GSI Develops Digitised Database of Landslides

Many landslides and land subsidence have been recorded. Dozens of landslides have been fatal, and there were cases where entire villages were covered by huge volumes of soil and rock, while people had to move on solid ground.

Many landslides and land subsidence have been recorded. Dozens of landslides have been fatal, and there were cases where entire villages were covered by huge volumes of soil and rock, while people had to move on solid ground. Landslides, subsidence and creep existed in the past and there will exist in the future. That's why, GSI of India develops digitised database of landslides for West Bengal's Darjeeling hills.

"Four officials divided into two teams have started survey work on Thursday. Initially, they have begun work in and around Mirikh and Kalimpong. The GIS-enabled map will be ready by next year," Saibal Ghosh, superintending geologist and officer-in-charge Geohazards Research and Management Cell, GSI, told IANS.
Saibal Ghosh said the causes of these landslides are mainly natural "because Darjeeling-Sikkim Hills are perennially landslide-prone, but effect of anthropogenic (man-made) interference sometimes aggravates the situation locally at some places". He also added "The susceptibility database will aid in disaster preparedness and disaster risk reduction with the target to minimise impact on human settlements."