Study in Earth System Science links Mussoorie's landslide threat to road cutting, unplanned construction and rock fractures

Around 15 percent of the area in and around Mussoorie, the "Queen of Hills," is highly susceptible to landslides. This fact has emerged from a detailed geological study conducted by scientists from the Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology.

In this study, conducted over an area of 84 square kilometres, scientists found that several major tourist and populated areas of Mussoorie fall within extremely high and very high landslide susceptibility zones. The research has been published in the international journal Earth System Science. 84 sq km area was analysed using high-resolution satellite imagery and Geographic Information System (GIS) technology. It revealed that around 15 percent of the area falls under extremely high and high landslide susceptibility, 29 percent falls under moderate risk, and 56 percent falls under low to very low risk.

This means nearly 44 percent of the study area is at some level of landslide risk. The locations identified by scientists as most vulnerable include Bhattaghat, George Everest, Kempty Falls, Khattapani, Library Road, Galogi Dhar, and Hathipaon

Researchers also identified several geological and human factors behind landslides. These include rock composition, changes in land use, steep slopes, slope direction, elevation, road cutting, drainage, and geological fractures. Scientists combined analysis of all these factors to prepare a Landslide Susceptibility Index (LSI), dividing the entire area into five risk categories.

According to scientists, landslides are a natural process in Himalayan regions, but rapid construction activity, road widening, and unplanned development have multiplied the risk manifold. Scientists believe this study could serve as a foundation for assessing landslide risk, hazard, and vulnerability not just for Mussoorie, but for other hill towns across the state and country as well.