Hyderabad: Dr. Lubna Sarwath, an environmental activist and social worker, recently addressed the issues of landslides in Wayanad, Himachal Pradesh and highlighted the devastating impact they have on the local communities. She brought attention to the fact that these disasters could have been prevented if the recommendations of the Madhav Gadgil Report 2011 and Kasturi Rangan Report 2013 were taken seriously.
Both these reports had suggested measures to protect the fragile ecosystem of the Western Ghats, which includes Wayanad and other regions prone to landslides. However, these recommendations were ignored by the government and instead, unsustainable development projects were given priority. The consequences of this negligence are evident in the loss of property and lives in these landslide-prone areas.
Dr. Sarwath also emphasized on the need to preserve the Damagundam forest in Anantagiri hills and twin reservoirs on Moosi Nadi in order to protect the ecosystems of Hyderabad.
These natural resources are crucial for maintaining a balance in the city’s environment and must be conserved for future generations.
