2 weeks ago
Study Maps High Landslide Risk Across Jammu and Kashmir
Scientists made a map showing where landslides are more likely in Jammu and Kashmir.
They found that more than one-quarter of the mapped area has high or very high risk.
The study examined nearly 43,000 square kilometres.
It also compared the map with records of 669 past landslides.
Most of those landslides happened in places the map marked as dangerous.
Mountain roads were especially vulnerable because building roads can weaken slopes.
Heavy rain can make unstable soil and rocks even weaker.
The map may help authorities watch risky places and improve roads and slopes.
The Nepal flood disaster mentioned in the report was caused by an unrelated ice-and-rock collapse.
A University of Jammu study classifies 24.4% of Jammu and Kashmir as high landslide risk and 3.6% as very high risk.
Researchers mapped nearly 43,000 square kilometres using satellite imagery, field surveys and previous landslide records.
Of 669 recorded landslides, 87% occurred in areas rated high or very high susceptibility.
Doda, Kishtwar, Poonch, Rajouri and Ramban contain major hotspots, including sections near several key roads.
Steep slopes, fragile geology, road construction, slope cutting, vegetation removal and heavy rainfall can increase landslide risks.
- Who
- Researchers from the University of Jammu and the National Remote Sensing Centre, led by geology professor Avtar Singh Jasrotia.
- What
- A study produced a landslide susceptibility map identifying high- and very-high-risk areas across Jammu and Kashmir.
- Where
- Across nearly 43,000 square kilometres of Jammu and Kashmir, especially in Doda, Kishtwar, Poonch, Rajouri and Ramban.
- When
- The study was published on Friday; the article also refers to an August 26 ice-and-rock collapse in Nepal.
- Why
- To identify vulnerable areas and help authorities monitor hazards, prioritise slope stabilisation and control road construction.
Key facts
- High-risk area
- 24.4% of the mapped Jammu and Kashmir territory
- Very-high-risk area
- 3.6% of the mapped territory
- Study area
- Nearly 43,000 square kilometres
- Recorded landslides
- 669
- Landslides in high or very-high zones
- 87% of recorded cases
- Main influencing factors
- Proximity to roads, slope and distance from streams
- Major road hotspots
- NH-44, NH-244, NH-144A, Mughal Road and Kishwar-Kelong Road
Quotes
Avtar Singh Jasrotia
University of Jammu geology professor and leader of the landslide study
“Landslides, like ice-and-rock collapses and earthquakes, are inherently complex phenomena — their exact location and timing cannot be predicted.”
telegraphindia.com
“What we can do is assess susceptibility, risk levels, and prepare with precautionary measures”
telegraphindia.com
Ashim Sattar
Glaciologist at IIT Bhubaneswar
“The mechanisms involved in such ice failures may be similar to those involved in the August 26 ice-and-rock collapse in Nepal that triggered the deadly floods.”
telegraphindia.com
Sources
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