A Wayanad Story (GS Paper 3, Environment)
Introduction:
- The recurrent flooding and landslides in Kerala, especially since 2018, highlight significant challenges in disaster management and environmental policy.
- The recent landslides in Wayanad have brought renewed focus on these issues, underscoring the need for effective, balanced approaches to resilience and sustainability.
The Broader Impact on Kerala
Resilience Tested:
- Kerala’s annual monsoons, once a source of relief and celebration, are now met with apprehension.
- Since 2018, the state has experienced severe landslides in districts such as Kozhikode, Palakkad, Wayanad, and Malappuram, leading to the loss of 160 lives.
- Kerala recorded the highest number of landslides in India from 2015 to 2022, with 2,239 incidents out of a national total of 3,782.
The Devastation of 2024:
- In 2024, Wayanad faced unprecedented devastation with the complete destruction of two villages, Madikkai and Chooralmala.
- These communities, each home to about 1,000 people, were swept away, and ongoing rescue operations have been hampered by continuous heavy rains.
The Reports and Their Resistance
Environmental Reports:
- The Madhav Gadgil Committee (2011) and the K. Kasturirangan-led High-Level Working Group (2013) reports highlighted the ecological sensitivity of regions like Wayanad and recommended designating them as Ecologically Sensitive Areas (ESAs).
- These recommendations included restrictions on construction, mining, and quarrying to protect the environment.
Resistance and Opposition:
- The implementation of these recommendations faced significant opposition.
- Protests arose due to fears of eviction and economic disruption, particularly among settler-farmers in the high ranges.
- Accusations of inadequate stakeholder consultation and perceptions of the measures being overly restrictive led to stalled implementation.
The Need for a Balanced Approach
Building Resilience:
- The recurring natural disasters emphasize that while their occurrence may be inevitable, the impact can be mitigated through effective disaster management.
- Immediate rescue and relief efforts are crucial, but long-term strategies to build resilience are equally important.
Inclusive and Participatory Policies:
- The situation in Wayanad underscores the need for environmental policies that are both inclusive and participatory.
- It is essential to balance environmental conservation with the developmental needs of local communities.
- Policies must incorporate local stakeholders’ perspectives and address their concerns while ensuring ecological protection.
Infrastructure and Political Will:
- To prepare for and mitigate the effects of extreme weather events, robust infrastructure and strong political will are necessary.
- Addressing the root causes of vulnerability, investing in disaster-resilient infrastructure, and implementing sustainable practices are critical steps in safeguarding communities.
Rebuilding for the Future:
- It is crucial to not only rebuild what has been lost but also to construct a future that is resilient to recurring tragedies.
- This involves integrating disaster risk reduction measures into planning and development processes and ensuring that policies are adaptable to changing environmental conditions.
Key Highlights of the Landslide Atlas
Top States by Landslide Events:
- Mizoram: 12,385 events
- Uttarakhand: 11,219 events
- Kerala: 2,239 events
- Other states: Jammu and Kashmir, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, Tripura
Districts with Maximum Landslide Exposure:
- Arunachal Pradesh: 16 districts
- Kerala: 14 districts
- Uttarakhand and Jammu & Kashmir: 13 districts each
Highest Landslide Density and Risk Exposure:
- Rudraprayag and Tehri Garhwal districts in Uttarakhand
Conclusion:
- Kerala’s struggle with flooding and landslides highlights the urgent need for a balanced approach to disaster management that integrates environmental conservation with developmental needs.
- By adopting inclusive, participatory policies and investing in resilient infrastructure, the state can better prepare for and mitigate the impacts of future natural disasters.
