Wounded Hills: A documentary on the environmental issues of the Western Ghats

Summary

The Western Ghats in Kerala, a biodiversity hotspot, faces ecological challenges due to climate change, deforestation, and unsustainable resource extraction. The region's monsoon patterns are changing, leading to increased extreme rainfall events and devastating floods, as seen in 2018 and 2019. Illegal rock quarries and construction contribute to landslides, threatening the ecosystem and human lives. The script calls for sustainable development and policy changes to prevent further disasters and protect the environment and people of Kerala.

Takeaways

• 🌳 The Western Ghats in Kerala is a significant biodiversity hotspot, home to many unique and endangered species.
• 🌍 These mountainous forests cover an area of over 120,000 square kilometers and play a crucial role in India's monsoon system.
• 🐅 The region faces threats from deforestation, unsustainable resource extraction, and altered rainfall patterns affecting its biodiversity.
• 🌧️ The Western Ghats act as a barrier to rain-laden winds, which has been studied for decades for its ecological importance.
• 🌊 The area has witnessed devastating effects from extreme rainfall events, such as the floods in Kerala in 2018 and 2019.
• ⛰️ The monsoon pattern is changing, with a decrease in total rainfall but an increase in the frequency and magnitude of extreme rain events.
• 🏞️ The landscape of the Western Ghats is under pressure from a growing human population and illegal activities like rock quarrying.
• 💥 Mining and quarrying have been identified as triggers for landslides, especially in areas with rubber plantations.
• 🌐 The environmental impact of such activities has been neglected, leading to a lack of effective policies to protect the region.
• 🚫 Dr. Madhav Gadgil's recommendations for the protection of the Western Ghats have been largely ignored by authorities.
• 🌿 Kerala is at a critical juncture and must choose a path of sustainable development to prevent further environmental disasters.

Q & A

What is Kerala known for in terms of biodiversity?

Kerala is known for being a biodiversity hotspot, rich in unique plants and animals, including highly endangered species such as tigers, nilgiri tahr, line deer, macaws, and elephants.

How large is the Western Ghats region?

The Western Ghats region is spread over one lakh twenty-nine thousand and thirty-seven square kilometers.

What role do the Western Ghats play in India's monsoon season?

The Western Ghats act as a barrier to the rain-laden winds from the southwest, helping to bring the bounty of the summer monsoon to India every year.

Who headed the Western Ghats ecology expert panel in 2011?

Madhav Gadgil headed the Western Ghats ecology expert panel in 2011.

What was Madhav Gadgil's recommendation for the Western Ghats?

Madhav Gadgil recommended that the entire Western Ghats be declared ecologically sensitive.

What impact did the extreme rainfall in August 2018 have on Kerala?

The extreme rainfall in August 2018 led to devastating floods in Kerala, resulting in the death of more than 480 people and affecting 12 districts.

What is the trend in the frequency of extreme rainfall events in India?

The frequency of extreme rainfall events in India is showing a steady increase, as indicated by the scientific studies.

What are the consequences of the changing monsoon pattern for regions like Kerala?

The changing monsoon pattern is leading to more dry periods or droughts interspersed with extreme rainfall events, posing a threat to food security, economic prosperity, and people's safety.

What is the connection between rock quarrying and landslides in the Western Ghats?

Rock quarrying, much of which is illegal, can trigger landslides in the hills, especially in areas with rubber plantations, as the trees cannot hold the soil firmly during heavy rains.

What does Dr. Gadgil suggest should be done about the rock quarrying in the Western Ghats?

Dr. Gadgil suggests that the Kerala Government should pass a resolution in the Assembly stating that the state will only have sustainable development programs, and illegal rock quarrying should be immediately stopped.

What is the potential long-term impact of unsustainable practices in the Western Ghats?

If unlawful practices continue, it is likely to result in more deadly disasters like floods and mudslides, threatening lives, livelihoods, and the ecological balance of the region.

Outlines

00:00

🌿 Biodiversity and Ecological Challenges of Western Ghats

The Western Ghats, a biodiversity hotspot in Kerala, India, is under threat due to deforestation, unsustainable resource extraction, and altered rainfall patterns. The region, home to endangered species like tigers and nilgiri tahr, is crucial for India's monsoon rains. However, the area has witnessed devastating floods and landslides, such as in 2018, which were exacerbated by extreme rainfall and human activities. The script discusses the ecological importance of the Ghats, the impact of climate change, and the need for sustainable development to prevent further ecological disasters.

