Answer:

Landslides are a significant natural hazard in Kerala’s hilly regions, particularly during monsoons. Increased environmental degradation, such as deforestation and unplanned development, has heightened the vulnerability of these areas to landslides. With climate change further intensifying rainfall patterns, the interplay between human activities and natural processes is causing greater instability in Kerala’s terrain, calling for urgent intervention and sustainable measures.

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Relationship Between Environmental Degradation and the Increasing Susceptibility of Kerala’s Hilly Regions to Landslides

• Deforestation and Loss of Vegetation Cover: Deforestation for agriculture and construction removes the natural barrier of trees, leading to soil erosion and increasing the risk of landslides.
  For example: In Idukki district, large-scale deforestation for plantation crops has contributed to increased landslide frequency in the region.
• Unregulated Construction and Quarrying: Rapid, unplanned construction and quarrying activities disturb the natural slope stability, triggering landslides.
  For example: The Pettymudi landslide in 2020 was partly attributed to quarrying near the landslide-prone area, destabilising the land.
• Climate Change Intensifying Rainfall Patterns: Changes in weather patterns due to climate change, such as more intense monsoons, contribute to increased landslide occurrences in the hilly areas of Kerala.
  For example: The Kerala floods of 2018, exacerbated by extreme rainfall, led to numerous landslides across the state.
• Agricultural Practices and Overgrazing: Unsustainable agricultural practices, like overgrazing and improper terracing, erode soil, making the terrain more prone to landslides.
  For example: In the Wayanad district, overgrazing on hill slopes has resulted in a weakening of the soil structure, causing frequent landslides during heavy rains.
• Riverbank Erosion and Siltation: The degradation of riverbanks through human activities and silt accumulation contributes to flooding and landslides during monsoons.
  For example: The Pamba River saw significant siltation during the 2018 floods, which worsened landslide occurrences in surrounding areas.
• Encroachment on Fragile Ecosystems: Human settlements in fragile ecosystems such as high-altitude areas further disturb the natural balance, increasing the likelihood of landslides.
  For example: The settlements near Attappadi hills are facing increasing landslides due to encroachments on steep terrains.
• Mining Activities and Earthwork: Mining operations in Kerala’s hills destabilise the soil and rock structure, contributing to landslides in vulnerable regions.
  For example: Illegal mining activities in areas like Munnar have been directly linked to landslides, particularly during monsoon seasons.

Measures to Mitigate the Impact of Landslides in Kerala’s Hilly Regions

• Enforcing Strict Land-Use Regulations: Implementing and enforcing strict regulations on construction and land use in landslide-prone regions is crucial to prevent unregulated development.
  For example: The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority has proposed tighter zoning regulations for construction in vulnerable hill areas.
• Afforestation and Ecosystem Restoration: Reforestation programs must be prioritised to restore vegetation cover and prevent soil erosion in landslide-prone areas.
  For example: The Western Ghats Ecological Expert Panel recommended large-scale afforestation projects to stabilise Kerala’s hilly regions.
• Sustainable Agricultural Practices: Introducing sustainable farming techniques, such as contour ploughing and agroforestry, can help stabilise soil and prevent landslides.
  For example: Agroforestry initiatives in Wayanad are helping farmers adopt practices that mitigate erosion while enhancing productivity.
• Monitoring and Early Warning Systems: Installing advanced monitoring and early warning systems, such as rainfall and slope stability sensors, can provide timely alerts to prevent loss of life.
  For example: The Kerala Government has set up landslide early warning systems in select vulnerable areas using rainfall data.
• Community Involvement in Disaster Management: Engaging local communities in disaster preparedness and awareness programs can enhance resilience against landslides.
  For example: The Disaster Management Plan in Kerala includes community-based initiatives to educate locals about landslide risks and evacuation procedures.
• Regulation of Quarrying and Mining Activities: A stricter regulatory framework for quarrying and mining activities can reduce the destabilisation of landslide-prone areas.
  For example: Kerala’s Mining and Geology Department has enforced tighter controls on quarries in landslide-sensitive areas like Idukki.
• Climate Resilient Infrastructure Development: Integrating climate resilience into infrastructure development plans, such as building retaining walls and terracing, can mitigate landslide risks.
  For example: NABARD has funded climate-resilient infrastructure projects in Wayanad aimed at reducing landslide vulnerability through better drainage systems and slope management.

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Addressing the increasing landslide vulnerability in Kerala’s hilly regions requires a multi-faceted approach that includes sustainable land-use practices, community engagement, and robust policy frameworks. Through effective afforestation, early warning systems, and regulatory enforcement, Kerala can mitigate the impacts of landslides, ensuring the safety of its population and the sustainability of its ecosystems.

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