause disaster in d future.U watch it.

[@GreenPotato25]

northeast especially Arunachal every year harsh facing landslide.... Here no large Dam

[@crookedpaths6612]

Poverty causes corruption. Corruption causes poverty.

[@liitkgp6570]

Building dam is good for india

[@MegumiHayashida]

These areas should remain pure and preserved. Go develop rural and flat environment with actual qualified engineers. TF

[@Martial-Mat]

What if the only place to build dams is in places like this?

[@pikachuthunderbolt3919]

agree Condition of rural is not good in india

[@railroadforest30]

@@Martial-Mat don’t build

[@Martial-Mat]

@@railroadforest30 Easy to say in your home that has enough electricity.

[@king.schildren9790]

“For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” ‭‭John‬ ‭3:17‬ ‭NIV‬‬

[@JasonMomos]

Wrong time and place to preach your bs.

[@AmrithaSRaj-bb5md]

#Mullapperiyar dam IMMEDIATE decommission 🙏 it's about 5 MILLION Lives, 120 Years OLD DAM cannot hold all the repeating FLOODS and EARTHQUAKES, please make a NEWS about it🙏🙏🙏

[@benlewis4289]

Human greed is what great American is built upon

[@simriths.s5976]

No doubt in it.

[@ailafen8783]

How is this related to America?

[@hellonono4290]

How exactly is America relevant in a discussion about hydroelectric dams in the Himalayas?

[@localvocalist1552]

Dear BBC, Can you do anything to Decommission the mullapperiyar?.please. we ,the people of Kerala is very much scared about Mullaperiyar Dam. The dam is expired.

[@kyodonewsagency1182]

Mr. Singh looks like someone from a bygone era. Wish him and all the local people best of luck.

[@sissypissyrapper23]

What a wonderfully ignorant comment

[@vinodbodhankar8342]

@Patrick Swan Less bio diverse regions? Himalayas? What incredibly energetic ignorance !

[@striker44]

And, your comment seems to be from people of the "bygone" era. Best wishes to you and the people of your kind.

[@AmrithaSRaj-bb5md]

# save Kerala #Mullapperiyar dam IMMEDIATE decommission 🙏 it's about 5 MILLION Lives, 120 Years OLD DAM cannot hold all the repeating FLOODS and EARTHQUAKES, please make a NEWS about it🙏🙏🙏

[@immalayali2174]

Please concern news about this 🙏🙏🙏

[@stormstriker2000]

Why communist government not do anything?

[@AmrithaSRaj-bb5md]

@@stormstriker2000 I think cheap politics(corruption😓 )

[@soul579]

Sikkim will be next! Please save 🙏

[@violetxtempest]

deforestation has nothing to do with this I am from kinnour Landslide is a major problem of kinnour since ages Because of geographic location and other natural causes But these hydro power companies like jsw etc. Speed up this natural process more then ever Cuz of the hydro power project There are tunnels inside our villages And cuz this area is very sensitive Landslide are happening more and more frequently in these areas In reality the situation is so much worse than this ( shown in the video ) And government is doing nothing about this

[@artsimulation]

"Human greed causing death and destruction in the Himalayas.....and the entire world'

[@shannonnguyen5992]

UK is the prime example. Just think about how many countries it invaded, destroyed and looted.

[@lesrogers7310]

@@shannonnguyen5992 I'm from the UK and you correct but... the UK is far from being the only country guilty of this.

[@fultonjohnsonaton5096]

@@lesrogers7310 Bzzzzz wrong. Actually youre the best! Also the french spanish etc. But you paved the way! Thanku for the misery sown that we still reap today. From Iraq and syria, to the streets of baltimore and ferguson. Ie sykes/picot, and slave trade to AMERICA. much to be proud of. oh waiti forgot, australia. conquered, NZ conquered nd raped

[@praveenap2197]

#DECOMMISION MULLAPPERIYAR DAM.... Support "Save kerala brigade"...

