WAYANAD TRAGEDY: THE SLIPPING LAND

THE CONTEXT: The mounting toll in Wayanad is a grim reminder of the dangers of ignoring Kerala’s ecological vulnerabilities. Despite warnings issued over a decade ago by expert committees, the region’s fragile environment continues to be compromised by unregulated developmental activities.

THE ISSUES:

• Ecological Sensitivity and Expert Warnings: Two expert committees, the Gadgil Committee (2011) and the Kasturirangan Committee (2013), had issued warnings about the ecological sensitivity of the Western Ghats. The Gadgil Committee recommended stringent regulations on developmental activities across the Western Ghats. At the same time, the Kasturirangan Committee suggested that 37% of the area be restricted as an Ecologically Sensitive Area (ESA) with restrictions on mining and quarrying. State governments largely ignored both recommendations, leading to continued environmental degradation.
• Deforestation and Construction Boom: In recent decades, Kerala has experienced significant deforestation and unregulated construction A study revealed that Wayanad lost 60% of its forests between 1950 and 2018. This deforestation has made the region more susceptible to landslides, especially during heavy rainfall.
• Climate Change and Rainfall Patterns: Climate change has contributed to the warming of the Arabian Sea, leading to deep cloud systems and excessive rainfall in the Western Ghats. This excessive rainfall has exacerbated the fragile geology of the region, increasing the likelihood of landslides. The southeast Arabian Sea’s warming has made the atmosphere thermodynamically unstable, further contributing to the problem.
• Lack of Landslide Mitigation Plans: Despite having landslide maps, Kerala lacks a comprehensive landslide mitigation plan. There are no detailed studies explaining the potential routes of landslides once triggered. This gap in planning and preparedness has made it difficult to prevent or mitigate such disasters’ impact effectively.
• Political and Administrative Inaction: The recommendations of the Gadgil and Kasturirangan Committees faced resistance from various state governments and political parties. This resistance has prevented the implementation of necessary ecological protections. The lack of political will to prioritize ecological concerns over developmental activities has been a significant barrier to addressing these issues.
• Immediate and Long-term Consequences: The landslides in Wayanad have caused significant loss of life and property. Over 250 people have died, and many more are missing. The disaster has highlighted the urgent need for rescue, relief, rehabilitation efforts, and long-term measures to prevent future tragedies. The event serves as a grim reminder of the consequences of neglecting ecological warnings and the need for sustainable development practices.

THE WAY FORWARD:

• Implementation of Ecologically Sensitive Area (ESA) Designations: Both the Gadgil Committee (2011) and the Kasturirangan Committee (2013) recommended designating parts of the Western Ghats as ESAs to regulate developmental activities. The Gadgil Committee suggested regulating the entire 160,000 sq km stretch, while the Kasturirangan Committee proposed demarcating 37% of the Western Ghats as ESAs. The successful implementation of ESAs in other regions, such as the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, demonstrates the effectiveness of such measures in preserving biodiversity and preventing environmental degradation.
• Strengthening Landslide Prediction and Early Warning Systems: Developing a multi-institutional framework to enhance weather forecasting technologies and early warning systems can provide timely alerts about heavy rainfall and potential landslides. Japan’s advanced landslide prediction systems, which integrate real-time weather data and geotechnical monitoring, have significantly reduced casualties from such disasters.
• Promoting Sustainable Land Management Practices: Implementing reforestation, controlled deforestation, and sustainable agriculture can help maintain hillside stability and reduce soil erosion. Costa Rica’s reforestation programs have successfully restored degraded lands, improved soil stability, and reduced the risk of landslides.
• Developing Comprehensive Disaster Management Plans: Creating comprehensive disaster management plans that include evacuation routes, emergency shelters, and community training can enhance landslide preparedness and response. The Ministry of Earth Sciences has highlighted the need for robust disaster management frameworks to translate scientific predictions into effective warnings. The Philippines’ disaster management plans, which include community-based disaster risk reduction programs, have improved resilience to natural disasters.
• Addressing Climate Change and Its Impacts: Implementing climate adaptation strategies, such as enhancing green infrastructure and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, can help mitigate the effects of climate change. The Netherlands’ climate adaptation strategies, including the construction of green roofs and urban wetlands, have successfully reduced the impact of extreme weather events.

THE CONCLUSION:

The Wayanad tragedy underscores the urgent need for Kerala and other states to heed scientific warnings and implement robust ecological protections. Without immediate action, the region’s susceptibility to natural disasters will only worsen, threatening lives and livelihoods.

UPSC PAST YEAR QUESTIONS:

Q.1 Explain the causes and effects of coastal erosion in India. What are the available coastal management techniques for combating the hazard? 2022

Q.2 Discuss the recent measures initiated in disaster management by the Government of India, departing from the earlier reactive approach. 2020

Q.3 Disaster preparedness is the first step in any disaster management process. Explain how hazard zonation mapping will help mitigate disasters caused by landslides. 2019

MAINS PRACTICE QUESTION:

Q.1 Discuss the findings and recommendations of the Gadgil and the Kasturirangan Committee on the Western Ghats. Suggest measures to balance environmental conservation with developmental needs in the region.

SOURCE:

https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/bjp-parliament-broadcast-bill-9488661/