Northeastern Region Faces Surge in Landslides, Latest Data Shows

The northeastern region of India reported 196 landslides from April to July this year, making up a third of the 592 landslides recorded since 2017. The trends show periodic fluctuations in occurrences, as per data shared in Parliament. Detailed long-term data is required for conclusive analysis.

The northeastern region of India experienced a significant surge in landslides, with 196 incidents reported from April to July this year. This accounts for one-third of the total 592 landslides recorded since 2017, according to data shared in Parliament on Wednesday.

Responding to BJP MP Kamakhya Prasad Tasa, Union Earth Sciences Minister Jitendra Singh informed the Lok Sabha that the Geological Survey of India (GSI) has been tracking the landslide occurrences in the northeastern states, affecting lives and infrastructure. Analyzing the data shows a 'mixed trend with periodic ups and downs' in the frequency of these disasters.

Minister Singh emphasized the necessity of long-range data, spanning at least 20 years, to conclusively determine the trend in landslide incidents. Data presented highlighted that landslides in the region have fluctuated over the years, with a notable increase in recent periods. The landslide atlas from ISRO's National Remote Sensing Centre indicates that 66.5 percent of India's landslides occur in the Northwest Himalayas, followed by 18.8 percent in the Northeast Himalayas, and 14.7 percent in the Western Ghats.