Roadmap for Answer Writing

Introduction

• Start by providing a brief introduction to the problem of landslides in India. Mention that India is one of the top five landslide-prone countries in the world, with 12.6% of its geographical area vulnerable to landslides .
• Highlight the growing frequency of landslides in India, particularly in hilly regions like the Himalayas, and the need for effective mitigation and prevention strategies.

Body

1. Key Challenges in Landslide Mitigation and Prevention in India
   • Unpredictability of Rainfall
     • India experiences unpredictable torrential rains, which exacerbate the difficulty of mitigating landslides. This makes it hard to plan and implement effective preventative measures. For example, the recent landslides in Himachal Pradesh (Kullu) were triggered by unseasonal heavy rainfall, making predictions challenging .
   • Fragile Ecosystems and Geology
     • The Himalayan region is characterized by young, geologically unstable mountains, making it more prone to landslides. These areas are formed by loose sedimentary deposits, rather than hard rock, which contributes to the instability of the slopes .
   • Proximity to Critical Infrastructure
     • Many densely populated areas and critical infrastructure lie near landslide-prone regions, increasing the vulnerability of both the population and infrastructure. For example, Himachal Pradesh has 17,120 landslide-prone sites, with 675 near key infrastructure.
   • Lack of Detailed and Reliable Hazard Mapping
     • There is a significant gap in terms of comprehensive, district- or state-wide landslide hazard zonation maps. This lack of accurate mapping hinders effective preparedness and disaster management strategies .
   • Vague Recommendations in Existing Plans
     • Current landslide susceptibility management maps often recommend broad, generalized measures like “afforestation,” but do not provide specific guidance on species selection or effective biotechnical solutions .
2. How the National Landslide Risk Management Strategy Can Improve and Mainstream Mitigation
   • Creating Comprehensive Landslide Hazard Zonation (LHZ) Maps
     • The National Landslide Risk Management Strategy aims to create detailed hazard maps using advanced technologies like UAVs, high-resolution Earth Observation data, and terrestrial laser scanners. This will provide better insights into landslide-prone areas and enable targeted risk mitigation .
   • Developing Early Warning Systems
     • By setting up rainfall thresholds, numerical weather prediction models, and automatic rain gauges, the strategy will improve early warning capabilities. This would help in providing timely alerts to vulnerable communities .
   • Capacity Building and Stakeholder Training
     • The strategy includes capacity-building initiatives, such as training for local authorities and stakeholders, to improve landslide disaster risk reduction (DRR) awareness and response capabilities.
   • Enhancing Policy and Regulatory Frameworks
     • The strategy includes updating building regulations, improving the town and country planning legislations, and enforcing land-use policies that promote disaster-resistant infrastructure and urban planning in landslide-prone areas.
   • Promoting Community Awareness and Participation
     • It recommends implementing awareness programs to sensitize local communities about landslide risks and effective risk-reduction practices, fostering active participation from those most at risk.

Conclusion

• Conclude by emphasizing the importance of shifting towards a comprehensive, data-driven approach in landslide mitigation, such as the National Landslide Risk Management Strategy.
• Reaffirm that the implementation of these strategies will help reduce landslide-related risks, protect vulnerable populations, and mainstream disaster preparedness across the country.

Key Facts to Include

1. 12.6% of India’s geographical area is landslide-prone.
2. Recent landslides in Kullu, Himachal Pradesh, were due to heavy, unpredictable rainfall.
3. The Himalayan region has fragile ecosystems with sedimentary deposits, making it prone to landslides.
4. There are 17,120 landslide-prone sites in Himachal Pradesh, with 675 near critical infrastructure.
5. The National Landslide Risk Management Strategy aims to use advanced technologies like UAVs and high-resolution data for better mapping and mitigation.

By following this structure, you can comprehensively cover the challenges in landslide mitigation and the potential improvements offered by the National Landslide Risk Management Strategy.