Can Wayanad’s Landslide Crisis Be Stopped with Bold New Measures?
- esgnewsindia
- Sep 27, 2024
- 2 min read
Expert panel calls for habitat-free zones and bio-engineering techniques to prevent landslides in Kerala’s fragile regions
Kerala expert panel suggests zoning and bio-engineering to tackle increasing landslides.
An expert panel has proposed habitat-free zones in landslide-prone areas of Wayanad.
Bio-engineering methods are recommended to stabilize the land and prevent disasters.
These measures could reshape development planning in Kerala’s ecologically sensitive regions.
Kerala’s landslide-prone Wayanad district has prompted action from an expert panel, which recently recommended creating habitat-free zones and employing bio-engineering techniques to mitigate the growing threat of landslides. The panel, formed to address recurring natural disasters in the region, highlighted the need for restrictions on human habitation in vulnerable zones and called for sustainable land management practices. These proposals could reshape how development occurs in Kerala's ecologically sensitive areas.
The recommendations are critical as Wayanad and other parts of Kerala face increasing landslides due to heavy monsoon rains and unplanned development. By designating certain areas as habitat-free, the government aims to reduce human casualties and infrastructure damage during landslides. Additionally, the suggested bio-engineering techniques—such as planting deep-rooted vegetation to stabilize the soil—represent a natural and cost-effective solution to strengthen the landscape.
Technical Focus: Kerala’s Landslide-Prone Regions
Kerala’s Western Ghats, including Wayanad, are highly susceptible to landslides, particularly during the monsoon season. The region’s topography, coupled with unregulated construction, has exacerbated the issue. In recent years, around 6,000 hectares of land in Wayanad have been affected by landslides. Bio-engineering techniques, like planting native vegetation and building terraces, are increasingly being used globally to address such challenges. If adopted, these methods could be a game-changer for Kerala, where landslide risks are projected to increase with climate change.
The panel’s report also stresses the importance of long-term strategies for disaster risk reduction. A member of the panel mentioned, "Our focus is on preventing landslides rather than reacting after the damage is done. Habitat-free zones and bio-engineering are proactive measures that can safeguard lives and property." These recommendations are in line with global trends in sustainable disaster management, which prioritize nature-based solutions over traditional engineering methods.
In conclusion, Kerala faces a critical choice in addressing its vulnerability to landslides. The expert panel’s call for habitat-free zones and bio-engineering solutions is a significant step toward making the state more resilient to natural disasters. However, the success of these initiatives will depend on how well they are integrated into local development policies and how effectively communities are engaged in implementing them.