Natural Hazards Management
Coastal Erosion
Landslide
Lightning
Radioactivity
Flood
Drought
Introduction

EVALUATION STUDY IN TERMS OF LANDSLIDE MITIGATION IN PARTS OF WESTERN GHATS KERALA
(A project Sponsored by Ministry of Agriculture, Govt. of India)

Study area
Methodology
Parameters
Landslide Hazard Zonation
Socio-Economic Evaluation
Conclusions
Recommendations

IMPORTANT RECOMMENDATIONS

SETTLEMENTS
  • Total avoidance of settlement in the critical zone (high risk zone) should be made mandatory.Cutting and levelling of toe region of slopes of >16° angle and length of + 100 m for construction of houses, as usually practised in this terrain, is to be discouraged
  • Cutting and levelling of toe region of slopes of >16° angle and length of + 100 m for construction of houses, as usually practised in this terrain, is to be discouraged
  • Diversion of stream channels (first, second and third order) in upper slopes, especially above settlements, to be strictly disallowed
  • Any contour bunding, or terracing adopted for seasonal cultivation or initiation of plantations in slopes of >16o above settlements should have sufficient provision for storm water drainage

LANDUSE PRACTICES

  • Areas covered by degraded natural vegetation in upper slopes are to be afforested with suitable species. These areas warrant stringent protection measures in order to prevent further degradation and to promote reforestation
  • The terracing/bunding on slopes > 16° should have adequate provision for storm water drainage. The natural drainage lines both macro and micro has to be meticulously preserved and no diversion effected during such bunding/terracing
  • In high slope areas( >16°) it is better to avoid seasonal cultivation which involves intense tilling practises. Cultivation of tuber crops is to be strictly avoided
  • The existing patches of natural vegetation (forest and natural grass land) in good condition, should be meticulously preserved
  • Any developmental activity initiated in the region should be taken up only after a detailed terrain evaluation with adequate plans for slope protection wherever necessary.
  • In construction of roads, irrigation canals etc. proper care is to be taken to avoid blockage of natural drainage prevalent in the terrain
  • A concerted effort from government and large scale estate owners can improve the area considerably without much financial burden for the settlers