Differentiate the causes of landslides in the Himalayan region and the Western Ghats. (150 words) [2021]
Landslides in the Himalayan region and the Western Ghats have distinct causes due to their unique geographical and climatic conditions. Here, we differentiate the causes of landslides in these two regions:
Himalayan Region
- Tectonic activity: The Himalayas are formed by the ongoing collision between the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates, causing frequent earthquakes and landslides.
- Intense rainfall: The monsoon season brings heavy rainfall to the region, saturating the soil and increasing the likelihood of landslides.
- Deforestation: The removal of vegetation destabilizes slopes and increases the risk of landslides.
- Glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs): The sudden release of water from glacial lakes can trigger landslides in the surrounding areas.
- Example: The 2013 Kedarnath landslide in Uttarakhand, India, was caused by intense rainfall and glacial lake outburst floods.
Western Ghats
- Steep slopes: The Western Ghats have steep slopes, making them more susceptible to landslides.
- Weathering: The region experiences high rainfall and humidity, leading to the weathering of rocks and soil, which weakens the slopes.
- Land-use changes: Agricultural practices, deforestation, and urbanization have altered the landscape, increasing the risk of landslides.
- Construction activities: Infrastructure development, such as roads and dams, can destabilize slopes and trigger landslides.
- Example: The 2018 Kerala landslide in India was caused by heavy rainfall, deforestation, and land-use changes.
In conclusion, landslides in the Himalayan region are primarily driven by tectonic activity and intense rainfall, while those in the Western Ghats are influenced by steep slopes, weathering, and human activities. Effective landslide prevention measures should be tailored to the specific causes and conditions in each region.
![You are appointed as an officer heading the section in Environment Pollution Control Board to ensure compliance and its follow-up. In that region, there were large number of small and medium industries which had been granted clearance. You learnt that these industries provide employment to many migrant worker. Most of the industrial units have got environmental clearance certificate in their possession. The environmental clearance seeks to curb industries and projects that supposedly hamper environment and living species in the region, But in practice. most of these units remain to be polluting units in several ways like air, water and soil pollution. As such, local people encountered persistent health problems. It was confirmed that majority of the industries were violating environmental compliance. You issued notice to all the industrial units to apply for fresh environmental clearance certificate from the competent authority. However, your action met with hostile response from a section of the industrial units, other vested interest persons and a section of the local politicians. The workers also became hostile to you as they felt that your action would lead to the closure of these industrial units, and the resultant unemployment will lead to insecurity uncertainty in their livelihood. Many owners of the industries approached you with the plea that you should not initiate harsh action as it would compel them their units, and cause huge financial loss, shortage of their products in the market. These would obviously add to the sufferings of the labourers and the consumers alike. The labour union also sent you representation requesting against the closure of the units. You simultaneously started receiving threats from unknown corners. You however received supports from some of your colleagues, who advised you to act freely to ensure environmental compliance. Local NGOs also came to your support and they demanded the closure of the polluting units immediately. [2022]](https://www.iasexpress.net/wp-content/uploads/content-views/cvp_default_image-600x300.png)
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