The recent landslides in Wayanad, Kerala, which have left at least 282 people dead, more than 200 injured, and 240 still missing, serve as a stark reminder of the fragile balance between human development and environmental sustainability. As rescue operations enter their third day, with over 1,000 people saved, the immediate focus is on providing relief and finding the missing persons. However, the broader implications of this disaster call for a critical evaluation of our approach to development and environmental management.
Kerala, with its unique geographical and climatic conditions, is no stranger to landslides. Districts like Idukki, Kottayam, Malappuram, and Wayanad have long been recognised as landslide-prone areas. According to a study conducted by the Geological Survey of India, around 14.5 per cent of Kerala’s total area is prone to landslides. The heavy rains during the southwest monsoon are a yearly phenomenon, yet the scale and frequency of deadly landslides in recent years are alarming. This tragic event underscores the urgency of addressing the root causes of such disasters, which include both natural and anthropogenic factors.
The Madhav Gadgil report, submitted by the Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel in 2011, provides a comprehensive framework for understanding and mitigating these risks. The report emphasises the importance of preserving the ecological integrity of the Western Ghats, advocating for the restoration of denuded flora and the rehabilitation of people in vulnerable areas. The Western Ghats, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are a biodiversity hotspot and play a critical role in regulating the climate and hydrology of the region. However, the report highlights that climate change is exacerbating weather patterns, leading to unprecedented and unpredictable natural disasters. The panel warned that unchecked development and deforestation in the Western Ghats would lead to increased landslides and other ecological disasters.
Policy failure
One of the key recommendations of the Gadgil report is to halt engineering projects in ecologically sensitive areas. This includes limiting quarrying, construction activities, and monocropping, all of which compromise the ecosystem’s ability to cope with natural changes. Unfortunately, these recommendations have often been overlooked in favour of short-term economic gains. The Chaliyar River’s devastating impact this year, intensified by increased rainfall and upstream deforestation, is a direct consequence of such oversight. The river, originating from an altitude of around 2 km, has brought fast-moving waters laden with debris, devastating villages in its path.
The recurring nature of these disasters reveals a significant gap in warning systems and emergency preparedness. Despite landslide risk maps clearly identifying vulnerable areas, the state has been repeatedly caught off-guard. According to the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority, there were over 400 landslides in the state between 2018 and 2020 alone. The lack of proactive measures to mitigate risks and enhance resilience has resulted in avoidable loss of life and property. This calls for the establishment of well-equipped, staffed, and empowered expert committees to assess the feasibility of development projects in sensitive areas, ensuring that environmental concerns are not sidelined.
In addition to structural measures, there is a need for a paradigm shift in public policy. Sustainable development should not be viewed as an obstacle to economic growth but as a foundational element of long-term prosperity. Kerala‘s focus must shift from reactive disaster management to proactive risk reduction. This involves integrating climate resilience into planning and development processes, investing in green infrastructure, and promoting community-based natural resource management.
The Gadgil report’s findings were stark. It identified 123 villages as ecologically sensitive areas (ESA), recommending strict regulation of developmental activities there. These measures included banning mining, quarrying, and large construction projects, while promoting sustainable agricultural practices and protecting forest cover. However, implementation has been lax. The Kasturirangan Committee report diluted many of these recommendations, reducing the ESA to just 37 per cent of the Western Ghats, citing developmental needs. This dilution has been widely criticised for prioritising short-term economic gains over long-term environmental sustainability.
The recent disaster in Wayanad is a tragic manifestation of these policy failures. The region, known for its lush green hills and tourism, has been subjected to aggressive infrastructure development. This includes road expansions, resorts, and other constructions that have disturbed the natural landscape. The increase in impervious surfaces, like concrete, prevents water absorption, increasing runoff and the potential for landslides. According to the Kerala State Planning Board, the state has seen a 169 per cent increase in built-up area from 1973 to 2016, largely at the expense of forested and agricultural lands.
Climate change adds another layer of complexity. The Indian Meteorological Department has noted an increase in the frequency and intensity of rainfall in Kerala. The 2018 floods, which were among the worst in the state’s history, were partly attributed to anomalously high rainfall. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) warns that such extreme weather events are likely to become more frequent as global temperatures rise. This necessitates not only local but also global efforts to mitigate climate change and adapt to its impacts.
Moreover, the economic incentives driving unsustainable development cannot be ignored. Wayanad’s economy relies heavily on agriculture and tourism. Coffee and tea plantations dominate the landscape, often encroaching on ecologically sensitive areas. The tourism sector, which attracts millions of visitors annually, drives infrastructure development that frequently disregards environmental guidelines. While these sectors are vital for local livelihoods, their current trajectory is unsustainable. There needs to be a balance where economic activities do not compromise ecological integrity.
Public policy must evolve to reflect these realities. First, there must be a reinvigoration of the Gadgil report’s recommendations, especially regarding ESAs. Protecting these areas is not just about preserving biodiversity; it is about safeguarding the lives and livelihoods of the people who live there. The Kerala government must also enhance its disaster preparedness and response mechanisms. This includes investing in early warning systems, community training programmes, and emergency infrastructure. The use of technology, such as satellite imagery and remote sensing, can significantly improve the monitoring and management of landslide-prone areas.
Additionally, land-use planning needs a comprehensive overhaul. This involves strict zoning laws that prevent construction in high-risk areas, reforestation projects to stabilise slopes, and sustainable agricultural practices that maintain soil health. Public awareness campaigns are also crucial. Educating the local population about the risks of certain land-use practices and the importance of maintaining ecological balance can foster community-driven conservation efforts.
The role of the judiciary is also critical. The National Green Tribunal (NGT) and other judicial bodies must ensure that environmental regulations are strictly enforced. Penalties for violations should be substantial enough to deter non-compliance. Legal frameworks should also be adaptive, allowing for updates based on new scientific evidence and changing environmental conditions.
Also Read: Explained with maps: How topography, human density led to devastation in Kerala’s Wayanad
Lesson for future
The landslides in Wayanad are not just a natural disaster but a policy failure. They highlight the consequences of ignoring scientific recommendations and the necessity of balancing development with environmental conservation. The Kerala government must take immediate steps to implement the Gadgil report’s recommendations, restore ecological balance, and ensure that development projects do not compromise the region’s environmental health.
As the rescue operations continue, the state must also focus on the long-term rehabilitation of the affected communities. This includes not only rebuilding homes but also restoring livelihoods and ensuring that the displaced populations are resettled in safer areas. Reforestation and soil conservation measures should be prioritised to stabilise the terrain and prevent future landslides.
Additionally, there needs to be a coordinated effort involving local, state, and national governments, as well as international bodies, to address the broader issues of climate change and sustainable development. This disaster should serve as a catalyst for change, prompting a re-evaluation of our developmental priorities and a commitment to building a more resilient and sustainable future.
By embracing the principles of ecological balance and resilience, Kerala can pave the way for a more secure and sustainable future, where economic growth does not come at the cost of human and environmental well-being. The lessons from Wayanad should guide not only Kerala but also other regions facing similar challenges, ensuring that the mistakes of the past do not dictate the future.
Amal Chandra is an author, policy analyst and columnist. He tweets @ens_socialis. Views are personal.
(Edited by Ratan Priya)