Natural Hazards & their Mitigations- 3 | People, Development and Environment for UGC NET PDF Download

Landslides

Landslides are significant hazards in mountainous regions, characterized by the rapid downslope movement of rocks, soil, and vegetation.

LandslideThey are particularly common during the rainy season when the soil and rocks become saturated with water, increasing their weight and making them more likely to slide. Earthquakes can also trigger landslides. These events can devastate forests and settlements and cover large areas of cultivated land with debris.

Mitigation of Landslides

• Slope Stabilization: Implementing techniques to stabilize slopes can significantly reduce landslide occurrences. Methods include terracing, anchoring, and using geotextiles.
• Retaining Walls: Constructing retaining walls along highways and other vulnerable areas can prevent rock movement.
• Vegetation Cover: Maintaining a good tree cover on mountain slopes helps stabilize the soil and reduce the frequency of landslides.
• Drainage Control: Proper drainage systems can prevent water accumulation and soil saturation, reducing landslide risks.

Avalanches

Avalanches are the rapid downslope movements of snow and rocks, similar to landslides but confined to high-altitude areas with significant snow accumulation. 

AvalancheAvalanches can be triggered by natural factors such as earthquakes and the gravitational pull on snow-laden slopes. They move at high velocities, burying everything in their path, including settlements and vegetation.

Mitigation of Avalanches

• Snow Monitoring: Regular monitoring of snow accumulation and the development of cracks on steep slopes can help predict potential avalanches.
• Infrastructure Planning: Ensuring that any infrastructure or settlements in avalanche-prone areas consider the risk and are built with safety measures in place.
• Avalanche Control Measures: Using barriers, nets, and fences to trap and control avalanches.
• Artificial Triggers: Disposing of potential avalanche snowpacks by controlled detonations to prevent larger natural avalanches.
• Stability Analysis: Conducting thorough stability analyses to predict avalanches and issue warnings, guiding residents to emergency evacuation shelters.

Forest Fires

Forest Fires are common hazards in forested areas, especially during the summer season when large amounts of combustible material can lead to rapid fire spread. 

Forest FiresWhile some forest fires are caused by natural factors like lightning or friction between trees, many are due to human activities. Controlling forest fires can be challenging due to the vast areas they can cover.

Mitigation of Forest Fires

• Vigilance: Keeping a constant watch in forest areas to detect fires early.
• Fire Lines: Maintaining fire lines, which are cleared strips of land that can help contain fires and prevent them from spreading.
• Scientific Control Methods: Using advanced techniques and equipment to manage and control forest fires effectively to minimize damage.
• Public Awareness: Educating the public about the causes and prevention of forest fires can help reduce human-caused incidents.
• Controlled Burns: Conducting controlled or prescribed burns to reduce the amount of combustible material in forests.

National Green Tribunal (NGT)

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) was established on October 18, 2010, under the National Green Tribunal Act, 2010, to ensure the effective and expeditious disposal of cases related to environmental protection and the conservation of forests and other natural resources. 

The NGT is a specialized body equipped with the necessary expertise to handle environmental disputes involving multi-disciplinary issues.

Key Features of NGT

• Guided by Natural Justice: The Tribunal is not bound by the procedures laid down under the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908, but follows the principles of natural justice.
• Principal Bench: The principal bench of the NGT is located in New Delhi.
• Regional Benches: Regional benches are set up in Pune (West Zone), Chennai (South Zone), Kolkata (East Zone), and Bhopal (Central Zone).
• Environmental Disputes: The NGT handles a wide range of environmental disputes, providing a forum for the effective resolution of cases involving environmental degradation and conservation efforts.

By understanding these natural hazards and implementing effective mitigation strategies, communities can better protect themselves and reduce the impact of these disasters on lives and property.