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Topic : Landslides in India

GS-1 & GS-3 Mains : Geography & Disaster Management 

Revision Notes

Landslides: A Geological Hazard

• Landslides are the movement of rock, soil, or debris down a slope (triggered by gravity).
• They occur in areas with:
  • Steep slopes (hills, mountains)
  • Cracks, weaknesses in the rock/soil
  • High water saturation (heavy rain)

Vulnerability in India

• 13% of India’s landmass (0.42 million sq km) is landslide-prone (GSI).
• 42% (0.18 million sq km) lies in the hilly Northeast region.
• This region is also earthquake-prone, further increasing landslide risk.

Causes of Landslides

• Natural Causes:
  • Heavy Rainfall: Increases pore pressure and soil weight, making it unstable.
  • Erosion: Removes cohesive elements (clay, vegetation) that bind soil particles.
  • Earthquakes: Ground shaking loosens rocks and soil, triggering landslides.
  • Volcanic Eruptions: Ash and debris overload slopes, while tremors cause instability.
• Anthropogenic Causes:
  • Deforestation: Vegetation cover prevents landslides by holding soil and slowing debris flow.
  • Encroachment: Construction in vulnerable areas increases landslide risk.
  • Uncontrolled Excavation: Mining and quarrying activities destabilize slopes.
  • Climate Change: Alters precipitation patterns and increases extreme weather events.

Measures Taken in India

• The Disaster Management Act, 2005 provides a legal framework for managing landslides.
• The National Landslide Risk Management Strategy (2019) focuses on hazard mapping, monitoring, and early warning systems.
• National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) issues guidelines for landslide hazard management.
• National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM) provides training and support to disaster management authorities.
• Early Warning Systems: Improved weather prediction (e.g., Ensemble Prediction System) helps anticipate landslides.

Looking Ahead

• Balancing development needs with landslide risk management is crucial.
• Sustainable practices are essential to prevent exceeding the carrying capacity of mountainous areas.
• NDMA collaborates with GSI and other agencies to mitigate and manage landslide risks.

Source : https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-climate/northeast-mizoram-landslides-cyclone-remal-9358218/