The number of people who have died in the massive landslides that hit Wayanad district has reportedly risen to 210. The death toll could increase as rescue teams deploy advanced technical gadgets and dogs to pull out possible survivors or remove bodies buried under the debris. The tragedy that unfolded in Kerala should serve as a warning sign for Goa, which has witnessed several landslides across the state in recent times. There could be a major disaster waiting to happen if preventive measures are not put in place. Disaster management should involve preventing an untoward incident from taking place, in addition to carrying out rescue operations. As the saying goes, "prevention is better than cure." According to geologists, the unscientific cutting of hills for the construction of buildings and housing projects alongside the roads is one of the primary reasons for landslides. Heavy rainfall is sufficient to make the rocks and boulders come hurtling down. Landslides are man-made calamities and can be prevented by taking precautionary measures. The use of sandbags can help temporarily minimise a landslide during heavy rainfall. Investigation of the soil of the hill before cutting it seems necessary. Retaining walls need to be built whenever hill-cutting is resorted to for widening the roads. Illegal hill-cutting activities are being undertaken across the state for real estate development. Statistics reveal a grim picture. In the first four months of 2024, there have reportedly been 202 cases of hill-cutting or land-filling cases registered by the flying squad across Goa. In 2023, there were 308 cases registered, and in 2022 and 2021, there were 135 and 128 cases respectively. This must be regarded as a dangerous trend for a small state like Goa, which is blessed with a lot of greenery on mountains and hills, besides the world-famous beaches. The consequences of hill-cutting include deforestation, resulting in increased soil erosion. We need to protect our hills from devastation, or a disaster in the form of a major landslide is waiting to happen. Satellite images and drone photos need to be used to track hill-cutting activities in places where there are no accessible roads. Tough action needs to be taken against those indulging in the destruction of nature by engaging in hill-cutting.
