09/08/2024
The recent landslide in Wayanad is a stark reminder of the urgent need for stricter environmental regulations in Kerala. The tragic event, which claimed many lives, highlights the fragility of the Western Ghats and the dangers posed by unchecked human activities and climate change.
Environmentalists have long warned that despite several areas in Kerala being designated as Ecologically Sensitive Zones (ESZ), the lack of proper environmental assessments and the unregulated development of infrastructure continue to increase the risk of disasters. The absence of robust regulatory bodies to oversee potentially harmful activities is a significant factor in the ongoing ecological degradation of regions like Wayanad.
Kerala could look to its neighbor, Tamil Nadu, for guidance. Long before the Kasturirangan and Gadgil reports were even presented, Tamil Nadu took proactive steps to protect its portion of the Western Ghats by establishing the Hill Area Conservation Authority (HACA) and the Architectural Aesthetic Aspect (AAA) Committee. These bodies have been somewhat effective in controlling illegal constructions and promoting sustainable development in hill areas, though challenges remain.
In Tamil Nadu, even with the presence of these committees, loopholes and corrupt practices have allowed some extensive construction activities to continue, often at the expense of the environment. For example, construction projects in the Nilgiris were challenged, leading to court-ordered demolitions of buildings erected in violation of regulations. However, influential organizations like ISHA Yoga Centre, Chinmaya Vidyalaya, and Karunaya University have managed to bypass some rules, raising concerns about the effectiveness of enforcement.
The HACA committee, established in 1990, requires all government and quasi-government departments to consult it for development programs within hill regions. This process involves obtaining prior approval from about 14 departments, including Revenue, Forest, Pollution Control Board, and Agriculture, for any significant construction projects. This multi-departmental approval process has played a crucial role in protecting Tamil Nadu's Western Ghats from environmental degradation.
In ecologically sensitive areas like the Nilgiris, Salem, and Dindigul, the AAA Committee, constituted in 2007, adds another layer of oversight. For projects under five acres, the district Collector, in consultation with relevant departments, provides approval, while larger projects require HACA's nod.
Kerala, however, lacks such comprehensive regulatory mechanisms. The Gadgil report emphasized the importance of involving local communities, grama sabhas, and various stakeholders in the decision-making process for projects in hilly regions. Unfortunately, current approval processes often overlook environmental impacts, leading to recurring disasters.
Strong political will is needed to protect Kerala's fragile environment. However, when protests arise, often backed by religious leaders and political parties, the State government tends to back down, yielding to the demands of these groups. The Wayanad disaster serves as a grim reminder that it is often the poor who suffer the most due to the vested interests of a few powerful individuals.
If the State had implemented even some of the major recommendations from the Madhav Gadgil report, a disaster like the one in Wayanad might have been avoided. If the government does not act immediately, nature may impose its own laws, and the consequences could be catastrophic for the people.
