Eco-Friendly Engineering: Nature-Based Solutions to Combat Landslides in Wayanad

 

Natural catastrophes are impacted by human activity and environmental conditions, even though they are frequently beyond the control of individuals and governments. Although they occur less frequently, landslides are the third most dangerous natural catastrophe globally and the seventh largest source of fatalities from natural disasters (Zillman, 1999; Herath and Wang, 2009; Aliimohammadlou et al., 2013). They are a serious concern, especially to vulnerable communities in rural regions, and they greatly increase the fatality rate from disasters. Human settlements are severely damaged by these occurrences, especially in areas that are already vulnerable to natural disasters. The financial and human consequences of landslides can outweigh those of other natural catastrophes in nations like India. The effects of landslides in both wealthy and poor countries demonstrate this.

Wayanad is a very beautiful and ecologically diverse location. But because of its own topography—steep hills and torrential monsoon rains—Wayanad is especially susceptible to landslides. It is becoming increasingly obvious that traditional engineering methods by themselves are insufficient as the frequency and severity of these landslides rise. Rather, we must turn to nature itself for solutions. This is where the idea of Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) enters the picture. NBS is a philosophy that addresses complicated environmental issues by fusing human creativity with the resiliency of natural systems. When it comes to Wayanad, NBS could be our greatest option for reducing landslides while maintaining the natural integrity of this special place.

Although there is little research on the effects of landslides in India, a few local studies offer helpful information. In the Kodagu District of Karnataka, for example, Prabhath et al. (2023) examined the experiences of landslide survivors and stressed the need of community-based disaster management strategy. Examining the connection between land use changes and landslides in Idukki, Kerala, Hao et al. (2022) find that although landslides frequently happened in heavily vegetated regions, short-term land use changes were not the primary cause of the 2018 tragedy. Using cutting-edge modeling tools, Jones et al. (2021) evaluate Idukki's vulnerability to landslides and discover that both natural and human causes are important. Kuriakkose et al. (2009) draw attention to Kerala's ecological sensitivity by pointing out that the majority of landslides happen on steep slopes.

Conventional engineering methods for avoiding landslides frequently depend on hard infrastructure, such as concrete barriers, robust drainage systems, and substantial excavation. Although these methods work well in the short term, they can damage nearby ecosystems, impair the quality of the soil, and even raise the danger of landslides in nearby places by changing the way natural water flows naturally occur. Furthermore, these therapies need ongoing upkeep and are frequently costly. This technique is neither feasible or sustainable in an area like Wayanad where resources are scarce, and the terrain is always changing. Natural Remedies An option that cooperates with the environment rather than against it is provided by nature-based solutions. NBS are about strengthening the natural mechanisms that shield landscapes from deterioration already in place.

This might entail a variety of techniques in Wayanad, such as planting native species to reforest slopes and erecting natural barriers to slow down water flow. However, NBS are not a universally applicable solution. They demand a willingness to try new things and adjust as well as a thorough awareness of the local environment. Reforestation, or planting trees and plants whose roots anchor the soil, is one of the best methods for stabilizing slopes. This can entail bringing back native tree species that are suitable for the Wayanad climate and soil. These trees not only stop erosion but also boost biodiversity, provide a home for nearby species, and make the ecosystem healthier.

Strategic planning is the process of selecting appropriate species for specific sites while accounting for variables such as water availability, soil composition, and slope gradient. Afforestation, or planting trees on previously unforested land, may be a better option in some situations, particularly where agricultural practices have left the soil exposed and susceptible to erosion. Planting thick strips of plants along slopes or streams as a means of intercepting water flow and reducing soil erosion is known as vegetative buffering. In Wayanad, water runoff can be reduced by placing grass, bushes, or trees along a slope's natural contours. This allows water to seep into the soil rather than flow off. Traditional farmers have traditionally used a technique called contour planting, which entails planting trees or crops in rows that match the land's natural contours.  

By using this technique, gullies—which may cause landslides—are prevented from forming and water flow is decreased. Through the integration of traditional techniques with contemporary ecological understanding, we may improve their efficacy and expand their use throughout Wayanad.  

By fusing biological and technical concepts, bioengineering produces long-term solutions for managing water and soil. Using natural materials and live plants, bioengineering might be used in Wayanad to stabilize slopes and lessen erosion. For instance, live staking, which involves driving plant cuttings that develop quickly into the ground to create a living root network, can be a useful technique for stabilizing loose soil.

There will be difficulties in putting Nature-Based Solutions into practice in Wayanad. Along with addressing social and economic issues, there will be technical challenges to solve. Reforestation and other NBS initiatives, for instance, demand time and money, and the results might not be felt right once. The long-term benefits, however, are evident: a safer future for the residents of Wayanad, a better ecosystem, and a more resilient landscape. We can conserve and restore this equilibrium by using nature-based solutions, guaranteeing that Wayanad will continue to be a site of natural wonder for many years to come.

 Mini. V. K, Assistant Professor and Head, Department of Commerce and Management Studies, Al Shifa College of Arts and Science, Kizhattoor, Perinthalmanna