Model Answer

Introduction

Landslides are natural disasters where earth or rock masses move downhill due to gravity, frequently occurring in regions like the Himalayas and the Western Ghats of India. Understanding the causes of these landslides is crucial for disaster management and mitigation.

Causes of Landslides in the Himalayan Region

1. Geological Causes

• Description: The Himalayas are a seismically active zone due to the collision between the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates. This collision results in steep slopes and unstable rock formations.
• Example: Regions like Assam experience frequent landslides due to geological instability.

2. Climatic Causes

• Description: Heavy monsoon rainfall saturates soil and rock formations, increasing vulnerability to landslides. Flash floods can also trigger landslides by eroding soil.
• Example: The 2013 Uttarakhand landslides were caused by heavy rainfall and cloudbursts, leading to over 5,000 fatalities.

3. Human Causes

• Description: Activities such as deforestation, mining, and road construction weaken soil and rock formations.
• Example: Mining activities in Uttarakhand have exacerbated landslide risks.

Causes of Landslides in the Western Ghats

1. Geographical Causes

• Description: The Western Ghats feature steep slopes and are susceptible to soil erosion, making them prone to landslides.

2. Climatic Causes

• Description: The region also experiences heavy monsoon rainfall, leading to saturation of soil which increases landslide susceptibility.

3. Human Causes

• Description: Deforestation, construction of buildings and roads, and mining activities weaken the soil.
• Example: In August 2021, heavy rainfall triggered landslides in Idukki, Kerala, resulting in significant damage and loss of life.

Conclusion

While both the Himalayan region and the Western Ghats face landslides due to geological, climatic, and human factors, the specific causes differ based on their unique geographical features and human activities. Understanding these distinctions is vital for effective disaster management strategies.