Kodagu’s Struggle: Balancing Development and Environmental Protection Amidst Landslide Threats
The recent tragedy in Wayanad has reignited painful memories for the residents of Kodagu, who experienced devastating landslides in 2018. That disaster claimed 20 lives, destroyed over 4,000 homes, and displaced 18,000 people, marking the first major landslide-related calamity in Karnataka. Despite the passage of time, Kodagu continues to grapple with landslides, deforestation, and encroachment, which threaten the district's fragile environment and the lives of its residents.
In response to the Wayanad disaster, the Geological Survey of India (GSI) conducted a study that identified 104 disaster-prone areas in Kodagu. The government has since relocated 313 families to safer zones and established 10 relief centres, with plans for 95 more. However, these measures are seen as a temporary fi...