Post-floods, Kerala must opt for sustainable growth
This will need rigorous decisionmaking and policy implementation, for which guidelines must be framed
In 1996, I had visited Mt. St. Helens (Washington, US) and the nearby National Volcanic Monument. The museum there showcases the aftermath of the volcanic explosion in May 1980, most significantly, how it had altered the landscape and the ecosystems. Of all the images on display, what captured my attention was that of a seedling emerging out of its pod. Set in the backdrop of the greyish flow of ash that had pretty much burned and buried everything on its path, it was captioned as “resurgence of life”. This lone vein of life, amid all images of destruction, I thought, was a powerful expression of resilience in nature. When disasters strike societies, man is at the centre and his decisions are crucial.
Kerala is recovering from the impact of floods. Lessons have been learned, but many questions remain. Some of the extraordinary events are about wells going dry or water levels in well dropping rapidly, mass death of earthworms and yellowing of crops. Another curious phenomenon is the development of ground cracks, some of them wide and deep enough to rip apart homes, roads and hill slopes. Just what is causing these unusual happenings, and how much do we understand them? During a TV discussion, one of the panellists related ground cracking to earthquakes, which he considered as too small to be recorded, but big enough to generate cracks (some as long as 2.5 km long!). I was surprised that no one raised the issue of the safety of the 116-year-old Mullaperiyar Dam in the vicinity. The area had witnessed low to moderate earthquakes in the past, with no big cracks. The panellists also attributed the events to the conditions of the soil, rate of infiltration, and water chemistry, without any supporting data. With no quantitative measures on water levels, soil profile and the morphology, their ideas appeared random.
Kerala is planning rehabilitation and rebuilding and this is an opportune time to take decisions that are sustainable and bode well for the future. This would need some rigorous decision-making and policy implementation and guidelines must be debated, with experts from various fields.
For example, Kerala currently relies mostly on hydel power. Going solar wherever possible is a viable option, something that can be introduced through mandatory regulations. Water was always considered as an abundant resource in Kerala, but the current drought and ground water conditions are signalling impending water shortage. As the most literate state with its liberal and educated views, Kerala can lead the way to an environment friendly and sustainable model.