A story about unplanned construction, geological vulnerability, and why you should never build your house in a giant’s mouth.
Landslide
Santa’s Blessed Mohalla and the Ignored Landslide Warning
Adherence to disaster safety measures is to come by only with the acceptance that our inherent Positivity Bias makes us ignorant and vulnerable.
Landslide Safe Uttarakhand
A blueprint for a landslide safe Uttarakhand that advocates integration of governance and true inter-agency coordination, with the involvement of local communities armed with their traditional knowledge, for proactive mitigation.
Santa’s Flying Wrappers and Banta’s Choked Nullah Symphony
Symphony of choked nullahs and associated water logging and floods are the creation of our irresponsible waste management that clog the nullahs and force water to encroach our backyards.
Rishikesh: At the Crossroads of Faith and Fault Lines – A Strategy for Urban Disaster Resilience
Safe from disasters in the past makes one ignore vulnerability of Rishikesh. High footfall of pilgrims, tourists and adventure enthusiasts however enhances the risk and calls for undertaking urban resilience measures.
The Weeping Terraces of the Ghost Village
Lack of regular upkeep of the agricultural terraces in the Himalayan region enhances the risk of landslides, and this emerging issue needs to be addressed immediately.
Himalayan Habitats: Built on Landslides, Threatened by Negligence
Not landslides, but our ignorance and greed are responsible for increasing losses due to this phenomenon that facilitated growth of habitations in the Himalayan region.
The Leaky Logic and the Groaning Ground
Laking safe disposal of rain and wastewater can give rise to the problem of ground instability in the Himalayan region where most habitations are located in close proximity of old landslides.
The Roar from Upstream and Santa’s Precious Watch
If living close to river or stream be watchful of the strange sounds and roar from upstream as the same could be due to a massive flood approaching you. Move immediately to the nearby high ground as you really have little time.
The Crack in the Wall and the Landslide’s Yaaddasht
Minor crack in the wall could be a hint of ground instability and ensuing subsidence. Avoid heavy construction over agricultural land and ensure safe disposal of wastewater to keep your area safe.