Subject: Physical Geography

The Himalayas, being the youngest fold mountain system, are inherently susceptible to landslides due to their dynamic geological nature. According to recent data, approximately 12.6% of India's land area is landslide-prone, with the North-western Himalayas accounting for 66.5% of all landslides.

Causes of Landslides in Himalayas

Natural Factors

• Geological Instability: The young and fragile nature of Himalayan rocks makes them susceptible to mass movements and weathering.
• Seismic Activity: Frequent earthquakes in the region destabilize slopes and trigger landslides.
• Climate-induced Factors: Erratic rainfall patterns and extreme precipitation events lead to soil saturation and slope failure.
• Steep Topography: Natural steep gradients combined with high relief increase gravitational stress on slopes.

Anthropogenic Factors

• Infrastructure Development: Poorly planned mega infrastructure projects and road construction destabilize mountain slopes.
• Deforestation: Removal of vegetation cover reduces soil binding capacity and increases erosion.
• Unscientific Land Use: Improper agricultural practices and urban development on vulnerable slopes.
• Mining Activities: Unregulated extraction of minerals weakens the mountain structure.

Mitigation Measures

Technical Solutions

• Implementation of slope stabilization techniques like retaining walls, rock bolting, and surface drainage systems.
• Development of comprehensive Early Warning Systems (EWS) with real-time monitoring.
• Adoption of appropriate building codes and construction practices for hill areas.
• Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping of vulnerable zones.

Policy and Administrative Measures

• Implementation of the National Landslide Risk Mitigation Project with an allocation of ₹1000 crore across 15 states.
• Enforcement of strict regulations on construction activities in vulnerable areas.
• Regular monitoring and maintenance of existing infrastructure.
• Integration of landslide risk assessment in development planning.

Community-based Approaches

• Public awareness programs about landslide risks and warning signs.
• Training local communities in disaster preparedness and response.
• Promotion of traditional ecological knowledge in land management.
• Development of community-based early warning systems.

The successful implementation of these mitigation measures requires a coordinated approach between government agencies, scientific institutions, and local communities. The recent allocation of ₹750 crore by the 15th Finance Commission for managing seismic and landslide risks in hill states demonstrates India's commitment to addressing this critical challenge.