6.8 Richter scale tremor… Was it enough to awake us?

Today, the world has already stepped into the millennium of 21st Century, where nothing has remained unexplored from the clutches of man’s perception, a century which is indeed a landmark of scientific progression and a manifestation of technological advancement. Be it a common layman or an elite individual, his existence is directly or indirectly inclined towards technological gadgets of the modern world. But, as we give a closer look at the overall scenario, we would always find ourselves entangled with the query: have we gained more than we have lost? Or have we lost more than we have gained?  In this era, economic phenomena like Globalization and Industrialization has reached its pinnacle of success, for that matter, Sikkim itself can be taken up as a biggest instance.

Sikkim, though, a tiny speck of a place, had been preaching the creeds of nature to the world, to safeguard our natural resources, prosperous culture endangered by the ravages of time. Sikkim, a place of aesthetic beauty, where nature has bestowed its divinity, where tradition religion and culture were worshipped with great devotion, humanity engraved into the very blood of people, had catered itself to a distinctive position in the world. Recapitulating the history of Sikkim, its significance is much commendable, as it stands profound with historical facts, ethnic possessions and enchanting scenic beauty, but history bearing these testimonies has corroded deliberately with the squall of time. It is evident that within a short span of a decade Sikkim has undergone an enormous change in the socio- economic sphere. Thousand of multi- storied building mushrooming every year, vehicles multiplying every day, increasing influx rate and industrial growth are the indicators of such changes, the so called ‘Development’. The recent havoc causing earthquake that shook the entire Sikkim whit a 6.8 Richter scale on 18/11 was indeed a wake- up alarm from our slumber. The tremor caused crores of devastation to life and property ripping people away from their life, property, family and shelter. Subsequently, it was speculated that most of the damage was also due to our ignorance and indifference. 6.8 Richter scale tremor… Was it enough to awake us?

It is a known fact that Sikkim unfortunately falls amongst the 5^th  earthquake prone zone of this earth. Despite knowing this facts we have constantly constructed numerous multi- storied buildings [more than our requirement], which are not earthquake resistant, multiplied the number of vehicles, massive increase in the Influx rate, numerous installations of industries and power projects [intended for development purpose]. As Newton Third Law follows “to every action there is equal and opposite reaction”, Many of our activity has undeniably brought comforts and economic prosperity, but on the contrary it has also ruined our environment and natural habitat. The closer we approach towards mechanical prosperity, the further we are alienated from the divinity of nature. Mankind is an astounding creation of nature and should live in commune with nature; else his extinction is inevitable.

Hence, the time has come for us to follow influential pragmatic approach. Several remedial strategy should be adopted which are within our potential parameter. Earthquake awareness, through NGOs, Departments and educated youths should be brought about in the society. Comprehensive studies of disaster management [especially Earthquake and Land Slide] should be implements as a mandatory course in the school, Colleges and Universities. Adoption of safety measures during the earthquake and technologies for construction of earthquake resistant house should be made public. Law which restricts the numbers of storey in a building should be enforced. Topographical structure of the land should be surveyed so as to allow construction only on the most suitable land. Many more remedial measures which are beyond my perception should be implemented, which would help curtail such disaster in the future.      

Most of the major global problems that have already crippled the world to an alarming situation like global warming, nuclear terror, terrorism and water crisis are all manmade.
It is assumed that Humanity has no more than 10 years to reverse our trend. We have created phenomenal we cannot control. 20% of the world’s population consumes 80% of its resources. The world spends 12 times more on its military expenditure than on aid to developing countries. 5,000 people a day die because of dirty drinking water; 1 billion people have no access to safe drinking water. 40% of the arable land has suffered long-term damage. Every year 13 million hectors of forest disappear. One mammal in 4, one bird in 8, one amphibian in 3 is threatened with extinction. Species are dying out at a rhythm 1,000 times faster that the natural rate. The average temperatures of the last 15 years have been the highest ever recorded. The ice- capes is 40% thinner than 40 years ago. There may be at least 200 million climate refugees within 2050. Therefore, an effort should be made to heal the frailty of modern man and resort him back in commune with nature. The recent earthquake offers a platform for an introspective contemplation for us, to evaluate our gaffe as we have marched along our way of modernity. A lot is expected from the local individuals living in Sikkim. Goaded with the enherent wisdom we possess, the time has come for us to step into the arena and wrestle for achieving our desired goals because we all have the power to change and restore Sikkim back to its glory.