Landslide hazard assessment in the upper Alaknanda valley of Indian Himalayas

Abstract

Landslides are one of the major natural disasters that are frequently occurring in the Indian Himalayas causing considerable loss of lives and property every year. A proper landslide hazard assessment is imperative to minimize such losses. In the upper reaches of Alaknanda valley of Garhwal Himalaya, there are several landslide potential zones along the Pipalkoti–Badrinath National Highway (NH-58). In the present study, landslide hazard assessment has been carried out in the above said area by delineating a few landslide potential zones. An attempt has been made to define landslide intensity to assess the degree of hazard in these potential zones of landslide. A landslide intensity scale was defined for this part of Garhwal Himalaya. So far the criterion for landslide intensity has not been defined in the Indian context. The approach used can be used in other potential landslide areas of the Himalayas.