Kerala
suffers the worst flood devastation in the decades passed and claimed more than 300 lives
besides an estimated loss of 20K Crore property and thousands stranded . This
was only next to the situation Kerala faced in 1924 where around 1000 people
lost their lives. Complete infrastructure of major part of Kerala is now
demolished by the incessant rains. There were many incidents of sever
landslides, rivers bursting their banks
leading to floods in many villages.
Kerala
is known for its tourist destination and good part of the income Kerala receives
is also from Tourism , amounting to 10%
of GDP of Kerala with more than 8K crore
of foreign exchange . The High raised structures constructed to meet the
business demands of Tourism without proper planning also has a profound impact
on the scenario of floods. In order to provide attractive tourism , at many
places the catchment areas have been encroached, the forest lands were occupied
unauthorized by private parties. Its clearly reflects the irresponsible
Environmental Policy of Govt. to just look at with open eyes as huge
excavations were taking place in the God’s own place. Earlier there was a committee
by name Gadgil’s committee which , more than a decade ago itself, warned Govt
to control mining and quarrying in the high ecologically sensitive zones of western ghats, where now the flood effect
is high. It might be strange for readers to identify that Gadgil committee clearly
indicated that failing to restrict stone quarrying will make Kerala to suffer as what we witness
now.Ecologists
raise their voices against illegal excavations, sand mining in dry rivers,
deforestation, encroachment of catchment areas.
There
were nearly 34 dams which reached their danger level of water storage leaving authorities no chance but to
raise the gates. This has further worsen the situation in downside . In total
there are around 42 dams constructed on 44 rivers in kerala with maximum number
of dams on Periyar river ,counting to 12. And alone in Pallakad district there
are nearly 12 hydropower plants apart from 12 in idukki district. This huge
level of dam construction and water resource management is also a challenging factor
which adds to the calamities naturally happening.
One
good thing amidst all these is the humanity part, everyone including common public , Govt ,Army,Navy
and Air forces reacted swiftly and immediately
adhoc planning was done with proper meticulous operations that lead to control
the causalities and rescue thousands stranded. From nook and corner of country
people are pouring in their generosity to help the needy with food items,
clothes and daily needs. Its nice to see the feeling of brotherhood in most
adverse situations. Hope Kerala recovers soon.
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