The Pioneer: Man-made tragedy Amid the ongoing monsoon season, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab and Haryana are grappling with a dire catastrophe that has cost these states a fortune. The relentless downpour has transformed serene rivers into roaring torrents, causing widespread devastation and loss of life and property. This situation, however, is not solely the result of nature's fury; it is the consequence of unchecked human actions that have disrupted the delicate balance between progress and environmental responsibility. The disturbing trend of constructing hotels and resorts on riverbeds, oblivious to the potential consequences, has emerged as a prominent contributor to the ongoing tragedy. The allure of scenic waterfront properties has driven a reckless pursuit of profit, often overshadowing prudent considerations for the environment and local communities. As these structures sprawl across the riverbanks, they impair the natural flow of water, causing disastrous consequences during heavy rainfall. The repercussions of this short-sighted development approach are now on full display. Thousands of residents have been forced to abandon their homes, a direct result of the man-made encroachments that obstructed the rivers' natural paths. The scale of destruction is staggering, with homes reduced to rubble and livelihoods swept away. Moreover, the human toll extends beyond material losses, with health issues exacerbating the already dire situation. More than 100 lives have been lost in Himachal alone, while thousands of crores have been washed away. This indeed is a direct consequence of greed and unbridled desire to choke nature to the maximum. The nexus among the builders, politicians and bureaucrats has played havoc in the state. The illegal construction goes full steam while the administration looks the other way.Incessant rain has triggered flash floods, landslides and other calamities, compounding the crisis. The toll on lives and agriculture is heart-wrenching, with both states witnessing substantial financial losses. Haryana and Punjab have suffered estimated losses of hundreds of crores, while Himachal Pradesh's losses are estimated at a staggering Rs 8000 crores. The unchecked expansion of human settlements onto riverbeds must be met with strict regulations and responsible land use practices. The consequences of prioritising short-term financial gains over long-term environmental sustainability have become painfully clear. The lessons from this disaster should serve as a stern reminder that our actions have profound repercussions on the environment and the local population we it with. It is imperative that accountability is assigned not just for immediate relief efforts, but also for the regulatory oversights that allowed such reckless construction to thrive. These floods must become a turning point in our approach to development. Only through responsible planning and a renewed commitment to environmental stewardship can we hope to prevent such disasters from recurring.