Table of Contents
Synopsis
This article published in the editorial section of the Hindu newspaper talks about the gloomy situation in Kerala which has been caused by excessive rainfall.
What causes such heavy rainfall in Kerala?
Kerala’s heavy rainfall is primarily due to its geographical location and climatic conditions. The Western Ghats mountain range acts as a barrier, forcing monsoon winds to rise and cool, releasing heavy rainfall.
The long coastline of Kerala is exposed to the Arabian Sea, providing a continuous source of moisture for the monsoon winds. Kerala experiences heavy rainfall during the southwest monsoon season (June to September) when the Indian subcontinent receives most of its annual precipitation. Low-pressure systems over the Bay of Bengal can intensify rainfall in Kerala. Cyclonic disturbances in the Arabian Sea can bring extremely heavy rainfall to the region.
Human factors such as deforestation, urbanization, and climate change contribute to the conditions for frequent and heavy rainfall in Kerala. Reduced forest cover can disrupt rainfall patterns, increase the risk of landslides and floods, and increase impervious surfaces in urban areas. Climate change is believed to contribute to more intense and frequent rainfall events.
Article Explanation
Climate change can lead to unprecedented weather events, such as the calamitous landslides in Wayanad district in Kerala on July 30. While landslides are a yearly occurrence in Kerala, these landslides are new. The Chaliyar River, which flows down towards Vellarmala, has been causing rapid water flow and sediment sweep.
The increased volume and force of the river have swept debris into villages settled on less steep land, where many deaths have been reported. The tragedy is further compounded by the fact that heavy rains in 2020 caused the Chaliyar to strip swaths of its upstream areas of plant cover, leaving more rocks and humus vulnerable to displacement.
Landslide-prone areas in Kerala, such as Idukki, Kottayam, Malappuram, and Wayanad, are prone to landslides due to climate change and a lack of advance warning and emergency preparedness. These areas are more common in ecologically fragile areas, where monsoons produce short bursts of intense rain, making soil types easier to dislodge during quarrying. Linear infrastructure development, construction activities, and monocropping have compromised ecosystems’ ability to cope with changing natural conditions.
To address this, land use patterns must not change, and the State must restore degraded forests and rehabilitate people in these areas. The Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel recommends declining engineering projects in ecologically sensitive areas and establishing expert committees to deliberate the feasibility of other projects. However, Kerala is currently unable to balance development needs with environmental concerns.
Join our telegram channel for regular updates of The Hindu Epaper Editorial Explanation-https://t.me/Thehindueditorialexplanation
The Hindu Epaper Editorial Explanation given by Hello Student is only a supplementary reading to the original article to make things easier for the students.
In conclusion, preparing for exams in India can be a daunting task, but with the right strategies and resources, success is within reach. Remember, consistent study habits, effective time management, and a positive mindset are key to overcoming any academic challenge. Utilize the tips and techniques shared in this post to enhance your preparation and boost your confidence. Stay focused, stay motivated, and don’t forget to take care of your well-being. With dedication and perseverance, you can achieve your academic goals and pave the way for a bright future. Good luck!
The Editorial Page of The Hindu is an essential reading for all the students aspiring for UPSC, SSC, PCS, Judiciary etc or any other competitive government exams.
This may also be useful for exams like CUET UG and CUET PG, GATE, GMAT, GRE AND CAT