IDENTIFY PARAMETERS RESPONSIBLE FOR LANDSLIDES

The 270 km long Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH44), the only all-weather surface link that connects Kashmir valley with rest of the country, is highly prone to landslides because of high terrains and steep slopes along the roadside and such landslides are witnessed very oftenly.
On many occasions NH44, gets closed for vehicular traffic after overnight rains that trigger landslides at various places. Latest being Jammu-Srinagar Highway was closed for vehicular traffic was seen on 8th July when due to sliding a bridge in-between T3 and T5 at Panthyal on NH44 collapsed. On 3rd July 2023 there was a landslide at Chanderkot. Earlier also on June 26th vehicular traffic was hampered and blocked between Mehad and Cafeteria Morh of Ramban District.
Several districts in J&K, including Doda, Ramban and Kishtwar, are oftenly seen on high alert amid continuous rainfalls followed by landslides.
The NH-44 national highway is highly prone to landslides because of high terrains and steep slopes along the roadside. There are several parameters that impact landslides on NH-44 National highway. In order to investigate which factor impacts more and are responsible for landslides these parameters are required to be examined and evaluated. Earlier those parameters were evaluated by testing the soil samples at three different sites on NH-44 National Highway. One sample was taken from the site where landslide has already occurred and has active landslide, second from the landslide-prone site where there are high chances of landslide and third one from the minimal or less prone site.The impact of parameters: direct share (c, phi), Atterberg Limits (liquid limit, plastic limit, and plasticity index), natural density, specific gravity and moisture content on landslides were analyzed and warning levels are made based on different soil moisture levels for early warning system. Depending on its water contents, a soil may appear in one of four states: solid, semi-solid, plastic and liquid.Landslide is the downward movement of slope forming material such as rocks, soil and trees. Weak slope material separates from the stable material and moves towards gravity which can cause serious damage to the civil infrastructure and human life. Heavy precipitation, earthquakes and human activities are the main causes of landslides. Landslides are the most prevalent natural and manmade hazards. Landslides in the Jammu and Kashmir region mostly along NH-44 National highway are the most well-known environmental and geological hazards. The prolonged precipitation in the area often triggers the landslides snow avalanches resulting in the destruction of life and property along the highway. There are many landslide-prone zones on Jammu Srinagar national highway which witness the frequent events of landslides triggered by the heavy rainfall during the monsoon and winter seasons. Some of the main landslide and shooting stone zones are Panthyal, Anokhifal, Kheri, Ramsoo Maroog, Nashri, Battery Cheshma, along the Bichleri stream in Ramban district and Udhampur district. During the monsoons and winter seasons, the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway NH-44, which is the main connection between the Kashmir valley and the rest of India, gets frequently blocked by landslides and avalanches. The landslides have caused several accidents in the past and are a major threat to human lives and properties. Records show that almost 10 people die on average each year due to landslides on NH-44 Jammu Srinagar National Highway.
After the proper analysis of precipitation which is showing increase in the intensity and landslide event data, we can set the level of priorities for the early warning system. Landslide Susceptibility Mapping Using incorporated remote sensing/GIS methods, a detailed year-wise build-up/hazard map can be prepared and the sites categorized into the very high prone zone, moderate prone zone and low prone zone areas. Constructions near the landslide-prone area have a worse impact on local residents and properties. Build-up and constructions near the vulnerable sites can create uneven vibrations and disturbances which have a major role in triggering fatal. The highway often remains closed due to landslides and heavy snowfall during winter and rainfall season. The area is covered with huge mountains where climatic conditions, topology and anthropogenic activities have made the area vulnerable to landslides and avalanches.
As such stress should be laid upon timely identification of parameters and their redressal.