Why landslides hit NE? GSI scientist Dr. Pankaj Jaiswal speaks to Northeast Live
First Published: 14th July, 2024 21:08 IST
Every monsoon season, Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh in particular, suffer extensively due to rain-triggered landslides.
Landslides are not uncommon phenomena in the Northeast. The region witnesses landslides that inflict small to large-scale destruction every now and then.
But what causes these landslides in the region? What are the root causes or what factors contribute to the frequent landslides? and what are the countermeasures to mitigate their impact?
Speaking exclusively to Northeast Live, Deputy Director General of Geological Survey of India, Shillong, Dr Pankaj Jaiswal, scientist shed light on the frequent landslides in the Himalayan foothills, pointing to the immaturity of the soil in the region as a key factor.
Dr Jaiswal said, “The maturity of the soil depends largely on its age. The lower part of the Himalayas or the foothills are very immature. If the rocks are immature, the materials are loose, making them highly sensitive to landslides. Any sort of human interference or natural disturbances in these areas can trigger more landslides compared to other landscapes.”
In every monsoon season, Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh in particular, suffer extensively due to rain-triggered landslides.
Speaking about the measures to mitigate the high landslide risk in these vulnerable regions, the Geologist said, “Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim have a typical Himalayan landscape. If the landslides are occurring along the cut slopes, they can be mitigated by treating these slopes with proper retaining structures and rock bolting the rocks.”
He said that cut slope failures along roads can be treated by use management such as town planning or construction of houses those areas.
He however said that it is difficult to treat each and every slope and every drainage all along but at least the risk of the landslide can be reduced if the road of a settlement can be properly treated.
Speaking about the extent of damage in case of earthquake-triggered landslides in the Northeast, he said that there are differences between, landslides triggered by earthquakes, seismic landslides and rainfall-triggered landslides.
“When there is an earthquake, you can observe more attenuation affecting different parts of the landscape compared to rainfall-induced landslides. Rainfall mostly affects mid-slope areas, while earthquakes cause more attenuation on the higher, steeper slopes and cliff parts. Earthquake-induced landslides tend to occur on a larger scale and are often characterised by rockfalls and rock slides.
“These landslides will occur more on the steeper scarps and slopes, causing extensive damage over a larger area,” he added.
COMMENTS
![](assets/images/article/fb.jpg)
TOPMOST STORY NOW
![Banner](https://northeastlive.s3.amazonaws.com/media/uploads/2024/09/Untitled-design-7.png)
Live Kuki-Zos Protest Removal of Assam Rifles, Plans Mass Agitations from Tomorrow
07th September 2024![Banner](https://northeastlive.s3.amazonaws.com/media/uploads/2024/09/Untitled-design-6.png)
Live Manipur Violence: CM Biren Singh Holds 2 Cabinet Meets in Less Than 24 Hours, Meets Governor Acharya
07th September 2024![Banner](https://northeastlive.s3.amazonaws.com/media/uploads/2024/09/Untitled-design-5.png)
Live SDF Leader Tshering Wangdi To Quit Party Soon, Will Join SKM
07th September 2024![Banner](https://northeastlive.s3.amazonaws.com/media/uploads/2024/09/Untitled-design-4.png)
Live Tripura: Woman Stripped and Assaulted by Locals after Husband Commits Suicide
07th September 2024WE RECOMMEND
![Banner](https://northeastlive.s3.amazonaws.com/media/uploads/2024/09/Untitled-design-3.png)
Landslides Hit Water Supply in Tawang, Taps Go Dry; Restoration Likely in 3 Days
The drinking water supply to Tawang township and surrounding areas, including Lemberdung, Changprong, Nyukmadung, and others, has been disrupted due to significant damage to the drop inlet headwork, located approximately two kilometers ahead of Bramadungchung Ani Gonpa because of landslides. The restoration work is expected to take 2-3 days, officials said. According to Assistant Engineer […]
07th September 2024![Banner](https://northeastlive.s3.amazonaws.com/media/uploads/2024/09/Untitled-design-42.png)
Arunachal Govt Assures to Address ANSU’s Concerns on Act Revocation and Schools Revamping
Regarding the second demand, the government has promised to develop a policy under the Public Private Partnership model to address the condition of government schools.
06th September 2024![Banner](https://northeastlive.s3.amazonaws.com/media/uploads/2024/09/cover-ajanita.jpg)
AGCI Suspends Miss Arunachal Organization’s activities amid payment row
He revealed that the suspension comes as part of a broader effort to address the controversy that has recently plagued the organization.
04th September 2024![Banner](https://northeastlive.s3.amazonaws.com/media/uploads/2024/09/Untitled-design-26.png)
Arunachal: CBI Files Chargesheet Against Former West Kameng DC and 2 Other Officials in Corruption Case
Padma Jaishwal, the former DC of West Kameng is accused of abusing her official position through corrupt and illegal means.
02nd September 2024![Banner](https://northeastlive.s3.amazonaws.com/media/uploads/2024/08/Untitled-design-41.png)
Arunachal: Dite Dime Villagers’ Massive Protest Against 11,000 MW Upper Siang Project
The protest was organized jointly by the All Adi Welfare Society, Siang Indigenous Farmers Forum (SIFF) and Bango Students Union.
31st August 2024