UPSC Mains Answer: Bring out the causes for more frequent landslides in the Himalayas than in Western Ghats.

Difficulty Level: Medium

Sub-category: Geography (Physical Geography - Landforms and Natural Hazards)

Introduction

Landslides, a common geological hazard, occur more frequently in the Himalayas than in the Western Ghats due to a combination of geological, climatic, and anthropogenic factors. While both regions are prone to landslides, the Himalayas exhibit a higher susceptibility owing to their unique characteristics.

Body

Geological Factors

The Himalayas are young fold mountains with fragile geological formations, characterized by steep slopes, loose sedimentary rocks, and frequent tectonic activity. The collision of the Indian and Eurasian plates makes the region seismically active, triggering landslides. In contrast, the Western Ghats are older, more stable block mountains with harder rock formations, reducing their vulnerability.

Climatic Factors

The Himalayas receive heavy rainfall, especially during the monsoon, and experience rapid snowmelt, which saturates the soil and increases pore pressure, leading to slope instability. The Western Ghats, though also receiving heavy rainfall, have better vegetation cover and less steep gradients, mitigating landslide risks.

Anthropogenic Factors

Deforestation, unplanned construction, and infrastructure development in the Himalayas exacerbate landslide frequency. The Western Ghats, though affected by human activities, have relatively lesser developmental pressures in landslide-prone zones.

Topographical Factors

The Himalayas have steeper slopes and higher altitudes, which amplify gravitational forces and erosion. The Western Ghats, with gentler slopes and lower elevations, are less prone to such extreme events.

Conclusion

The Himalayas youthful geology, seismic activity, intense rainfall, and human interventions collectively contribute to their higher landslide frequency compared to the Western Ghats. Sustainable land-use planning and afforestation are critical to mitigating these risks in the Himalayan region.