Photo Courtesy: nenow
Guwahati: Human activities are responsible for 95 percent of landslide risks in Guwahati, according to a recent assessment of 366 high-risk locations across the city. The survey identifies hill cutting, unregulated construction, poor drainage, and unchecked urban growth as the primary drivers of these environmental threats.
The study spanned 20 localities, with Kharguli emerging as the most vulnerable area with 77 sites. Other locations including Noonmati, Narengi, Khanapara, Maligaon, and Jalukbari-Lankeswar also reported high concentrations of risk. Researchers found that only 5 percent of these hazards are attributed to natural causes.
The investigation highlights a lack of protective measures on these slopes. Approximately 45 percent of the sites surveyed have no vegetation cover at all, and 62 percent consist of a mix of soil and rock. Most of these slopes feature an inclination of up to 60 degrees, making them particularly unstable.
Authorities have plotted all identified locations on Google Earth to assist with disaster preparedness and future urban planning. The report stresses that addressing the crisis requires stricter oversight of hillside excavations and better land management. Regarding the urgency of the situation, the report stated, "A key concern raised in the report is that 74 per cent of the surveyed locations need urgent attention to reduce the risk to people and property."
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