Syllabus
GS Paper 1 – Salient Features of World Physical Geography; Important Geophysical phenomena (earthquakes, tsunami, volcanoes, cyclones); Geographical features and location;
GS Paper 3 – Disasters & Disaster Management.
Context
Over 150 people have died due to landslides in Wayanad, Kerala.
Source
The Hindu| Editorial dated 31st July 2024
Wayanad Landslide
The recent landslides in Wayanad, Kerala, have resulted in the tragic loss of over 150 lives, with hundreds feared trapped. This catastrophic event highlights the vulnerability of the region due to its geographical and environmental conditions. Wayanad, part of the Western Ghats, is prone to landslides, especially during the monsoon season, exacerbated by factors like deforestation and soil erosion.
Landslides In India
India is highly susceptible to landslides, ranking among the top five landslide-prone countries globally.
- NRSC/ISRO Landslide Atlas: This comprehensive database, covering 1998-2022, maps around 80,000 landslides across 17 states and 2 Union Territories.
- Distribution: Approximately 66.5% of landslides occur in the Northwestern Himalayas, 18.8% in the Northeastern Himalayas, and 14.7% in the Western Ghats.
- Human Toll: Landslides have caused significant loss of life and property. For instance, the 2018 Kerala floods triggered by landslides resulted in 483 deaths and widespread destruction.
Western Ghats
- High Incidence: The Western Ghats experiences a substantial number of landslides, second only to the Himalayas in India.
- State-wise Distribution: Kerala has recorded the highest number of landslides (5,191), followed by Karnataka (993) and Tamil Nadu (606).
- Trigger: Heavy rainfall is the primary cause of landslides in the region, accounting for 83.2% of occurrences.
Causes of Landslides in the Western Ghats
While the Western Ghats are geologically stable compared to the Himalayas, a combination of natural and anthropogenic factors has made the region susceptible to landslides.
Natural Factors
- Topography: The steep slopes and deep valleys of the Western Ghats naturally predispose the region to landslides.
- Rainfall: Intense and prolonged rainfall saturates the soil, reducing its stability and increasing the risk of landslides.
- Geological Conditions: Though generally stable, localized areas with weak rock formations or fault lines can contribute to landslide occurrences.
Anthropogenic Factors
Human activities have significantly exacerbated the landslide problem in the Western Ghats:
- Deforestation: Clearing forests for agriculture, settlements, and infrastructure projects removes the natural anchor for the soil, making slopes vulnerable to erosion and landslides.
- Unsustainable Agriculture: Unscientific farming practices like steep slope cultivation and monocropping contribute to soil erosion and destabilize slopes.
- Infrastructure Development: Construction of roads, dams, and buildings often involves cutting into hillsides, weakening the structural integrity of the slopes.
- Mining: Extractive industries can create instability by removing large quantities of material from the earth.
- Climate Change: Altered rainfall patterns and extreme weather events due to climate change increase the frequency and intensity of landslides.
Gadgil Commission Report (Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel – WGEEP)
Recommendations
- Ecologically Sensitive Area (ESA):
- The entire Western Ghats were designated as an ESA, emphasizing the need for broad conservation measures across the region.
- Zonal Classification:
- The Western Ghats were divided into three Ecologically Sensitive Zones (ESZ-1, ESZ-2, ESZ-3) with ESZ-1 receiving the highest priority.
- Restrictions were placed on activities like mining and thermal power plants in ESZ-1 to protect the most sensitive areas.
- Dams:
- No new large-scale storage dams were to be permitted in ESZ-1. This included significant hydropower projects like Athirappilly in Kerala and Gundia in Karnataka.
- Governance:
- The report called for a decentralized, bottom-to-top governance model, starting from Gram Sabhas (village councils) to ensure local participation and decision-making.
- Western Ghats Ecology Authority (WGEA):
- Recommended the creation of the WGEA under the Ministry of Environment and Forests, empowered under Section 3 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
Criticisms
- Impracticality: The report was considered too environment-centric and difficult to implement in practice.
- Economic Impact: There were concerns about the negative impacts on energy production and revenue, particularly due to restrictions on development and mining activities.
- Mafia Influence: The report faced opposition from powerful mining lobbies that misled the public, particularly farmers, into believing that the recommendations were against their interests.
Kasturirangan Commission Report (High-Level Working Group – HLWG)
Recommendations:
- ESA Area:
- Designated 37% of the Western Ghats (60,000 sq km) as ESA, focusing on a more targeted conservation approach compared to the Gadgil report.
- Mining:
- Proposed a complete ban on mining activities within the ESA to protect the environment.
- Power Projects:
- Recommended no new thermal power plants within the ESA and allowed hydropower projects only after a detailed environmental impact study.
- Distinguishing Landscapes:
- Differentiated between cultural landscapes (human settlements, agricultural fields) and natural landscapes, recommending that 90% of the natural landscape be designated as ESA.
