Enhancing Landslide Risk Management in India: A Research Perspective

Introduction

Landslides represent a major global threat, endangering infrastructure, communities, and the environment through loss of life, property damage, and degradation. Landslides can be triggered by various factors like rainfall, seismic activity, and human actions. Key factors influencing landslides include slope steepness, geological and hydrological conditions, soil properties, and land use practices.

Effective landslide hazard management requires a multidisciplinary approach and technological advancements. Remote sensing and numerical modeling have significantly improved our ability to assess landslide susceptibility, predict events, and develop early warning systems (EWSs). Rainfall, a primary trigger for landslides, has been extensively studied, with critical rainfall thresholds for debris flows and shallow landslides established decades ago. Earthquakes also contribute to slope instability, necessitating integrated risk assessment strategies.