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According to Newton's third law of motion, for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. This law implies that every action we take is met with a response of equal magnitude but in the opposite direction.
This concept is often summarised by the familiar phrase "you reap what you sow," signifying that the results we experience are a direct outcome of our choices and behaviour.
What happened in Wayanad perfectly exemplifies this principle. Humanity witnessed first-hand the effects of actions and decisions made by individuals and communities, and how these reverberated to create specific outcomes.
Wayanad served as a practical demonstration of the timeless truth encapsulated in Newton's third law. This rural district in the south Indian state of Kerala paid a big price for deforestation with a heavy cost for every tree cut down.
The landslides and the subsequent deaths in Wayanad are a stark reminder that when nature strikes, we don't stand a chance to even say a goodbye prayer.
The landslides and the subsequent deaths in Wayanad are a stark reminder that when nature strikes, we don't stand a chance to even say a goodbye prayer. Even God-fearing and devout individuals will not find favour with God when it hits.
The catastrophic events in Wayanad should serve as crucial wake-up call for coastal states that coexist along the Western Ghats. One of them is, of course, Goa which is no stranger to landslides.
In the ongoing Goa assembly session, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant addressed the House with critical information from the Geological Survey of India (GSI).
The GSI has identified four significant landslide-prone areas in Goa, located in the high-altitude north-eastern and eastern parts of the state, as well as in the low-lying areas of the western and southwestern regions.
The GSI report highlighted that the primary causes of landslides in Goa are extreme rainfall events, slope instability, and geological factors.
Given the fact that politicians sing to the gallery, what our dear chief minister assured can be digested with a pinch of salt.
Sawant emphasised the importance of taking precautions and mentioned surveys would be conducted as needed with the relevant authorities or institutions.
He referred to Wayanad as an eye-opener and stated that strict instructions had been given to conduct a study of the locations mentioned in the report. Given the fact that politicians sing to the gallery, what our dear chief minister assured can be digested with a pinch of salt.
His assurance holds no water as he has to first explain to the House where is the action in the Madhav Gadgil and Kasturirangan reports that called for conserving the Western Ghats.
He should also explain to the House, why the State government is silent on the declaration of a tiger reserve in Goa and who is stopping him from doing so. Will the Opposition demand in the House an explanation as to why the State government is silent on the tiger reserve issue?
Goa CM should also explain to the House, why the State government is silent on the declaration of a tiger reserve in Goa and who is stopping him from doing so.
Like Kerala, Goa too experiences heavy rainfall, and areas such as Sattari and Canacona are at risk of monsoon-related disasters similar to what occurred in Wayanad. These talukas of Goa have been hit by large-scale flooding in the past, but no lessons have been learned.
Take the case of Sattari, where felling of trees along the edges of the Western Ghats to make way for cashew and fruit-bearing tree plantations is posing a significant environmental threat. The axing of forest trees is causing instability on the hillslopes and is not a wise practice.
In 2022, Sattari taluka experienced devastating floods that cut off several villages from the outside world. The previous year, a bridge was swept away by the powerful force of floodwaters. These incidents cannot be overlooked or dismissed as mere consequences of heavy rainfall.
What caused this rainfall and the consequent flooding? Forests help regulate water flow. Deforestation can lead to more rapid runoff and flooding. More felling of trees means Sattari will always witnesses rapid runoff and more flooding in future.
The current reality in Kumthal and Caranzol villages of Sattari is that a large number of forest trees are being felled for planting cashew trees.
The current reality in Kumthal and Caranzol villages of Sattari is that a large number of forest trees are being felled for planting cashew trees. The forest department officials here seem to have no say as a local politician in the area makes the laws.
As you approach these villages by road, you'll notice a signboard that reads 'No Entry for Forest Department'. This sign was erected in 2019 following a conflict between the villagers and forest department officials regarding jurisdiction in the Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary.
Goa finds itself at a critical juncture, facing decisions that will shape the future of its forests for many years to come and, in general, its ecology.
In Wayanad, we are constantly reminded that we are subject to nature's will, rather than the other way around. When we disrupt the natural environment by cutting down trees and imposing our will upon it, nature's response is not one of mercy.
Goa finds itself at a critical juncture, facing decisions that will shape the future of its forests for many years to come and, in general, its ecology. This represents a timeless struggle between pursuing immediate benefits and ensuring the long-term health and survival of our forests. Let us wisen up before it's too late!