Q.14“The Himalayas are prone to landslides”. Discuss the cause and suggest the suitable measures of mitigation(CSE Mains 2016)GS-I 2016

     

    Landslides are mass movement of rocks and soil and vegetation along slopes especially caused by precipitation and tectonic movement.

    Himalayas being young fold mountains caused by the collision of Indo-Australian plate with the Eurasian plate are highly prone to landslides. The deep gorges and V shaped valleys because of their young nature are highly unstable. The prevalence of tectonic movement and earthquakes in the region contribute significantly incidence of landslides.

Major causes of landslides:

1. Loosening of the earth’s surface soil.
2. Increased deforestation.
3. Increased anthropogenic activities such as tourism & construction activities
4. Shifting cultivation practice (slash and burn).
5. Flashflood and heavy precipitation in the southern side of Himalayan range.
6. Ecological sensitive nature of Himalayas.

Mitigation measures:

1. Increase vegetative cover and prevent dripping of rain water directly.
2. Promote reforestation activities.
3. Build retention walls along vulnerable areas.
4. Promote awareness and sustainable farming practices.
5. Regulate tourism activities and construction of roads.
6. Build water pathway and strengthen the natural flow paths.

• Increase water storage and penetration.
• Prevent runoff.

Keeping the pristine nature of Himalayan range all activities should be in resonance with its ecology.