Changes in Idukki's terrain: Central study needed
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Thodupuzha: District Collector, Idukki has submitted a report recommending a technical study about the phenomenon of extensive landslides, earth ruptions, soil erosion and denudation noticed in Idukki in this year's monsoon, and especially during the days of flood. The study is to be conducted by a Central agency.
The fear engendered by the landslips among the people prompting migration, was a topic reported by Madhyamam recently. Following this, the Mining and Geology department made an urgent report in which the recommendation of the district collector Jeevan Babu is incorporated. The report is to be handed over to Revenue Secretary and State Mining and Geology Director.
There were 278 cases of landslides in the district. Out of this, more than 60 incidents were not of the usual nature. In 1,800- places where earth gave way, hills either broke down the middle or slipped down.
Even in areas with no indications of landslides, houses that cracked and moved, and land portions distorted with soil erosion pose a tragic spectacle. In addition to homes that entirely collapsed, there are many others with cracked walls. The contours of the whole landscape has been mutilated and plots with and without houses before have been segregated into different layers.
Of the total of over 1,200 houses that crashed, more than four hundred just fell into depression. The remaining succumbed to landslides. The widening chasms of earth also poses a frightening sight for the natives.
Another distortion suffered is of tall hills coming down to form valleys, with some new springs and streams forming there. It is because of these strange, and apparently unsafe, behaviour of the land that people are afraid to risk living there.
The district collector said that the matter has been taken up with the seriousness of people's apprehensions and therefore, the report also asks for the study to be conducted on an urgent basis.
Indications are that the study is likely to be conducted by the Geological Survey of India. Ten villages in Idukki have been included for the proposed primary study by Mining and Geology Department.
After further inspection, the district collected has also directed for another detailed list to be prepared, said District Geologist Dr Ajaya Kumar.