REFRAIN FROM OVERTHINKING AND AVOID DISPLAYING EXCESSIVE INTEREST IN THE PRESENCE OF POLITICIANS: BIBHUTI PATI
The moment has arrived for us to consider the reasons behind the occurrences in the Western Ghats. We must examine how and why these four natural factors have been increasingly exacerbated in recent times. The then Rajya Sabha tv Senior journalist Vipin Chauhan participated in an extensive dialogue with seasoned experienced conflict zone reporter Bibhuti Pati, exploring the reasons behind the pervasive silence that exists amid the turmoil of destruction.
Bibhuti, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude for your excellent report ‘The mistakes and insights derived from landslides’
I appreciate your efforts, Vipin. I am thankful for the time and attention you dedicated to reviewing my report.
A limited number of individuals, including elected representatives and government officials, have stated that, “Intense and unpredictable rainfall, characterized by sudden downpours (cloud burst), is the primary factor contributing to the landslides.” What are your thoughts on this assertion? What are your thoughts on the possibility of mining and development activities coming to a complete halt in the Western Ghats?
The issue of rainfall can be attributed, in part, to the rising levels of aerosol particles in our atmosphere. It is widely recognized in scientific circles that India holds the title of the aerosol capital of the world, with rock quarries significantly contributing to the dust and particulate matter that elevate this aerosol concentration. Consequently, as the aerosol levels rise, rainfall patterns shift; rather than occurring steadily over a period of four hours, precipitation tends to manifest suddenly and intensely in short bursts lasting half an hour to an hour. The severity of rainfall could have been mitigated had we refrained from extensive rock quarrying throughout the Western Ghats. The entire Western Ghats region is ecologically sensitive. India’s highly internationally acclaimed geologist MadavGadgil previously stated that a broad-brush approach to development in this area is impractical and should be avoided. Therefore, he has proposed categorizing the Western Ghats into three distinct zones: one of high ecological sensitivity, a second of moderate sensitivity, and a third of low sensitivity. His recommendation specifically calls for a cessation of quarrying and mining activities solely in the highly sensitive zones, not across the entire region. This has been misinterpreted.
Individuals such as yourselves, under the guise of environmental protection, are hindering the development, progress, and economic prosperity of societies. Furthermore, you serve as impediments to the livelihoods of the populace.
The area currently affected, along with the Puthubala landslide that occurred a few years ago in similarly steep and landslide-prone regions, illustrates the consequences of increased human intervention. It is a grave error to assume that such interventions are aimed at enhancing the livelihoods of local populations. It is a complete mistake to think that these are to increase the ability of people to earn livelihoods. The interventions have been for example that the teaplatations around the tea-estate, there are lots of tourist resorts where they are building lakes and so on, which are further increasing the burden on the geological structure. There has been little scrutiny regarding the fact that these developments, primarily catering to affluent segments of society, do not significantly contribute to local employment. While they may create some jobs, the individuals most affected by these environmental changes are often the laborers working in tea estates. The individuals who have lost their lives, as can be observed, are primarily laborers from tea estates. It is evident that this is occurring. I have personally witnessed the repercussions of these developments.
They are compelled to reside in deplorable huts situated in ravines, receiving meager wages and facing conditions that are essentially reminiscent of slavery. It is these individuals who have been most affected this time. Furthermore, the deceased are often found in these huts near their workplaces. The prime and secure land is predominantly allocated for the benefit of tea planters and their associates. Therefore, discussions regarding livelihoods are misplaced. The focus should be on the wealth generated by the affluent, which is the primary concern of every government.
Do you believe that the government’s actions reflect a lack of compassion? Have politicians prioritized their own interests at the expense of environmental regulations, ethics, and values? What are your comments on this matter?
During a panel discussion I attended on environmental issues concerning the Western Ghats in Kerala, I expressed that negative interventions in the environment are fundamentally detrimental to human interests and rights. This opinion of mine had shifted their perception of me. These ideas of mine have led to their indifference towards me because they don’t go down well with the political stance.
As for the government, it has become evident that various political parties and their leaders have engaged in the illegal distribution of land, particularly for rock quarries, among themselves. These lands are controlled by the Kerala Congress, the ruling CPM, and BJP politicians, among others. I have verified this information. Their interests are aligned, and these rock quarries yield substantial profits. I unequivocally stand by my assertions. I am aware of the involvement of all parties. As a dedicated environment lover and investigative journalist, I am committed to presenting the truth. I hold no political affiliations and solely advocate for the realities observed on the ground. This situation is similarly evident in the cases of the Goa and Odisha mines, as detailed in the Justice Shaha Commission report on illegal mining. I encourage you to review his report for a comprehensiveunderstanding.
What are your suggestions for addressing these issues?
I must clarify that I am neither a geologist nor an expert on this field. However, I have reviewed various expert reports concerning the significant ecological threats and potential solutions for the Western Ghats. In my capacity as a journalist, I have conducted on-site reports that incorporate various expert opinions as well as counterarguments from diverse eco-sensitive regions. Additionally, I have engaged with local communities to explore their ancestral knowledge and traditions regarding environmental protection, particularly in relation to fragile ecosystems. It is widely recognized that traditional methods often serve as the most effective means of safeguarding ecology and biodiversity. My understanding of these issues has been enriched through my field reporting.I must express my appreciation for MadhavGadgil’s report and his insights. He has addressed these issues with great detail and impartiality. I believe that adopting his perspective would be highly beneficial for the Western Ghats.It is essential to acknowledge that certain regions possess a high level of ecological sensitivity. As previously mentioned, it is not accurate to categorize all of Kerala in this manner.
You go through MadhavGadgil’s report, he indicates that there are specific areas within Kerala where inquiries may be permitted, contingent upon obtaining proper consent from the local gram panchayat. However, regions affected by recent disasters, such as the Puthumala incident, should see a cessation of all further human interventions. Despite this, the Kerala government is proposing additional projects in these sensitive areas. For example, there is a plan to construct a tunnel connecting to Mysore, which would necessitate extensive rock blasting. This activity would generate rock vibrations, further destabilizing the already fragile hills and increasing the risk of landslides. The Kerala government appears to be actively endorsing such initiatives, which, in turn, may lead to more detrimental activities. My assertions may be viewed as allegations but they are grounded in scientific evidence.
You possess extensive experience, specifically over twenty-five years in parliamentary reporting. Have you ever engaged in discussions regarding these types of issues with prominent political figures in the country?
I find this quite intriguing, and I would like to share with you an amusing anecdote, ‘All most all politicians are the same; they will construct a bridge even where there is no water’.It is noteworthy to observe the significant shift in the politicians’ attitudes towards MadhavGadgil following the submission of his report in 2011. Subsequently, all politicians collectively decided to distance themselves from him, ensuring that no one would engage with him in any capacity. I have not engaged in discussions regarding this matter with anyone. But yes, through my news reports, I have attracted the attention of numerous politicians, including ministers from the ruling party. There is a well-known line from Shakespeare’s play Othello, where Caesar comments to Antony, “Cassius has a lean and hungry look; he thinks too much: such men are dangerous.” Similarly, if politicians perceive that an individual is overly contemplative, they may regard that person as a threat. Therefore, there is no possibility of my reaching out to any politicians, as they are equally disinclined to associate with me. Therefore, it is advisable to refrain from overthinking and to avoid displaying excessive interest in the presence of politicians.
