Understanding the Interplay of Human Actions and Natural Disasters in Wayanad

The recent calamity served as more than just a singular occurrence; it acted as a powerful illustration of the delicate equilibrium between human progress and the natural world. The flooding was a consequence of continuous monsoon rains, yet the severity of the devastation was worsened by years of uncontrolled deforestation, poorly planned urbanization, and encroachment on environmentally sensitive zones. Wayanad, renowned for its verdant forests and undulating topography, had increasingly fallen victim to human intervention. Eldho Chirackachalil, a prominent figure in the All India Professional Congress and a dedicated Social Activist, remarked, “Roads, resorts, and structures were erected in regions that previously acted as natural barriers against such disasters.” He emphasized the necessity for stringent regulations if the government permits quarrying in such areas, highlighting unauthorized quarries as significant contributors to incidents of this nature. Experts have consistently highlighted the risks associated with constructing on floodplains, lake shores, and steep inclines. Dr. Madhav Gadgil, an esteemed ecologist and head of the Western Ghats Ecology Experts Panel, has frequently cautioned that disrupting natural drainage systems heightens the vulnerability of regions like Wayanad to floods and landslides.