Lucknow: Natural disasters such as cloudbursts, landslides and flash floods have increased in the Himalayan region in recent years because of climate change, unplanned construction, road cutting, dam projects and deforestation. This was the conclusion of Himalayan expert Shekhar Pathak while delivering a lecture on ‘Himalaya Ki Chinta, Poore Desh Ki Chinta Hai’ at the Indian People’s Theatre Association’s office on Friday. Elaborating on how the crisis in the Himalayan region is not limited to hill states but also poses a direct threat to the entire country, he said ecological instability in the mountains is closely linked to India’s water security, climate balance and increasing disaster risks. Proposing strict environmental regulation, he said scientific planning is necessary to reduce disaster risks. On water and air pollution, Pathak said Himalayan rivers that support millions are being contaminated due to unchecked tourism, plastic waste and poor waste management.