Introduction

On July 30, a devastating landslide struck Wayanad in Kerala, resulting in the tragic loss of over 250 lives. This disaster, the deadliest landslide-related event in the state’s history, has reignited discussions about the unheeded recommendations of the Madhav Gadgil Committee (2011) and the K Kasturirangan-led High Level Working Group (2013). These reports advocated for the designation of certain areas as Ecologically Sensitive Areas (ESAs) to mitigate such risks, but they were met with resistance and ultimately not implemented.

Factors Behind the Wayanad Landslide:

1. Extreme Rainfall: Wayanad experienced 140mm of rainfall, with some areas reporting over 300mm—five times more than India Meteorological Department’s (IMD) projections.
2. River Overflow: The Chaliyar river overflowed, carrying sediment downstream due to previous heavy rains that stripped upstream areas of plant cover.
3. Soil Saturation: The heavy rainfall saturated the soil, weakening the bond between soil and rocks, triggering landslides.
4. Human Activities: Quarrying, infrastructure development, and construction have compromised the ecosystem’s resilience.
5. Monocropping: The replacement of large native trees with shallow-rooted plantation crops like tea and coffee increased vulnerability.
6. Deforestation: Wayanad has lost 60% of its forests between 1950 and 2018, increasing landslide risks.
7. Climate Change: Warming of the Arabian Sea has led to the formation of deep cloud systems over the Western Ghats.

India’s Vulnerability to Landslides

• According to ISRO’s Landslide Atlas of India, India is among the top four countries with the highest landslide risk, with a significant portion of its landmass highly susceptible to landslides.  India accounts for approximately 8% of global fatalities due to landslides. Around 13.17% of the country is susceptible to landslides, with 4.75% classified as ‘very highly susceptible. Kerala is particularly vulnerable, with over 14% of its land in the ‘very high susceptibility’ category.

Causes of Landslides in India

Natural Causes:

1. Heavy Rainfall: Continuous or heavy rainfall can lead to significant landslides in steep slope areas. Water acts as a lubricating agent, loosening materials. For example, the 2013 Uttarakhand cloudburst caused massive landslides in the region.
2. Earthquakes: Sudden shaking of the Earth’s crust creates stress on materials, causing them to flow downward. The tectonically active Himalayas enhance the probability of earthquakes, increasing vulnerability.
3. River Erosion: Youthful and mighty rivers increase the downcutting of earth on mountain slopes. For instance, the increased flow in the Chaliyar river resulted in heavy sediment erosion, contributing to the Wayanad landslide catastrophe.

Anthropogenic Causes:

1. Heavy Infrastructure Development: The creation of roads, railways, and dams in mountainous regions has increased landslide occurrences. For example, the development of the Konkan Railways in the Western Ghats is a significant factor in frequent landslides in the area.

• Mining Activities: Removal of the Earth’s surface for mineral exploration loosens the grip of material. Iron ore, bauxite, manganese, chromite, and limestone mining in the Western Ghats have increased landslide risks.
• Deforestation: Cutting down trees for agricultural and industrial activities loosens soil grip, making regions more vulnerable to landslides. Plantation agriculture in the Western Ghats has led to the loss of native trees and increased disaster risk.
• Unsustainable Tourism: Rising tourist influx in the Himalayan region and Western Ghats puts greater pressure on land, requiring more infrastructure and amenities. This leads to more construction and higher landslide risks.
• Climate Change: Anthropogenic activities have accelerated climate change, leading to increased glacial melts and rainfall. For example, the warming of the Arabian Sea has resulted in increased rainfall in the Western Ghats region, enhancing landslide occurrences.

Impacts of Landslides

1. Loss of Lives: The most traumatizing impact of a landslide is the loss of precious human and animal lives. In the recent Wayanad case, more than 250 deaths have been reported.
2. Economic Losses: Landslides lead to significant economic losses, as substantial amounts are spent on reconstructing infrastructure, rehabilitating affected populations, and providing relief support.
3. Infrastructural Damage and Restricted Movement: Mud, rocks, and debris moving down the slope cause damage to houses, buildings, and roads, creating barriers on critical transportation routes and restricting the movement of goods and people.
4. Jeopardized Water Availability: Accumulated debris can block rivers, creating landslide dams that impair water availability for nearby communities.
5. Displacement and Migration: Landslides force communities to evacuate and migrate, leading to social disruption and psychological stress among affected populations.

Government Initiatives for Mitigation

1. National Landslide Susceptibility Mapping (NLSM): Mapping landslide-prone areas.
2. National Landslide Risk Management Strategy (2019): Comprehensive risk reduction and management.
3. NDMA Guidelines (2009): Measures to mitigate landslide hazards.
4. NIDM: Provides capacity-building support in disaster management.

Challenges in Implementation

1. Non-implementation of Committee Reports: Resistance to the Gadgil and Kasturirangan reports.
2. Lack of Mitigation Plans: States like Kerala lack detailed landslide mitigation plans.
3. Insufficient Monitoring Systems: Absence of effective monitoring and early warning systems.
4. Policy Gaps: Weak enforcement of land-use regulations.
5. Low Community Awareness: Public awareness and participation are lacking.

Way Forward

1. Route Maps: Mark areas off-limits for settlements and map likely landslide routes.
2. Environmental Impact Assessments: Strict assessments before initiating projects.
3. ESA Demarcation: Finalize ecologically sensitive areas in the Western Ghats.
4. Landslide Micro-Zoning: Adopt micro-zoning procedures for vulnerable regions.
5. Community Involvement: Engage locally trained manpower for hazard reduction and awareness programs.

Conclusion: The Wayanad landslide is a stark reminder of the need to balance development with environmental conservation. Implementing the recommendations of expert committees and adopting a proactive approach to landslide mitigation are crucial steps in safeguarding vulnerable regions.