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IIT Delhi team makes first hi-res landslide risk map for India
Context
The map data is available for free; the researchers have also created an online portal for people to explore the map.
Background
- In late 2023, devastating floods and landslides wreaked havoc in multiple states in North India, claiming hundreds of lives.
- The absence of a national landslide susceptibility map prompted Manabendra Saharia, an assistant professor at IIT Delhi, to lead an initiative to develop one using the latest techniques.
Uniqueness of Landslide Challenges in India
- Data Challenges: Unlike floods, landslides in India are more localized and affect only about 1-2% of the country. Tracking and studying them is difficult due to the scarcity of high-quality data.
The Research Approach
- Data Collection: Graduate students collected data on nearly 1.5 lakh landslide events from sources including the Geological Survey of India (GSI) and other global databases.
- Factors Considered: Sixteen landslide conditioning factors were identified, including soil cover, tree density, and proximity to roads or mountains.
Technology and Machine Learning
- Utilizing Latest Techniques: The research aimed to not only use available data but also incorporate state-of-the-art techniques.
- Ensemble Machine Learning: Using ensemble machine learning methods, the researchers analyzed 150,000 data points for known landslide events and the 16 identified factors.
Developing the National Landslide Susceptibility Map
- Resolution and Coverage: The resulting high-resolution map, named the 'Indian Landslide Susceptibility Map,' covered the entire country with a resolution of 100 m, estimating susceptibility for each 100 sq. m parcel.
Identifying High-Risk Areas
- Known and Unknown Susceptibility: The map confirmed known high-risk regions like the Himalayan foothills but also revealed previously unknown vulnerable areas, such as parts of the Eastern Ghats.
- Policy Implications: The map is expected to assist policymakers in assessing vulnerability and formulating effective mitigation measures.
Future Initiatives
- Early Warning System: Building on the map, the researchers aim to develop a 'Landslide Early Warning System' for India.
- Infrastructure Vulnerability Map: In addition to the landslide map, efforts are underway to create an infrastructure vulnerability map depicting areas susceptible to landslides.
Public Accessibility
- Online Availability: The map is available online for public access, providing a user-friendly interface for exploring regions of interest.
- Community Engagement: Encouraging people to utilize the data, the researchers emphasize the map's accessibility without requiring technical knowledge.
Way Forward:
- The creation of India's first national landslide susceptibility map represents a significant leap in understanding and addressing the unique challenges posed by landslides.
- With applications ranging from early warning systems to infrastructure planning, the map is poised to play a crucial role in mitigating the impact of landslides across the country.
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