Over 340 Land Encroachments Await Eviction in Wayanad, Idukki

### Fast Summary
– The National Green Tribunal (NGT) took suo motu notice of a *The Hindu* report on Wayanad landslides in July 2024, prompting investigations into encroachments and mitigation efforts across Kerala’s Idukki and Wayanad districts.
– In Wayanad district:
– 140 encroachments were identified, with 115 removed since 2010; actions for clearing the remaining are ongoing.
– in Idukki district:
– 432 encroachments were identified,of which only 111 have been cleared as 2010. Removal of others is still pending.
– The District Disaster Management Authority (Idukki) has proposed a ₹3-crore hazard monitoring project to mitigate landslide risks in active zones. Key components include real-time monitoring systems, GIS integration, and AI-powered early warning technologies.
– Plans aim to install advanced geotechnical instruments along with 46 landslide monitoring units, 48 river gauges, and 40 rain gauges across vulnerable areas.

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### Indian Opinion Analysis
The national Green Tribunal’s proactive response following the catastrophic Wayanad landslides underscores increasing concerns surrounding unregulated land use in ecologically sensitive regions like Idukki and Wayanad.While eviction efforts have made some progress-notably in Wayanad-it is evident that enforcement has been inconsistent given long-standing delays in clearing encroachments across both districts.

The ₹3-crore hazard monitoring proposal signifies an significant step toward safeguarding high-risk regions using cutting-edge technology; however, its long-term effectiveness depends heavily on timely implementation and sustained oversight by local authorities. This situation demands greater accountability not only from administrative bodies but also from communities residing near vulnerable areas to prevent further environmental degradation while ensuring that human lives are protected.

For india at large, this case reiterates the growing need for balanced progress strategies that prioritize environmental sustainability alongside economic growth-a lesson particularly relevant for states grappling with climate-sensitive challenges such as landslides or floods.

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