What’s the news?

• The recent tragic occurrences of landslides in Himachal Pradesh have thrust the Himalayan ecosystem into the spotlight, underscoring its fragility and the imperative to address the vulnerabilities it faces.

Central idea

• As the world’s youngest and most rugged mountain range, the Himalayas are a testament to the delicate balance between natural processes, environmental changes, and human activities. To comprehend and address the challenges posed by geohazards and foster sustainable development, a holistic approach backed by advanced technology and collective efforts is essential.

What are landslides?

• Landslides are geological events characterized by the sudden movement of rock, soil, and debris down slopes. They can range from small soil shifts to large-scale, destructive movements triggered by factors such as geological conditions, climatic events like heavy rainfall, and human activities like construction and deforestation.
• Landslides take various forms, including rockfalls, mudslides, debris flows, and avalanches, and they can have significant impacts on landscapes, infrastructure, and communities.

Factors behind the vulnerability of the Himalayan region to landslides

• Tectonic Activity: The ongoing collision of tectonic plates beneath the Himalayas results in geological instability, causing fractures and creating weak zones prone to landslides.
• Surface Processes: Erosion, weathering, and precipitation, including rain and snow, weaken the terrain. These processes, coupled with tectonic forces, make the ecosystem inherently fragile.
• Climate-Induced Events: Climate change leads to extreme events like heavy rainfall and snowfall. Such events, along with freezing and thawing cycles, saturate the soil and elevate the risk of landslides.
• Anthropogenic Stresses: Human activities such as deforestation, construction, and mining disrupt the natural equilibrium of slopes. Removing vegetation reduces soil stability and increases its susceptibility to landslides.
• Hydro-meteorological Factors: Slope gradient, elevation, rock strength, and soil type influence landslide susceptibility. Intense rainfall or rapid snowmelt saturates the ground, triggering landslides on weakened slopes.
• Riverine Flow and Deforestation: River erosion and slope cutting expose slopes to increased instability. Deforestation removes vegetation that holds soil in place, escalating the landslide risk.
• Geological Stresses: The convergence of tectonic plates triggers earthquakes, releasing subterranean stresses. This can lead to rock movement along slopes, exacerbating landslide potential.
• Challenges in Prediction: Complex terrain and varied meteorological conditions in the Himalayas make developing effective landslide prediction systems challenging. Monitoring rainfall thresholds and geological indicators is critical for accurate warnings.

Impacts of landslides

• Loss of Life and Infrastructure: Landslides pose a significant risk to human lives, often resulting in casualties and injuries. Buildings, roads, bridges, and other infrastructure can be severely damaged or destroyed, leading to disruptions in communities and hindrances to daily life.
• Displacement and Evacuation: Landslides can force people to evacuate their homes and communities, often on short notice. This displacement can lead to temporary or long-term homelessness, with people seeking refuge in shelters or with relatives.
• Economic Consequences: The aftermath of landslides can result in substantial economic losses. Rebuilding damaged infrastructure, homes, and businesses, as well as restoring disrupted services, can place a strain on local economies.
• Environmental Degradation: Landslides can alter landscapes and natural habitats, leading to erosion, sedimentation of water bodies, and changes in water flow patterns. This can negatively impact ecosystems, aquatic life, and overall environmental health.
• Infrastructure Disruption: Roads, railways, and other transportation networks can be blocked or damaged by landslides, causing disruptions to travel and hindering the movement of goods and services.
• Water Quality Issues: The movement of debris and soil during landslides can introduce pollutants into water bodies, potentially affecting water quality and posing risks to human health.
• Long-Term Effects: Landslides can have lasting impacts on the affected areas. Changes in topography, water drainage patterns, and vegetation can persist for years, influencing local ecosystems and land use.
• Psychological and social impact: Beyond physical damage, landslides can have psychological effects on survivors, leading to trauma and anxiety. Communities may experience social challenges as they cope with the aftermath and work toward recovery.

The Imperative for a Unified Council of Himalayan States

• Diverse Geological and Climatic Factors: The Himalayan region spans diverse geological and climatic conditions, making it imperative to have a collaborative body that comprehensively understands and addresses the varied challenges each state faces.
• Interconnected Vulnerabilities: Landslides, flash floods, and other hazards often transcend state borders, affecting multiple regions simultaneously. A unified council can facilitate cross-border coordination in disaster management and response.
• Knowledge and Resource Sharing: Different states possess valuable insights and expertise in handling regional challenges. A unified council can facilitate the sharing of best practices, data, and resources, promoting more effective decision-making.
• Common Socioeconomic Issues: Many Himalayan states share socioeconomic concerns related to sustainable development, tourism, and livelihoods. A unified council can collectively address these issues, leveraging combined expertise for better outcomes.
• Environmental Protection: The fragile Himalayan ecosystem requires joint efforts to combat environmental degradation, deforestation, and unsustainable practices. A unified council can formulate and enforce policies for ecosystem conservation.
• Mitigation Strategies: Developing and implementing landslide mitigation and preparedness strategies demands a coordinated approach. A unified council can pool resources, knowledge, and technology to create effective solutions.
• Integrated Early Warning Systems: Establishing AI/ML-driven Early Warning Systems for landslides and other disasters requires data integration and real-time monitoring. A unified council can streamline these efforts for the entire region.
• Disaster Resilience: In the face of climate-induced events, disaster resilience is paramount. A unified council can ensure uniform standards for infrastructure development, emergency response, and community awareness.

Conclusion

• The recent landslides in Himachal Pradesh have thrust the Himalayan ecosystem into the limelight, underscoring its vulnerability and the pressing need for enhanced resilience. As we progress, the Himalayas stand as both a challenge and an opportunity, with their natural riches and scenic allure offering a canvas for harmonizing growth and preservation.

Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024

Attend Now