Guwahati's Landslide Crisis: Urgent Action Needed to Prevent Disaster

Guwahati Faces Increasing Landslide Threats

Guwahati, July 23: The combination of human activities and severe weather patterns is rendering the hill slopes in Guwahati increasingly susceptible to landslides. Without prompt intervention, this issue could escalate into a significant crisis in the near future.

This year, the city has experienced multiple significant landslides, leading to property damage and tragic loss of life.

In a discussion regarding this pressing issue, Dr. Parag Phukan, a Geology Professor at Gauhati University, noted that human encroachment has severely compromised the natural slopes of the hills over time. With urban development encroaching on these areas, the natural integrity of the slopes has been lost, making them prone to landslides.

Another contributing factor to the increased vulnerability of these hills is the occurrence of extreme weather events. Dr. Phukan highlighted that Assam's rainfall patterns have shifted dramatically due to climate change, moving from light monsoon drizzles to prolonged dry spells followed by intense downpours. Such heavy rainfall exacerbates the risk of landslides, particularly when the natural slopes have been disrupted.

Moreover, the rampant deforestation by hill residents, many of whom are encroachers, has further destabilized the area. The removal of trees allows rain to strike the ground directly, weakening the soil and increasing the likelihood of landslides. Vegetation plays a crucial role in stabilizing the hills, as the tree canopy protects the soil and the roots help maintain structural integrity.

If immediate measures are not implemented, the situation could deteriorate further. Dr. Phukan emphasized that if the hills are left undisturbed, landslides can be avoided. However, any human interference leads to potential disasters.

He also referenced a similar situation in the Dima Hasao district, where the construction of the new BG Railway line and the East-West Corridor neglected to maintain the hill slopes, resulting in frequent landslides that have isolated the Barak valley from the rest of the state for extended periods.