Before the Landslide: Wayanad Tragedy is a Warning, Do Not Ignore Ecology

Why in News?

• In recent days, Wayanad, a district known for its breathtaking landscapes, has been hit by a catastrophic landslide that has resulted in profound loss and devastation.
• The landslide, triggered by a cloudburst, ravaged the regions of Meppadi, Mundakkai, and Chooralmala leading to the collapse of a crucial bridge in Mundakkai and resulting in the death of over 300 people, with an equal number still missing.
• This tragedy underscores the severe consequences of both natural and human-induced factors on fragile ecosystems.

Environmental and Climatic Factors Behind Wayanad Landslide

• According to climate experts, the immediate cause of the landslide was the exceptionally heavy rainfall linked to the warming of the Arabian Sea.
• This phenomenon has caused atmospheric instability over large parts of the Western Ghats, including Kerala, resulting in rain-laden clouds moving southward and causing excessive rainfall.
• The warming of the Arabian Sea, indicative of broader climate change patterns, has intensified weather anomalies, making regions like Wayanad increasingly vulnerable to such disasters.

Human Induced Factors Behind Wayanad Tragedy

• Unchecked Development and Tourism
  • Wayanad's scenic beauty has made it a popular ecotourism destination, attracting numerous tourists annually.
  • To cater to this influx, there has been rampant construction of resorts, hotels, and other infrastructure.
  • This development, however, has often been carried out without proper environmental assessments or adherence to sustainable practices.
  • Resorts have sprung up in fragile areas, roads have been carved into steep hillsides, and tunnels have been bored through mountains, all contributing to the destabilisation of the terrain.
• Quarrying Activities
  • The demand for construction materials has led to extensive quarrying in the Western Ghats, including Wayanad.
  • Quarrying involves the removal of large amounts of rock and soil, which not only alters the landscape but also affects the structural integrity of the land.
  • The removal of vegetation and topsoil increases the risk of soil erosion and reduces the land's ability to absorb and retain water.
  • During heavy rains, these areas become prone to landslides as the destabilised ground cannot withstand the increased water pressure.
• Inadequate Land Use Planning
  • Construction and development projects have often been executed without considering the region’s carrying capacity and ecological sensitivity.
  • The Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel, led by Madhav Gadgil, had demarcated the region as an ecologically sensitive area (ESA) and recommended restrictions on construction, mining, and quarrying.
  • However, these guidelines were not adequately implemented, and development continued unchecked, ignoring the potential environmental impact.
• Deforestation and Plantation Expansion
  • A study from 2022 revealed that 62% of the district’s green cover disappeared between 1950 and 2018, while plantation cover increased by around 1,800%.
  • The dense forests, which once provided stability to the soil and regulated water flow, have been replaced by plantations, particularly rubber.
  • Rubber trees, unlike the native forest vegetation, have shallow root systems that are less effective in preventing soil erosion.
  • This change in land cover has reduced the soil's ability to retain water, increasing the likelihood of landslides during heavy rainfall.
• Outdated Infrastructure and Practices
  • Infrastructure development in Wayanad and other parts of Kerala has often relied on outdated data and practices that do not account for current rainfall patterns and intensities.
  • The construction of roads, bridges, and culverts has not been designed to handle the increased water flow during heavy rains, leading to blockages and flooding.
  • These inadequacies in infrastructure design and maintenance have contributed to the severity of the landslides and the resulting destruction.
• Ignoring Expert Warnings
  • Despite repeated warnings from climate experts and environmentalists, the recommendations to curb construction and implement sustainable practices have been largely ignored.
  • The 2011 Gadgil Committee report highlighted the need for stringent measures to protect the Western Ghats, but the continued neglect and prioritisation of economic gains over environmental sustainability have led to repeated disasters.
  • The failure to heed these warnings has resulted in significant loss of life and property and has further degraded the region's ecological balance.

Broader Implications for Kerala

• Recurring Climate-Induced Disasters
  • Kerala has experienced a series of devastating climate-induced disasters over the past decade.
  • The 2018 floods, which killed more than 400 people and caused widespread destruction, were followed by similar events in subsequent years.
  • In 2019 and 2020, landslides in Idukki district claimed many lives, including numerous tea plantation workers.
  • The cycle continued in 2021 and 2022, with landslides and flash floods striking again.
  • These recurring disasters indicate that Kerala is increasingly vulnerable to extreme weather events, exacerbated by climate change.
• Impact on Biodiversity and Ecosystems
  • The environmental degradation in Kerala has severe implications for biodiversity and ecosystems.
  • The Western Ghats are home to numerous endemic species of flora and fauna.
  • The destruction of forests and natural habitats due to unplanned development and plantation agriculture threatens these species' survival.
  • The loss of biodiversity not only impacts the ecological balance but also affects the livelihoods of communities dependent on these natural resources.
• Socio-Economic Consequences
  • The recurring natural disasters have significant socio-economic consequences for Kerala.
  • The destruction of homes, infrastructure, and agricultural land leads to massive financial losses and displaces thousands of people.
  • The tourism industry, a major contributor to the state’s economy, also suffers as natural beauty spots become disaster-prone
  • Additionally, the cost of disaster relief and rehabilitation strains the state’s resources, diverting funds from other essential services.

Way Forward

• Need for Climate-Resilient Infrastructure
  • To mitigate the impact of climate-induced disasters, Kerala must invest in climate-resilient infrastructure.
  • This includes constructing roads, bridges, and buildings designed to withstand extreme weather conditions.
  • Incorporating scientific precision and environmental considerations into development projects is essential.
  • Such infrastructure should accommodate current and future rainfall patterns, ensuring that drainage systems can handle heavy downpours without causing blockages or floods.
• Sustainable Land Management Practices
  • Promoting sustainable land management practices is crucial to maintaining hillside stability and reducing soil erosion.
  • Reforestation, controlled deforestation, and sustainable agriculture can help restore the ecological balance in the Western Ghats.
  • Planting native tree species and maintaining natural vegetation cover can enhance the soil’s ability to retain water and prevent landslides.
  • Sustainable agricultural practices can minimise land degradation and ensure long-term productivity without compromising the environment

Conclusion

• The recent tragedy in Wayanad is a stark reminder of the fragile balance between nature and human activity.
• To prevent future tragedies, it is imperative to integrate scientific precision in development activities, respect ecological warnings, and prioritise sustainable land management practices.

Only through such measures can we hope to safeguard our environment and the lives that depend on it. 

Q) What is climate resilience infrastructure?

Climate resilience infrastructure refers to the design, construction, and maintenance of buildings, roads, bridges, and other structures that can withstand the impacts of climate change. This includes extreme weather events like floods, hurricanes, and heatwaves, as well as longer-term changes like rising sea levels and shifting weather patterns. The goal is to ensure that infrastructure remains functional, safe, and sustainable despite these challenges.

Q) Why is climate resilience important for infrastructure development?

Climate resilience is crucial for infrastructure development because it helps protect communities, economies, and ecosystems from the adverse effects of climate change. Resilient infrastructure can reduce the risk of damage and failure during extreme weather events, minimise recovery costs, and enhance the overall safety and well-being of the population. Additionally, investing in climate resilience can prolong the lifespan of infrastructure, making it a cost-effective strategy in the long run. 

Source:The Indian Express