05:03

🌧️ Changing Monsoon Patterns and Their Impact on India

The monsoon pattern in India is shifting, with regions like Kerala and Mumbai experiencing a decrease in total monsoon rainfall over time, while the frequency and intensity of extreme rain events are increasing. This new pattern is causing more dry periods and droughts, punctuated by sudden, heavy rainfall events that can lead to floods and landslides. The script highlights the tragic consequences of these events, such as the 2019 landslide in Malappuram that buried 58 people in their homes, and the subsequent challenges faced by the affected communities, including loss of land and livelihoods.

10:04

💥 The Role of Mining and Quarrying in Environmental Degradation

Illegal rock quarrying in the Western Ghats is contributing to environmental degradation and increasing the risk of landslides. The script discusses the aftermath of a landslide that killed 17 people, and the role of quarrying in destabilizing the hills. Dr. Gadgil's report, which called for a halt to rock quarrying in the Ghats, was ignored, leading to continued environmental damage. The script also touches on the impact of windmill construction and the need for sustainable development practices to protect the region's ecology and people's safety.

15:05

🌱 The Call for Sustainable Development in Kerala

The script concludes with a call for sustainable development in Kerala, emphasizing the need to address the environmental destruction caused by mining, deforestation, and unsustainable practices. It highlights the importance of respecting scientific findings and implementing policies that protect the ecologically sensitive Western Ghats. The future of Kerala hangs in the balance, with the choice between continuing on a path of environmental degradation or embracing green development to safeguard lives, livelihoods, and the region's rich biodiversity.

Keywords

💡Biodiversity hotspot

A biodiversity hotspot is an area with a high concentration of unique species that are under threat. In the video, Kerala is described as one of the world's biggest biodiversity hotspots, indicating its rich variety of flora and fauna, including endangered species like tigers and nilgiri tahr. The concept is central to the video's theme of ecological sensitivity and the impact of environmental changes.

💡Western Ghats

The Western Ghats are a mountain range in the western part of India, known for their ecological significance and biodiversity. The script mentions the Western Ghats as a crucial ecological feature that influences the monsoon patterns and supports a variety of unique species. The term is integral to the video's discussion of environmental challenges and the need for conservation.

💡Monsoon

The monsoon refers to the seasonal rainy winds that bring heavy rainfall to India. The video discusses the role of the Western Ghats in the monsoon cycle and the changes in monsoon patterns due to climate change. The monsoon's impact on Kerala's ecology and the resulting extreme weather events are central to the video's narrative.

💡Deforestation

Deforestation is the removal of trees and forests, often for agricultural or developmental purposes. The script highlights deforestation as a major pressure on the Western Ghats, contributing to ecological imbalance and the degradation of the region's biodiversity. It is a key factor in the video's exploration of environmental degradation.

💡Ecologically Sensitive Area

An ecologically sensitive area is a region that requires special protection due to its unique or fragile ecosystem. The video mentions the Western Ghats as an ecologically sensitive area that was recommended to be declared as such by scientist Madhav Gadgil, emphasizing the need for conservation and sustainable practices.

💡Climate change

Climate change refers to long-term shifts in global weather patterns, often attributed to human activities. The video discusses the impact of climate change on the Western Ghats, including altered rainfall patterns and increased frequency of extreme weather events, such as the floods in Kerala in 2018 and 2019.

💡Landslides

A landslide is a geological event where a mass of earth, rock, or debris moves down a slope. The script describes several instances of landslides in Kerala, which were exacerbated by heavy rainfall and deforestation. Landslides are a critical consequence of environmental degradation highlighted in the video.

💡Illegal quarrying

Illegal quarrying refers to the extraction of stone, sand, or minerals without proper authorization or in violation of regulations. The video mentions the widespread issue of illegal rock quarrying in the Western Ghats, which contributes to environmental destruction and landslides, underscoring the need for stricter enforcement of environmental laws.

💡Sustainable development

Sustainable development is a model of progress that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. The video calls for a shift towards sustainable development in Kerala, emphasizing the importance of balancing economic growth with environmental protection.

💡Extreme weather events

Extreme weather events are unusually severe meteorological occurrences, such as intense rainfall, droughts, or storms. The script discusses the increasing frequency of such events in India, particularly in the Western Ghats, as a result of climate change and environmental degradation, highlighting the urgency of addressing these issues.

