The humongous death toll in Kerala’s Wayanad was inevitable, as the advice of environmentalists was ignored and rampant destruction of nature has been carried out in the region for years in the quest for unsustainable development. It should be noted that, in 2011, the Western Ghat Ecology Expert Panel (WGEEP) submitted a report recommending a complete ban on 25 activities in this ecologically sensitive region, including Wayanad. But, showing absolute disregard to the expert committee, not a single recommendation was implemented. On the contrary, efforts were made from all levels to dilute the report so as to continue harmful activities like unplanned construction and destruction of forests. In its report, the expert committee categorically opined against construction of special economic zones (SEZ), new hill stations, new mining and new railway lines and highways among others. Instead of heeding the warnings, lavish tourist resorts, roads, and other unsustainable activities were developed over the years. As a result, Wayanad has lost 62 percent of its forest cover since 1950, despite the fact that it is on the list of landslide-prone districts in the country.
It is quite unfortunate that even after knowing the facts and figures, the authorities did little to save the picturesque place from natural calamities. Such disasters could well have been averted if the authorities had shown the same initiative to save the area from nature’s fury as they did to propagate Wayanad as one of the most beautiful tourist spots in the country. It is perplexing that the deadly landslide took place in a state where the literacy rate is the highest in the country. Thus, it can safely be concluded that the tragedy did not take place due to a lack of awareness. Instead, it was a fallout of greed. Even after losing so many lives, sops are being announced without conducting thorough research on ground realities. While the Kerala government has announced plans to build a new township in Wayanad, the Congress has decided to construct 100 houses for the people affected by the landslide and flash flood. Such announcements have little meaning if the plans have been unveiled without feasibility studies.
From Kashmir to Kanyakumari, the country is witnessing monsoon mayhem, which cannot be blamed on global warming alone. It is time to admit that over the past few years the country has been facing one natural disaster after another due to our own misdeeds. We have not made the natural environment an equal partner in our quest for development. Disregarding sustainability, we have put too much stress on profitability. This is a major reason behind the unprecedented hardships we face throughout the year. It’s time to prepare a national policy with the primary aim to prevent natural calamities of such magnitude without any further delay. Otherwise, one of the most fertile stretches of land in the world will vanish from the planet. Future plans for expansion and development must be thoroughly vetted, and only sustainable options approved; otherwise, we will continue to witness the dangers of disregarding nature.
