Warning bells: 43% of Kerala�s landmass prone to disasters, say experts

12-02-2021

In a clear warning to the state government and to the public, an environmental-based study carried out by experts based in Kerala and the US has revealed that landslides and soil erosion are likely to recur in Kerala and that 43 per cent of Kerala�s landmass is prone to such disasters. The study also points out that 17 per cent of the area of the state has already become �dangerously� disaster-prone. The study published by the Geological Society of India holds significance and calls for utmost attention at a time when a notification issued by the Union Ministry of Environment and Forest declaring around 3.81 lakh acres or 1,546 square kilometres of land around 22 protected wildlife sanctuaries as eco-sensitive zones that has in-turn triggered unrest among a large section of people living near forest zones and hilly terrains. As per the study conducted, 74 per cent land in Idukki and in Wayanad 51 per cent hilly terrain are prone to landslips and other disasters like soil erosions. The study hence calls for restrain from construction activities in these eco-sensitive zones. The torrential rainfalls and floods that were received in the past three years have increased possibility of the disasters. On the other side, the notification issued by the union government has called for widespread protests by farmers and traders from Wayanad district. Various organisations supported by the farmers, the church and traders called for a one-day bandh in the district. Meanwhile, environmentalists and a section of the activists are of the view that many areas in and around forests should be notified as eco-sensitive zones and thus protected from human activities. With Assembly elections around the corner, the farmers� associations are planning to release a charter of demands, resolving to form a vote bank. �We will cast our vote only in favour of the parties that accept and give an assurance on implementing the demands,� said Alex Chandy Ozhukayil, chairman of Kerala Independent Farmers� Association (KIFA). Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on February 7 seeking an amendment to the notification declaring 118.59 sq. km of land around Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary as Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ). The state had submitted a revised recommendation on January 22 to reduce the buffer zone to 88.2 sq. km, but the Centre issued the notification on January 28. The central government notification prohibits commercial mining and quarrying, setting up of sawmills, polluting industries, commercial use of firewood, the establishment of hydroelectric projects, use and production of hazardous products, tourism activities and discharge of effluents and solid waste into natural water bodies. While the farmers are in support of banning quarrying activities and hazardous industrial activities, the restrictions on agricultural activities have caused concern. Most of the farming activities are happening adjacent to the wildlife sanctuaries and forest zones. While a large section of farmers and traders demanding the government to withdraw the Eco-zone notification, experts and environmentalists raise serious concerns with the rise in commercial activities and human activities in such regions.