💡Ecological degradation

Ecological degradation refers to the decline in the health and quality of an ecosystem. The video describes the degradation of the Western Ghats due to various human activities, such as deforestation and illegal quarrying, which have led to a loss of biodiversity and increased vulnerability to natural disasters.

Highlights

Kerala is described as a biodiversity hotspot with unique flora and fauna.

Western Ghats cover an area of over 120,000 square kilometers and are home to endangered species.

The mountains play a crucial role in the summer monsoon, acting as a barrier to rain-laden winds.

Scientist Madhav Gadgil led a study in 2011, recommending the declaration of the Western Ghats as ecologically sensitive.

Public awareness of the Western Ghats' importance is high, yet degradation continues due to human activities.

Pressure from a growing population and unsustainable practices threaten the ecological balance of the region.

The 2018 Kerala floods resulted in over 480 deaths and widespread devastation.

Extreme rainfall events are becoming more frequent due to global warming, impacting the monsoon pattern.

India is experiencing a decrease in total monsoon rainfall while extreme rain events are on the rise.

The 2019 landslide in Malappuram district resulted in 58 people being buried, highlighting the dangers of unstable terrain.

Dr. Gadgil's recommendations for environmental protection were initially rejected by authorities.

Illegal rock quarries contribute to landslides and environmental degradation in the Western Ghats.

The demand for rocks and the rock quarry business pose a significant threat to the region's ecology.

Rock quarrying destabilizes soil, especially in rubber plantation areas, increasing the risk of landslides.

The construction of windmills and related infrastructure may also contribute to environmental damage.

Kerala faces a critical decision to either adopt sustainable development practices or risk further disasters.

Scientists warn that continued unlawful practices will threaten lives, livelihoods, and food security.

The narrative emphasizes the need for a shift towards green development to prevent future ecological crises.

Transcripts

[Music]

[Applause]

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the heavens open up unveiling the

Western gods this is one of the world's

biggest biodiversity hotspots Kerala is

a verdant land full of streams lakes

rivers mountains forests rich in

biodiversity and home to many unique

plants and animals the beautiful Western

gods are spread over one lakh twenty

nine thousand and thirty seven square

kilometres these mountainous forests are

home to highly endangered creatures such

as tigers nilgiri tahr

line deer macaws and elephants

[Music]

[Applause]

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they are also crucial in bringing the

bounty of the summer monsoon to India

every year these mountains act as a

Keely barrier to the rain Laden winds

from the southwest and they are bound

with rivers the importance of which has

been studied for decades scientist

madhavgarh Gill who headed the western

ghats ecology expert panel in 2011

studied this biodiversity hotspot and

wanted all of it declared ecologically

sensitive

westergaard's of course is what well

perhaps the best studied biodiversity is

it regions of India till notified

information is available lot of

enthusiastic records like the

westergaard's here and there and about

its degradation the innocence public

awareness has been relatively quite high

but the landscape of the western guards

has been changing once pristine forests

these mountains are today under

tremendous pressure from a growing human

population deforestation unsustainable

extraction of resources and altered

rainfall patterns the new monsoon trend

has had a devastating effect on the

ecology as Kerala witnessed in 2018 and

19

in 2018 more than 480 people died and 12

districts were badly affected in the

floods that hit Kerala

the extreme rainfall in August 2018 in

the catchments upstream of the three

major reservoirs leaky cocky and Puryear

produced a staggering effect worsening

the floods

there has been global warming and it is

having its impacts all over the world

not just on Western Ghats all over the

world and one of the scientific results

of studies is clearly that the frequency

of extreme events such as very intense

rainfall that is beginning to god

scientists see that the warning signs

are all day that the monsoon pattern is

definitely changing India for regions

like Kayla and Mumbai in the western

parts and parts of Central India the

total monsoon is decreasing gradually

decreasing or a period of time while the

frequency and magnitude of extreme rain

events are going out so this is going to

become a new mo for the future as well

where you have more dry periods or

droughts in the middle with extreme

rainfall events so what you see over

mainland India or western ghats region

is that will increase our agency

temperatures you have the fluctuating

monsoon winds carry more moisture from

the Arabian Sea and coming it over India

and the western ghats within a few hours

or a few days time

[Applause]

