Recent landslides in the Western Ghats have raised urgent concerns among scientists and environmentalists about the ongoing risks posed by unregulated development and climate change. latest incidents, which resulted in multiple fatalities, have prompted calls for accountability and better land management practices .
In Kerala's Wayanad district,a landslide triggered by heavy rainfall claimed three lives, while another landslide occurred in Madikeri,Kodagu district, affecting the area near a KSRTC bus stand. Earlier in July, three individuals died when a retaining wall collapsed on a building in Mangaluru . These back-to-back events highlight a troubling trend as the region experiences a resurgence of rainfall following a dry spell in June .
C.S . Patil from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) attributes these disasters to a combination of geological and meteorological factors,including intense rainfall, loss of vegetation, and soil characteristics. T.V . Ramachandra from Centre for Ecological Sciences at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) echoed these sentiments, noting that changes in rainfall patterns have led to increased instances of mudslides and landslides.
Ramachandra emphasized that while high-intensity rainfall acts as a trigger,the underlying causes stem from unplanned developmental activities in ecologically sensitive areas. Projects such as roads and tunnels have been undertaken without adequate consideration of the region's carrying capacity or implementation of necessary conservation measures. He pointed to the detrimental effects of land degradation, deforestation, and the disruption of natural drainage systems.
A recent report from IIT Dharwad assessed future landslide susceptibility in the Western Ghats,predicting an increase in both rainfall intensity and urban development by 2050. This study identified areas along major transport corridors and densely populated regions in Uttara Kannada, Kodagu,and Chikkamagaluru districts as particularly vulnerable. The report warns that human-induced land-use changes and climate change are exacerbating the risks of landslides.
Environmentalist Nagaraj Koove criticized the construction of four-lane highways around protected areas,describing methods used as “unscientific.” He noted that even minor rainfall now leads to landslides,compounded by deforestation driven by illegal logging and proliferation of resorts replacing native vegetation. The consequences are dire for local farmers,many of whom are still recovering from the devastating landslides of 2017-2018.
Col. (Retd.) C.P. Muthanna,a coordinator for the Save Kodagu and Cauvery Campaign, expressed frustration over the lack of protective measures for the Western Ghats. He pointed out that extensive alterations to steep slopes have occurred despite previous disasters, with construction activities, including resorts and roads,directly contributing to landslide risks.
Muthanna warned that fragile ecology of Western Ghats cannot withstand such degradation,unlike more resilient mountainous regions like the Himalayas and Alps. He stated, “These tragedies will continue to occur unless and until there is accountability.” He criticized the motivations behind many development projects, suggesting they are often driven by greed and facilitated by a network of politicians, contractors, and bureaucrats .
As the monsoon season progresses, the need for effective land management and accountability in development practices becomes increasingly urgent. Without significant changes,the cycle of landslides and their devastating impacts on communities in the Western Ghats is likely to persist.
