The horrific landslide disaster that struck Wayanad, Kerala, on July 30 sent has left the nation in shock. Over 400 lives were lost, and more than 150 people went missing. Villages like Punjirimattom, Mundakkai, Chooralmala, Attamala, Meppadi, and Kunhome, where many residents worked on tea farms, bore the brunt of the devastation. The steep slopes on which these farms were built became deadly channels of destruction, wiping out homes and leaving behind a landscape of heartbreak.
The tragedy has sparked critical discussions among experts and researchers about the root causes of the landslide. While landslides are natural phenomena, there’s a growing consensus that human activities significantly exacerbated the situation in Wayanad. Decades of environmental neglect played a central role in this catastrophe.
Years of Environmental Degradation Paved the Way for Disaster
A research paper titled “Impact of Plantation Induced Forest Degradation on the Outbreak of Emerging Infectious Diseases—Wayanad District, Kerala, India,” published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health in 2022, highlights the long-term damage to Wayanad’s environment. The study examines how Land Use and Land Cover (LULC) in Wayanad changed between 1950 and 2018, offering key insights into how human actions shaped the area, leading to the recent tragedy.
A Timeline of Environmental Damage:
The study divides Wayanad’s environmental changes into three phases:
1950-1982: The Start of Degradation
During this period, Wayanad’s forest cover significantly decreased from 1,811.35 sq km in 1950 to 1,064.68 sq km in 1982—a ~41% loss. This was mainly due to government policies that encouraged industrial activities. For example, the Kerala State Government’s agreement with the Aditya Birla Group to supply bamboo for a pulp factory led to widespread deforestation. Additionally, tropical forests were converted into industrial plantations, causing further damage.
- 1982-2012: The Spread of Plantations
In this phase, forest cover continued to decline, primarily due to forest fires caused by human activities. Between 2001 and 2011, the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary experienced 316 fire incidents, worsening environmental damage. Traditional multi-cropping practices were replaced by monoculture plantations, further altering the region’s landscape.
- 2012-2018: The Final Blow
In the most recent phase, plantation areas expanded even more, reducing natural forests. By 2018, only 38.36% of Wayanad was covered by natural forests, while 51.44% was taken over by human-made plantations. This shift in land use has greatly harmed the region’s biodiversity and ecological balance.
Lessons for Assam: A Warning for Hilly Areas
The Wayanad landslide is not just a local tragedy; it is a warning for other hilly areas in India, particularly Assam. The state, with its hilly districts and the rapidly expanding city of Guwahati, faces similar environmental risks. It is crucial to remember that Assam already experienced a devastating landslide in the Dima Hasao District in 2022.
Here’s how the parallels between Assam and Wayanad raise serious concerns:
Deforestation and Soil Instability
Like Wayanad, Assam’s hilly regions have witnessed significant deforestation over the years. Removing natural forests weakens the soil, making landslides more likely. Geoscientist C.P. Rajendran noted in an interview with The Hindu that deforestation in Wayanad since the 1980s altered the soil, contributing to the landslide. Similar risks could be present in Assam, where deforestation and changes in land use are common.
The Threat of Monoculture Plantations
The growth of monoculture plantations in Assam, especially in the tea and rubber industries, mirrors the trends seen in Wayanad. While these plantations are economically important, they often harm the environment. Replacing diverse cropping systems with monocultures can lead to soil degradation and make the area more vulnerable to natural disasters.
Urban Expansion and Land Use Changes
Guwahati, one of the fastest-growing cities in Northeast India, is rapidly expanding into nearby hilly areas. This urban sprawl, coupled with poor urban planning, poses serious risks. Building in ecologically sensitive areas increases the chance of landslides, particularly during heavy rains.
The tragedy in Wayanad should prompt Assam and other hilly regions to reassess their land use and environmental policies. Immediate action is needed to protect the remaining natural forests, control plantation activities, and ensure sustainable urban development. Without these measures, Assam could face a disaster similar to Wayanad, with devastating effects on both people and the environment.
As India mourns the loss of lives in Wayanad, let us also learn from this tragedy to prevent future disasters. The message from Wayanad is clear: the price of environmental damage is too high, and the time to act is now.
Bijoy Krishna Chetia is a geologist based in Guwahati. He can be reached at: [email protected]