Climate change leads to rise in landslides in J&K

SRINAGAR, OCT 06: The landslides in the Himalayas especially on the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway may increase with the change in climate, according to a recent study.
The study titled “Extreme precipitation events and landslide activity in the Kashmir Himalaya” evaluated the landslide history from 1990 to 2020 in Kashmir Himalaya. It found that there is a strong connection between heavy rainfall and landslides, especially along NH-44. “As the climate changes, extreme weather events may increase, leading to more landslides in the future,” it says.

Experts stress the urgent need for an operational prediction system to forecast landslide and heavy rainfall risk areas.
Mohammad Junaid, who teaches Earth Sciences recommends collaboration between the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), the Geological Survey of India (GSI), and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) to harness high-resolution satellite data for accurate mapping, involving academic experts from universities.
“GSI’s landslide susceptibility reports emphasized considerations for road construction, distinguishing between soil and rock slopes. Safety measures included rock bolting, concrete, and wire mesh for support. Eco-engineering measures, like willow tree root reinforcement, were suggested, along with proper drainage to manage urban runoff,” he said.
“Efforts in afforestation should be based on scientific inputs and coordinated among departments, with GSI’s involvement in town and road planning in landslide-prone areas,” he added.
An official of the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) mentioned tunnel construction and real-time monitoring systems to mitigate landslide risks in areas like Panthal, Ramban, Digdol, and Khooni Nallah. He stressed the importance of adhering to speed limits for traveller safety and the implementation of smart tunnel monitoring systems.
Regarding the construction of four-lane projects on NH44, he said that it partially contributes to landslides but is not the sole cause.
“Factors contributing to landslides include geological materials, fractures, hydrology, land use, slope, and deforestation. The Himalayan region’s geological fragility and tectonic forces were highlighted as causes of rock slides,” he added.