PANAJI
The three landslides in Sattari may not only be attributed to heavy rains but also to deforestation that occurred at some point in the past.
A government-appointed committee observed that deforestation allowed water to continuously penetrate the hills, reaching depths of up to three kms, weakening the soil. This likely led to the landslide when it eventually gave way.
After a crucial meeting of the State Disaster Management Authority, prompted by the Wayanad landslide and concerns raised in the just-concluded Goa Legislative Assembly, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant announced the committee – granted a three-month extension – will prioritize surveying landslide-prone areas, particularly vulnerable small villages.
Sawant also directed that development activities on hills that could endanger these villages will be halted immediately.
“To investigate the causes behind the landslides in Sattari including the recent one at Malpem, the Committee embarked on a two-hour trek through the affected areas and meticulously examined the terrain. Their findings suggested that while heavy rainfall was one factor, deforestation was a likely contributor to the disaster,” the CM said after chairing the meeting at the Secretariat on Friday.
The government had appointed a committee headed by then-Collector Mamu Hage which also included officers from related disciplines, experts and members.
According to the Committee’s report, the CM added, deforestation in Sattari allowed water to intrude deep into the hills and this saturation weakened the soil, ultimately triggering the landslide.
“We have extended the tenure of the Committee by three months to expand its investigation to other landslide-prone areas and identify those not listed yet. The focus will be on assessing the stability of villages nestled below these hills where developments are taking place. If any risks are identified, development activities will be immediately stopped,” he stated.
The CM also made it clear that construction licenses, if issued, will be revoked if threat perception is detected.
New guidelines will also ensue for all departments including Revenue, Forest, Public Works Department, Town and Country Planning, and local administrations directing inspection of the areas including no-development zones and eco-sensitive areas to prevent destabilization.
“No construction or agriculture can take place if it destabilizes the place,” the CM indicated stating this advisory, which will be issued by the Chief Secretary will have to be strictly adhered to.
The Committee, has meanwhile, suggested undertaking capacity-building efforts including training Mamlatdars, Range Forest Officers and other concerned officials to prevent rain-related disasters. It will also involve local communities in efforts to control soil erosion and enhance vegetation cover to stabilize the hillsides. To further bolster these efforts, a brainstorming session for Heads of Departments is scheduled for next Friday to raise awareness about landslide issues.
The government, in collaboration with the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), is working to set up an early warning system to mitigate the risk of future landslides.
Moreover, a new monitoring system will be implemented under the district Collectors, where Talathis will be responsible for reporting hill-cutting activities to the respective Collectors.
The government has warned that strict action will be taken against any Talathi who fails to report such incidents. “The cell, headed by the Collector, will include Mamlatdars, Police Inspectors and Talathis. Upon receiving information about hill-cutting activities, they must immediately visit the site, halt the work and verify permission,” he added.
The government also announced the formation of District Management Authorities (DMAs) which had been conspicuously absent until now.
The CM admitted that the pace of previous efforts had been insufficient but with the establishment of the DMA, proactive and continuous precautionary measures will be taken up.
