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Kerala — God’s own country, the land developed by Lord Parshuram for his followers to reside peacefully, is celebrated for its lush greenery, rich biodiversity, and vibrant culture. However, in recent years, this tranquil landscape has been increasingly plagued by a series of devastating disasters that have severely impacted the environment and the local population. In 2018, the state endured its worst flood in over a century, tragically claiming over 500 lives and forcing more than a million people into emergency shelters. Subsequent landslides in 2019, 2021, and 2022 have continued to challenge the region, highlighting the complex relationship between natural forces and regional development practices. These events have sparked serious concerns about environmental management, human intervention, and the adequacy of existing governance systems.
Above and below: Southern Naval Command dispatched a disaster relief team of 68 personnel to the landslide affected sites in Wayanad
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The Wayanad district has recently experienced one of the most devastating landslide-related disasters due to extreme rainfall and fragile ecological conditions. In just 24 hours, the district received over 372 mm of rain, and witnessed a cloudburst-like situation, evoking memories of the catastrophic 2018 floods. In the early hours of 30 July 2024, a major landslide occurred in Mundakai hills near the Gram Panchayat of Meppadi, triggered by a combination of rock and soil slippage. In no time, the debris-flow reached Punchirimattom, Mundakkai, Chooralmala,
Attamala, Vellarmala, and Noolpuzha. The mudflow along with many dead bodies reached the Soochipara Waterfalls and then through Chaliyar River reached up to Nilambur and Pothukal, around 81 km from the origin. The event caused widespread destruction, impacting thousands of lives, damaging infrastructure, and resulting in the tragic loss of 436 lives, with around 400 injured and approximately 140 people still missing.
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THE FRAGILE WESTERN GHATS
Geological factors such as weathered rock, lateritic soil, steep slopes with dual-layer structures and undulating terrain, combined with defunct quarries in the area, contribute to soil destabilization and heighten landslide risks
in the Western Ghats. During heavy rainfall, the soil becomes saturated with moisture, weakening the binding forces between the soil and rocks, which triggers landslides. Groundwater often seeps through porous materials, increasing
pore pressure and reducing effective stress, further destabilizing slopes. Historical deforestation for tea plantations
during British colonial rule, followed by agriculture and settlement expansion, has weakened soil stability, making the
region more prone to landslides during heavy rains. Additionally, construction activities such as mining and quarrying,
hill levelling, unplanned and unregulated road and infrastructure development on unstable slopes, without considering
the geological and environmental sensitivity of the area, have led to frequent landslides.
Land use changes and urban expansion have further disrupted the ecological balance and natural drainage systems, leading to overburdened hills and altered load distribution, which exacerbate landslide risks. Mono-crop farming on deforested landscapes and forest fragmentation have played a crucial role in this process by removing vegetation that naturally stabilizes slopes, as tree roots provide essential reinforcement and aid in water drainage. The government’s focus on tourism and infrastructure development, including the construction of resorts, artificial
lakes, and other facilities, has intensified land pressure. This destruction of natural habitats disrupts local flora
and fauna, affecting biodiversity and weakening ecological resilience. The altered landscape is now more prone
to waterlogging, soil saturation, and ultimately slope instability, which triggers landslides during the rainy season.
Additionally, the recent warming of the Arabian Sea has led to the formation of deep cloud systems and extremely heavy rainfall in the Western Ghats, further heightening landslide risks. Climate change has shifted the rain-bearing belt, resulting in increased convective rainfall in southern Western Ghats region, with greater intensity and frequency. These changing climate patterns have created erratic weather conditions, making it increasingly difficult to predict and prepare for such events.
