The recent disasters in the Western Ghats have raised significant concerns regarding the relationship between extensive quarrying activities and devastating landslides. Scientific studies, including those from the River Research Centre, illustrate that the extraction of hard rock through quarrying destabilizes slope structures, making them more vulnerable to landslides, particularly during heavy monsoon rains.
One of the most notable examples is the 2018 Kerala floods, where severe landslides were linked to extensive quarrying in the Chalakudy basin. The removal of vegetation and disruption of natural drainage patterns due to quarrying operations significantly exacerbated soil instability, leading to catastrophic landslides.
Quarrying in ecologically sensitive areas like the Western Ghats results in numerous ecological consequences, including:
The removal of topsoil and vegetation disrupts local ecosystems, diminishing the region's natural resilience against environmental disturbances.
To address the impacts of quarrying, several measures have been recommended, including:
These actions aim to promote sustainable quarrying practices that preserve ecological balance.
Local governments have started to impose restrictions on quarrying following significant disasters that highlight the associated risks. Increased community awareness and activism have resulted in calls for stricter regulatory oversight and adherence to environmental standards in quarrying operations.
Preventing similar disasters in vulnerable regions like the Western Ghats requires:
Quarrying is defined as the extraction of stone, minerals, or other materials from the earth, typically through open-pit mining or burrowing. This process is carried out in quarries, which are large excavated pits. The extracted materials are utilized for various purposes, including construction, manufacturing, and road building. Quarrying involves several processes such as blasting, digging, and cutting into the earth's surface to access desired materials, which are then processed and transported for multiple uses. However, this practice can lead to significant alterations in landscapes and ecosystems, resulting in potential environmental impacts.
Q1. How do quarrying activities contribute to landslides in the Western Ghats?
Answer: Quarrying destabilizes slope structures, increasing landslide susceptibility, especially during heavy rains. Research indicates that the removal of vegetation and alteration of drainage patterns further exacerbate soil instability.
Q2. What are the ecological impacts of quarrying in the Western Ghats?
Answer: Quarrying leads to biodiversity loss, habitat destruction, and changes in hydrological pathways, which increase vulnerability to natural disasters, disrupting local ecosystems significantly.
Q3. What measures can be taken to mitigate quarrying impacts?
Answer: Effective measures include implementing environmental regulations, establishing buffer zones, rehabilitating quarried areas, and conducting thorough environmental assessments to ensure sustainable practices.
Q4. How have local governments responded to quarrying risks?
Answer: In response to disasters, local governments have placed restrictions on quarrying, while community activism has grown, pushing for stricter regulations and environmental compliance.
Q5. What future actions are necessary to prevent quarrying-related disasters?
Answer: Future actions should focus on stricter regulations, improved land-use planning, investment in research, community engagement, and comprehensive disaster management strategies.
Question 1: What is a primary cause of landslides in the Western Ghats?
A) Deforestation
B) Quarrying activities
C) Urbanization
D) Agricultural expansion
Correct Answer: B
Question 2: Which disaster highlighted the impact of quarrying in Kerala?
A) 2014 floods
B) 2018 floods
C) 2020 cyclone
D) 2019 drought
Correct Answer: B
Question 3: What is one ecological impact of quarrying?
A) Increase in fish populations
B) Habitat destruction
C) Soil enrichment
D) Improved air quality
Correct Answer: B
Question 4: What measure can help mitigate quarrying's impact?
A) Expanding quarry size
B) Implementing buffer zones
C) Reducing community awareness
D) Ignoring environmental assessments
Correct Answer: B
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