Endanger Habitations of Pithoragarh district in Uttarakhand in India

In the catchments of Ramganga, Goriganga, Dhauliganga and Kali rivers between 19 and 29 July, 2020 induced landslides and debris flows around many villages of Tejam, Munsiyari, Bangapani and Dharchula tehsils of Pithoragarh district in Uttarakhand, India. As many as 28 human lives were lost in the whole Pithoragarh district during the monsoon 2020. The worst affected villages were Tanga and Malla Pattharkot wherein killing respectively 11 and 3 persons. Serious slope stability-related problems are mainly attributed to active and diverse tectonic settings, high rates of weathering and excessive rainfall. The problem is observed to be aggravated by human interference in the form of various infrastructure development initiatives that adversely affect the stability of the hill slopes. The objective of the present study to identify causes of slope instabilities and to suggest mitigation measures for providing stability to the slopes. As also suggestive measures for relocation of villages at alternate safer areas for ensuring the safety of villagers.