UPSC Mapping

Prelims	Landslides, Western Ghats, Disaster Management
Mains	GS Paper III – Disaster Management & Environment
Region	Western Ghats
Hazard	Rainfall-induced landslides
UPSC Theme	Disaster Risk Reduction

What is Kerala Landslides?

A landslide is the downward movement of rock, soil or debris under the influence of gravity. Unlike earthquakes, landslides generally require a triggering factor such as prolonged rainfall.

Kerala landslides occur mainly in the steep slopes of the Western Ghats, where fragile terrain, intense monsoon rainfall and human activities interact to increase instability.

Why is Kerala Landslides in News?

Kerala witnessed another spell of exceptionally heavy rainfall, resulting in multiple landslides and renewed concern over slope stability. Continuous rainfall over several days is often more dangerous than a single cloudburst because water gradually saturates the soil.

Both natural and human-induced factors increase vulnerability. For official disaster information, refer to NDMA.

Key Features

• Prolonged rainfall: Continuous rainfall increases pore-water pressure and weakens slope strength.
• Western Ghats terrain: Steep slopes and weathered rocks naturally favour landslides.
• Human intervention: Quarrying, mining, road construction and unplanned development destabilise slopes.
• Land-use change: Deforestation and plantation expansion reduce slope stability.
• Climate influence: More intense rainfall events may increase future landslide risk.

Challenges

Managing landslide risk requires coordinated scientific planning.

• Dense settlements: Many vulnerable villages lie close to unstable slopes.
• Infrastructure exposure: Roads, schools and public facilities face repeated damage.
• Balancing development: Infrastructure projects must consider geological sensitivity.
• Monitoring gaps: Continuous rainfall monitoring and early warning remain essential.
• Land-use regulation: Stronger implementation is necessary.

Way Forward

Risk reduction requires scientific land-use planning, afforestation, improved drainage, hazard mapping and strict regulation of high-risk activities. Community awareness and resilient infrastructure should complement these measures.

Strengthening early warning systems and integrating geological assessments into development planning can reduce future losses. See the Geological Survey of India for hazard-related resources.

Prelims Practice Corner

1. Q1. Landslides primarily involve:

   • (a) Wind erosion
   • (b) Downward movement of rock and soil
   • (c) Volcanic eruption
   • (d) River deposition

   Answer: (b) Gravity-driven movement of slope material.

2. Q2. Kerala is highly vulnerable mainly because of:

   • (a) Desert climate
   • (b) Western Ghats terrain and heavy rainfall
   • (c) Glacier melt
   • (d) Tides

   Answer: (b).

3. Q3. Which activity increases landslide risk?

   • (a) Afforestation
   • (b) Quarrying
   • (c) Contour farming
   • (d) Mulching

   Answer: (b).

4. Q4. Continuous rainfall increases:

   • (a) Rock hardness
   • (b) Soil pore-water pressure
   • (c) Wind velocity
   • (d) Solar radiation

   Answer: (b).

5. Q5. Disaster management is covered mainly under:

   • (a) GS I
   • (b) GS II
   • (c) GS III
   • (d) GS IV

   Answer: (c).

Mains Practice Questions

FAQs on Kerala Landslides