Wayanad landslide: Kerala High Court calls for comprehensive policy to tackle environmental disasters

The Kerala High Court on Friday stressed on the need to ensure a holistic approach in pursuing developmental activities, so that the ecological balance is not disturbed and environmental disasters such as the recent Wayanad landslides do not ensue [Suo Motu v State of Kerala & ors]..The Court made the observation while hearing a suo motu case initiated to address the factors that led to the devastating landslides that hit Wayanad district last week.A Division Bench of Justices AK Jayasankaran Nambiar and Syam Kumar VM observed today that a landslide is a classic example of what happens when the natural environment's balance is disrupted. The Court flagged concern over the lack of Statewide assessments on the suitability of areas for mining, quarrying, infrastructure development, etc. The Court highlighted that improper assessments can lead to disaster like situations."When you are talking about availability of a resource and you remove such things from nature, the ecological balance is disturbed. Landslide is a classic example. You create pockets of holes which then lead to such incidents. A holistic approach is very much needed to check the social, economy and ecological impact of such activities," the Court said..The Court emphasised that a comprehensive policy approach is imperative to prevent such devastating incidents.The Bench, therefore, appointed Senior Advocate Ranjith Thampan as an Amicus Curiae and asked him to give suggestions on how the State could re-evaluate its policies to ensure environmental preservation and sustainability.The Court said that the Amicus Curiae has to thoroughly study all relevant legislation to fully understand the policies around mitigating environmental disasters and ensuring ecological balance..Notably, even before the suo motu case was registered, the Court had been seized of a case concerning quarrying and construction activities in Wayanad.While hearing this case, the Court had emphasized on the need for the State to develop a comprehensive policy on developmental activities.The Court had reserved its verdict in the matter on July 29, a day before the landslides struck the district.The Court then decided to reconsider the matter again in view of the landslides and the destruction unleashed by the same.The Court today questioned the State on whether there were adequate mechanisms and plans in place to identify and manage sensitive areas, and whether the State can balance economic development with ecological stability.To address these issues comprehensively, the Court today also impleaded several parties, including the National Centre for Earth Science Studies, Geological Survey of India, Survey of India, Union of India, Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Science and Technology, Kerala State Disaster Management, State Environmental Impact Assessment Authority, and the Coastal Zone Management Authority..The matter will be heard next on August 16 when the Court is expected to frame certain issues and decide on a future plan of action to tackle natural disasters.Advocate General Gopalakrishna Kurup represented the Kerala government before the Court today. .Government Pleader CE Unnikrishnan took notice for all State authorities.Central Government Counsel TC Krishna took notice for the Central Government authorities.Advocate Sreekrishna took notice for the State Environmental Impact Assessment Authority.