The disaster that struck Meppadi in Wayanad in Kerala Tuesday following a series of massive landslides was waiting to happen, according to environmentalists.
According to award-winning photo environmentalist NP Jayan, who stays in Wayanad, the fragile hilly regions have been destroyed over the years ignoring all red flags raised by experts. He points out that the local foliage like bamboos, various deep soil-holding trees that were typical of the region were destroyed in the name of development and tourism.
The biggest mistake was that the state government rejected the vital Gadgil Committee report on the Western Ghats that had warned of the fragile nature of the regions like Wayanad and had recommended immediate stoppage of all construction activities and restoration of foliage that were indigenous to the region, Jayan told FPJ.
This story is from the July 31, 2024 edition of The Free Press Journal.
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This story is from the July 31, 2024 edition of The Free Press Journal.
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