Q3.Describe the various causes and the effects of landslides. Mention the important components of the National Landslide Risk Management Strategy.

A landslide is the mass movement of rock, debris, or earth down a slope, primarily driven by gravity. It is a significant geohazard, particularly in mountainous regions.

Natural Factors

Heavy rainfall saturates soil, increasing pore water pressure. Earthquakes, volcanic activity, weak geological structures, steep slopes, and erosion by rivers also trigger them.

Anthropogenic Factors

Deforestation removes soil-binding roots. Unscientific construction, mining, and excavation destabilize slopes by altering contours and removing support. Improper land use exacerbates risks.

Landslides cause loss of life and property, damaging critical infrastructure like roads and railways, disrupting connectivity. Environmental impacts include river blockages, flash floods, habitat destruction, and soil erosion. Economically, agricultural land is lost, and trade routes are affected. Communities face displacement and trauma.

India's NLRMS adopts a holistic approach with key components:

• Hazard Mapping and Zonation: Identifying and classifying landslide-prone areas.
• Monitoring and Early Warning Systems: Deploying sensors for real-time data and alerts.
• Capacity Building: Training communities, responders, and engineers.
• Public Awareness and Education: Informing residents about risks and safety.
• Mitigation Measures: Structural (e.g., retaining walls, drainage) and non-structural (e.g., land-use planning, afforestation).
• Policy and Regulatory Framework: Enforcing building codes and land-use rules.

Effective landslide management requires a multi-pronged strategy combining scientific understanding, robust infrastructure, community participation, and strong governance for resilient communities.