Kerala Floods: Lessons Lost to Water, Not Stone

Kerala is grappling with familiar flood devastation in the Pamba basin eight years after the 2018 deluge, underscoring a failure to implement lasting solutions. While Chief Minister V D Satheesan recently proposed silt removal from the Pamba to alleviate waterlogging, environmental scientists and hydrologists emphasize that such measures alone are insufficient.

These experts advocate for a comprehensive river rejuvenation plan. This includes reopening blocked tributaries, removing encroachments that constrict river flow, restoring vital wetlands, and preventing pollution. They stress the importance of protecting watersheds and agricultural lands to enhance the Pamba's resilience against heavy rainfall.

Historical floodplains and wetlands, crucial for absorbing excess water, have been increasingly encroached upon or disappeared. Scientists warn that removing sand and pebbles from riverbeds without rigorous scientific assessment could amplify floodwaters' destructive power, threatening infrastructure. Reviving plans like the Pampa Action Plan and preserving paddy fields are seen as vital steps.

Concerns are also raised about unregulated hill excavation disguised as sand mining. Experts call for scientific sand auditing and strict adherence to government procedures for any permitted sand mining. Preserving existing paddy fields and reviving cultivation are highlighted as essential for maintaining natural flood-buffering capacities.