Kerala crisis arose due to destruction of ecologically-sensitive zones in Western Ghats

A geographical analysis of areas that suffered maximum damage this monsoon show that they were all classified as ecologically-sensitive zones (ESZs) under the Western Ghats Expert Ecology Panel report (WGEEP).

The report was binned by both UDF and LDF governments, with both Idukki and Thamarassery bishops throwing their weight behind the political parties. The UDF government even passed a resolution in the assembly rejecting the report saying that it went against public interest.

The maximum damage inflicted by monsoon in the past ten days were in Wayanad and Idukki. Areas like Munnar, Thamarassery, Vythiri and Thiruvambady were classified under ESZ as per the WGEEP report.

Kerala has 15 taluks under zone-I, two in zone-II and eight within Zone-III. Idukki districts topped the zone-I list and yet maximum illegal buildings came up here. Wayanad followed the ‘Munnar model’ and nature hit back with a vengeance. People don’t understand that WGEEP report is not against development as claimed by Kerala Congress politicians and church authorities. The report allows sustainable development in zone-II and zone-III.

The report said that since zone-I is core forest area, which lies close to Western Ghats, there is a ban on land use for non-forest purpose or agricultural activity. However, it allowed extension of village settlements to accommodate increase in population. It also allowed road and public infra expansion with MoEF nod. Wayanad and Idukki have maximum taluks in zone-I.

Zone-II was allowed to renovate and extend existing structures such as hotels and resorts. Zone-III was allowed use of land for non-agri purpose. Permission for activity was to be given only after considering various socio-economic parameters of the area. “It is important to understand that we need to preserve the buffer zones around the forests in Western Ghats or the region will fall like a pack of cards. If we don’t protect the region, landslides and flash floods will follow claiming livelihood and lives,” said Madhav Gadgil who headed the WGEEP panel.

Quarrying is another major issue in both these districts. There are 1,700 illegal granitecrushing units in Kerala.

Environmentalists said instead of making more stringent regulations to mitigate the impact of climate change, irregular rainfall and cloud bursts, the state relaxed quarrying rules. It allowed quarrying within 50m of residential localities. “It is an irony that we announce compensation for property damage after landslides when we could have mitigated these impacts and saved an ancient ecosystem that is the principal source of drinking water for Kerala,” said former chairman of state biodiversity board V S Vijayan, who was also a member of WGEEP panel.