Natural disasters such as landslides pose significant risks to many regions, with Wayanad in Kerala being one of the most affected. The recent landslide on July 30th has further highlighted the district’s vulnerability. This guide aims to provide a thorough understanding of Wayanad’s susceptibility to landslides and what measures can be taken for better preparedness.
1. Introduction: The Gravity of the Situation
- Landslides are a recurring threat in Wayanad, a district already identified as high-risk by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
- The recent landslide on July 30th is a stark reminder of the urgency to address these risks effectively.
2. The ISRO Landslide Atlas: A Critical Resource
ISRO’s National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC) has compiled the Landslide Atlas of India, a vital document for understanding landslide-prone areas.
- Wayanad’s Ranking: Wayanad is ranked 13th out of 147 districts across 17 States and two Union Territories in terms of landslide exposure.
- Other High-Risk Districts in Kerala:
- Thrissur: 3rd
- Palakkad: 5th
- Malappuram: 7th
- Kozhikode: 10th
3. The Impact of Forest Fragmentation
Forest fragmentation significantly increases the risk of landslides. According to the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG):
- Decline in Forest Land: Wayanad’s forest area has decreased from 1,811.35 sq km in 1950 to 863.86 sq km in 2021.
- Causes: The reduction is mainly due to the expansion of plantation and cultivation areas.
- Consequences: This fragmentation exacerbates the risk of landslides and other ecological impacts.
4. ISRO’s Landslide Inventory
ISRO’s database provides a comprehensive inventory of landslides from 1998 to 2022, documenting seasonal, event-based, and route-wise incidents.
- Major Events: This includes significant landslides such as the 2021 disaster at Puthumala in Wayanad.
5. Disaster Management Support Initiative by ISRO
ISRO plays an active role in landslide disaster response and mitigation through its Disaster Management Support (DMS) initiative.
- Objective: To provide critical data and support to mitigate landslide impacts and enhance preparedness.
- Chairman’s Preface: ISRO chairman Somanath emphasizes the importance of this initiative in the Landslide Atlas preface.
6. Geographic and Administrative Overview of Kerala
To understand the broader context, it is essential to be familiar with Kerala’s administrative and geographical details:
- Capital: Thiruvananthapuram
- Chief Minister: Pinarayi Vijayan
- Governor: Arif Mohammed Khan
- National Parks in Kerala:
- Anamudi Shola National Park
- Eravikulam National Park
- Mathikettan National Park
- Pampadum Shola National Park
- Periyar National Park
- Silent Valley National Park
7. Practical Steps for Risk Mitigation
Understanding the risk is the first step; the next involves practical measures:
- Awareness and Education: Local communities should be educated about landslide risks and preparedness.
- Afforestation: Initiatives to restore and increase forest cover can help stabilize soil and reduce landslide risks.
- Infrastructure Planning: Development projects should incorporate landslide risk assessments and use landslide-resistant construction methods.
- Early Warning Systems: Implement and maintain effective early warning systems to alert communities about impending landslides.
- Regular Monitoring: Continuous monitoring of high-risk areas using remote sensing technology and ground surveys.
8. Conclusion: Moving Forward with Resilience
- Addressing Wayanad’s vulnerability to landslides requires a multifaceted approach involving local communities, government agencies, and technological interventions.
- By leveraging resources like ISRO’s Landslide Atlas and adopting practical risk mitigation strategies, we can enhance Wayanad’s resilience to future landslides.
Call Action: Stay informed, engage in community preparedness, and support sustainable development practices to mitigate the risk of landslides.
