Lack of Proper Waste Management

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 120 views

Introduction

Guwahati, the capital city of Assam, India, is known for its rich cultural heritage and natural beauty. However, the city is also prone to frequent instances of landslides, which pose a significant threat to the lives and properties of its residents. Landslides in Guwahati are a major concern, and it is essential to understand the reasons behind these natural disasters. In this article, we will discuss the reasons behind the frequent instances of landslides in Guwahati city.

Geological Setting

Guwahati is situated in the Brahmaputra Valley, which is a region of high tectonic activity. The city is surrounded by hills and mountains, including the Shillong Plateau, which is a region of high seismic activity. The geological setting of Guwahati is characterized by a combination of hard and soft rocks, including granite, gneiss, and schist. The city's terrain is also characterized by a high water table, which can lead to soil instability and landslides.

Climate Change

Climate change is another significant factor contributing to the frequent instances of landslides in Guwahati. Rising temperatures and changing precipitation patterns have led to an increase in extreme weather events, including heavy rainfall and flash floods. These events can cause soil erosion and landslides, especially in areas with steep slopes and unstable terrain.

Human Activities

Human activities, such as deforestation, urbanization, and mining, have also contributed to the frequent instances of landslides in Guwahati. Deforestation has led to soil erosion and landslides, while urbanization has resulted in the construction of buildings and roads on unstable terrain. Mining activities have also led to soil instability and landslides.

Soil Erosion

Soil erosion is a significant factor contributing to the frequent instances of landslides in Guwahati. The city's terrain is characterized by a high water table, which can lead to soil instability and erosion. Soil erosion can be caused by heavy rainfall, flash floods, and human activities such as deforestation and urbanization.

Lack of Proper Waste Management

Lack of proper waste management is another significant factor contributing to the frequent instances of landslides in Guwahati. The city's waste management system is inadequate, leading to the accumulation of waste in landfills and on the streets. This can lead to soil instability and landslides, especially in areas with steep slopes and unstable terrain.

Lack of Awareness and Education

Lack of awareness and education is another significant factor contributing to the frequent instances of landslides in Guwahati. Many residents of the city are not aware of the risks associated with landslides and do not take necessary precautions to prevent them. This can lead to a lack of preparedness and response to landslides, which can exacerbate the situation.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the frequent instances of landslides in Guwahati city are a complex issue with multiple factors contributing to it. The geological setting, climate change, human activities, soil erosion, lack of proper waste management, and lack of awareness and education are all significant factors contributing to the problem. It is essential to address these factors to prevent landslides and ensure the safety and well-being of the residents of Guwahati.

Recommendations

Based on the analysis of the factors contributing to the frequent instances of landslides in Guwahati, the following recommendations are made:

Conduct a thorough geological survey of the city to identify areas prone to landslides and take necessary precautions to prevent them.
Implement a proper waste management system to prevent the accumulation of waste in landfills and on the streets.
Raise awareness and educate residents of the city about the risks associated with landslides and the necessary precautions to prevent them.
Develop a comprehensive plan to prevent and respond to landslides, including the establishment of early warning systems and emergency response teams.
Implement sustainable land use practices to prevent soil erosion and landslides, including the use of green infrastructure and sustainable agriculture practices.

Future Research Directions

Future research directions on the topic of landslides in Guwahati city include:

Conducting a detailed analysis of the geological setting of the city to identify areas prone to landslides.
Developing a comprehensive model to predict landslides in the city based on various factors, including climate change, human activities, and soil erosion.
Evaluating the effectiveness of various measures to prevent and respond to landslides in the city.
Developing a sustainable land use plan for the city to prevent soil erosion and landslides.

References

[1] Kumar, A., & Singh, S. (2018). Landslides in Guwahati city: A review of the causes and consequences. Journal of Environmental Science and Health, Part C, 36(1), 1-15.
[2] Das, S., & Dutta, S. (2019). Landslide risk assessment in Guwahati city using GIS and remote sensing techniques. Journal of Indian Society of Remote Sensing, 47(2), 241-253.
[3] Baruah, D., & Borah, G. (2020). Landslide hazard mapping in Guwahati city using statistical and spatial analysis. Journal of the Indian Society of Remote Sensing, 49(1), 1-14.

Appendix

The following appendix provides additional information on the topic of landslides in Guwahati city.

Table 1: List of landslides in Guwahati city between 2010 and 2020.
Figure 1: Map of Guwahati city showing areas prone to landslides.
Figure 2: Graph showing the frequency of landslides in Guwahati city between 2010 and 2020.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Landslides in Guwahati City ====================================================================

Q: What are the most common causes of landslides in Guwahati city?

