Storms, floods, heat waves, rising sea levels and other environmental issues. What if we could become the change we need to see? What if more people could embrace change and live sustainably? Now that we know of the many plastic pollution solutions being used. Discover how climate change is causing land to sink in India. Learn about the Joshimath crisis, coastal erosion, and urgent steps to protect lives from environmental disasters.” A little climate action is better than doing nothing.
As climate change accelerates around the globe, India is facing a dangerous and often overlooked crisis: sinking land. From the mountain town of Joshimath to the coastal regions threatened by rising seas, land subsidence and climate-driven shifts are putting lives, homes, and ecosystems at risk. It is time for more climate action, even those people who are not affected badly bt climate change as yet, should decide to act.
Let’s explore what’s happening, why it matters, and what can be done to protect communities from this growing environmental threat.
What Is Land Subsidence?
Land subsidence is the gradual sinking or sudden collapse of the ground due to natural processes or human activity. Awareness is a great hope for us because people who know how damage is done to their country. In India, land subsidence happens due to:
- Over-extraction of groundwater
- Glacial melting
- Deforestation and unplanned urban development
- Tectonic movements intensified by climate change
- Coastal erosion from rising sea levels
Where Is It Happening in India?
1. Joshimath, Uttarakhand – The Cracking Himalayan Town
In early 2023, residents of Joshimath saw their homes, roads, and temples begin to crack and sink. Over 800 buildings were damaged, forcing evacuations. This must information about what causes the sinking of land should be sent out to more people so they won’t need to suffer after land sinks.
Why it’s sinking:
- Built on landslide-prone terrain
- Aggressive construction and hydroelectric projects
- Melting glaciers and unstable slopes due to warming temperatures
Joshimath became a national warning sign of climate-influenced land collapse.
2. Bengal and Odisha Coasts – The Sinking Shoreline
In the Sundarbans region, thousands are losing land to the sea each year.
Causes:
- Rising sea levels from global warming
- Loss of protective mangroves
- Increased cyclones and flooding
Entire villages have vanished, and climate refugees are on the rise.
3. Chennai and Delhi – Urban Sinking from Groundwater Depletion
In large Indian cities, excessive groundwater pumping is causing the land to sink slowly.
Impacting infrastructure damage, higher flood risks and contaminated water supplies
How Climate Change Makes It Worse
- Melting glaciers in the Himalayas weaken slopes and increase landslide risks
- Higher temperatures and longer droughts force more groundwater pumping
- Sea level rise causes erosion, salinization, and coastal flooding
- Extreme weather events like cyclones and heavy rainfall strain fragile ecosystems
These changes are no longer future threats — they are happening now.
Who Is Affected?
- Indigenous mountain communities
- Farmers in low-lying areas
- Children walking to school in damaged terrain
- Families living in makeshift homes after evacuations
- Entire villages forced to relocate — becoming climate refugees
🌱 What Can Be Done?
1. Strengthen Early Warning Systems
Use AI, satellite data, and local monitoring to predict land shifts and floods. When more people are aware of the coming disaster they will want to do more to stay safe and think about ways to protect the planet. We can do more to decrease pollution.
2. Promote Sustainable Groundwater Use
Limit over-pumping and improve water conservation in farming and cities. Build awareness in many ways about this issue and other similar ones. Tell more people are the great eco-friendly solutions they can use to decrease pollution and increase saving.
3. Protect Forests and Mangroves
These natural barriers prevent erosion, landslides, and storm surges. When children learn about the importance of our ecosystems they can plan for their bright future in the best way.
4. Resilient Urban Planning
Stop illegal construction in fragile zones. Build with safety, not speed. If more citizens were willing to live in rural areas and protect the environment, there would be decreased pollution and increased sustainability.
5. Global Climate Action
India must continue reducing carbon emissions and adapt to rising climate risks — and the world must support it. There is no need to wait for the effects of climate change to affect you badly before you begin decreasing pollution. Try to help others when you can so the problems will never get to you. Global Climate Action is our great solution and it can happen when we all get the facts and act.
Final Thoughts and Call to Action
The sinking lands in India are more than a headline — they are a climate emergency unfolding in real time. From the high Himalayas to the disappearing coastlines, the impacts are clear, devastating, and deeply human.
We cannot afford to look away. It’s time to raise awareness, take responsibility, and act for a more resilient, sustainable future — for India and the planet. If the situation continues getting worse. What will happen to the next generation. We all can act now because environmental solutions were simplified for children. Adults can develop new green habits when they simply read the eco-kids books. Simply click on the buttons below to support the Eco-kids book project.
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This is not good for India let’s see what are people and politicians are doing to save our environment. Thanks for the information Denise
I don’t know why so many people ignore the plans to protect the planet and wait until it is too late. I didn’t know we needed to be careful how we use underground water. You are welcome Kamal
I completely agree with you dear Denise. Let’s hope for the best. Have a wonderful weekend ❤️
Thanks and same to you
I just saw on the news that the City of Phoenix, Arizona is slowly sinking due to loss of groundwater.
Oh no, I just found out this week that removing ground water can create problems. It was a well kept secret? Thanks for reading the post
Always welcome dear Denise 🙏❤️