Dr Shantanu Sarkar
Director, ULMMC
Slope instability problems in hilly regions are one of the most common problems which are responsible for loss of
life and property every year. Like all the natural hazards, landslides and mass wasting are also of major concern
to mankind. These can be considered as one of the most destructive geological processes causing not only the
enormous damage to roads, bridges, houses but sometimes even loss of life. Although an individual slope failure
is, in general, not so spectacular or devastating as an earthquake, a volcanic eruption or a flood, yet, being much
more frequent and wide spread over the years, landslides have caused considerable loss of property and life.
Construction on hill slopes has become widespread because of increasing population, expansion of human
settlements and gradual reduction of lands in non-hilly areas. This corresponds to the increase in vulnerability to
a large extent. The lack of mitigation measures in construction projects is unacceptable in view of the increasing
disaster risk.
The Himalayan region and especially the state of Uttarakhand has a sensational record of disastrous
events occurred from the past century and took heavy toll on lives and properties. The landslide hazards, in
general cannot be completely prevented. However, its intensity and severity can be minimized by taking effective
measures and by planning for disaster preparedness. Disaster management associated with hill slope instability
should address: proper land use plans, enforcement of building codes and good construction practice, early
warning systems, construction of control measures, community preparedness and awareness building. It is an
imperative task to have technologies available at hand for stabilization of chronic and recurring landslides.
Considering the present landslide disaster scenario and in backdrop of the above, Government of
Uttarakhand has established the “Uttarakhand landslide Mitigation and Management Centre" with the objective
to identify the landslide potential areas and provide sustainable and scientific solutions to various stake holders &
resilience.