Bring out the causes for more frequent landslides in the Himalayas than in the Western Ghats.
Bring out the causes for more frequent landslides in the Himalayas than in the Western Ghats.
Recent landslide data shows the Himalayas recording over 4,600 incidents in Uttarakhand alone (2015-2024), significantly higher than Western Ghats regions. This disparity stems from distinct geological, climatic, and anthropogenic factors.
India Landslide Hazard Zones Himalayan Arc
Geological Causes in Himalayas vs Western Ghats
| Factor | Himalayas | Western Ghats |
|---|---|---|
| Age & Stability | Young (50 million years), tectonically active | Old (150 million years), stable |
| Rock Type | Sedimentary, metamorphic, highly fractured | Hard crystalline rocks, basaltic plateaus |
| Soil Composition | Inceptisols/Entisols, loose, unconsolidated | Lateritic soils, well-consolidated |
| Structural Weakness | Multiple fault lines, thrust zones | Fewer structural discontinuities |
| Seismic Activity | High (Zone IV-V) | Moderate (Zone II-III) |
Climatic Factors Contributing to Himalayan Vulnerability
- Extreme Weather Events: Receives both monsoon rains (1000-3000mm) and heavy snowfall, creating freeze-thaw cycles
- Glacial Processes: 68% of Indian glaciers retreating (2023 study), creating unstable moraines and debris
- Temperature Fluctuations: Daily variations of 15-20°C cause rapid rock weathering
- Cloud Burst Phenomena: Sudden intense rainfall (100mm/hour) common in Himalayan valleys
- Seasonal Variations: Winter snow loading followed by rapid spring melting increases slope instability
Anthropogenic Pressures in Himalayas
- Infrastructure Development: Extensive road cutting for projects like Char Dham Yatra corridor destabilizes slopes
- Deforestation Rate: 11% forest decline in Western Himalayas (1991-2023) vs 5% in Western Ghats
- Hydroelectric Projects: Over 200 dams planned/operational in Himalayas alter natural drainage
- Unplanned Urbanization: Tripura witnessed 315,000 displacements (2024) due to slope failures
- Mining Activities: Limestone and slate quarrying weakens hill slopes
The Himalayas' geological youth, intense tectonic activity, and extreme climatic variations create inherently unstable conditions. Implementing bio-engineering techniques and strict environmental impact assessments under Forest Conservation Act 2023 are crucial for mitigating landslide risks.
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