Kerala’s Wayanad Faces Disasters Due to Unchecked Projects and Mining
New Delhi, August 6: Over the past four years, the Kerala government approved several projects in Wayanad, including non-coal mining, without thoroughly studying the district’s topography and geomorphology. This information comes from sources at the Environment Ministry.
Documents reveal that the state government approved various development projects, such as the Hill Highway in Wayanad and the installation of optical fibre cables. However, these approvals were given without considering the soil and rock conditions or the geomorphology of the area.
Sources stated, “A combination of factors, including inadequate study of the topography and insufficient safeguards against human activities like large-scale urbanisation and tourism, have made the region more prone to disasters.”
Over the last ten years, the state government granted Stage-I and Stage-II approvals for numerous projects in Kerala and Wayanad District. These include providing 4G/5G coverage to uncovered villages by Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited, approved on March 20, 2023, and the construction of a twin tunnel to improve connectivity between Aanakampoyil, Kalladi, and Meppadi, approved on March 31, 2023.
Other projects include the Hill Highway construction from Ambayathode to Boys Town in Kannur District, approved on September 6, 2022, and two optical fibre cable projects approved in late 2022. Additionally, the Hill Highway project in Wayanad’s Kuttiyadi Churam stretch received approval on August 25, 2022.
In the past three years, several non-coal mining projects, including granite building stone quarries, have also been granted environmental clearance.
Meanwhile, the Centre issued a draft notification to declare over 56,800 square kilometres of the Western Ghats, including 13 villages in Wayanad, as an Ecologically Sensitive Area (ESA). This notification came after a series of landslides claimed over 300 lives in Wayanad.
Last week, a devastating landslide struck Wayanad, causing significant damage and loss of life. The official death toll stands at over 300, with search efforts ongoing. Union Environment Minister Bhupendra Yadav attributed the disaster to uncontrolled construction, illegal mining, and habitation. An expert panel was set up in April 2022 to address these issues.
Scientists have linked the disaster to forest cover loss, mining in fragile terrain, and climate change.
Doubts Revealed
Wayanad -: Wayanad is a district in the state of Kerala, India. It is known for its beautiful hills, forests, and wildlife.
Topography -: Topography means the shape and features of the land, like hills, valleys, and rivers.
Geomorphology -: Geomorphology is the study of how the Earth’s surface is shaped by natural processes like wind, water, and volcanic activity.
Hill Highway -: The Hill Highway is a road project in Kerala that aims to connect various hilly regions in the state.
Optical fibre installations -: Optical fibre installations involve laying down special cables that use light to send data very quickly, helping with internet and communication services.
Landslides -: Landslides happen when a large amount of earth, rocks, and debris suddenly slide down a slope, often caused by heavy rain or construction.
Illegal mining -: Illegal mining is when people dig for minerals or other resources without permission, which can harm the environment.
Expert panel -: An expert panel is a group of knowledgeable people who study a problem and suggest solutions.
Centre -: In this context, ‘Centre’ refers to the central government of India.
Western Ghats -: The Western Ghats are a mountain range in India known for their rich biodiversity and unique ecosystems.
Ecologically Sensitive Area -: An Ecologically Sensitive Area is a region that needs special protection because it has important plants, animals, or natural features.