TURNING A BLIND EYE TO WARNINGS
For multiple factors as mentioned above and other reasons, the state has been the focus of discussions about the need for urgent conservation efforts. The 2011 Madhav Gadgil Report by the Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel (WGEEP) emphasized the importance of preserving these fragile Ghats through a participatory and decentralized approach. It recommended creating Ecologically Sensitive Zones (ESZ) with varying degrees of protection, and prohibiting activities that increase vulnerability. However, the report faced criticism for being overly environment-focused and not considering local developmental needs. In response, the 2013 Kasturirangan Committee, High-Level Working Group (HLWG), sought a balance between conservation and development, recommending that 37% of the most ecologically significant areas of the Western Ghats be declared Eco-Sensitive Areas (ESAs). It also stressed the
importance of green development, such as eco-friendly tourism and renewable energy projects, and called for stronger governance and science-based decision-making to ensure sustainable outcomes. As per the Geological Survey of India (GSI), almost half of Kerala’s land area is prone to landslides. Supporting these concerns, a study by the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi categorized Wayanad as being at ‘High to Very High’ risk for landslides, recommending proactive evacuation measures. Additionally, the Landslide Atlas by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) identified Wayanad district as one of the top 15 regions most prone to such disasters. Recently, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) released a sixth draft notification proposing earmarking ESA within the fragile Western Ghats. Interestingly, the first draft notification was issued in March 2014, but it has remained on paper since then, having 4 more drafts through 2015-22.
The failure to enforce sustainable regulations and guidelines related to land use, construction, and environmental
protection, as recommended by multiple committees, has contributed to the landslide challenges in Wayanad.
The lack of stringent monitoring and accountability mechanisms has allowed unchecked deforestation, unplanned
development, and other activities to increase these risks. Excessive rainfall worsened the already fragile ecology of
the region, despite prior warnings from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) about potential rain-induced
landslides. Although the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) is aware of landslide hotspots, there is a
significant gap in understanding the potential paths these landslides might take and a lack of a comprehensive landslide mitigation plan. This lack of preparedness and timely response has led to significant loss of life and property during landslide events. Entire communities are now facing displacement, leading to social disruption and long-lasting socio-economic challenges as they struggle to rebuild their lives. Landslides have also severely disrupted the local economy, particularly in regions reliant on agriculture and tourism, and the financial burden of repairing critical infrastructure and providing humanitarian aid is overwhelming.
The situation demands the urgent need for improved predictive and preventative strategies to manage the region’s vulnerabilities and protect its inhabitants. Predicting landslides is inherently challenging due to the complexity of geomaterials like varying rock types and soils, insufficient data for accurate mapping, and the difficulty in identifying weak points such as rock fractures. Estimating the size, runout distance, and timing of landslides adds further uncertainty, as environmental factors like rainfall, seismic activity, and human interventions complicate slope stability. Technological limitations also hinder precise predictions, especially in remote areas. Building resilience is key, which can be achieved by setting up sensor networks for real-time monitoring, mapping landslide-prone areas, and creating restricted zones to prevent unsafe activities. An integrated Early Warning System (EWS) powered by Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) can provide timely alerts. Sustainable urban planning, strict building codes, and land use restrictions are essential to mitigate landslide risks and ensure safe construction in hazard-prone areas. Balancing sustainable socio-economic progress with environmental conservation is also essential.
DISASTERS DESPITE TECH SUPERIORITY
India has undertaken several government initiatives to mitigate disaster risk, and post-disaster response, reflecting a proactive approach to disaster management. In the past, India predominantly relied on a reactive, rescue-centric approach to disasters. However, recent advancements have dramatically transformed its disaster response capabilities with the capacity to forecast events leading to disasters up to a week in advance. This state-of-the-art system places India among an elite group of four countries worldwide that can provide real-time updates on key natural phenomena, namely, rainfall, heatwaves, cyclones, storms, and lightning. For example, in the case of landslide-induced disasters, the National Landslide Risk Management Strategy and the upcoming Landslide Risk Mitigation Scheme (LRMS) focus on hazard mapping, early warning systems, and capacity building. The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has also issued guidelines covering hazard assessment, risk management, and community participation, including institutional and financial arrangements.
