On July 30, 2024, the serene district of Wayanad in Kerala, India was struck by a series of devastating landslides in the Monsoon season, marking yet another tragic chapter in the region's struggle with natural disasters. The landslides, triggered by unprecedented rainfall, have so far claimed more than 150 lives and left many injured. This disaster has once again highlighted the growing threats posed by climate change and the consequences of ignoring ecological recommendations.

The Immediate Cause: Torrential Rainfall and Atmospheric Instability

The recent landslides in Wayanad are directly linked to extremely heavy rainfall caused by deep mesoscale cloud systems forming over the SouthEast Arabian Sea. According to Dr. S. Abhilash, Director of the Advanced Centre for Atmospheric Radar Research at Cochin University of Science and Technology, the Arabian Sea's warming has led to the development of these deep cloud systems, resulting in intense rainfall over Kerala. This atmospheric instability, exacerbated by climate change, has shifted the rain-bearing belt southward, making regions like Wayanad more susceptible to extreme weather events.

The Broader Context: Climate Change and Its Impact

Climate change has significantly altered weather patterns, leading to more convective rainfall over India's west coast. Research by Dr. S. Abhilash and other scientists indicates that the frequency and intensity of such rainfall have increased, raising the probability of landslides in the Western Ghats' high to mid-land slopes. The recent rainfall, with several regions recording between 19 cm and 35 cm in 24 hours, saturated the soil, making it highly prone to landslides.

Human Factors: Ignoring Ecological Sensitivity

While climate change plays a crucial role, human activities have compounded the disaster's impact. Renowned Ecologist and Awardee of Padma Bhushan (highest ranked civilian award for Indians) Prof. Madhav Gadgil, former Chairman of the Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel (WGEEP), has termed the Wayanad disaster a man-made tragedy. He criticizes the Kerala government for failing to implement the panel's ecological recommendations. The WGEEP had classified Wayanad's landslide-stricken areas as highly sensitive, recommending No Development only in the Zones of Highest Ecological Sensitivity within the area. However, extensive development, including tea plantations, tourist resorts, and artificial lakes, has disrupted the region's fragile ecology. In an earlier conversation with Prof. Gadgil at a conference in Ranchi, India in the year 2016, he acknowledged that reports are sometimes tailored to align with lucrative development projects rather than adhering to the actual recommendations made by scientists. Reports often state that only domestic or least concern species are present in particular areas, neglecting the presence of rare or endangered species to promote human development.

The Role of Quarries and Development Projects

The presence of quarries near the disaster site has further exacerbated the situation. Although defunct now, the quarries' operational shockwaves likely contributed to the landslides during heavy rains. Prof. Gadgil also pointed out that recent infrastructure development projects, carried out under the guise of ecotourism, have disturbed the environment. These activities, often endorsed by the state government, have ignored the region's ecological sensitivity.

The Path Forward: Implementing Ecological Recommendations

The recurring natural disasters in Kerala, including the 2019 floods and the recent landslides, underscore the urgent need for proactive measures. Gadgil emphasizes that without serious efforts to implement ecological recommendations, such disasters will continue to recur. Climate change is expected to bring more extreme rainfall and droughts, making it imperative for the government to take ecological sensitivity seriously.

Conclusion

The Wayanad landslides are a grim reminder of the delicate balance between nature and human activities. While climate change has increased the region's vulnerability to extreme weather events, ignoring ecological recommendations has compounded the disaster's impact. It is crucial for the government and stakeholders to prioritize sustainable development and implement necessary ecological measures to prevent such tragedies in the future. The Wayanad disaster calls for immediate action to safeguard the region's ecological integrity and ensure the safety and well-being of its inhabitants.

Climate change resilience and adaptation are of utmost importance now. These strategies must be developed in consultation with scientists and local communities who understand the landscape, rather than being driven solely by business interests. The devastating loss observed from blindly pursuing development highlights the need for a balanced approach that prioritizes ecological sensitivity and sustainable practices. Ignoring these considerations can lead to catastrophic consequences, ultimately costing more in the long run.

The question now arises is what is the best step forward?

References

C.P.Sajit (2024) Kerala’s Wayanad landslide: Wayanad disaster man-made, says Madhav Gadgil, blames Kerala Government for ignoring ecological recommendations, The Hindu. Available at: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/wayanad-disaster-man-made-says-madhav-gadgil-blames-kerala-government-for-ignoring-ecological-recommendations/article68463667.ece (Accessed: 31 July 2024).
Press Trust of India (2024) Warming of Arabian Sea linked to Wayanad landslides, says climate scientist, The Hindu. Available at: https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/energy-and-environment/warming-of-arabian-sea-linked-to-wayanad-landslides-says-climate-scientist/article68464518.ece (Accessed: 31 July 2024).

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The Urgent Need for Climate Resilience: Lessons from the Wayanad Landslides