Topic: Disaster and disaster management.
5. Landslides are unparalleled catastrophes. Landslides are among the major hydro-geological hazards that affect large parts of India besides the Himalayas. The dangers of not taking ecological challenges related to deforestation seriously is making landslides more catastrophic. Analyse. (250 words)
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: Insights on India
Why the question:
The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 3 and mentioned as part of Mission-2023 Secure timetable.
Key Demand of the question:
To analyse the natural anthropogenic causes of landslides and to account for their increased risk.
Directive word:
Analyse – When asked to analyse, you must examine methodically the structure or nature of the topic by separating it into component parts and present them in a summary.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Briefly introduce landslide by defining them. Give examples of some major landslides in the recent past.
Body:
Mention the natural factors behind the causes of landslides in India with a few examples. Mention the areas which are most prone to landslides. Draw a small illustrative map showing the same.
Next bring in the instances of human activity induced landslides. Bring forth the anthropogenic factors responsible for causing Landslides. Substantiate with facts and figures regarding the incidence of landslides. For eg: a 2018 report from Copernicus Publications, which states that 18% of global human-induced landslide casualties occur in India. Mention the stats from recent NCRB report on casualties from Landslides.
Reason as to why the increase in anthropogenic induced landslides is alarming and cause of concern. Give solutions to overcome the same.
Conclusion:
Conclude with a way forward.
