Dehradun, August 22, 2026: The third edition of Making Molehills of Mountains, published by SDC Foundation and M/s Bishen Singh Mahendra Pal Singh, was launched today at the Doon Library and Research Centre. Focused on the theme “Communities and Constitutional Rights in the Times of Climate Crisis,” the book explores the interconnections between climate change, communities and constitutional rights in the context of Uttarakhand’s development and disaster narrative.
The third book in the Making Molehills of Mountains series analyses major climate disasters that struck Uttarakhand in 2025. It examines news reports on 98 major climate disasters documented in 12 monthly reports prepared between January and December 2025 under the Uttarakhand Disaster and Accident Analysis Initiative. SDC Foundation had earlier published Demystifying Disasters in Devbhoomi Uttarakhand in 2023 and Tales of Uttarakhand’s Climate Crisis and an Uncertain Development Model in 2024.
The foreword to the 2025 edition has been written by Dr. Sanjeev Chopra, former Director of the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration. The analysis of major climate disasters in 2025 identifies five recurring red flags or patterns confronting Uttarakhand.
The first red flag is “Chronic Administrative Delay, Fragmented Governance and Accountability Deficit in Disaster Prevention,” analysed by former Union Human Resource Development Minister Dr. Murli Manohar Joshi. The second is “The Emergence of Urban and Semi-Urban Disaster Landscapes,” examined by urban thinker and architect Jagan Shah.
The third red flag is “Glacial Lakes, Cryosphere Change and the Illusion of Preparedness,” analysed by Dr. Manish Mehta of the Wadia Institute. The fourth is “Infrastructure-Induced Disaster Risk and the Crisis of Mobility,” discussed by Dr. Lokesh Ohri. The fifth is “The Ecological Burden of Mass Tourism on the Fragile Himalayan Landscape,” analysed by Vaibhav Kala of Aquaterra Adventures.
The book also gives special attention to the “Third C — Constitution.” It brings together different perspectives to examine the legal and constitutional dimensions of Uttarakhand’s development challenges. Aditya Rawat of UPES University has written on environmental laws and legislation in Uttarakhand over the past 25 years, while Gautam Kumar, also of UPES University, analyses delimitation and the state’s continuing problem of migration. Prerna Raturi presents a perspective based on her lived experiences as a local resident of a hill station.
The welcome address was delivered by Chandrashekhar Tiwari of the Doon Library and Research Centre, while the programme was moderated by Dinesh Semwal of the SDC Foundation.
The book was introduced by editor Prerna Raturi, while Anup Nautiyal spoke on the need to mainstream climate change, community concerns and constitutional issues in Uttarakhand’s development narrative. Contributors Dr. Manish Mehta, Dr. Lokesh Ohri and Gautam Kumar shared their perspectives on key issues addressed in their respective chapters. Abhimanyu Gehlot delivered the vote of thanks.
The launch was attended by a large number of students and faculty members from Swami Rama Himalayan University, Shri Guru Ram Rai University, Sardar Bhagwan Singh University, Quantum University, Doon Business School, Tula’s University, Uttaranchal University, DIT University and Doon University.
Several prominent members of civil society were also present, including Vibha Puri Das, Alok Lal, JP Mamgain, Kripa Nautiyal, Jagmohan Mehdhiratta, Abhimanyu, Avinash Chandra Joshi, Binita Shah, Piyush Rautela, Major Rahul Jugran, Devendra Budakoti, Ashutosh Kandwal, Ravi Juyal, Rakesh Kapoor, Parul, Raj Mohan, Kunal Uniyal, Paramjeet Kakkar, Narendra Sethi, Pawan Lachand and Anupam Trivedi, along with several PhD students and young researchers.
The editors emphasised the need for greater dialogue and discussion in Uttarakhand on the relationship between climate change, communities and the Constitution. They called upon experts, civil society members, researchers and young people to come forward, share their perspectives and contribute towards shaping a more sustainable and accountable future for Uttarakhand.
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