The recent devastating landslides in Wayanad, Kerala, have brought to light the vulnerability of ecologically sensitive areas to such natural disasters.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, for a change, has drawn parallels between Wayanad and Goa and serves as a wake-up call for the latter.
However, only statements would not suffice and there has to be an action plan to mitigate the threat like Wayanad.
The occurrence of massive landslides in Mundakkai, Chooralmala, Attamala, and Noolpuzha hamlets due to heavy rains resulted in a tragic loss of lives, with hundreds still missing.
This highlights the urgent need for Goa to address the factors contributing to landslides and take proactive measures to prevent such calamities.
As identified, extreme rainfall events, slope instability, and geological factors are the primary causes of landslides in Goa.
It is crucial to acknowledge the impact of unplanned and excessive development in both North and South Goa districts, particularly in the Western Ghats area of Dharbandora.
These activities have significantly increased the susceptibility of these regions to landslides. The occurrence of multiple minor to medium landslides during the ongoing monsoon season further emphasizes the urgency of the situation.
The Landslide Atlas of India, prepared by the National Remote Sensing Centre, ranks North and South Goa districts at 111th and 121st, respectively, in terms of exposure to landslides among 147 districts in the country.
This ranking underscores the need for immediate action to mitigate the risk posed by landslides in these regions. In the event of a landslide, the State Disaster Management Authority’s ineffectiveness becomes apparent, raising concerns about the state’s preparedness to handle such emergencies.
The commonalities between Wayanad and Goa in terms of unauthorized and unplanned development are striking. Encroachment upon Development Zones and Eco-Sensitive Zones, coupled with deforestation for infrastructure projects like road widening and bridge construction, has weakened the natural terrain, making it more susceptible to landslides.
These activities have significantly compromised the stability of ecologically fragile areas, posing a severe threat to human lives and the environment.
In response to these challenges, the government of Goa must prioritize the implementation of comprehensive strategies to address the risk of landslides.
This should include stringent regulations to control unauthorized development in sensitive areas, effective monitoring and enforcement mechanisms, and sustainable land use planning to preserve the ecological balance.
Furthermore, investments in early warning systems, infrastructure improvements, and public awareness initiatives are essential to mitigate the impact of landslides and ensure the safety of the population.
The recent landslides in Wayanad serve as a poignant reminder of the repercussions of disregarding ecological fragility and the need for sustainable development practices.
By learning from this tragedy and taking decisive actions, Goa can strengthen its resilience against landslides and create a safer environment for its residents.
It is imperative for all stakeholders to work together to protect and preserve the natural integrity of Goa’s landscapes for future generations.
The recent landslides in Goa in Dhargal, Cortalim and Dharbandora besides the flooding in Sanquelim and Bicholim seem to be all man-made. It is now upto the Goa government how fast they wake up from deep slumber to this threat.
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