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In addition to engineering solutions, ecosystem-based and nature-based approaches are crucial for stabilizing slopes and reinforcing ground. Advancing these strategies necessitates a collaborative effort to improve research by integrating cutting-edge technology with traditional knowledge systems. This combined approach will better equip both community and state systems to manage landslide complexities effectively. For instance, Kerala’s State Highways Department is tackling landslide challenges in the Nilgiris using innovative methods like soil nailing and hydroseeding. Soil nailing strengthens soil stability, while hydroseeding fosters plant growth through a mix of seeds, fertilizer, and water. This not only enhances soil stability but also supports vegetation cover, which is essential for reducing soil erosion. The strategy involves planting different grass species and ensuring their long-term maintenance, thereby minimizing the environmental impact of road infrastructure and promoting lasting stability in the region. The state would also need investments in additional Doppler Weather Radar and a series of automatic weather stations having consistent feed to SDMA and other institutions to develop advance understanding of such disasters.
ECOLOGICAL DISASTERS AND ECONOMY
Disaster events significantly impact economies. In 2023, natural disasters caused losses amounting to US$250 billion globally, with 76 percent of these losses being weather-related. The urgency of post-disaster recovery often leads to the rebuilding of infrastructure that may not be more resilient than before, potentially leaving it vulnerable to future disasters. Therefore, it is crucial to implement a ‘Build Back Better’ (BBB) approach with careful consideration. According to the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), every US$1 invested in risk reduction and prevention can save up to US$15 in post-disaster recovery, and every US$1 spent on making infrastructure disaster-resilient can save US$4 in reconstruction costs. For developing countries and areas with vulnerable landscapes, investing in resilience and disaster risk reduction must be integral to development processes. Financial risk transfer instruments should also be explored in such contexts. For example, Nagaland recently became the first Indian state to adopt the Disaster Risk Transfer Parametric Insurance Solution (DRTPS) through its State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) in collaboration with the State Bank of India (SBI) General Insurance. This initiative aims to safeguard critical infrastructure and mitigate economic losses from extreme weather events by integrating a disaster risk management insurance solution.
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The landslides in Wayanad highlight the fragile balance between human activities and environmental sustainability. Landscapes with inherent vulnerabilities are increasingly prone to severe and frequent disturbances due to disruptions in the water cycle caused by global climate change. A recent example from the Silkyara Bend–Barkot tunnel in the Himalayas highlights a successful post-disaster response model, where relevant management stakeholders collaborated effectively to address the challenges. Integrating such approaches into pre-disaster planning can greatly improve our preparedness and response capabilities. Effective environmental conservation and management are essential not only for immediate benefits but also for the long-term sustainability of these fragile regions. These events act as signals of nature’s resilience and its ability to recover from human-induced stresses. Humanity’s priority should be to protect lives while respecting and preserving the natural world, ensuring that our actions support sustainable development and good governance. This approach not only helps manage immediate disaster risks but also fosters a resilient society that can thrive in harmony with its environment.
Above and below: Indian Army personnel at work to rescue stranded people after multiple and devastating landslides struck Wayanad
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Addressing these challenges requires a multifaceted approach that integrates scientific research, policy reforms, community involvement, and sustainable development practices. By drawing on past experiences and utilizing scientific insights and local indicators, regions like the Western Ghats can forge a path toward a more resilient and sustainable future. Embracing technology, improving governance, and focusing on ecological conservation will not only help mitigate landslide risks but also ensure the long-term well-being of both people and the environment. Achieving a disaster-free world is a shared responsibility, and it is crucial for all stakeholders to collaborate in protecting the planet for future generations. The coming time is likely to increase the potential number of disasters aggravated by the ongoing human-induced climate change. The Wayanad landslides highlight the critical relationship between natural disasters and human activities. A comprehensive strategy that includes regulation, education, and scientific research with predictions and forecasts is essential to manage risks and enable vulnerable communities. Rather than attributing disasters to divine judgment or sui generis, we must recognize them as signals to reassess and restructure land use and development strategies, ensuring the preservation of ecological integrity and the safety of citizens.
*The writer is a Professor at the School of Environmental Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi.
