Monsoon Menace:Landslides in the Darjeeling Hills
Landslides are very common disaster phenomena across hills and mountains causing great human, economic and environmental losses. The Darjeeling-Sikkim Himalayas in India is a region that is known to be worst affected in this connection. Even a cursory glance at slide statistics gives us a fearful idea of the enormity of damage done and the ever-present threat to life and property. In this area within the last hundred years over 10,000 slides have been registered. The physical extent of landslides effect covers an area of approximately 400 Square Kilometer. Thousands of lives have been lost and the overall economic development of this strategically important region negatively impacted.
Geomorphologically, landslide is nature’s way of adjusting slope stability. It is one of the mass wasting processes and is responsible for the degradation of slopes and relief. However, across the spectrum of development the process has been intensified by human interference mainly through deforestation, incorrect construction procedure and unplanned tapping of natural resources. Hence, the degree and frequency of this disaster has notably increased over the period of time.
During the moonsoon of 2005 Darjeeling Hills suffered a heavy disaster. The monsoon landslides across the hills of Darjeeling took the toll of over 15 people besides enormous economic and environmental losses. High rainfall, scarce natural vegetation and faulty development are attributed as the pertinent forces in this regard. Further, efforts by rescue workers to clear debris were hampered by inclement weather. Heavy mudslides were reported on National Highway 31(A) that connects Sikkim to the rest of the country. The hill resort of Darjeeling and other far-flung parts of the district including Kalimpong and Sikkim were virtually cut off from the rest of the country for a considerable period of time. Several hill rivers (and smaller tributaries to it), including the River Teesta flowed above their danger mark.
A part of the lofty Himalayas, Darjeeling and its surrounding hills are still very prone and vulnerable to any natural catastrophe. When this is followed by faulty human interventions disasters are the only consequence. Darjeeling hills as of today is covered with less than 40 percent of its geographical area by forests while the (recommended) actual minimum requirement is 60 percent. Disaster preparedness mechanism in the region is, virtually, in its ancient stage. Government machineries responsible for the purpose are in their hibernation until the disaster occurs every monsoon.
Formulation of the professional Disaster Management Team is a must in view of the fragility and vulnerability of the region and the resultant environmental and human degradation. Massive afforestation and conservation of the natural vegetation are other important tools to check the frequency and intensity of such natural disasters in the region.
Geomorphologically, landslide is nature’s way of adjusting slope stability. It is one of the mass wasting processes and is responsible for the degradation of slopes and relief. However, across the spectrum of development the process has been intensified by human interference mainly through deforestation, incorrect construction procedure and unplanned tapping of natural resources. Hence, the degree and frequency of this disaster has notably increased over the period of time.
During the moonsoon of 2005 Darjeeling Hills suffered a heavy disaster. The monsoon landslides across the hills of Darjeeling took the toll of over 15 people besides enormous economic and environmental losses. High rainfall, scarce natural vegetation and faulty development are attributed as the pertinent forces in this regard. Further, efforts by rescue workers to clear debris were hampered by inclement weather. Heavy mudslides were reported on National Highway 31(A) that connects Sikkim to the rest of the country. The hill resort of Darjeeling and other far-flung parts of the district including Kalimpong and Sikkim were virtually cut off from the rest of the country for a considerable period of time. Several hill rivers (and smaller tributaries to it), including the River Teesta flowed above their danger mark.
A part of the lofty Himalayas, Darjeeling and its surrounding hills are still very prone and vulnerable to any natural catastrophe. When this is followed by faulty human interventions disasters are the only consequence. Darjeeling hills as of today is covered with less than 40 percent of its geographical area by forests while the (recommended) actual minimum requirement is 60 percent. Disaster preparedness mechanism in the region is, virtually, in its ancient stage. Government machineries responsible for the purpose are in their hibernation until the disaster occurs every monsoon.
Formulation of the professional Disaster Management Team is a must in view of the fragility and vulnerability of the region and the resultant environmental and human degradation. Massive afforestation and conservation of the natural vegetation are other important tools to check the frequency and intensity of such natural disasters in the region.
posted by Vimal Khawas at 9:13 PM
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