Kerala's Urgent Need to Identify Risk Zones

Landslides in Wayanad district have raised concerns about Kerala’s disaster management strategies.
Villages in Wayanad were devastated, highlighting the vulnerability of the region.

Kerala’s Shift from Being Disaster-Free

Historically, Kerala was considered relatively safe from disasters.
However, rapid development and human settlements in ecologically sensitive zones have increased the state’s vulnerability to landslides and floods.

Causes of Increased Vulnerability

Encroachments and Unplanned Development:

Human settlements along coasts, deforestation, and improper land use are key drivers of landslides.

Disrupted natural drainage and slope stability due to construction activities.

Rising Landslide Incidents:

Frequent landslides in regions like the Western Ghats, particularly in districts like Wayanad, Kozhikode, and Idukki.

Contributing factors include tectonic activity, geological fractures, and heavy rainfall.

Need for Vulnerability Mapping and Monitoring

There is a strong demand for a comprehensive landslide inventory and susceptibility maps.
Monitoring rainfall, tectonic shifts, and other triggering mechanisms is crucial for early warning systems.

Concept of Safe Operating Space

The term refers to a balance between development and environmental constraints.
Kerala’s safe operating space is shrinking due to environmental degradation, leading to increased disaster risk.

Comprehensive Disaster Management

There is a call for a paradigm shift toward proactive disaster management.
This includes preparedness, resilience, and a scientific approach to risk reduction.

Policy Guidelines for Disaster Risk Reduction

The Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction emphasizes building resilience against natural disasters.
Kerala’s government is urged to implement the framework’s guidelines for long-term sustainability.

Proposed Actions for Risk Management

Risk Identification and Mapping:

Identify and evaluate disaster-prone areas through systematic mapping.

Stakeholder Communication:

Ensure proper communication with stakeholders and engage the community in disaster response.

Holistic Risk Reduction Approach:

Coordinated efforts between local governments, the state, and central agencies are necessary.

Expert knowledge combined with local inputs can ensure sustainable disaster risk management.

Key Points:

Western Ghats Context: The Western Ghats are prone to landslides due to the combination of tectonic movements, steep slopes, and high rainfall, making vulnerability mapping crucial in this region.

Environmental Laws: Kerala needs to strictly enforce Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) rules and other environmental policies to prevent further ecological degradation.

Conclusion

The rising threat of landslides in Kerala highlights the importance of identifying risk zones, improving disaster preparedness, and incorporating sustainable development practices. A comprehensive approach involving scientific mapping, policy reforms, and community engagement is essential to mitigate future disasters.