[@kaldrz4328]

Biased Broadcasting Corporation

[@RebeccaLynnMusic]

I can't stand how horrible it all is. My entire life has been one where I have been keenly aware of the sickness of anything less than true environmental protection. 😔

[@brettmeikle]

@@1newme425 where's the balance. 8 billion humans and their livestock comprise 96% of all vertebrate biomass on the planet. Yes, only 4% is wildlife. That's no bloody balance.

[@brettmeikle]

@@track333track are you an expert in the field of population dynamics or ecosystem management?

[@harmony3138]

​ @1NewMe *Nature does its balancing act with pandemics.* More devastating ones coming at some stage. It's not the matter of if, It's when - say the scientists.

[@Martial-Mat]

@@track333track That's a ridiculous solution. It's not a matter of literally spreading people across the planet evenly like butter on toast. Vast portions of the planet are uninhabitable.

[@Martial-Mat]

@@brettmeikle You appear to be suggesting that balance would be attained if the ratio of human to other invertebrate biomass was different. You failed to note that all biomass on the planet is dwarfed by the number of viruses and bacterium. Should be go on a mass extermination or breed until we achieve the same biomass?

[@ajidantonio2872]

Yes... i agree

[@treering8228]

And yet population control is never brought up anywhere.

[@liitkgp6570]

We demanded but foreign media told that it is undemocratic and targeting muslim community

[@ricr.4669]

The same very thing in Laos where people were killed and being killed for electricity dams!!! Search about it. Electric cars are worst than oil engine cars!

[@bhushanbisen1127]

Lol

[@yaakovisaacs1882]

Mega dams are a problem. Build medium or small dams to harness hydro power.

[@RahulChaudhary-eh7oh]

Himachali and Uttarakhand people must understand their states are going to be sacrificed for bad policy management. After minerals and mines of central India now it’s turn of Himalayan states to be part of Such rampant destruct.

[@srambition]

Yeah but himalayas are much much more sensitive and plus it would mean a loss of culture and loss of land to these minorities

[@dannyboy3107]

"Human Greed is destroying us" You don't say...

[@o34-kt-2]

Decommission Mullaperiyaar Dam #Savekerala.✌🏼

[@danoqamyasharahla6544]

Human greed is causing death and destruction all around the world...

[@JohnofthefamilySmith]

The debt based monetary system has to be scrapped or it will be the end of humanity.

[@parvathym7669]

Same situation in Western ghats of India landslide, flood

[@Martial-Mat]

So not "human greed" then? It's the human need for safe energy.

[@foggy7577]

Whenever the accused response with the argument, "there isn't enough evidence" its a red flag that they are likely to be the/a cause of the problem.

[@XX-gy7ue]

HOW HORRIBLY SAD !

[@ragemodels]

I agree with the locals #NoMeansNo #SavethehimalayasNow !!!❄🏔🌳🌿🏔❄

[@deekshantbelwal1269]

Same villagers want even remote villages to be connected by all weather roads...how it is possible without tunnels

[@pradeeptudu5974]

The rapid pace of development needs to be studied further.

[@jieli3313]

All prices in the United States are rising! Why don't our American wages rise! We're msut need to hold a national strike! Let the government raise our wages! To cope with rising prices!

[@58kumarsanjib]

No panjab no delhi without electricity

[@baijitsclasses899]

Unsustainable Development

[@tracykennedy4589]

Water as commodity ☹️

[@abhijeetbedse6651]

And you dont need to be concerned about India's issues, you should focus on UK flood and COVID death's 💯✌️

[@ungrateful-66]

So sad

[@youmemeyou]

If it were for the British and Americans exploiting the resources, BBC wouldn't have uploaded it

[@tarsonglepcha6448]

Same at DZongu North Sikkim Enough is enough Teesta Stage IV. #SaveDzongu

[@tarsonglepcha6448]

@sandy Yes There is Potential but terrain makes it almost impossible to transport equipment and install a power transmission network.So No.

[@niknayak]

This is tragic. The authorities together with the power companies need to do the right thing and compensate the people for the damage caused.

[@Stop_Elitists_Wars]

Countries must invest in _infrastructure,_ which is first in accordance with nature & local geographical features & threats. Pretty simple concept.

