As Kerala floods claim 20 lives, eco expert says it's an 'invited disaster'

These disasters were caused due to higher economic activities like rock quarrying, construction of new buildings and roads and destruction of natural forest, says Madhav Gadgil

At least 20 people have lost their lives and several others are missing as heavy rains led to flash floods and landslides in several parts of Kerala.

The situation, which may turn out to be a repeat of the 2018 floods if rain continues, has also led to widespread criticism from environmentalists calling it an "invited disaster" by the region. It was way back in August 2011 that the Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel chaired by Madhav Gadgil had submitted its report. Even after 10 years and appointment of another committee led by K Kasturirangan, the highly ecologically sensitive region