“Kodagu in peril”

Kodagu, still recovering from the devastating landslides and floods of 2018/19, cannot afford another disaster like the recent landslide tragedy in Wayanad. The region’s fragile ecosystem is vulnerable and communities demand urgent attention to prevent such calamities.

To ensure Kodagu’s safety and resilience, the government must address to its needs in a war footing front.

The recent landslide tragedy in Wayanad highlights the urgent need for the government to reassess its approach to land conversion for commercial and housing development and unscientific and haphazard land conversion in Kodagu district. 

Emphasising on prioritizing environmental conservation and sustainable land-use practices to prevent landslides is the need of the hour. 

Addressing climate change through mitigation efforts, as changing weather patterns exacerbate landslide risks.

Implementation in infrastructure, such as landslide-resistant roads and bridges by learning from the past tragedy.

Environmental degradation and widespread deforestation, soil erosion, and loss of biodiversity in the River Cauvery catchment areas has increased landslides, floods, and other disasters exacerbated by human activities.

To prevent such tragedies, the government must conduct scientific Impact Assessments on the environmental and social implications of land conversion.

Enforcement of sustainable land-use, planning and prioritising eco-friendly and sustainable development practices is must and should.

Protect Ecologically Sensitive Areas Preserve forests, wetlands, and other vital ecosystems by involving stake holders, communities and NGOs in decision-making processes to ensure their rights and interests are respected.

Promote Eco-Tourism and responsible tourism that supports conservation and community development and not “MASS TOURISM” 

By adopting a more sustainable and community-centric approach, the government can balance development needs with environmental management and social responsibility, preventing future disasters and ensuring a safer, more resilient future for Kodagu district. 

Last but not least!  Holding bureaucrats and politicians accountable and responsible, for non-sustainable and haphazard developments in eco-sensitive regions like Kodagu is crucial and their actions have devastating consequences and they should be equally held responsible for their non-compliance and corrupt practices.  

Let us demand responsible governance and sustainable development in Kodagu, for a better future and by taking proactive measures, we can safeguard Kodagu’s unique environment, protect its people, and prevent another disaster.

The time to act is now.

Navin Bopaiah
Office bearer, Coorg Wildlife Society.