Part of Seek Reboot Daily Mains Answer Writing Practice – 07 October 2024
Why the Question?
UPSC PYQ – CSE Mains – 2021
Keywords of the Question
- Causes and the effects of landslides
- National Landslide Risk Management strategy
Directive Word
Describe – Provide a detailed explanation as to how and why something happens
Mention – It requires you to briefly state the main points or features of a topic without going into detailed explanations or analysis. Essentially, you should provide a concise and straightforward account of the relevant information.
How to approach this Question?
Introduction:
- Define landslides briefly.
- Mention their significance as a natural disaster.
Body:
- Causes of Landslides:
- Natural Causes:
- Heavy rainfall
- Earthquakes
- Volcanic activity
- Weathering and erosion
- Human-Induced Causes:
- Deforestation
- Construction activities
- Mining
- Poor land-use practices
- Natural Causes:
- Effects of Landslides:
- Loss of life and property
- Disruption of infrastructure
- Environmental degradation
- Economic losses
- National Landslide Risk Management Strategy:
- Hazard mapping
- Monitoring and early warning systems
- Awareness programs
- Capacity building and training
- Regulations and policies
- Stabilization and mitigation measures
Conclusion:
- Summarize the importance of addressing landslide risks.
- Highlight the need for a comprehensive and proactive approach to landslide management.
Note: Please note that the following ‘answers’ are not ‘model answers’ nor are they synopses in the strictest sense. Instead, they are content designed to meet the demands of the question while providing comprehensive coverage of the topic.
Answer Key
Introduction
Landslides are the movement of rock, earth, or debris down a slope due to gravity. They are significant natural disasters causing loss of life, property, and environmental degradation.
Body
Causes of Landslides:
Natural Causes:
- Heavy Rainfall:
- Intense and prolonged rainfall saturates the soil, reducing its cohesion and increasing its weight. This leads to a loss of stability and triggers landslides. For example, the 2018 Kerala floods caused numerous landslides due to heavy monsoon rains.
- Earthquakes:
- Seismic activities shake the ground, causing the soil and rock to lose their grip and slide down slopes. The 2015 Nepal earthquake triggered several landslides in the Himalayan region.
- Volcanic Activity:
- Eruptions can cause the ground to become unstable, leading to landslides. The eruption of Mount St. Helens in 1980 is a notable example where volcanic activity caused massive landslides.
- Weathering and Erosion:
- Over time, weathering and erosion weaken the rock and soil structure, making them more susceptible to landslides. Coastal erosion in places like California often leads to landslides.
Human-Induced Causes:
- Deforestation:
- The removal of trees and vegetation, which anchor the soil, leads to increased soil erosion and instability. Deforestation in the Western Ghats has contributed to frequent landslides in the region.
- Construction Activities:
- Altering the natural landscape for infrastructure development can destabilize slopes. The construction of roads and buildings in hilly areas often triggers landslides.
- Mining:
- Excavation activities weaken the ground, making it prone to landslides. Illegal mining in the Aravalli Range has led to several landslides.
- Poor Land-Use Practices:
- Unsustainable agricultural practices, such as overgrazing and improper terracing, can destabilize the soil. In the Nilgiris, improper land use has led to frequent landslides.
Effects of Landslides:
- Loss of Life and Property:
- Landslides can cause significant casualties and destroy homes, buildings, and infrastructure. The 2020 landslide in Pettimudi, Kerala, resulted in the loss of many lives and homes.
- Disruption of Infrastructure:
- Roads, bridges, and utilities are often damaged, leading to isolation of communities and disruption of services. The 2013 Uttarakhand landslide severely affected transportation and communication networks.
- Environmental Degradation:
- Landslides lead to the loss of vegetation and wildlife habitats, affecting biodiversity. The landslides in the Western Ghats have led to significant environmental damage.
- Economic Losses:
- The cost of recovery and rehabilitation after landslides is substantial. The economic impact of the 2014 Malin landslide in Maharashtra was considerable, affecting local livelihoods and infrastructure.
Recent Example: The 2024 landslide in Wayanad, Kerala, caused significant damage to infrastructure and claimed several lives.
National Landslide Risk Management Strategy:
- Hazard Mapping:
- Identifying and mapping landslide-prone areas helps in planning and implementing preventive measures. The Geological Survey of India (GSI) conducts landslide hazard zonation mapping.
- Monitoring and Early Warning Systems:
- Implementing technology to predict and warn about potential landslides can save lives and reduce damage. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) uses satellite data for landslide monitoring.
- Awareness Programs:
- Educating communities about landslide risks and preparedness helps in reducing vulnerability. The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) conducts awareness campaigns.
- Capacity Building and Training:
- Training local authorities and communities in landslide management enhances their ability to respond effectively. NDMA and GSI provide training programs.
- Regulations and Policies:
- Formulating policies for land use and construction in vulnerable areas ensures safer development practices. The National Building Code of India includes guidelines for construction in landslide-prone areas.
- Stabilization and Mitigation Measures:
- Engineering solutions, such as retaining walls, slope stabilization, and drainage systems, help in preventing landslides. The use of bioengineering techniques is also promoted.
Conclusion
Addressing landslide risks requires a comprehensive approach involving hazard identification, community awareness, and robust policy implementation. Effective management strategies can significantly reduce the impact of landslides, safeguarding lives and property.
Mind Map
