Day-7 Answer Writing Challenge : Model Answer

Question: Recently Landslides have been observed as a rampant phenomenon in Himalayas. Identity the causes and consequences of Landslides? 8 Marks

Answer:

The term ‘landslide’ includes all varieties of mass movements of hill slopes and can be defined as the downward and outward movement of slope forming materials composed of rocks, soils, debris or combination of all these materials, either slowly or quickly.          Landslides are among the major hydro-geological hazards that affect large parts of India besides the Himalayas, the Northeastern hill ranges, the Western Ghats, the Nilgiris, the Eastern Ghats and the Vindhyans, in that order, covering about 15 % of the landmass                                                                                                                                               – NDMA

CAUSES OF LANDSLIDES IN INDIA

1. It can be caused because of heavy rain.
2. Deforestation is also one of the main reasons for landslides because trees, plants, etc., keep the soil particles compact and due to deforestation, the mountain slopes lose their protective layers because of which the water of the rain flows with unimpeded speed on these slopes.
3. It can be caused by earthquakes.
4. Landslides often occur in mountain regions while making roads and construction; a large number of rocks has to be removed, which can cause landslides over there.
5. In the regions of North East India, landslides occur because of shifting agriculture.
6. Due to the increasing population, a large number of houses are being created, which leads to the creation of a large amount of debris which can cause landslides.

CONSEQUENCES OF LANDSLIDES

The impact of a landslide can be extensive, including loss of life, destruction of infrastructure, damage to land and loss of natural resources.