The United States Geological Survey describes land subsidence as a gradual settling or sudden sinking of Earth’s surface due to removal or displacement of subsurface earth materials. Land subsidence is a global problem and host of reasons are responsible for it as given below:

• Geographical factors: The sinking of earth depends on the fragility and type of earth. For e.g., if limestone presence in the ground is high, it can dissolve in the water leading to compaction. Also, over millions of years, the movement of tectonic plates results in land subsidence.
• Depleting groundwater: As the water from the aquifers keeps disappearing; the land may suddenly or gradually sink, leading to land subsidence.
• Unplanned construction: Unplanned developmental activities without due regard to bearing capacity often contributes to slope instability.
• Improper water drainage: Due to the lack of drainage system, natural and anthropogenic liquid waste seeps into the ground and weakens the land.

Considering these reasons, it is imperative to estimate its possible impacts as given below:

• Damage to infrastructure: Land subsidence can damage buildings, roads, and other structures built on the affected land.
• Flooding: As the land sinks, the elevation of the surface decreases, which can increase the risk of flooding in low-lying areas.
• Land loss: Land subsidence can lead to the loss of productive farmland, wildlife habitat, and recreational areas, among other things.
• Increased risk of seismic activity: In some cases, land subsidence can increase the risk of seismic activity, such as earthquakes.

Hence, it is necessary to chalk out a sustainable plan to minimise the adverse impacts as follows:

• Revise town planning: Town planning must be revised to account for the new variables and shifting geographical conditions. A risk sensitive urban development plan should be developed for sensitive regions.
• Proper regulation of groundwater extraction: Over-extraction of groundwater is one of the primary reasons for land subsidence. Therefore managing groundwater resources by reducing extraction rates and promoting water conservation measures can help mitigate subsidence.
• Afforestation: To retain soil capacity, replantation especially at sensitive sites like the Himalayas is recommended.
• Soil stabilization techniques: Techniques such as the injection of grout or concrete into the ground can help reinforce and stabilize the soil to prevent further subsidence.
• Managed aquifer recharge: It involves the intentional recharge of water into aquifers through engineered or natural systems, such as infiltration basins, injection wells, or spreading ponds. It can be considered as an artificial method of restoring groundwater levels, which can help prevent land subsidence.
• Public awareness: There is a need for sensitizing the public about the impacts of subsidence and the importance of sustainable land-use practices, which can help reduce the likelihood and impact of subsidence.

In addition, the recommendations of Mahesh Chandra Mishra committee to minimise the adverse impacts like restrictions on heavy construction work, agriculture on slopes, felling of trees, construction of pucca drainage to stop seepage of rainwater, proper sewage system, and cement blocks on riverbanks to prevent erosion can be considered specifically in sensitive areas.