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The Gadgil dilemma: Kerala floods a result of governance failures?

The notable ecologist correctly ascribed the disaster to governance failures, but his own panel's recommendations may not have been the right solution

The death toll in Kerala floods has touched over 250 since August 8
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The death toll in Kerala floods has touched over 250 since August 8

Nitin Sethi New Delhi
Last week, a well-recognised doyen of ecological studies, Madhav Gadgil sparked a controversy by saying that the Kerala floods were partly a result of governance failures. He took a side-swipe at state authorities claiming the damage from extreme rains would not have been as bad had the states implemented recommendations of a committee he chaired in 2011 — the Western Ghats Ecology Experts Group.

He said, “Our recommendations would have been accepted in any law-abiding society that believes in good governance. Unfortunately, we have a lawless society and extremely poor governance.”

Gadgil’s words found immediate resonance with many. He could