Landslide vulnerability accentuated due to urbanisation, tourism: NDMA

Tribune News Service

Pratibha Chauhan

Shimla, February 1

Mapping of landslides in Himachal has indicated the high risk vulnerability due to road construction, dams, tourism activities and urbanisation in the absence of safeguards to protect the fragile Himalayan geology.

These observations have been made in the post-disaster needs assessment (PDNA) study undertaken by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) after the havoc wreaked by unprecedented rains in the last monsoon. Satellite imagery post the July-August rains in 2023 indicate that 5,748 landslides were triggered by rains, affecting 45 sq km area as unprecedented rains lashed the state.

Surge in development activities

• The Himalayan region has witnessed a surge in development activities in recent years, crucial for the well-being of the region and its inhabitants, but one cannot overlook the fact that in the process the intricate Himalayan geology is sometimes affected
• The NDMA study also pointed out that the large-scale road development, although vital for connectivity and economic growth, has disrupted the delicate Himalayan terrain
• Being a tourist destination, the state has become hub of urbanisation and tourism, which promotes economic opportunities. But it could strain the region’s resources and contribute to environmental degradation, the report adds

Promote sustainable infra planning

• The study has recommended striking a harmonious balance between development and environmental preservation in the Himalayan region
• It also bats for comprehensive statewide landslide risk mitigation programme, which includes both structural and non-structural measures in place
• Other suggestions include promoting responsible tourism and sustainable infrastructure planning for long-term growth while safeguarding the geological integrity and respecting the unique geological challenges of the Himalayas

Himachal experienced sporadic and widespread landslides in September and October 2022 and again in April and May 2023, prior to the onset of the monsoon season. The comprehensive investigation by the NDMA involved mapping all landslides, slips, and debris flows using the satellite data. Notably, the majority of these geological events were triggered by heavy rainfall in July and August 2023.

The Himalayan region has witnessed a surge in development activities in recent years, crucial for the well-being of the region and its inhabitants, but one cannot overlook the fact that in the process the intricate Himalayan geology is sometimes affected. “The rapid expansion of infrastructure, including the construction of roads, dams, urbanisation, and the growth of tourism activities, often occurs without due consideration being given to the fragile geological foundations upon which these projects are built,” the study highlights.

It is also pointed out that the large-scale road development, although vital for connectivity and economic growth, has disrupted the delicate Himalayan terrain. “The steep slopes and susceptibility to landslides and erosion require meticulous planning and engineering solutions that respect the geological intricacies. Similarly, the construction of dams and hydropower projects can have geological consequences, potentially altering river courses and exacerbating the risk of seismic activity,” the experts opined.

It has also been pointed out that being a tourist destination, the state has become hub of urbanisation and tourism which promotes economic opportunities but could strain the region’s resources and contribute to environmental degradation.

“In order to address this situation, there is need for optimisation of road design for Himalayan region in collaboration with National Highway Authority of India (NHAI), Border Road Organisation (BRO) and State Public Works Department,” it is suggested. At community level there is need to strengthen community based disaster risk reduction measures, which identifies localised risk.

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