Killer Landslides Expose Government Negligence and Urgent Need for Environmental Safeguards
In yet another tragic incident, the onset of monsoons triggered a deadly landslide in Assam, claiming one life. For years, this has become a distressing routine during the rainy season, exacerbated by encroachment and unplanned urbanization that suffocate the once-forested hills. Government authorities, including the district administration and civic bodies such as GMC and GMDA, must bear responsibility for their failure to enforce construction norms and prevent encroachment.
The hills, once adorned with lush greenery, have given way to densely populated settlements. The blame, however, is not solely on the authorities, as an insensitive and land-hungry citizenry persists in illegally settling on hills with political backing.
Anthropogenic pressures like earth-cutting and deforestation have severely disrupted the fragile soil structure and ecological balance, resulting in devastating landslides, flash floods, and waterlogging. Feeble attempts by the administration to issue occasional prohibitor orders with little enforcement have proved futile. Urgent action is required to relocate people residing in highly vulnerable areas during monsoons. The construction of houses and walls without adhering to regulations must cease.
The effect of this alarming trend of killer landslides is not limited to the city alone; other places in and around the state, such as Silchar, also face similar dangers. It is imperative that our development policies prioritize the protection of the natural environment and respect the geological fragility of each region.
Disregarding environmental concerns in favour of aggressive development will inevitably lead to catastrophic consequences, as witnessed in the devastating floods and landslides in the Dima Hasao district.
