Wayanad tragedy

The recent landslides in Wayanad, Kerala, which have resulted in over 380 deaths and many missing, have been attributed by Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav to illegal human habitat expansion and mining activities sanctioned by local politicians. Yadav criticized the Kerala government for neglecting vital environmental factors, leading to the disaster following heavy rainfall. While the Centre had issued warnings and has not granted environmental clearances for new developmental projects, accusations of illegal mining and unchecked constructions have surfaced, with the Kerala government denying the claims. Madhav Gadgil, former chairman of the Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel, also labeled the situation a 'man-made tragedy' due to the state's failure to implement ecological recommendations. Local politicians, according to experts, have historically prioritized short-term gains over environmental preservation, exacerbating the risks in this ecologically fragile region. The ongoing crisis has reignited discussions on the need for stricter regulations and adherence to environmental guidelines to protect the Western Ghats.