| Introduction: Contextual introduction Body: Highlight both natural and anthropogenic factors and regional variations across the country. Conclusion: Way forward |
The devastating landslide in Wayanad on July 30th has caused unprecedented loss of life in Kerala, with over 250 fatalities reported. Experts have labeled it the deadliest landslide disaster in the state’s history.
Contents
Natural Factors
- Topography: Steep slopes in regions like the Himalayas, Western Ghats, and Northeastern hills make them susceptible to landslides.
- Geology: Unstable rock formations and loose soil contribute to landslide susceptibility.
- Climate: Intense rainfall, especially during monsoons, saturates the soil, leading to landslides. Short, heavy downpours can act as triggers, as seen in Kerala.
- Seismic Activity: Earthquakes can destabilize slopes, particularly in the Himalayan region.
Anthropogenic Factors
- Deforestation: Cutting down native trees, especially for plantations like tea and coffee, weakens soil stability by removing deep-rooted vegetation that binds the soil to the bedrock.
- Agricultural Practices: Monocropping and changes in land use reduce soil cohesion and increase landslide risks.
- Infrastructure Development: Unscientific construction, road building, and mining destabilize slopes.
- Urbanization: Haphazard urban development in landslide-prone areas amplifies the risks.
Regional Variations in Landslide Susceptibility
- Himalayan Region: Susceptible due to steep slopes, deforestation, high seismic activity, and heavy monsoon rains. The terrain’s young and unstable geological formations make this region particularly susceptible. Eg, Uttarakhand, and Himachal Pradesh.
- Western Ghats: High rainfall combined with deforestation and plantation agriculture leads to frequent landslides. Eg, Kerala, Karnataka & Maharashtra.
- Northeast India: Landslides are common due to high rainfall, deforestation, and shifting cultivation practices. Eg, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, and Mizoram.
- Eastern Ghats: Previously underappreciated, but new studies indicate susceptibility due to geomorphology and deforestation. Eg, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu.
Conclusion
It’s crucial to establish comprehensive guidelines for human settlements, construction, and infrastructure development in hilly areas. Governments should use tools like the India Landslide Susceptibility Map before investing in projects. Experts emphasize that informed decision-making and adherence to best practices are essential to reduce the impact of landslides in India’s vulnerable regions.
