Landslides in Himachal Pradesh, What makes it so unstable?

• Himachal Pradesh faces increasing landslides this monsoon.
• Data shows 113 landslides in 55 days, a major increase.
• Heavy rains triggered landslides, causing 74 deaths recently.
• Experts cite human-made factors like unstable construction, deforestation.
• Uncontrolled hill clearing and poor planning contribute to the issue.

Landslides are happening more in Himachal Pradesh this monsoon. Data from the state's emergency center shows 113 landslides in the 55 days since the monsoon began. The disaster management department reports a large increase: 117 major landslides in 2022, compared to 16 in 2020.

Heavy rain triggered landslides and rain-related incidents in Himachal Pradesh, leading to at least 74 deaths since Sunday. The state government declared it an 'area affected by natural calamities'. Among these, 51 people died in the first 24 hours.

The tragic death toll has caused experts to highlight issues such as the ecologically sensitive construction of the Himalayas, the reduction of forest cover, and the uncontrolled clearing of hills that causes more landslides. The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) report also highlighted poor urban planning, a lack of enforcement, and overcrowding in mountainous areas.

Himachal Pradesh highly prone to landslides 

According to government data, Himachal has 17,120 sites prone to landslides. The maximum of such prioritized sites are in Chamba (133) followed by Mandi (110), Kangra (102), Lahaul and Spiti (91), Una (63), Kullu (55), Shimla (50), Solan (44), Bilaspur (37), Sirmaur (21) and Kinnaur (15).

Active landslide sites include Jhandota, Kakroti, Mcleodganj Hill, and more. Shimla is hardest hit. Landslide Atlas states all 12 Himachal districts are vulnerable. Mandi, Hamirpur, Bilaspur, and others ranked in landslide risk exposure.

List of Major Landslide Sites

Several major active landslides/sinking sites were identified in various areas of the state, such as Jhandota and Kakroti villages, and Sapdoth Panchayat in Chamba; Mcleodganj Hill and Bariara village in Kangra; Baridhar to Kalyan Ghati Road; Mansar near Salogra; Jabalpatwar village in Solan; and Kotrupi, Doada Hanogi, and Mile 5, 6 and 7 near Pandoh and Nagani village in Mandi district.

In addition to Nigulsari, where a major landslide on August 11, 2021, resulted in the tragic loss of 28 lives and left 13 injured, the other sites involved are Urni Dhank, Batsari, Nesang, and Purbani Julha in Kinnaur.

Ten such sites have been identified in Shimla district: Krishna Nagar, Halog, Bangla colony, Totu, Baldiyan, Mehali-Malyana road, Nerva Rest House, Patti Dhank, Niyani, Dharali, Kool Khad, Browni Khad and Ladanala, Kotighat, and Jiskon, Rohru-Chirgaon-OdtaKwar road.

The landslide exposure analysis of the mountainous areas covering 147 districts in 17 states put Himachal's Mandi district at 16th place, followed by Hamirpur at 25, Bilaspur at 30, Chamba (32), Solan (37), Kinnaur (46), Kullu (57) Shimla (61), Kangra (62), Una (70), Sirmaur (88) and Lahaul and Spiti (126) in socio-economic parameter risk exposure map.

Why is Himachal Pradesh unstable?

Himachal Pradesh's instability is due to several human-made factors, according to experts. Unscientific construction in the fragile Himalayas, declining forest cover, and the clogging of stream flows are to blame. Geology expert Professor Virender Singh Dhar pointed out that cutting hills for construction, road expansion, blasting tunnels, and hydroelectric projects cause landslides.

Insufficient drainage and heavy rains worsen the vulnerability of slopes. CM Sukhu acknowledges the structural weaknesses and plans to intervene once the situation stabilizes.

Climatologist Suresh Attre noted heavy rains and high temperatures caused the loosening of the soil. Himachal received 742mm of rain, beating the 730mm average.

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) pointed to poor planning, a lack of enforcement, and population growth in the hilly states, emphasizing Shimla's overcrowding. The NDMA report revealed plans copied from Delhi's master plans and poor infrastructure, leading to unsafe buildings.

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