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

India is vulnerable to different types of landslides which cause significant destruction in terms of loss of lives and property. As per Geological Survey of India (GSI), nearly 12.6% of India's total land area is prone to landslides.

Causes:

It is usually triggered by natural hazards and is increasing due to modern land-use practices and climate change.

1. Natural factors.

a. Heavy rain storms or cyclones,

b. Earthquakes or seismic activities,

c. Volcanic eruptions

2. Man-made factors.

a. Deforestation/shifting agriculture - loosening of soil,

b. Mining activities, infrastructure works like roads, communication lines in mountainous regions,

c. Construction of human settlement in landslide prone areas.

Effects of Landslide:

The impact of a landslide can be extensive.

1. Short term impacts

a. Loss of life,

b. Destruction of infrastructure,

c. Damage to land and loss of natural resources,

d. Landslide material can also block rivers and increase the risk of floods

2. Long term impacts

a. Landscape changes can be permanent,

b. The loss of fertile land or cultivation land.

c. Erosion and soil loss can lead to environmental problems.

d. Population shifting and migration.

e. Effects on the sources of water.

National Landslide Risk Management Strategy.

It strengthens and mainstream landslide disaster preparedness, mitigation, response and relief mechanism through various components such as:

1. Generation of user-friendly landslide hazard map,

2. Development of landslide monitoring and early warning system,

3. Awareness programmes,

4. Capacity building and training of the stakeholders,

5. Preparation of Mountain zone regulations and policies,

6. Stabilisation and mitigation of landslide and creation of Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) for landslide management.

India had recently witnessed a major landslide event in the Mumbai suburban area. This calls for effective implementation of the Sendai Framework to check pre-hazard and post-hazard strategy to minimise the loss.