Daijiworld Media Network - Sullia (SP)

Sullia, Aug 23: During their preliminary survey, scientists have found that the recent spate of floods, landslides and destruction were the result of rapid deforestation, heavy rainfall, and human habitats in places that are not suitable for the settlement of human beings, among several other factors.

Officials of Survey of India, geologists and director of National Disaster Recovery Framework visited places like Jodupala, Monnngeri, Hemmattala and Arekkal on Wednesday and conducted preliminary survey. After the team submits its survey report, a second team will arrive. In the second phase, various factors including the study about the quality of soil in these areas would be examined.

This survey is expected to provide clarification over the widespread opinion that water which got percolated into the hilly terrain in Kodagu due to unprecedented rains would have burst out through explosive percolation. Some members of the group which undertook the study said that there is no denying of the fact that human assault on nature is one of the reasons for this phenomenon.

The report is also expected to give detailed reply on the predictions made by rumour mongers that Kodagu will face a period sans any rainfall and that without rainfall this region will face another kind of crisis.

Retired deputy director of Geological Survey of India, Dr H S L Prakash, director, Kr K V Maruti, and KSMND director, Srinivas Reddy, conducted the current survey. The survey was based on the original map, followed by identifying the spots and capturing the video. Speaking on the occasion, the members felt that excessive rainfall would have also caused the problem. They explained that the problem here cannot be addressed on the basis of short term surveys and long-term study would be needed. They however, stated that as per the desire of the government, emergent report would be submitted now, and that another team, which will arrive in a few days, will prepare a detailed report.

PWD Mangaluru executive engineer, Yashwanth, and tahasildar Kunhamma accompanied the team.