Wayanad Tragedy Serves as a Stark Reminder for Goa to Protect Its Ecologically Sensitive Areas

The recent landslides in Wayanad, Kerala, have served as a stark warning for Goa, according to Chief Minister Pramod Sawant. Torrential rains triggered massive landslides in Mundakkai, Chooralmala, Attamala, and Noolpuzha hamlets early Tuesday, resulting in 190 fatalities and over 200 missing individuals. "The Wayanad tragedy is an eye-opener for Goa," Sawant stated in the assembly.

Chief Minister Sawant has instructed various departments to avoid disturbing ecologically sensitive areas prone to such incidents. He emphasised that the stability of these regions must not be compromised. A system will be developed to report and monitor hill cutting activities across the state. The government has identified four landslide hotspots located in high altitudes in the north-eastern and eastern parts, as well as low-lying areas in the western and south-western regions.

Causes and Mitigation Efforts

Sawant highlighted that extreme rainfall events, slope instability, and geological factors are major causes of landslides in Goa. An analysis revealed that rainfall-triggered landslides are the most frequent. He was addressing a calling attention motion brought by Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao, Revolutionary Goans MLA Viresh Borkar, and BJP MLA Ganesh Gaonkar.

Earlier in the day, State Minister Atanasio Monserratte informed the House that the Goa State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) had communicated its readiness to support relief efforts in Wayanad. "The Goa SDMA has conveyed condolences and willingness to support landslide relief efforts in Wayanad to the collector there via email," Monserratte said.

Development Restrictions

Monserratte also responded to a calling attention motion by Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao regarding unplanned and excessive development in both districts of Goa, including Dharbandora in the Western Ghats. He noted that such development has made these areas prone to landslides. The government has taken steps to mitigate these risks.

The Landslide Atlas of India, prepared by the National Remote Sensing Centre (ISRO), ranked North and South Goa districts at 111th and 121st respectively among 147 districts exposed to landslides nationwide. Monserratte elaborated on mitigating measures taken by the Goa government. According to information from the Town and Country Planning Department, no development is permitted in ecologically sensitive areas like hilly regions with slopes over 25%, low-lying paddy fields, khazan lands, forest lands, and mangroves without proper permissions.

Recent Incidents

During this monsoon season, at least 15 minor to medium landslides occurred in Goa, including one in Anmod ghat area of Dharbandora. Debris from these slides blocked national highways. However, timely action by SDMA through Fire and Emergency Services and PWD ensured debris was cleared promptly to minimise inconvenience.

The Chief Minister reiterated that ecologically sensitive areas should remain untouched to prevent similar disasters. The government aims to develop a robust system for monitoring hill cutting activities to safeguard these regions effectively.