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so for india the total rainfall which we

receive during the monsoon season he's

showing a gradual decrease you can see

with this gray line there's a gradual

decrease in total monsoon rainfall which

we received during June to September so

that degrees is evident during 1950 to

2080 well the same time if you look at

the number of extreme rain events this

red line you can see that there is a

steady increase in the number of extreme

rainfall events over India on August 8th

2019 58 people were buried in their

homes when a mountain of mud descended

upon them in Kavala para in Malappuram

district the skies came crashing down in

the dark of the night in Kabul upaya

when there was no power people didn't

realize the magnitude of the tragedy

until the next morning

[Music]

scenes of loss and trauma unfolded

everywhere allaha decided to move away

at 7:30 p.m.

ass position that saved her life her

neighbors and distant relatives were not

as lucky people realized that the mud

had turned into a tide the previous

night swelling with the floodwaters and

sweeping down a mountainside on which

stood a thin cover of rubber trees there

was a tsunami of mud the hills that had

stood far away for yours suddenly seemed

to be at the doorstep bald and imposing

five kilometers away from kabbalah para

in pod our people were evacuated just

before the landslides

this prevented the loss of many lives as

the flood waters goes down further they

created their own path

removing houses trees and other

obstructions leaving only a trail of

boulders rubble and shattered lives

farmers who relied on the rubber trees

lost their land the land was now strewn

with immovable rocks dirt and debris the

precious rubber trees had banished

[Music]

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away from Kabbalah para input the

Malayan V&R district there was another

deadly incident a landslide here killed

17 people overnight puta mala is 11

kilometres from memory and known for its

dia states the land in houses was swept

away across several kilometers leaving a

trail of destruction as news of the

destruction echoed across the country

with images flashing of rescuers digging

through the rubble and mud looking for

survivors

dr. gargle visited the disaster struck

areas his recommendations had earlier

been rejected by the authorities I think

unfortunately we have a lawless society

supported by the states lawlessness

this is States lawlessness that the

environmental impact assessment reports

are written elsewhere for completely

fabricated reports are accepted and

projects allowed to go on this is

government so long as this when we have

pointed out to ecologically highly

sensitive areas allowing disturbances to

those areas again very negligently was

in part responsible

but it's not just rainfall it is evident

that mining also triggers landslides in

the hills

Kerala has to tackle another major

challenge rock quarry in the mountains

most of which is illegal in his report

dr. gut Gil had called for a halt to

rock quarry in the gods hello we are

certain more about deep voice the number

of quarries you know 5927 quarries in

kerala now they're reborn but this is

what is recorded by the kind of person

source Institute out of that less than

thousand only is a proven line since one

rest of them are illegal so the first

sentence on this quarry business what we

said illegal Koreans will be should be

immediately stopped but nothing has

happened here now or so

we have the mold system of blasting in

the columns which is still in going on

you make a big hole in the granite fill

it with explosives blast it

now when you blast it the waves which is

causing its first to long distance and

the sound waves if you could look at the

sound waves they travel the first in

diamund the next fastest medium here's a

grenade

now if whenever a blast happens it

becomes a shaky and at one point of time

when there's a heavy rainfall and when

the weight of the water is quite high

the soil just slides over

[Music]

Rock Calling poses a particular threat

to areas with exclusive rubber

plantations because these trees cannot

hold the soil firmly heavy rain scoops

the soil and takes it downhill

[Music]

[Applause]

but is there any way Kerala can end the

lucrative business of rock Warren can

the demand for rocks be met from some

other source

the amount of rocks gravel pieces which

we have put it now I will say is huge

there's one doubt it's not do you

predict any work all day now if you are

if the government decides to take the

ground back that way enough for many

generations the firm of consumption to

happen again

mining is being that unduly negligently

windmills are being set up everywhere

and the roads to windmills are

constructed unduly negligently because

if there are landslides due to those

roads to the windmills all over you can

see westergaard's there are landslides

relating to road construction for the

windmills on top of the hills the

windmills get penalised in no way

[Music]

because a man we had above top 8.75 left

the tips of language the environmental

destruction and the monsoon disruption

are a result of failed policies and a

contempt for science today they pose a

threat to careless food security

economic prosperity and people's safety

in many places after the storms receded

people began to remove the silt clean up

and restore normalcy in their lives but

the question really is are they safe in

the future we have been talking about

sustainable development for ages but

nobody is practicing that properly we

have to now definitely buy a road this

is what I said the Kerala Government you

should pass her a solution anonymous

resolution in the Assembly saying that

care law will have only sustainable

development program here of town

scientists warn that if unlawful

practices continue unabated lives and

livelihoods cannot be saved and so today

Kerala is at a crossroads it has to make

a choice it must shift to a green

development path or risk even more

deadly disasters like floods and

mudslides

[Music]

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