How a ban on human activities could've saved over 150 lives in Kerala's Wayanad

The recent landslides in Wayanad, Kerala, which claimed over 150 lives, underscore the ongoing issues in notifying the Western Ghats as an eco-sensitive area. Despite several draft notifications since 2014, states have not reached a consensus. Without proper protection, harmful activities have continued, destabilizing the region and increasing landslide risks during heavy rainfall.