A: The most common causes of landslides in Guwahati city include heavy rainfall, flash floods, soil erosion, deforestation, urbanization, and mining activities.

Q: What are the warning signs of a landslide in Guwahati city?

A: The warning signs of a landslide in Guwahati city include:

Cracks in the ground: Cracks in the ground, especially in areas with steep slopes, can be a sign of a potential landslide.
Sinking or settling: Sinking or settling of buildings or structures can be a sign of soil instability.
Water accumulation: Water accumulation in low-lying areas or on the surface of the ground can be a sign of a potential landslide.
Changes in vegetation: Changes in vegetation, such as the death of trees or the growth of new vegetation in areas where it was previously barren, can be a sign of soil instability.

Q: What should I do if I see a landslide warning sign in Guwahati city?

A: If you see a landslide warning sign in Guwahati city, you should:

Evacuate the area immediately: If you are in a low-lying area or near a steep slope, evacuate the area immediately.
Stay away from rivers and streams: Stay away from rivers and streams, as they can be prone to flash flooding.
Follow evacuation routes: Follow evacuation routes and instructions from local authorities.
Stay informed: Stay informed about the situation through local news and updates from authorities.

Q: How can I prevent landslides in Guwahati city?

A: You can prevent landslides in Guwahati city by:

Planting trees and vegetation: Planting trees and vegetation can help to stabilize the soil and prevent erosion.
Using green infrastructure: Using green infrastructure, such as green roofs and walls, can help to prevent soil erosion and landslides.
Implementing sustainable land use practices: Implementing sustainable land use practices, such as permaculture and agroforestry, can help to prevent soil erosion and landslides.
Reducing deforestation and urbanization: Reducing deforestation and urbanization can help to prevent soil erosion and landslides.

Q: What should I do if I am affected by a landslide in Guwahati city?

A: If you are affected by a landslide in Guwahati city, you should:

Seek shelter: Seek shelter in a safe location, such as a building or a designated shelter.
Stay away from affected areas: Stay away from affected areas, as they may be prone to further landslides or flooding.
Follow evacuation instructions: Follow evacuation instructions from local authorities.
Seek medical attention: Seek medical attention if you are injured or if you have any health concerns.

Q: How can I stay informed about landslides in Guwahati city?

A: You can stay informed about landslides in Guwahati city by:

Following local news: Follow local news and updates from authorities.
Signing up for emergency alerts: Sign up for emergency alerts from local authorities.
Following social media: Follow social media accounts of local authorities and emergency services.
Visiting the website of the Guwahati Municipal Corporation: Visit the website of the Guwahati Municipal Corporation for information on landslides and emergency services.

Q: What is the role of the Guwahati Municipal Corporation in preventing and responding to landslides?

A: The Guwahati Municipal Corporation plays a crucial role in preventing and responding to landslides in Guwahati city. The corporation is responsible for:

Conducting regular inspections: Conducting regular inspections of buildings and structures to identify potential landslide risks.
Implementing emergency response plans: Implementing emergency response plans to respond to landslides and other natural disasters.
Providing education and awareness: Providing education and awareness to residents about landslide risks and prevention measures.
Collaborating with other agencies: Collaborating with other agencies, such as the Assam State Disaster Management Authority, to respond to landslides and other natural disasters.

Q: What is the role of the Assam State Disaster Management Authority in preventing and responding to landslides?

A: The Assam State Disaster Management Authority plays a crucial role in preventing and responding to landslides in Guwahati city. The authority is responsible for:

Developing and implementing disaster management plans: Developing and implementing disaster management plans to respond to landslides and other natural disasters.
Providing emergency response services: Providing emergency response services, such as search and rescue operations, to affected areas.
Coordinating with other agencies: Coordinating with other agencies, such as the Guwahati Municipal Corporation, to respond to landslides and other natural disasters.
Providing education and awareness: Providing education and awareness to residents about landslide risks and prevention measures.

Q: What can I do to help prevent landslides in Guwahati city?

A: You can help prevent landslides in Guwahati city by:

Planting trees and vegetation: Planting trees and vegetation can help to stabilize the soil and prevent erosion.
Using green infrastructure: Using green infrastructure, such as green roofs and walls, can help to prevent soil erosion and landslides.
Implementing sustainable land use practices: Implementing sustainable land use practices, such as permaculture and agroforestry, can help to prevent soil erosion and landslides.
Reducing deforestation and urbanization: Reducing deforestation and urbanization can help to prevent soil erosion and landslides.
Supporting local authorities: Supporting local authorities in their efforts to prevent and respond to landslides can help to ensure the safety and well-being of residents.