Landslide

A landslide, also known as a landslip, is a rapid downward movement of a mass of rock, earth, or debris on a slope. It’s a type of mass wasting, which refers to any downslope movement of soil and rock under the influence of gravity.

Why in NEWS:

An IIT-Delhi team creates India’s first high-resolution landslip risk map.

• Due to its nationwide scope and inclusion of all regions of the nation, the “Indian Landslip Susceptibility Map” is the first of its kind.
• The map and the researchers’ analysis will be published in the February 2024 issue of the journal Catena.

In India, landslides are a particular and dangerous issue. They are less common and more difficult to track and analyse with satellites than floods. Landslides only affect 1% to 2% of the nation and occur in extremely localised areas. Consequently, the amount of high-quality data available for use with standard machine-learning models is significantly reduced.

About landslides:

Types: Landslides come in various types, categorized by the type of material moving and the movement’s speed and nature. Some common types include

• Rockfalls
• Mudflows
• debris flows.

Causes: Multiple factors can trigger a landslide, including:

• Increased water content: Heavy rainfall, snowmelt, or rising water levels can add weight and reduce the stability of the slope.
• Erosion: Over time, erosion can weaken the slope and make it more susceptible to movement.
• Earthquakes: Seismic activity can shake the ground and destabilize slopes.
• Human activities: Activities like construction, mining and deforestation can alter the slope’s stability and increase the risk of landslides.

Consequences: Landslides can be devastating, causing damage to infrastructure, disruption of transportation networks, and loss of life. They can also have long-term effects on the environment.

Landslide-Prone Areas in India:

India is unfortunately quite prone to landslides, with various regions facing different levels of risk.

High Vulnerability:

Himalayan Region: These regions experience frequent landslides due to steep slopes, heavy rainfall, and seismic activity. This includes states like

• Uttarakhand
• Himachal Pradesh
• Jammu and Kashmir
• Sikkim
• Arunachal Pradesh.

Northeastern Region: These regions are susceptible due to similar factors as the Himalayas, along with weaker soil structures and deforestation.

• Assam
• Nagaland
• Mizoram
• Manipur
• Tripura
• Meghalaya

Moderate Vulnerability:

Western Ghats: These regions face landslides, particularly during the monsoon season, due to steep slopes and intense rainfall. States like

• Kerala
• Maharashtra
• Karnataka
• Tamil Nadu

Eastern Ghats: 

• The Araku Valley in Andhra Pradesh and parts of Odisha are at risk due to steep slopes and soil erosion.

Vindhyan Hills: 

• Parts of Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh experience occasional landslides, especially during heavy rainfall.