Shimla: More than 45 percent of Himachal Pradesh is prone to natural disasters like landslides, avalanches, and floods, as per the study by the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Ropar. The study was part of broad research by multiple institutes on hazard vulnerability in the Himalayas. The aim of the study is to find regions that are at a major risk of natural disasters.
The findings were presented by IIT Ropar at the second Indian Cryosphere Meet (ICM), which was held in Mumbai on February 14-15. Several experts from around the world participated in the two-day event, ‘The Times of India’ reported.
Researchers took the help of geospatial data
As part of the study, researchers took the help of geospatial data to assess the state’s vulnerability. Speaking to the paper, one of the members of the research team noted that areas with mean slopes between 5.9 degrees and 16.4 degrees were found in the study. He added elevations of nearly 1,600 metres are prone to floods and landslides.
Elaborating further, he added that the study was conducted with the help of GIS-based mapping. It suggested areas at the risk of landslides are at lower-elevation river valleys. Similarly, the high-altitude mountains face the threat of avalanches, he further told ‘The Times of India’.
Other highlights of the study
Among the other highlights of the study included how one hazard may lead to another because of the shared underlying causes. He noted that this knowledge was important for improving disaster planning and risk management. The study on hazard vulnerability is being currently conducted in Jammu and Kashmir, Uttarakhand, and North East part of the country.
Notably, last month the Himachal Pradesh Government signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with a France-based agency to implement the Himachal Pradesh Disaster Risk Reduction and Preparedness Project (HP-DRRRP).
