Exploring the Impact of Climate Change Factors on Landslide in the Himalayan State of Mizoram

Due to Climate change rainfall patterns and the land-use has changed. The various geographical and environmental factors has led to increase in landslide frequency and intensity due to the anthropogenic factors which disturb the soil stability and hence leads to landslide. The major factors are unsustainable development in the form of road widening, slope modification and deforestation these activities make the soil lose and hence the soil slips away during heavy rainfall. Over time this has also increased the vulnerability of the population. The most susceptible areas to climate change are the mountainous regions i.e., the regions lying in the Himalayan range and hence these regions have resulted in major landslides. Landslides in the Himalayas are among the most dangerous hazards it threatens life and livelihood. Major landslides occur in the Monsoon season (June-August). However, due to the change in the rainfall pattern, we are experiencing landslides frequently. These frequent landslides are triggered by degraded natural vegetation and prolonged hours of rainfall. Mizoram is a state located in North-eastern India it is predominately mountainous terrain, to its west is the capital city of Mizoram, Aizawl, it is the prominent landslide-prone districts in Northeast—being capital it is highly populated as compared to other districts in the state. According to the Geological Survey of India, the state has an immature topography. The state is highly influenced by the southwest monsoon which results in heavy rainfall in the area. The state has enormous losses of life and property yearly due to landslides and earthquakes. During the last decade, Aizawl has recorded more than 300 deaths and equal loss of houses, making it one of India's highly vulnerable states to landslides. The Aizawl district is the capital of Mizoram and is highly populated and overpopulation has put extensive pressure on the resources of the district. Data from past records shows a rise in the average temperature of Aizawl. People are forced to live in vulnerable locations where landslides are frequent. In this paper, we will use secondary data, GIS, and other remote sensing tools along with reviewing the literature on landslide-climate studies in Mizoram and discuss the current scenario of the city of Aizawl regarding the effects of climate change and its impact on landslides in the region. The study will be focused on the current geotechnical properties of the region and hence solutions which can be implemented to safeguard the region from such devastating landslides.