Introduction
The Indian Institute of Technology Delhi has achieved a significant milestone by developing the first National Landslide Susceptibility Map of India. This breakthrough comes in the wake of severe monsoon-triggered landslides that have historically plagued the country.
About the National Landslide Susceptibility Map
High-Resolution Mapping: The map provides a detailed overview of landslide susceptibility across India at a 100 square meter resolution. This level of detail is unprecedented and includes areas that were previously unrecognized.
Innovative Analysis Method: The map’s creation utilized an ensemble machine learning approach, a method that combines multiple models to improve prediction accuracy. This technique was particularly useful in addressing data gaps in uncharted regions.
Data Gathering Process: The IIT Delhi team, led by Dr. Manabendra Saharia, compiled data on approximately 150,000 landslide incidents from various sources, including the Geological Survey of India. They identified 16 critical factors influencing landslide susceptibility and gathered data on these from across the country, using tools like GeoSadak for remote data collection.
Revealing New Risk Zones: In addition to highlighting traditional high-risk areas, the map uncovers new regions of concern, thereby broadening the scope of landslide monitoring.
Implications for Disaster Management
This map serves as a critical resource for government bodies, disaster management authorities, and organizations focusing on landslide mitigation. It will aid in vulnerability assessment, infrastructure planning, and the implementation of mitigation measures.
Future Directions and Public Accessibility
Efforts are underway to develop a comprehensive Landslide Early Warning System based on this map. An infrastructure vulnerability cartogram is also in progress. The map and its data are accessible through a web interface, promoting public interaction and awareness.
Conclusion
The development of the Indian Landslide Susceptibility Map marks a significant advancement in disaster management and preparedness in India. It represents a critical step in understanding and mitigating the risks posed by landslides, especially in a country where such natural disasters have been a recurrent threat.