Paralakhemundi: Nestled between the ancient Mahendragiri hills in the east and Devagiri hill range in the north, Gajapati district has 129 landslide-prone zones.
Home to many tribal communities, the district has long been vulnerable to landslides as these hill ranges are very old and have become fragile.
Heavy rainfall often leads to soil erosion and rockslides in the region due to the fragile nature of the hills.
The district had a firsthand experience of the deadly impact of landslides following the devastation caused by cyclonic storm Titli in 2018.
Also Read: 40 devotees rescued by SDRF after landslide hits Uttarakhand’s Sonprayag
Torrential rainfall in hilly terrain frequently endangers lives and properties. Areas in Rayagada, Gumma, R Udayagiri, Nuagada, and Mohana blocks have been identified as particularly susceptible to landslides after intense rain.
Reports said that a landslide in Minjiri village under Gumma block claimed four lives in 2006. The 2018 Titli cyclonic storm resulted in massive destruction due to landslides, especially in Gangabada, Lakshmipur, Kainpur and Gandahati panchayats of Rayagada block, as well as parts of R Udayagiri and Nuagada blocks.
Official records said that the disaster claimed 49 lives, killed over 1,000 livestock and damaged 71,434 houses. Twelve lives were lost in Bargara village under Gangabada panchayat alone. The trauma of that tragedy still continues to haunt residents, who fear a repeat every monsoon.
The administration has identified 129 landslide-prone zones in the district. However, neither the state government nor local authorities have implemented independent preventive measures to ensure the safety of residents in these high-risk areas.
Ironically, Gajapati district was once hailed as a model in forest conservation. However, in recent years, widespread deforestation, rampant practice of shifting cultivation and illegal terrace farming on slopes have made the hills more prone to collapse. Environmental experts say these human factors are exacerbating the risk of landslides.
Despite funds worth crores being spent annually under afforestation schemes, unchecked tree-felling continues. Environmentalists have stressed the urgent need to enforce a ban on tree felling. They also advocate for stronger community awareness and exemplary legal action against timber mafias to deter further damage to the areas in the district.
PNN
