Mains Practice Questions

Approach

• Introduce with what are landslides and general causes of landslides.
• Discuss some of the unique causes which are associated to the particular region only (Aspirants must draw a map of India showing vulnerability of landslides).
• Give a way forward in brief.

Introduction

A landslide is defined as the movement of a mass of rock, debris, or earth down a slope.

They are a type of mass wasting, which denotes any downward movement of soil and rock under the direct influence of gravity.

Body

Landslides are caused due to three major factors: geology, morphology, and human activity.

• Geology refers to characteristics of the material. The earth or rock might be weak or fractured, or different layers may have different strengths and stiffness.
• Morphology refers to the structure of the land. For example, slopes that lose their vegetation to fire or drought are more vulnerable to landslides.
• Human activity which includes agriculture and construction increases the risk of a landslide.

Causes of Landslides in Himalayan Region

• Geology: Himalayas are?young, fragile mountains still growing, hence susceptible to natural landslides, ?tectonic activity, with the plate moving up?which?causes instability.
• Morphological: ?Steep and sharp slope?in the Himalayas.
• Anthropogenic: These include,?jhum cultivation, deforestation?etc., leading to landslides.?

Causes of Landslides in Western Ghats

• Geology: These factors play a very little role here as the Western Ghats are one of the most stable landmasses.
• Anthropogenic: Heavy mining activities, Deforestation for settlements?and cutting for?road construction, Windmill projects?have led to?huge fractures?on the mountains,?loosening structures.?

Conclusion

Following Measures for the mitigation of landslides can be taken -

• Restriction on the construction and other developmental activities such as roads and dams in the areas prone to landslides.
• Limiting agriculture to valleys and areas with moderate slopes.
• Promoting large-scale afforestation programmes and construction of bunds to reduce the flow of water.
• Terrace farming should be encouraged in the northeastern hill states where Jhumming (Slash and Burn/Shifting Cultivation) is still prevalent.