Hindu Editorial Analysis : 1-August-2024

Recently, Wayanad, a district in Kerala, India, faced a catastrophic landslide that resulted in the loss of over 250 lives. Several factors contributed to this disaster, including Kerala’s fragile ecosystem, extreme rainfall, and a growing population. The tragic loss of life and livelihoods highlights the urgent need to understand and mitigate the risks associated with landslides.

What Are Landslides?

Landslides are defined as the movement of a mass of rock, soil, or debris down a slope. They occur when gravity causes a sudden shift of material, often involving:

  • Mass Wasting: This refers to any downward movement of soil and rock.
  • Geological Phenomenon: Landslides are a natural event that can occur in various terrains.

In India, landslide-prone areas include:

  • The entire Himalayan region
  • The hills of Northeast India
  • The Western Ghats
  • The Nilgiris in Tamil Nadu

Causes of Landslides

Natural Causes
  1. Heavy Rainfall: Increases soil saturation and weight.
  2. Erosion: Removes vegetation that binds soil, making areas more susceptible.
  3. Earthquakes: Cause instability in slopes.
  4. Volcanic Activity: Ash can overload slopes, triggering slides.
Human-Induced Causes
  1. Deforestation: Loss of vegetation increases vulnerability.
  2. Encroachment: Construction in hilly areas raises landslide risks.
  3. Uncontrolled Excavation: Poorly planned mining destabilizes slopes.
  4. Climate Change: Alters weather patterns and increases extreme events.

Types of Landslides

  1. Falls: Material collapses from steep slopes.
  2. Topples: Mass moves forward around a point.
  3. Slides: Movement occurs along a defined weak zone.

Impacts of Landslides in India

  • Loss of Lives: Landslides claim many lives and destroy homes.
  • Infrastructure Damage: Roads and bridges are often severely affected.
  • Environmental Degradation: Landslides alter landscapes and impact biodiversity.
  • Economic Costs: Both direct damage and recovery efforts incur high costs.

Vulnerable Areas

The Himalayas and Western Ghats are particularly susceptible to landslides. Kerala, with its steep slopes and heavy rainfall, is especially at risk.

Mitigation Measures

Effective Strategies
  1. Early Warning Systems: Real-time monitoring to alert communities.
  2. Land Use Planning: Regulations to prevent construction in high-risk areas.
  3. Vegetation Restoration: Reforestation stabilizes slopes.
  4. Slope Stabilization Techniques: Includes retaining walls and terracing.
  5. Education and Awareness: Teaching communities about risks.

Measures Taken in India

India has implemented several strategies to manage landslide risks, including:

  • The Disaster Management Act (2005) provides a framework for disaster response.
  • The National Landslide Risk Management Strategy (2019) outlines risk reduction measures.
  • The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) offers guidelines for hazard management.

Suggested Measures

Recommendations
  1. Ecologically Sensitive Zones: Classifying areas based on their vulnerability.
  2. Ban on Certain Crops: Reducing agricultural practices that harm the environment.
  3. Community Participation: Involving local populations in disaster management.
  4. Traditional Knowledge: Utilizing local expertise in preparedness and response.

Why In News

Recently, Wayanad in Kerala faced a devastating landslide that claimed over 250 lives, highlighting the profound impact of natural disasters on vulnerable communities. Factors such as Kerala’s fragile ecosystem, extreme rainfall, and increasing population contributed to this disaster. This tragic loss of life and livelihoods underscores the urgency of understanding and mitigating landslide risks, emphasizing the need for proactive measures to protect both people and the environment.

MCQs about Understanding Landslides: The Wayanad Tragedy and Its Implications

  1. What was the primary cause of the recent landslide in Wayanad, Kerala?
    A. Volcanic activity
    B. Heavy rainfall
    C. Earthquakes
    D. Climate change
    Correct Answer: B. Heavy rainfall
    Explanation: Heavy rainfall is one of the most common triggers of landslides, as it increases soil saturation and weight, making the ground unstable.
  2. Which of the following areas in India is NOT typically prone to landslides?
    A. The Himalayas
    B. The Western Ghats
    C. The Thar Desert
    D. The Nilgiris
    Correct Answer: C. The Thar Desert
    Explanation: The Thar Desert is a flat and arid region, unlike the Himalayas, Western Ghats, and Nilgiris, which are hilly and more susceptible to landslides.
  3. Which measure is NOT suggested to mitigate landslide risks?
    A. Early warning systems
    B. Deforestation
    C. Land use planning
    D. Vegetation restoration
    Correct Answer: B. Deforestation
    Explanation: Deforestation increases vulnerability to landslides by removing vegetation that stabilizes soil. The other options aim to reduce risks associated with landslides.
  4. What role does community involvement play in disaster management for landslides?
    A. It has no impact on mitigation efforts.
    B. It is only important for recovery efforts.
    C. It enhances preparedness and response strategies.
    D. It complicates the disaster management process.
    Correct Answer: C. It enhances preparedness and response strategies.
    Explanation: Involving local communities in disaster management helps ensure that strategies are tailored to their specific needs and increases overall effectiveness in addressing landslide risks.

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