Various Aspects of Rockfall Hazards along the Mountain Roads in India: a Systematic Review

The mountainous regions of India are highly susceptible to rockfall due to several factors, including intense rainfall, seismic activity, and often due to extensive road cutting leading to significant terrain alteration. Such occurrences pose substantial risks to human life, property, and economic stability, underscoring the importance of strategic land-use planning to mitigate rockfall hazards. The Himalayan mountain roads are the most vulnerable ones to rockfall events in India; however, hilly roads in the Western Ghats and the Eastern Ghats are also prone to rockfall. In recent years, the frequency of these disasters in India has escalated, likely influenced by climate change and anthropogenic interventions. The roadways often pass through rock masses characterized by extremely jointed and steep rock slopes, particularly vulnerable to rockfall incidents. Unfortunately, engineers have often overlooked the significance of geological and geotechnical investigations before developing in hilly areas. To mitigate the risks associated with rockfall, a rockfall hazard study is an essential solution for stakeholders. Numerous researchers have developed different methodologies to assess rockfall hazards in India. Limited studies exist on specific rockfall hazard assessments in India due to the lack of past rockfall occurrence data. Hence, it becomes imperative to critically review the ongoing studies addressing rockfall hazards in various regions of India. The paper discusses major rockfall events and existing rockfall hazard assessment methodology in India and reviews research articles on rockfall hazards published up to 2023. It aims to gain insights into the techniques and methods researchers often utilize. This review highlights crucial points from different researchers, comprehensively analysing rockfall risks applicable to practitioners worldwide. This review is a valuable compendium of insights and methodologies for scholars investigating rockfall hazards, particularly in India’s mountainous regions.