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Fading Varkala Cliff
Context:
The deteriorating condition of the Varkala Cliff, Kerala’s largest geo-heritage site, has come under scrutiny following a directive from the National Green Tribunal (NGT) for a status report from the Geological Survey of India (GSI) and other relevant authorities.
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- Renowned for its stunning views of Varkala Beach near Thiruvananthapuram, the cliff is now on the brink of severe damage due to climate change and human activities.
- Once celebrated for its unspoiled beauty, the site is now marred by warning signs and the turbulent Arabian Sea eroding its base.
- Unregulated tourism development atop the cliff has further endangered its stability, resulting in a significant loss of its natural charm.
A Unique Geological Treasure:
- Varkala Cliff stands apart as Kerala’s only beachside cliff, offering a breathtaking view of the sea and holding geological significance.
- Designated as India’s 27th National Geological Monument by the GSI in 2014, the cliff dates back at least 5.3 million years.
- Its geological makeup, revealing the Mio-Pliocene sequence of the Warkalli Formation, provides valuable insights into Earth’s history.
- The cliff’s laterite layer hosts unique plant species and microhabitats not found in surrounding ecosystems.
- Beneath it, sandstone and grit act as aquifers, yielding high-quality water through natural springs, an essential resource for nearby communities.
- Additionally, its underwater reefs sustain rich marine biodiversity, supporting local fishing communities.
Human Activities and Environmental Damage:
- Permanent structures, including resorts and cafes, began replacing temporary thatched sheds in the late 1990s.
- Unauthorised constructions now dominate the area, with many violating Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) 3B rules that restrict development within 200 metres of the High Tide Line.
- In December 2023, the Varkala municipality identified 69 unauthorised establishments perilously close to the cliff edge, with one just 1.5 metres away.
- Rainwater and wastewater seepage exacerbate the situation, eroding the soft sandstone beneath the cliff’s top laterite layer.
- Improper waste management, including concealed pipes discharging wastewater, accelerates this process.
- Port constructions along Kerala’s coast have also led to extensive coastal erosion, forcing many tourists to shift from Kovalam and Vizhinjam to Varkala, further increasing pressure on the cliff’s ecosystem.
Calls for Conservation:
- Environmentalists stress the urgent need to balance tourism and conservation.
- Initiatives like a stability study conducted by the National Centre for Earth Science Studies (NCESS) and the National Centre for Coastal Research (NCCR) aim to identify solutions.
- Experts recommend engineering interventions to stabilise the cliff’s base, implement proper drainage systems, and reduce structural weight atop the cliff by curbing illegal construction.
A Collaborative Approach:
- Despite ongoing efforts, a lack of coordination among government departments hinders effective action.
- Thiruvananthapuram-based environmental activist Thomas Lawrance emphasises the cliff’s critical role as an aquifer, biodiversity hotspot, and coastal water harvesting system.
- He warns that continued degradation could disrupt these ecosystem services and worsen landslides and erosion during monsoons.
