The landslides in Wayanad, Kerala, are a stark reminder of the increasing vulnerability of our natural landscapes to the forces of climate change. The disaster, which has claimed over 300 lives so far, is a tragic repeat of the 2018 floods that devastated the same region. Despite frequent disasters, the Kerala Government continues unsustainable activities in the name of development. Thick trees and agricultural fields have slowly made way for land use in Kerala. The same development is being followed in Goa, making it a hotspot for extreme weather events. This has turned many perennial streams and rivers into seasonal ones and increased the risk of flooding in the monsoon season.
The 2011 Gadgil Commission documented the threats to the Western Ghats' ecology caused by deforestation, encroachment, construction, and mining. However, the recommendations were ignored due to political pressure. The Wayanad landslide is a stark reminder of the consequences of ignoring environmental signals. Human activities such as deforestation and unplanned construction have exacerbated the vulnerability of regions like Wayanad to natural disasters.
