Subject: Disaster Management

Landslides, one of India's most devastating natural disasters, have caused significant loss of life and property, particularly in the Himalayan and Western Ghats regions. With 12.6% of India's land area being landslide-prone, hazard zonation mapping emerges as a crucial tool for disaster preparedness and mitigation.

Significance of Hazard Zonation Mapping in Landslide Mitigation

Scientific Assessment and Risk Identification

• Helps identify vulnerable areas through geological, geomorphological, and meteorological data analysis.
• Enables classification of regions into different risk zones based on factors like slope stability, soil characteristics, and rainfall patterns.
• The Geological Survey of India (GSI) has achieved significant success with 92% accuracy in Landslide Susceptibility Zonation (LSZ) mapping along NH-58.

Early Warning and Prevention

• Facilitates development of Landslide Early Warning Systems (LEWS) in high-risk zones.
• Aids in monitoring seasonal variations and rainfall thresholds that trigger landslides.
• Enables preventive evacuation and preparation, especially in states like Mizoram and Uttarakhand, which reported 12,385 and 11,219 landslides respectively between 1998-2022.

Resource Allocation and Planning

• Guides the allocation of resources under the National Landslide Risk Mitigation Project (₹1000 crore) across 15 states.
• Helps prioritize areas for structural and non-structural mitigation measures.
• Supports implementation of region-specific solutions like the Maharashtra Landslide Management Plan.

Policy Framework and Implementation

• Assists in developing targeted policies for different risk zones.
• Enables better land-use planning and construction regulations in vulnerable areas.
• Supports the 15th Finance Commission's recommendation of ₹750 crore for managing seismic and landslide risks in hill states.

The integration of hazard zonation mapping with modern technology and systematic disaster preparedness has proven instrumental in mitigating landslide risks. The success of initiatives like the National Landslide Susceptibility Mapping (NLSM) Programme demonstrates how scientific mapping can effectively reduce disaster vulnerability and enhance community resilience.