The Gadgil Committee report has underscored the pressing need for comprehensive conservation efforts in the Western Ghats.
Published Aug 04, 2024 | 9:00 AM ⚊ Updated Aug 04, 2024 | 9:00 AM
An aerial view of landslides-ravaged area in Wayanad.
Wayanad is slowly picking up the pieces. The ongoing rescue missions are gaining momentum, with generous donations pouring in from around the globe to the Chief Minister’s Distress Relief Fund (CMDRF). The government, political parties, and the resilient people of Kerala are rallying together to offer a glimmer of hope to landslide survivors who lost everything in mere moments.
Yet, amidst the rebuilding efforts, serious controversies simmer. From a blame game between state and central authorities regarding landslide alerts to a controversial directive from the state government barring scientists from sharing opinions on landslides with the media – a directive that was rescinded after widespread backlash – the political landscape is fraught with tension.
Following the recent severe landslide in Wayanad, the Union government has once again released a draft notification designating portions of the Western Ghats across six states as ecologically sensitive areas (ESAs). This draft, marking the sixth such issuance in ten years, proposes to impose limitations on activities such as quarrying, mining, and major infrastructural projects within these regions.
But perhaps, the most contentious issue amidst this crisis is the Gadgil Committee Report. As Wayanad grapples with the aftermath of the disaster, the question arises: Is now not the time to address the Gadgil Report’s recommendations? If not in the wake of such a calamity, then when?
Madhav Gadgil, one of India’s renowned ecologists, told South First, “I have nothing new to add about the Wayanad landslide. What I needed to say about the Western Ghats, I said back in 2011. This is a man-made disaster, without a doubt. Political parties in Kerala cannot escape responsibility because the victims are ordinary people.”
The Gadgil Committee report has underscored the pressing need for comprehensive conservation efforts in the Western Ghats, a critical ecological zone stretching from Kanyakumari to the Tapi River across six southwestern Indian states.
Home to approximately 250 million people, this region is a crucial biodiversity hotspot and plays a vital role in South India’s water cycle by intercepting moisture-laden winds from the Arabian Sea, resulting in significant rainfall.
The Western Ghats, recognised as one of the world’s 35 biodiversity hotspots, is celebrated for its rich environment and diverse species. The report’s findings stress on the ecological importance of this area, highlighting the need for immediate action to address environmental degradation and preserve its unique biodiversity.
Dr. Punnen Kurien, Director of the Tropical Institute of Ecological Sciences, where Madhav Gadgil is now serving as Emeritus Professor, elaborated on the importance of the Gadgil Committee report to South First,
”We have always supported the Gadgil Committee report wholeheartedly. Its major merit is that it is the first report on the Western Ghats with significant scientific input. This is why Mr. Madhav Gadgil was able to identify ecologically sensitive areas. The problem is that these sensitive zones have many encroachments and even some townships. Naturally, people who live there and have agricultural land in these areas will oppose the Gadgil Committee report. When opposition to the report began, political parties played a tricky game by supporting those who opposed the Gadgil report solely for electoral gains. This is why the Kasturirangan and Oommen V. Oommen committees were formed to dilute the Gadgil report.”
The less discussed terminology when talking about natural disasters is ecological crimes. Ecological crime refers to illegal activities that harm the environment or violate laws designed to protect natural ecosystems. These actions, such as illegal logging, pollution, and wildlife trafficking, cause damage to natural resources and ecosystems, ultimately resulting in harm to both humans and nature.
“We came across a recent study about a resort with 118 rooms situated 1,600 meters above sea level near Lakshmi Estate in Munnar. This is a highly sensitive area. The resort is located on a mountain slope, with a township below. During cloudbursts and heavy rains, there is a high risk of soil piping and landslides in that area.”
Speaking about yet another crime, this time closer to home in Kerala’s Kottayam, he said, “Recently, to renew license for his hotel, its owner was caught bringing in mineral water for testing. Earlier, he tested the water used in his restaurant, it was found to contain coliform bacteria. Coliform bacteria indicate that there is human waste mixed with the water. So, he brought in mineral water for the next test to avoid further investigation. When we asked him about the crime he committed, he had many justifications, from his source of income to the rent he pays for the building. Our authorities are not interested in such matters until food poisoning occurs.”
According to Mr. Kurien, the effective measure is to raise awareness among people living in sensitive areas. The government needs to strictly prevent encroachments and restrict constructions. This is not achievable in one or two years; a long-term plan is needed.
Additionally, reducing human interactions in sensitive areas gradually and allowing these places to return to their natural state is crucial for both human and environmental well-being. There is also a need to conduct mock drills to prepare people for natural disasters, he elaborates.
“When a tragedy like the Wayanad landslide occurs, people split into two groups: those who oppose and those who support the Gadgil report. The supporting group often faces more cyber attacks these days. Instead of focusing on loopholes and criticisms, why not initiate a healthy discussion? In reality, we need to discuss what precautions can be taken to prevent the next possible disaster. If we build a tower with 1,000 mud pots and the last one collapses, how can the tower remain strong? The Gadgil report is as simple as that,” he said.
Our alert systems are not as accurate as those in Western countries according to Kurien. Climate and disaster alert systems here are not 100 percent reliable due to a lack of ground data. Geological, geographical, and historical data are crucial for effective alert management systems. Our scientific community lacks knowledge in several areas, and IMD predictions are nationwide, so we cannot rely solely on them.
”The grassroots organisation is the panchayat. We need disaster management plans at the panchayat level. For example, the Mundakkai area is far from the Wayanad district disaster management systems and lacks detailed data about the number of people and houses. However, panchayats have this data for each individual unit. We should pool resources from the panchayat to develop a disaster management system and make it available to the public domain,” he said.
In foreign countries, effective systems are in place: they prevent construction in high-risk areas and have detailed plans for rescue operations, including entry and exit routes in case of a fire. Do we have a similar system in place? he asks.
We can’t solely blame nature for such disasters. When nature changes, we need to adapt accordingly. Our approach to nature must evolve. When we refer to these events as man-made disasters, people often think we are blaming them personally. They shouldn’t be blamed. Individuals might build a house or cultivate crops, but what about the big fish – the resort and quarry mafias, or political figures?” he added.
(Edited by Neena)
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