Relevance: GS I (Geography – Map Work) & GS III (Disaster Management) | Source: The Hindu

1. What is the News?

• A tragic avalanche (a massive snow slide) recently hit the high-altitude Zojila Pass in the Himalayas, burying passenger vehicles.
• The most interesting (and dangerous) part of this event is that officials believe this massive snow slide was triggered simply by bright sunlight.

2. Geography Check: Mapping Zojila 

UPSC loves asking “match-the-following” questions about mountain passes. Here is what you need to remember:

• The Connection: Zojila Pass is the vital road link that connects the Kashmir Valley (Srinagar) to Ladakh (Kargil and Leh).
• The Highway: It sits on National Highway 1 (NH-1).
• The Winter Problem: Every winter, heavy snow blocks this pass, completely cutting off Ladakh from the rest of India for months.

3. The Science: How does Sunlight Cause an Avalanche?

We usually think earthquakes or loud noises cause avalanches. But weather plays a huge role:

• The Trigger: When sudden, intense sunlight hits a heavy mountain of snow, it rapidly warms and melts the bottom layers.
• The Slide: This melting creates a slippery, watery surface underneath the snow. Gravity takes over, and the massive, heavy top layer of snow instantly slides down the mountain, crushing whatever is in its path.

4. The Solution: Infrastructure

The Himalayas are young, fragile, and very dangerous. How does India manage this?

• The Guardians (BRO): The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) works in freezing, life-threatening conditions to clear the snow and keep this strategic military and civilian road open.
• The Permanent Fix (Zojila Tunnel): To stop these tragic deaths and give Ladakh safe, year-round connectivity, the government is digging the Zojila Tunnel (14.15 km long). Once finished, vehicles will drive safely through the mountain, completely bypassing the dangerous, avalanche-prone pass above.

The “UPSC Trap”

• The “City Connection” Trap: UPSC might state, “Zojila Pass connects Jammu to Srinagar.” Incorrect. Banihal Pass connects Jammu to Srinagar. Zojila connects Srinagar to Ladakh.
• The “Avalanche Trigger” Trap: A statement might claim that avalanches in the Himalayas are only triggered by earthquakes or human noises. Incorrect. Natural weather changes, like rapid melting from bright sunlight, are major natural triggers.

UPSC Value Box

With reference to the geography and infrastructure of the Himalayas, consider the following statements:

1. The Zojila Pass is a strategic mountain pass that connects the Kashmir Valley to the Union Territory of Ladakh.
2. Natural weather variations, such as rapid warming from intense sunlight, can act as triggers for mountain avalanches.
3. The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) is tasked with maintaining the strategic road networks in India’s border regions.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 1 and 3 only

(c) 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Correct Answer: (d)