[@michellegutierrez2119]

😭 So so Sad,,,,,

[@gadjodilo22]

hydro prower are not clean energy. at all.

[@bststunna713]

i wonder why theres a swastika symbol on the dam at min 3:17

[@Firedancer100]

Solana

[@_MaxHeadroom_]

Wait but how is building desperately needed renewable hydroelectric damns considered human greed?

[@theweatherisaokay4964]

It is not only happening here, it is happening all over the world. We did this in the name of human survival but in the end we would be left with nothing. Nature tend to take it all back what we took.

[@pratheepalexander6462]

Poor suffering God help

[@12334ttqtqt]

And water is wet. 🙄🙄

[@premaleelaj4258]

Scarry .

[@vinayrockstar2599]

Goa?? We getting electricity from himachal pradesh are you sure bbc??

[@anndavies1020]

Megan Burnham..Correct.. ,We have a buetiful world but their is to many greedy people .

[@abdisherif5407]

There is already too many people on earth. This need to happen to maintain the population.

[@keepeatinggreen3807]

Their hats are beautiful

[@tbyang95]

How did his mic not pick up all that wind 😳

[@kannanchirakkal9005]

Save kerala #de commission mullaperiyar

[@jofingeorge1685]

In KERALA Mullaperiyar dam is 125years old.. Expiry date of a dam is 50 years.. Still it is working.. If it is broken 50 lakhs peaple will die... Otherwise Kerala will be a history...We are in danger... Now it is rainy season...Dicommission Mullaperiyar dam... Help us.. Please give International attention to this problem... 🙏

[@mylittleatlas5606]

Have travelled till Joshimath ,have swam in the chil waters of the river Ganga in the winter months of the year 2000 ! Have travelled always in the winter months,few times!

[@vthilton]

Save Our Planet

[@visheshrao5629]

2:10 Himachal Pradesh is selling Electricity to Goa?! Wut?!!

[@sruthijc5540]

#savekerala

[@elvenkind6072]

People are so greedy, they want electricity. ANIMALS!!!

[@richdiana3663]

It can't be human overshoot, could it?

[@AS-yf4jr]

Bull Shit BBC at it again. The sole reason is not the hydropower plants. You have to understand the geography. This district lies at juncture of two tectonic plates. The mountains there have been moving constantly through millennium. The very reason you see those mountains, valleys, and canyons. It never stopped nor it will, Hydropower plants or not. Erosion on these mountains is a part of the parcel of mountain formations. Its just that due to the increased human activities like rampant construction of unplanned houses and roads, people have come at the center of it hence taking the wrath of these natural processes. More the people and their activities, more the chances of them being caught in a landslide.

[@sneharangta6888]

True couldn't have been expressed better.

[@anigopinath3706]

We are also facing such calamities in our state(kerala)

[@sharmilashathish5947]

not only it is destroying Himalayas but the entire world and now they have gone to the space to destroy...🤬🤬🤬🤬

[@gopanvkumar6644]

# SANAMJEET SINGH SIR PROBLEM SHOULD BE ADDRESSED.

[@AmrithaSRaj-bb5md]

#savekerala#Mullapperiyar dam IMMEDIATE decommission 🙏 it's about 5 MILLION Lives, 120 Years OLD DAM cannot hold all the repeating FLOODS and EARTHQUAKES, please make a NEWS about it🙏🙏🙏

[@divyaraggusain1221]

Nice job BBC. Thank you

[@humanexe5451]

Not the first time people of power tries to play with nature. Covid came from the nature... They say.

[@taratankitaoka178]

IN JAPAN TOO.

[@gregnulik1975]

Could they use some of those rocks to make concrete for slip resistant homes ?

[@jeanraphael6756]

The never ending story. History and Time are witnesses of human greediness, and they never learn, For them it's business as usual. But hope is in the new generation if and only if they do not embrace the present generation attitudes.

[@JeffreySmith7777]

Now do Chicago.

[@NN94887]

Human do not live in antartica and arctic but still destroying ecology, ecosystem and species of these places. Climate change is the reason behind all.