The Centre for Water Resources Development and Management (CWRDM) has proposed strict regulation of construction work in ecologically-sensitive areas as a first step towards pre-empting landslip threats in the high ranges of Kozhikode district.
CWRDM scientists, who recently conducted a field study to ascertain the cause for the Karinchola landslip, in their report to the district administration, called for putting in place a panchayat-level mechanism to make people aware of the threats, and in the event of a landslip, guide them to a safe spot.
Vulnerable regions
“There are several landslip-prone regions in Thamarassery and Vadakara taluks, where people have to be very cautious. The best possible way is to have a relook into the category of such locations selected for occupancy and adopt all possible precautionary measures,” said V.P. Dinesan, senior scientist and head of geomatics division, CWRDM.
For now, attention is given only to areas where casualty was quite high, and it should not be the priority for finalising interventions, Mr. Dinesan added.
In Kozhikode district, rural areas such as Kattippara, Narippatta, Kavilumpara, Kayakkodi, Chakkittappara, Thiruvambadi, and Kodenchery are highly vulnerable to landslips and flooding.
Gadgil report
The Gadgil panel’s findings have turned out to be true against the backdrop of the recent events. The scientists warned that calamities could strike settlers again in the Western Ghat terrains if proper action was not taken.
They also underscored the need for conducting proper awareness sessions for people living around such vulnerable zones.
Meanwhile, in a proactive move, the CWRDM is considering the scope of preparing a comprehensive flood map for Kerala, which can be a quick reference point for all local bodies to have a close review of applications pertaining to constructions.
Earlier, the plan was to do such a flood mapping for Kozhikode district alone subsequent to the Karinchola landslip that claimed 14 lives.
The scientists confirmed that government functionaries had also requested them to go ahead with the project in such a way that it would benefit the entire State.
The flood mapping process will also ensure the participation of various competent professional agencies in field-level assessment of situations and challenges.
Details of the affected floodplains and the status of flood hold, the area that earlier stood for holding floodwaters, will be collected for possible intervention. Changes in river water levels too will be recorded.
Eventually, the gathered data will be made available for the reference of local bodies for proper compliance.