The landslide risk in India

Source: The post the landslide risk in India has been created, based on the article “Explained: Danger from landslides” published in “Indian express” on 29th May 2024.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3-disaster management and GS Paper 1- Important Geophysical phenomena such as earthquakes, Tsunami, Volcanic activity, cyclone etc.,

Context: The article discusses the devastation caused by cyclone Remal in West Bengal and the Northeast of India, highlighting the significant damage and fatalities, particularly from landslides. It emphasizes the need for better disaster preparedness and the development of early warning systems to manage and mitigate the risks associated with natural disasters like landslides. The landslide risk in India

For detailed information on National Landslide Susceptibility Map read this article here

How severe is the landslide risk in India?

1. Extensive Risk Area: Approximately 13% of India’s landmass, spanning over 15 states and four Union Territories, is vulnerable to landslides, highlighting the widespread nature of the risk.
2. Concentration in the Northeast: The Northeastern region alone accounts for 42% of the landslide-prone area, emphasizing its significant vulnerability due to its mostly hilly terrain.
3. Historical Data: Between 2015 and 2022, the Northeast recorded 378 major landslide events, representing 10% of all major landslides in India. Additionally, Kerala experienced the highest number of landslides in the country with 2,239 incidents, most of which occurred after the 2018 floods.

What are the reasons for landslides?

1. Heavy Rainfall: Most landslides in India are caused by heavy rainfall. Sustained heavy rain over several days can trigger land displacement, as seen during Cyclone Remal in the Northeast.
2. Earthquakes: Earthquakes are another major trigger for landslides, particularly in hilly regions. The Northeastern region is prone to both earthquakes and landslides.
3. Human Activities: Unregulated construction, infrastructure development, and certain agricultural practices increase landslide risks. The lack of building regulations in hilly areas exacerbates the problem.
4. Geological Factors: The hilly terrain itself, especially in regions like the Northeast, is inherently prone to landslides due to its geological characteristics.

What efforts are being made to manage landslide risks?

1. National Strategy: The National Landslide Risk Management Strategy, finalized in 2019, focuses on vulnerability mapping, early warning systems, and mountain zone regulations.
2. Early Warning Systems: Early warning systems, based on rainfall forecasts, are being trialed in Nagaland, Sikkim, Uttarakhand, and Kerala. These systems predict potential landslides by combining rainfall data with soil and terrain information.
3. Institutional Involvement: Organizations like the Central Building Research Institute (CBRI) and IIT Roorkee are involved in setting up these warning systems.
4. Ongoing Projects: CBRI and IIT Roorkee are installing early warning systems at locations in Sikkim, Uttarakhand, and Kerala. IIT Mandi is also working on these systems.

How effective are the early warning systems?

1. Current Status: Early warning systems are still in trial phases at a few locations, such as Nagaland, Sikkim, Uttarakhand, and Kerala.
2. Rainfall-Based Predictions: These systems use rainfall forecasts combined with soil and terrain data to predict landslides effectively.
3. Successful Trials: The system set up in Nagaland to protect the state’s legislative Assembly shows positive results.
4. Reliability: Reliable rainfall predictions are available a day in advance, and warnings are issued if the forecast exceeds the threshold for land movement.
5. Challenges: Earthquake-triggered landslides cannot be predicted, as earthquakes themselves are unpredictable.

Question for practice:

Examine the effectiveness of early warning systems in managing landslide risks in India.