Q.Describe the various causes and the effects of landslides. Mention the important components of the National Landslide Risk Management Strategy.
How to approach: Identify every sub-question in the prompt, allocate dedicated sub-headings to each part, substantiate points with examples/data, and conclude with a forward-looking Way Forward.
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A landslide refers to the rapid downward movement of soil, rock, or debris along a slope under the direct influence of gravity. These events are highly prevalent in mountainous and hilly terrains, particularly during periods of intense monsoon rainfall, presenting a severe threat to human life, infrastructure, and ecological stability across India.
Body Analysis
Causes of Landslides
Natural Causes
- Torrential Rainfall and Cloudbursts: Intense precipitation saturates the soil, increasing pore water pressure and reducing shear strength.
- Seismic Activity: Earthquakes and tremors destabilize fragile slopes, triggering sudden mass movements.
- Cryospheric Activity: Snowmelt and glacial movements lubricate rock joints, leading to instability.
- Geological Factors: Steep slope gradients combined with weak, weathered, or fractured rock formations.
Anthropogenic (Human-Induced) Causes
- Deforestation: Removal of vegetation cover deprives slopes of the binding action of root systems.
- Unplanned Urbanization: Heavy construction and poorly designed infrastructure on fragile slopes increase load and instability.
- Mining and Quarrying: Blasting and excavation activities weaken the structural integrity of hillsides.
- Inadequate Drainage: Improper drainage systems and road-cutting activities disrupt natural water runoff, leading to slope saturation.
Effects of Landslides
- Loss of Life and Property: Destroys settlements, causing high casualties and damage to assets.
- Disruption of Infrastructure: Blocks critical transport corridors and communication networks, isolating remote areas.
- Ecological Damage: Destroys agricultural lands, forests, and natural habitats.
- River Blockages: Creates temporary landslide dams that can burst, causing catastrophic downstream flash floods.
- Socio-Economic Impact: Leads to severe economic losses and forces the displacement of vulnerable communities.
National Landslide Risk Management Strategy – Key Components
- Hazard Mapping and Zonation: Utilizing advanced geospatial tools and remote sensing to identify and classify landslide-susceptible zones.
- Monitoring and Early Warning Systems: Deploying real-time sensors, satellite monitoring, and meteorological data to issue timely alerts.
- Awareness and Capacity Building: Conducting community-level training and educational programs to enhance local preparedness.
- Regulation and Land-Use Planning: Enforcing strict building codes and restricting developmental activities in high-hazard zones.
- Disaster Preparedness and Response: Formulating emergency response plans, training specialized rescue teams, and establishing rapid relief mechanisms.
- Research and Development: Promoting scientific research to develop advanced prediction models and sustainable mitigation techniques.
Conclusion
Landslides remain a recurring hazard in India, especially across the Himalayan region and the Western Ghats. Addressing this challenge demands a holistic, multi-pronged approach as outlined in the National Strategy, integrating scientific mitigation, regulatory enforcement, and community resilience to safeguard vulnerable populations.
Question Specifications, Marking Rubric & Syllabus Mapping
| Examination & Year | UPSC Civil Services Mains Examination 2021 (Question 1) |
|---|---|
| Paper & Syllabus Topic | General Studies Paper III — Economy, Environment, S&T & Security → Disaster Management & Resilience |
| Marks, Word Limit & Ideal Time | 15 Marks • 250 Words • Ideal Writing Time: 11–12 Minutes |
| Directive Word & Core Demand | Analytical / Multi-Dimensional: Address all explicit sub-parts of the question with balanced arguments, factual illustrations, and a solution-oriented conclusion. |
| Recommended Structure Split | Intro: ~30–35 Words • Body: ~175 Words (4–5 sub-headings + diagram/data) • Way Forward: ~35–40 Words |
| AI Practice & Evaluation Tools | Upload Handwritten Answer for 3-Min Vision AI Evaluation | Generate Custom Answer & Mind Map |
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Frequently Asked Questions — UPSC Mains 2021 GS3 (Disaster Management)
How should I structure the answer for this UPSC Mains 2021 GS Paper III question on Disaster Management?
This 2021 GS Paper III question carries 15 marks with a 250-word limit and uses the "Analytical / Multi-Dimensional" directive. Identify every sub-question in the prompt, allocate dedicated sub-headings to each part, substantiate points with examples/data, and conclude with a forward-looking Way Forward. Follow the ideal word split (Intro: ~30–35 Words • Body: ~175 Words (4–5 sub-headings + diagram/data) • Way Forward: ~35–40 Words) and aim to finish within 11–12 Minutes.
Which UPSC Mains syllabus topic does this 2021 question belong to?
This question is part of General Studies Paper III — Economy, Environment, S&T & Security under the syllabus module "Disaster Management & Resilience". You can explore all repeated questions from Disaster Management in Acme AI's 3D PYQ Realm or filter all Disaster Management PYQs on the Mains PYQ Directory.
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