Today(on 9th August),The Kerala High Court stressed the need for a comprehensive approach in development to protect ecological balance and prevent disasters, following recent landslides in Wayanad.
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Thiruvananthapuram: Today(on 9th August), The Kerala High Court emphasized the urgent need for a thorough and holistic strategy in carrying out developmental projects to safeguard the ecological balance and prevent environmental disasters like the recent landslides in Wayanad. The Court made these remarks during a hearing of a self-initiated case to investigate the causes behind the catastrophic landslides that recently struck Wayanad district.
A Division Bench comprising Justices AK Jayasankaran Nambiar and Syam Kumar VM highlighted the gravity of the situation, noting that the landslide serves as a “classic example of what happens when the natural environment’s balance is disrupted.” The Court expressed concern over the apparent lack of comprehensive assessments across the State regarding the suitability of areas for activities such as mining, quarrying, and infrastructure development.
“When discussing resource availability, removing elements from nature disrupts ecological balance. Landslides are a prime example; creating voids can lead to such events. A comprehensive approach is essential to assess the social, economic, and ecological impacts of these activities.”
– the Court emphasized.
This assertion emphasizes the necessity for a well-rounded evaluation that takes into account the social, economic, and ecological impacts of developmental actions.
The Court further stressed that without proper assessments, the risk of such disasters increases, potentially leading to loss of life, property, and environmental degradation.
“A comprehensive policy approach is crucial to preventing such devastating incidents.”
-the Bench reiterated, emphasizing the need for the State to adopt policies that prioritize environmental preservation and sustainability.
In an effort to guide the State towards better environmental governance, the Court appointed Senior Advocate Ranjith Thampan as an Amicus Curiae. His role will be pivotal in offering recommendations on how the State could revisit and refine its policies to ensure that environmental conservation is not compromised in the name of development. The Court directed the Amicus Curiae to thoroughly study all relevant legislation to gain a complete understanding of existing policies related to mitigating environmental disasters and maintaining ecological balance.
Notably, the Court had already been engaged with issues concerning quarrying and construction activities in Wayanad, even before the suo motu case was registered. During earlier hearings, the Court had consistently advocated for the State to develop a comprehensive policy framework that governs developmental activities with an eye towards long-term sustainability.
In a related case, the Court had reserved its verdict on July 29, a day before the Wayanad landslides occurred. However, in light of the severe damage caused by the landslides, the Court decided to reconsider the matter, reflecting the need for urgent action and reevaluation of existing practices.
In today’s proceedings, the Court posed crucial questions to the State regarding the adequacy of mechanisms and plans in place to identify and manage ecologically sensitive areas. The Court pressed the State to consider whether it can effectively balance economic development with the necessity of maintaining ecological stability.
To ensure a comprehensive examination of these pressing issues, the Court included several key parties in the proceedings. Among those impleaded were the National Centre for Earth Science Studies, Geological Survey of India, Union of India, Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Science and Technology, Kerala State Disaster Management, State Environmental Impact Assessment, and the Coastal Zone Management Authority.
The case is set for further hearing on August 16.