- Red Industries:
- Banned highly polluting industries (red industries) from operating within the ESA.
Criticisms:
- Methodology: The use of remote sensing and aerial surveys for land demarcation led to inaccuracies, including non-sensitive areas in the ESA.
- Governance: Concentrated decision-making power with bureaucrats and forest officials, rather than local bodies, reducing local involvement.
- Economic Impact: Concerns about the negative impacts on farmers and the promotion of mining lobbies, which could lead to environmental degradation and displacement of local communities.
Oommen V Oommen Committee Recommendations
- Changes to Environmentally Fragile Land (EFL) Clauses:
- The committee recommended modifications to the clauses defining Environmentally Fragile Land in the Western Ghats to address discrepancies and ensure clarity.
- Determination of EFL Areas:
- Identified significant errors in determining EFL areas using satellite surveys, which mistakenly included plantations and estates.
- Land Acquisition Proceedings:
- Advised the government to halt land acquisition processes based on the Kasturirangan report, suggesting the need for a more accurate assessment.
- Pro-Farmer Recommendations:
- Proposed excluding inhabited regions and plantations from the designation of Ecologically Sensitive Areas (ESAs), addressing concerns about the impact on local livelihoods.
- Recommended a thorough field survey to precisely demarcate forest land and human settlements, ensuring that human settlements are not unfairly included in ESAs.
- Organic Farming Transition:
- Suggested extending the grace period for transitioning to organic farming from five to ten years, allowing farmers more time to adapt.
- Forest Area Management:
- Recommended fencing forest areas to prevent animals from straying into agricultural lands, thereby protecting both wildlife and crops.
Comparative Analysis of Reports
| Aspect | Gadgil Commission Report | Kasturirangan Commission Report | Oommen V Oommen Report |
| Approach | Environmentally focused, extensive protection | Balanced approach between development and conservation | Addressed criticisms and proposed practical amendments |
| Area Covered | 60% of 1,29,037 sq km as ESA | 37% of 1,64,280 sq km as ESA | Proposed changes to ESA clauses and focused on practical solutions |
| Governance | Emphasized local governance | Vested power in higher authorities | Recommended decentralized decision-making and inclusion of local input |
| Implementation Feasibility | Criticized for being impractical | Seen as development-friendly but with potential environmental loopholes | Suggested revisions to improve practicality and reduce conflicts |
| Specific Recommendations | No new large-scale dams, establishment of WGEA | Ban on mining in ESA, distinguish between cultural and natural landscapes | Exclusion of inhabited regions and plantations from ESA, extend organic farming transition to 10 years |
Way Forward for Managing Landslides in the Western Ghats
- Scientific Assessments and Early Warning Systems
- Detailed Mapping: Conduct detailed geological and hydrological mapping to identify landslide-prone areas.
- Early Warning Systems: Develop and implement real-time monitoring and early warning systems for landslides, using advanced technologies like remote sensing and GIS.
- Infrastructure Planning and Development
- Slope Stabilization: Implement slope stabilization techniques such as retaining walls, terracing, and afforestation.
- Sustainable Construction Practices: Adopt sustainable construction practices that consider environmental impact and avoid destabilizing slopes.
- Regulatory and Policy Framework
- Strict Zoning Laws: Enforce zoning regulations that restrict construction and development in high-risk areas.
- Implementation of WGEEP and HLWG Recommendations: Adopt and implement the balanced recommendations of the Gadgil and Kasturirangan Committees to protect ecologically sensitive areas.
- Community Awareness and Participation
- Public Awareness Campaigns: Educate local communities about landslide risks and safe practices through awareness campaigns.
- Community Involvement: Involve local communities in monitoring and reporting potential landslide threats.
- Environmental Conservation
- Afforestation and Reforestation: Promote large-scale afforestation and reforestation projects to stabilize soil and slopes.
- Sustainable Land Use Practices: Encourage sustainable agricultural practices that prevent soil erosion and maintain soil health.
- Disaster Preparedness and Response
- Disaster Preparedness Plans: Develop and regularly update disaster preparedness plans at local and regional levels.
- Training and Capacity Building: Train local authorities and communities in disaster response and management techniques.
- Research and Development
- Collaborative Research: Promote collaborative research between governmental bodies, academic institutions, and international organizations to study landslide dynamics and mitigation techniques.
- Innovative Solutions: Invest in the development of innovative technologies and methods for landslide prevention and mitigation.
Conclusion
The devastating landslides in Wayanad underscore the urgent need for comprehensive disaster management strategies and sustainable land use practices. Enhanced monitoring, early warning systems, and reforestation efforts are crucial to mitigate the risks and safeguard the lives and livelihoods of those in vulnerable areas.
References
Related PYQ
Differentiate the causes of landslides in the Himalayan region and Western Ghats. [ UPSC Civil Services Exam – Mains 2021]
Practice Question
Discuss the causes and consequences of landslides in the Western Ghats? [150 words]