How landslides can be prevented

The recent landslides and flash floods in eastern Bangladesh should remind the government about the danger of landslides to private and public assets as well as local infrastructure. The causes are the massive investments made in various South Asian countries by so-called real estate agencies and the push for infrastructural developments that don't take into account the environmental sensitivity and ecological vulnerability of the region. This includes illegal mining of sands in the river beds by land mafias, encroachment of abandoned mines without any precautionary measures to secure them after mining extraction, rapid loss of vegetation and natural landscapes, and corrupt political and administrative systems at work. 

The afforestation and social forestry programmes across South Asia which used to plant indigenous trees and shrubs have been slowing down for decades. In their absence, top soil is being eroded by wind and water and getting loose over time. Heavy rains, floods, and landslides are harming poor rural communities in hilly and riverine areas. 

To solve these issues, more local soil-binding plants and bamboo forests should be planted. This requires funding and efficient monitoring. Meanwhile illegal mining activities need to be strictly monitored. Sincere Environmental Impact Assessments should be undertaken before any large real estate or infrastructural projects are sanctioned. Otherwise, dark and gloomy days with more deaths and destruction can be expected in the not-so-distant future.

Saikat Kumar Basu, Canada