Massive landslide at Varkala Cliff; authorities turn blind eye
Thiruvananthapuram: Once again, the Papanasham hills, part of the Varkala formation, collapsed to heavy rainfall in recent days, marking the second landslide in the past few days.
Portions of the hill, plummeting about 30 metres, remain vulnerable to further collapse as rains persist. The affected area spans over 15 metres in width and measures between three to eight metres in depth. The Edava Vetakada Hills, part of the initial phase of the Varkala Formation in the Kollam Ranges, also experienced a collapse by yesterday afternoon.
Lacking resistance against the rains and winds, the Varkala Cliff is now at risk of further destruction. Despite previous incidents, collapses of this magnitude have not occurred before. Tourist resorts, charging between Rs 5,000 to over Rs 10,000 per night, attract thousands of visitors daily, oblivious to the dangerous situation.
Numerous tunnels have been excavated into the hillsides, while swimming pools with minimal safety distances and extensive staircases have been constructed, facilitating access to the coastline. Numerous illegal constructions, utilising bamboo, iron bars, and cement, fill the hillsides. The local administration turns a blind eye to such activities, which in turn increases the risk.
The Tourism Department remains passive, only reacting when disasters strike, neglecting long-term preventative measures. Despite complaints from concerned citizens to district authorities and tourism officials, no substantive action has been taken.
With the surge in tourism, illegal constructions have also increased in Varkala. Had authorities enforced coastal management regulations in a timely manner, such disasters could have been averted. Despite geological studies highlighting the need for conservation of the cliffs, both state and central governments have failed to take effective action.
Allegations thrive regarding political involvement and official complicity in the illegal constructions. Over the past decade, the North-South Cliffs have transformed into profit hubs, with minimal revenue contribution to the government. It has been argued that such ventures compromise the integrity of nature for personal gain, while authorities remain apathetic.