Guwahati, 15 June (HS): A detailed survey of landslide-prone locations across Guwahati has identified 366 vulnerable sites, with experts attributing the vast majority of slope failures to human-induced activities rather than natural factors, raising concerns over the impact of rapid and unplanned urbanisation on the city's hills.

The assessment covered 20 localities, including Fatasil, Garbhanga, Gotanagar, Hengerabari, Jalukbari-Lankeswar, Kahilipara, Kalapahar, Kamakhya-Nilachal, Khanapara, Kharguli, Koinadhora, Maligaon, Nabagraha, Narakasur, Narengi, Noonmati, Santipur, Sarania, Sukreswar and Sunsali. Kharguli emerged as the most vulnerable area with 77 identified sites, followed by Noonmati with 40, Narengi with 37, Khanapara with 33, Maligaon with 31 and Jalukbari-Lankeswar with 30.

According to the findings, nearly 95% of the vulnerable locations are linked to human activities such as hill cutting, construction on steep slopes, poor drainage management and unchecked urban expansion. Only 5% of the sites were found to be vulnerable due to natural causes.

The study further revealed that 88% of the affected slopes have inclinations of up to 60 degrees, while 7% exceed 60 degrees. In terms of slope height, more than half of the identified sites measure less than five metres, indicating that even relatively small slopes can pose significant risks when improperly managed.

Vegetation analysis showed that 45% of the vulnerable slopes lack any plant cover, increasing the likelihood of erosion and collapse. While 36% of the sites are covered by grass and shrubs, only 19% have tree cover, which plays a crucial role in stabilising slopes.

Geological examination found that 62% of the landslide-prone areas consist of a mixture of rock and soil, 34% are made up solely of soil and just 4% are entirely rocky in composition.

The report highlighted that 74% of the identified locations require immediate mitigation measures to safeguard lives and property. To support future monitoring and disaster management efforts, all surveyed sites have been mapped on Google Earth, enabling authorities to better visualise hazard zones and plan preventive interventions.

The findings underscore the need for stricter regulation of hill-cutting activities, improved drainage infrastructure, afforestation initiatives and scientific land-use planning to minimise landslide risks and protect Guwahati's fragile hill environment.------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash