Wayanad Crisis: The High Cost of Neglecting the Western Ghats’ Vulnerability
Pune Weather Update: City Likely To Experience Light Rainfall, Heavy Rain Alert for Konkan Coast and Western Ghats
Like every year, as the monsoon season approaches, there is news of landslides in the hilly areas. Once again, the Western Ghats are facing the devastating impact of a landslide. This recurring disaster is becoming alarmingly common, as extreme weather events, such as heavy rainfall once seen only once in a century, now occur twice a decade. These conditions increase the risk of landslides, particularly in areas that have been heavily developed, both legally and illegally.
For years, experts have warned about the vulnerability of the Western Ghats to such natural disasters. In 2011, the Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel, led by ecologist Madhav Gadgil, advised that the Western Ghats — which stretches across Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Goa, and Kerala — should be declared an environmentally sensitive area due to its dense forests and unique wildlife. Unfortunately, these recommendations were not implemented. Instead, states prioritized development projects that often involved cutting into mountains, exacerbating issues like illegal quarrying.
Also, the Kasturirangan Committee was established in 2013 to propose a more balanced approach to development and environmental protection. This committee suggested that only 37% of the Western Ghats be classified as ESA, with a complete ban on mining, quarrying, and sand mining within these areas. Despite this, the necessary protections have not been fully enforced, leaving the region vulnerable.
The ongoing climate crisis exacerbates the threat of landslides. The increased frequency of extreme weather events, including intense rainfall, has heightened the risk of landslides in areas already stressed by unchecked development. While improvements in disaster response have been made, there is an urgent need for a revised approach to development in these sensitive zones. The recommendations of both the Gadgil and Kasturirangan committees highlight the need for effective measures to safeguard the Western Ghats. Addressing these challenges and implementing effective conservation measures is crucial to protecting the Western Ghats from further environmental and infrastructural damage.
