Landslide hazard zonation (LHZ) mapping on meso-scale for systematic town planning in mountainous terrain

Abstract

Planning and execution of development schemes in Himalayan terrain is always challenging because of inbuilt fragile nature of mountain ecosystem. Landslide hazard zonation (LHZ) mapping on meso-scale (1: 5000 –10,000) may guide planners to choose suitable locations for urbanization and expansion in hills. In present work, scope of regional scale LHZ mapping technique has been increased to accommodate more detailed aspects of inherent causative factors responsible for slope instability. This technique also incorporates effects of external causative factors such as seismicity and rainfall as correction ratings. This technique has been effectively applied to prepare a LHZ map on meso-scale in Nainital area. It will be useful for town planners to plan civil constructions in relatively safe zones. In addition, environmentally unstable slopes can be given adequate attention by planning suitable control measures. Keywords: Hazard classes, LHZ mapping, Meso-scale, Nainital