Killer landslides

 

Madhav Gadgil is an ecologist, an expert in his field, he did meticulous study of Western Ghats, spent years travelling the region and came out with a timely report. The report (with other experts as members) is a bench mark on conservation of Western ghats. So, what did the government do? They appointed former ISRO head (to call these people scientist is an insult, don’t think these pitiable ritualists understand significance of being a scientist), the fellow used space map/technology to mark out ‘green area’ and worked his presentable report. Basically, it was a hit job for the government without understanding of ground reality or any inclination what he was doing nor implication of his con act. It shows ethical values of former ISRO employee (and so the present govt even found him suitable, over competent educationists active in the field, to prepare policy report on education, such is the influence our man has built up over the years!). Not at all surprising since these people are nurtured by government, politicians, deep state agencies hence they are all ready for the job in lieu of power and influence (that also puts in context to his out of turn promotions throughout his career). Today’s landslide that killed more than 100 people in Wayanad (Kerala) is very much result of wanton exploitation of Western Ghat that likes of KasturiRangan facilitated with his shoddy deeply unethical involvement. He is very much responsible for criminal negligence and should indeed be arrested. A high-level committee must be setup to find out what are the factors that led to dilution of MadhavGadgil report and who all were involved in this criminal conspiracy.

If you read the excerpt of the MadhavGadgil report herein it mentions in no uncertain terms the areas that were affected by today’s landslide. It is not providence but years of dedicated work of an ecologist, a scientist and indeed a humanist (he meticulously traces different vulnerable tribes, emphasis tribal rights, native trees etc. The criticism of interest group on livelihood loss is now clear in the aftermath of recurrent disasters, meaning, ‘rigidity’ on conservation issues was well intended). I am really quite shocked that he is not heading some international agencies and contributing his valuable expertise. Or maybe they scuttled his chance, and may even promote likes of Kasturirangan (famous Indian crabs, ready for highest bidder). MadhavGadgil report is an important document that must be read by each and everyone particularly those living in and around Western Ghats. and shouldn’t be deceived by vested interests and ‘development’ psychopaths. It is important to understand that we are living in extremely fragile ecosystem that is severely threatened by climate change. Listen to the experts in the field, don’t get influenced by charlatans and attention seekers, keep yourself abreast with deleterious changes around us. It is not fate it is a human orchestrated disaster of greed and apathy. A responsible government would have taken necessary action on the recommendation of report.    

*As for me I understood the significance of MadhavGadgil report, and attempts to undermine it, so cycled from Kochi to Goa discussing importance of report to school and college students. It was more than a decade back.                                                                                                                                   

(a disclosure: even if there were no reports I would have still cycled, and found some other cause to get sponsor! Who doesn’t want to cycle in monsoon rain! -ofcourse now rain is dreaded, how things have changed in a decade, and how it could change in a decade to come).