2023 Monsoon Fury in Himachal Pradesh: a Comprehensive Study on Disaster Impact and Economic Consequences

Abstract

The monsoon season of 2023 brought unprecedented devastation to Himachal Pradesh, turning a scenic mountainous state into a disaster-stricken zone. Characterised by relentless rainfall, large-scale landslides, cloudbursts, flash floods, and infrastructural collapse, the event stands as one of the most severe climatic disasters in the region's recent history. This research paper presents a comprehensive assessment of the monsoon-induced calamity, with a particular focus on its multifaceted economic implications across critical sectors such as agriculture, infrastructure, tourism, and livelihoods.

Drawing upon a wide range of secondary data sources—comprising government reports, media publications, scientific journals, and policy documents—this study explores both the immediate and long-term economic impacts of the disaster. It also highlights the structural vulnerabilities within the state's disaster management framework that exacerbated the magnitude of damage. The analysis reveals that anthropogenic factors such as unplanned urbanisation, deforestation, poor drainage systems, and inadequate regulatory enforcement significantly contributed to the extent of the crisis.

Moreover, the study connects the increasing frequency and intensity of such extreme weather events to global climate change, underscoring the urgent need for climate-sensitive policy interventions. It advocates for a paradigm shift in regional planning and development, recommending a blend of sustainable infrastructure development, improved early warning systems, and integrated disaster risk reduction strategies. Ultimately, the research calls for the integration of climate resilience into mainstream governance and development policies to ensure the long-term ecological and economic stability of Himachal Pradesh.