Landslides refer to the downhill movement of rock, soil, or debris under the influence of gravity. They can occur due to various causes and can be triggered by natural or human-induced factors. The causes of landslides in the Himalayan region and Western Ghats are different.
Causes of landslides in the Himalayan region:
- Active plate tectonics causing frequent earthquakes.
- Himalayas being young fold mountains have vast unconsolidated and loose sediments.
- Tectonic activity, with the plate moving up, causes instability.
- Natural landslides.
Causes of landslides in the Western Ghats:
- Heavy rainfall, particularly during the monsoon season, can cause the soil to become saturated and unstable.
- Deforestation and land use change are also contributing factors to landslides.
- Agriculture and construction increase the risk of a landslide.
- Steep slopes.
- Loss of vegetation due to fire or drought.
In summary, the main causes of landslides in the Himalayan region are tectonic activity and natural landslides, while in the Western Ghats, heavy rainfall, deforestation, and land use change are the main causes. Anthropogenic activities such as agriculture and construction also increase the risk of landslides in both regions. Landslides can be prevented permanently by replacing loose soil, erecting retaining walls, planting vegetation, digging ditches, altering the geometry of the slope, using chemical agents, putting in early warning systems, limiting land use, and enhancing drainage.