01-August-2024-Editorial

LANDSLIDES AND THEIR IMPACT IN WAYANAD, KERALA

Recently, Wayanad district in Kerala experienced one of its most severe landslide-related disasters due to extreme rainfall and fragile ecological conditions.

With over 140 mm of rain in just 24 hours, the event has rekindled memories of the devastating 2018 floods in Kerala, which claimed around 500 lives.

The central government’s planned Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill, 2024, seeks to strengthen disaster management strategies by introducing a disaster database and creating Urban Disaster Management Authorities.

About Landslides:

A landslide refers to the downward movement of rock, soil, and debris on a slope. This movement can range from minor shifts to massive, destructive events.

Causes:

• Natural Triggers: Heavy rainfall, earthquakes, erosion, and changes in groundwater levels.
• Anthropogenic Influences: Deforestation, construction, and land-use changes.

Major Landslide-Prone Areas in India:

• Northwestern Himalayas: 66.5% of India’s landslides occur here.
• Northeastern Himalayas: 18.8% of landslides.
• Western Ghats: 14.7% of landslides, including Kerala, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu.
• Eastern Ghats: Specific regions like Araku in Andhra Pradesh.

Causes of Landslides in the Western Ghats:

Gravitational Forces: Primary cause due to the downward pull of materials.

Natural Triggers:

• Rainfall: Saturates the soil, leading to landslides.
• Climate Change: Increased warming of the Arabian Sea and convectional rainfall patterns have heightened risks.
• Deforestation: Historic deforestation for agriculture and plantations has weakened soil stability.
• Construction: Infrastructure development and tourism have disrupted natural drainage and intensified land pressure.

Geological Factors: The fragile ecology and dual-layered terrain of the Western Ghats make it especially susceptible.

Challenges of Landslides:

• Loss of Life: Sudden landslides often leave little time for evacuation, leading to fatalities.
• Displacement: Communities may be forced to relocate, causing long-term socio-economic issues.
• Infrastructure Damage: Critical infrastructure can be destroyed, leading to significant economic losses.
• Environmental Degradation: Landslides can result in soil erosion, loss of vegetation, and habitat destruction.

Government Initiatives:

• National Landslide Risk Management Strategy (2019): Comprehensive hazard mapping, early warning systems, and risk management strategies.
• Landslide Risk Mitigation Scheme (LRMS): Provides financial support for mitigation projects.
• Landslide Atlas of India: Developed by ISRO, it documents landslide events and damage assessments.

Recommendations for Mitigation:

• Technological Vigilance: Utilise sensors like rain gauges and InSAR for real-time monitoring.
• Early Warning Systems: Develop AI and ML-based EWS to alert communities.
• Sustainable Practices: Promote reforestation, soil conservation, and thoughtful urban planning.
• Building Codes: Enforce robust construction practices and strict land use restrictions in hazard-prone areas.

Conclusion:

Landslides, especially in fragile ecological regions like the Western Ghats, pose significant risks to life, infrastructure, and the environment. Proactive measures, technological vigilance, and sustainable practices are crucial for mitigating these hazards and ensuring the safety and well-being of affected communities.